Knowledge graph sharing device and knowledge graph sharing method

Abstract

To provide a knowledge graph sharing device and a knowledge graph sharing method that provide a mechanism for supporting registration of information and obtaining new discoveries from the information.SOLUTION: A graph sharing server 1 includes: a workspace generation unit 14 that generates a workspace for creating a knowledge graph for expressing knowledge connections in a graph structure and places an empty graph, which is an initial format of the knowledge graph; an update information reception processing unit 15 that receives update information for the empty graph included in the workspace generated by the workspace generation unit 14 from a user terminal of each user and registers the update information in a data storage device 4; and a graph update unit 16 that generates an updated graph obtained by updating the empty graph using the update information registered in the data storage device 4 by the update information reception processing unit 15.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a knowledge graph sharing device and a knowledge graph sharing method. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art With the widespread use of the Internet, it has become possible to collect and utilize various information using the Internet. There are also encyclopedias on the Internet, such as Wikipedia (registered trademark).As a system for sharing such information, for example, a useful information sharing system has been disclosed (for example, see Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Utility Model Registration No. 3163811 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When sharing information, it is necessary not only to register and output the information, but also to utilize the information as knowledge. In order to utilize information as knowledge, it is desirable to incorporate a system that allows new discoveries to be made from the information, rather than outputting the information as is. It is also important to have a system for registering information that will be utilized.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a knowledge graph sharing device and a knowledge graph sharing method that support the registration of information and provide a mechanism for obtaining new discoveries from the information. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention relates to a knowledge graph sharing device comprising: a workspace generation means for generating a workspace for creating a knowledge graph that expresses knowledge connections in a graph structure, and arranging an initial graph which is an initial format of the knowledge graph; an update information receiving means for receiving update information for the initial graph contained in the workspace generated by the workspace generation means from a user terminal of a user and registering the update information in a storage device; and a graph update means for generating an updated graph by updating the initial graph using the update information registered in the storage device by the update information receiving means.

[0007] In addition, the knowledge graph sharing device may be provided with a creation request receiving means for receiving a request to create the workspace from the user terminal, and the workspace generation means may generate the workspace based on the creation request received by the creation request receiving means.

[0008] In addition, in the knowledge graph sharing device, the update information receiving means may receive the update information including information related to the content and / or purpose of the workspace, and may include an attribute assignment means for assigning attributes to the workspace based on the information related to the content and / or purpose of the workspace received by the update information receiving means, and an associating means for associating the attributes assigned by the attribute assignment means with the workspace.

[0009] In addition, the knowledge graph sharing device may be provided with an attribute output means for outputting the attributes, an attribute designation receiving means for receiving from the user terminal the designation of the attributes output by the attribute output means, and a workspace providing means for providing the user terminal with the workspace having the attributes received by the attribute designation receiving means.

[0010] In addition, in the knowledge graph sharing device, the update information receiving means may receive the update information for the generated updated graph from a user terminal of a user and register it in the storage device, and the graph update means may generate the updated graph using the update information registered in the storage device by the update information receiving means.

[0011] In the knowledge graph sharing device, the update information receiving means may receive information related to addition of a node and / or an edge as the update information.

[0012] The knowledge graph sharing device may further include a graph generating means for generating a new graph based on the updated graph contained in the work space generated by the work space generating means.

[0013] The present invention also relates to a knowledge graph sharing method executed by a computer communicatively connected to a user terminal used by a user, the knowledge graph sharing method including: a workspace generating step of generating a workspace for creating a knowledge graph that expresses knowledge connections in a graph structure and arranging an initial graph which is an initial format of the knowledge graph; an update information receiving step of receiving update information for the initial graph contained in the workspace generated in the workspace generating step from the user terminal and registering the update information in a storage device; and a graph updating step of updating the initial graph using the update information registered in the storage device in the update information receiving step to generate an updated graph. Effect of the Invention

[0014] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a knowledge graph sharing device and a knowledge graph sharing method that support the registration of information and provide a mechanism for obtaining new discoveries from the information. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating an overall configuration of a graph sharing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating functional blocks of a graph sharing server according to the embodiment. [Figure 3A] 3 is a diagram showing example items in a working space storage unit of the data storage device according to the embodiment; FIG. [Figure 3B]FIG. 4 is a diagram showing example items in a knowledge storage unit of the data storage device according to the embodiment; [Figure 3C] 4 is a diagram showing example items in a graph storage unit of the data storage device according to the embodiment; FIG. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart showing a user access process in the graph sharing server according to the embodiment. [Figure 5A] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a screen output to a user terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 5B] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a screen output to a user terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] 13 is a flowchart showing a workspace creation process in the graph sharing server according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] 11A to 11C are diagrams illustrating a specific example of a work space creation process according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] 11A to 11C are diagrams illustrating a specific example of a work space creation process according to the embodiment. [Figure 9A] 11A and 11B are diagrams showing examples of knowledge information according to a specific example of the work space creation process according to the embodiment; [Figure 9B] 11A to 11C are diagrams illustrating examples of graphs according to a specific example of the work space creation process according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] 13 is a flowchart showing a workspace providing process in the graph sharing server according to the embodiment; [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of output from a user terminal according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0016] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that this is merely an example, and the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to this example. (Embodiment) [Overall configuration of graph sharing system 100] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a graph sharing system 100 according to this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing functional blocks of the graph sharing server 1 according to this embodiment. 3A to 3C are diagrams showing example items in each storage unit of the data storage device 4 according to this embodiment.

[0017] A graph sharing system 100 shown in FIG. 1 is a system that provides a place for registered users to share and create knowledge graphs. A knowledge graph is a graph that expresses factual correlations, making it possible to obtain new knowledge by systematizing the target information and its relationships. Knowledge graphs can be created using information entered by users. In other words, knowledge graphs visually represent the relationships between information by registering information as systematized knowledge, and showing categories and the relationships between categories with nodes and edges. Hereinafter, the knowledge graph will be simply referred to as the graph.

[0018] The graph sharing system 100 includes a graph sharing server 1 (knowledge graph sharing device), a data storage device 4 (storage device), and a user terminal 6 (user terminal). The graph sharing server 1 and the data storage device 4 may be directly connected, or may be connected via a communication network (not shown). The graph sharing server 1 and the user terminal 6 are capable of communicating with each other via a communication network. The communication network is, for example, a communication line network such as the Internet. The communication network may include a local area network (LAN), a virtual private network (VPN), a wide area network (WAN), etc., and may be wired or wireless.

[0019] FIG. 1 shows that in the graph sharing system 100, graphs are created and updated in a workspace WS by persons A, B, and C inputting information, and that person D uses the graph in the workspace WS. First, person A uses the user terminal 6 to input information for creating the graph Ga into the workspace WS, whereby the graph Ga is created. Person B creates graph Gb by inputting information for creating graph Gb, which is different from graph Ga, in the same workspace WS using user terminal 6. Person B also adds an edge connecting graph Ga and graph Gb, and graph Ga and graph Gb are joined. Person C uses the user terminal 6 to additionally input information into the graph Gb. In this way, in the graph sharing system 100, a graph is created in the work space WS by a plurality of users, and the graph grows as additional information is input. The graph sharing system 100 allows users to use the graphs that have been created and updated. Person D can use the graph created using the user terminal 6 at any time.

[0020] [Graph sharing server 1] The graph sharing server 1 provides a workspace WS for creating graphs, and when a user inputs information into the workspace WS, the graph sharing server 1 creates and updates a graph using the input information. The graph sharing server 1 then outputs the created or updated graph to the user terminal 6. The graph sharing server 1 is, for example, a web server. The graph sharing server 1 may be configured with one computer or multiple computers. When multiple computers are used, these computers are connected via, for example, a communication network. In addition, the graph sharing server 1 may be configured as, for example, a virtual server (virtual machine) provided on a cloud.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 2, the graph sharing server 1 includes a control unit 10, a storage unit 30, and a communication IF (interface) unit 39. The control unit 10 is a central processing unit (CPU) that controls the entire graph sharing server 1. The control unit 10 appropriately reads and executes an operating system (OS) and application programs stored in the storage unit 30, thereby cooperating with the above-mentioned hardware and executing various functions.

[0022] Specifically, in this embodiment, an example will be described in which the graph sharing server 1 is realized by causing a computer to execute a program. The program can be recorded on a computer-readable non-transitory information recording medium such as a compact disc, a flexible disc, a hard disk, a magneto-optical disk, a digital video disk, a magnetic tape, a ROM (Read Only Memory), an EEOPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM), a flash memory, or a semiconductor memory. This information recording medium can be distributed and sold independently of the computer.

[0023] Generally, a computer reads a program recorded on a non-transitory information recording medium into a RAM (Random Access Memory), which is a temporary storage device included in the storage unit 30, and then the CPU serving as the control unit 10 executes the instructions contained in the read program. In addition, the program can be distributed and sold to computers, etc. from a program distribution server, etc. (not shown) via a temporary transmission medium such as a communication network, independently of the computer on which the program is executed.

[0024] The program can also be written in a programming language for describing the behavioral level of electronic circuits. In this case, various design drawings, such as wiring diagrams and timing charts of the electronic circuit, are generated from the program written in the programming language for describing the behavioral level of electronic circuits, and the electronic circuit constituting the graph sharing server 1 can be created based on the design drawings. For example, the graph sharing server 1 can be configured on reprogrammable hardware using FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) technology from a program written in a programming language for describing the behavioral level of electronic circuits, and an electronic circuit dedicated to a specific application can also be configured using ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) technology.

[0025] The graph sharing server 1 is configured to execute each process described in this embodiment by the control unit 10 controlling each component unit described below. The control unit 10 includes a login processing unit 11, a workspace list output unit 12 (attribute output means), a creation request receiving unit 13 (creation request receiving means), a workspace generation unit 14 (workspace generation means), an update information reception processing unit 15 (update information receiving means, attribute assignment means, association means), a graph update unit 16 (graph update means), a designation receiving unit 17 (attribute designation receiving means), and a workspace providing unit 18 (workspace providing means).

[0026] The login processing unit 11 receives login-related information from a user terminal 6 that uses a service (hereinafter, the service is also referred to as a graph sharing service) provided by the graph sharing server 1, and performs login-related processing. As part of the login-related processing, the login processing unit 11 authenticates the user who uses the user terminal 6. The workspace list output unit 12 outputs a workspace list to the user terminal 6 based on the information stored in the data storage device 4. As the workspace list, the workspace list output unit 12 may output, for example, a list of attributes of the workspace WS, and upon receiving a selection of an attribute by the user terminal 6, output a list of space work names corresponding to the selected attribute. The creation request receiving unit 13 receives a request from the user terminal 6 to create a new workspace WS.

[0027] The workspace generation unit 14 generates the workspace WS based on the creation request received by the creation request receiving unit 13. Here, the workspace WS refers to a work area for creating a knowledge graph that expresses knowledge connections in a graph structure, and for example, the graph sharing server 1 provides resources in the storage unit 30 as the area. Then, the workspace generation unit 14 places an empty graph (initial graph), which is the initial format of the knowledge graph, in the workspace WS.

[0028] The update information reception processing unit 15 receives update information from the user terminal 6. Here, the update information includes, for example, all information for the empty graph, such as categories, words contained in the categories, and related information for each category. The update information also includes, for the post-update graph, additional information for at least any of categories, words contained in the categories, and related information for each category. Here, the additional information for categories, words contained in the categories, etc., included in the update information can also be said to be information related to the addition of nodes and / or edges of the graph. Then, the update information reception processing unit 15 registers the received update information in the data storage device 4. The update information also includes, for example, information related to the content and / or purpose of the workspace WS, and the update information reception processing unit 15 assigns attributes to the workspace WS based on the information related to the content and / or purpose of the workspace WS included in the update information. The update information reception processing unit 15 may also receive attributes of the workspace WS input by the user. The update information reception processing unit 15 then associates the attributes with the workspace WS.

[0029] The graph update unit 16 generates an updated graph by updating the empty graph using the update information received by the update information reception processing unit 15. The graph update unit 16 also performs further updates on the updated graph using the update information for the updated graph received by the update information reception processing unit 15. The graph update unit 16 then registers the updated graph in the data storage device 4.

[0030] The designation receiving unit 17 receives, from the user terminal 6, designations of the attributes and spatial work names output by the work space list output unit 12. The work space providing unit 18 outputs the work space WS corresponding to the designation accepted by the designation accepting unit 17 to the user terminal 6.

[0031] The storage unit 30 is a storage area such as a hard disk, a semiconductor memory device, etc. for storing programs, data, etc. required for the control unit 10 to execute various processes. The storage unit 30 includes a program storage unit 31 , a user information storage unit 32 , and a history storage unit 33 . The program storage unit 31 is a storage area that stores various programs. The program storage unit 31 stores a graph sharing program 31a. The graph sharing program 31a is a program for executing each function of the control unit 10 described above. Note that each of the above programs is an example. Therefore, the graph sharing program 31a may be implemented by a plurality of programs to realize each function of the control unit 10 described above.

[0032] The user information storage unit 32 is a storage area that stores information about users who use the services provided by the graph sharing server 1. The user information storage unit 32 stores items such as a user name and authentication information, for example, using a user ID as a key. The authentication information is, for example, a password used for logging in, biometric information of the user, and the like.

[0033] The history storage unit 33 is a storage area for storing history regarding processing, such as access to the graph sharing server 1. The history storage unit 33 stores, for example, the items of date and time, user ID, and history information in association with each other. The history information is history information related to the processing in the graph sharing server 1. The communication IF unit 39 is an interface for communicating between the data storage device 4 and the user terminal 6.

[0034] [Data storage device 4] The data storage device 4 shown in FIG. 2 stores update information that the graph sharing server 1 receives from the user terminal 6 and that is used to create a graph in the workspace WS. The data storage device 4 stores a working space storage section 41, a knowledge storage section 42, and a graph storage section 43. The work space storage unit 41 is a storage area that stores information relating to the work space WS. FIG. 3A shows example items in the work space storage unit 41. The work space storage unit 41 stores a work space ID, a name, content / purpose information, and attributes in association with each other. The workspace ID is identification information that uniquely identifies the workspace WS, and is assigned by the graph sharing server 1, for example. The name is the name of the workspace WS, and is specified by, for example, the user. The content / purpose information is information relating to the content and purpose of the workspace WS, and is designated by the user, for example. The attribute is a category of the workspace WS, and may be assigned automatically or by the user, for example.

[0035] The knowledge storage unit 42 is a storage area for storing knowledge information. FIG. 3B shows example items in the knowledge storage unit 42. The knowledge storage unit 42 stores therein a knowledge ID, a work space ID, and knowledge information in association with each other. The knowledge ID is identification information that is uniquely assigned to each piece of knowledge information. The workspace ID is identification information of the workspace WS associated with the knowledge ID. The knowledge information is information related to knowledge of the workspace WS input by the user, and includes, for example, information on categories, words included in the categories, and related information for each category.

[0036] The graph storage unit 43 is a storage area for storing information related to graphs. FIG. 3C shows example items in the graph storage unit 43. The graph storage unit 43 has the following items: graph ID, workspace ID, graph data, and creation / update date. The graph ID is identification information for identifying a graph. For example, when the graph sharing server 1 generates a graph, the control unit 10 of the graph sharing server 1 may assign the graph ID to the graph so that the graph ID is unique. The workspace ID is identification information of the workspace WS corresponding to the graph ID. Graph data is the graph data itself. The creation / update date is the date when the graph was created or updated.

[0037] The data storage device 4 may be a distributed network that includes a plurality of storage devices (called nodes) constituting a ledger management system (e.g., a blockchain) equipped with a tamper-proof function from the viewpoint of security and reliability assurance. In this case, the data storage device 4 generates a unit of data called a "block" at regular intervals and stores the data by linking them like a chain. The data storage device 4 uses a P2P (Peer to Peer) network, and each storage device communicates directly with the other storage devices. By storing data in a chain, once data in a block is stored, the data cannot be retroactively changed, and tamper-proofing and safety and reliability can be guaranteed. The plurality of storage devices may be, for example, a plurality of computers or servers.

[0038] [User terminal 6] 1 is a terminal used by each user. The user terminal 6 is, for example, a personal computer (PC). The user terminal 6 may also be a mobile terminal such as a tablet. The user terminal 6 includes a control unit, a storage unit, a communication IF unit, a display unit, an input unit (none of which are shown), and the like.

[0039] Note that a computer refers to an information processing device equipped with a control unit, a storage device, etc., and both the graph sharing server 1 and the user terminal 6 are information processing devices equipped with a control unit, a storage device, etc., and are included in the concept of a computer.

[0040] [Processing Description] Next, the processing in the graph sharing system 100 will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a user access process in the graph sharing server 1 according to this embodiment. 5A and 5B are diagrams showing example screens output to the user terminal 6 according to this embodiment.

[0041] The user terminal 6 connects to the graph sharing server 1 and, for example, inputs a user ID or the like from a login page (not shown), whereby the control unit 10 (login processing unit 11) of the graph sharing server 1 performs login processing in step S (hereinafter, "step S" will be simply referred to as "S") 11 in Fig. 4. The control unit 10 authenticates the user, for example, by referring to the user information storage unit 32. If the user is authenticated, in S12, the control unit 10 (work space list output unit 12) refers to the work space memory unit 41 of the data storage device 4 to generate a work space list that lists the attributes, and transmits the generated work space list to the user terminal 6. In the subsequent processes, the control unit 10 registers a history of the process in the history storage unit 33 each time the process is performed, but a description thereof will be omitted.

[0042] FIG. 5A shows an example of a screen 60 including a list of workspaces output to the user terminal 6. In FIG. The screen 60 in FIG. 5A includes an attribute list area 61, a new space link 62, and a logout link 63. The attribute list area 61 outputs a list of attributes of the workspace WS that have already been created. Each attribute is provided with a link. The new space link 62 is a member selected by the user when creating a new workspace WS. The logout link 63 is a member selected by the user when terminating the process relating to graph sharing using the workspace WS.

[0043] When the user terminal 6 accepts an operation to select a link of one attribute in the attribute list area 61 on the screen 60 of Figure 5A, the control unit 10 then updates the screen output on the user terminal 6 to the screen 60 of Figure 5B. On the screen 60 of FIG. 5B, a name list area 65 is output in place of the attribute list area 61. The name list area 65 outputs a list of the names of the workspace storage unit 41 having the selected attribute. Each name is provided with a link.

[0044] In S13 of Fig. 4, the control unit 10 (creation request receiving unit 13) determines whether or not a request to create a workspace WS has been received. For example, when the new space link 62 is selected on the screen 60 of Fig. 5A or 5B, the control unit 10 determines that a request to create a workspace WS has been received. If a request to create a workspace WS has been received (S13: YES), the control unit 10 transfers the process to S14. On the other hand, if a request to create a workspace WS has not been received (S13: NO), the control unit 10 transfers the process to S15. In S14, the control unit 10 performs a work space creation process, which will be described later. After that, the control unit 10 advances the process to S17.

[0045] In S15, the control unit 10 (designation receiving unit 17) judges whether or not a designation of a workspace WS has been received. For example, when the user terminal 6 receives a selection operation for a link of one attribute in the attribute list area 61 on the screen 60 of FIG. 5A, and then receives a selection operation for a link of one name in the name list area 65 on the updated screen 60 of FIG. 5B that is output next, the user terminal 6 transmits the designation to the graph sharing server 1. As a result, the control unit 10 receives the designation of the workspace WS. When the designation of the workspace WS has been received (S15: YES), the control unit 10 shifts the process to S16. On the other hand, when the designation of the workspace WS has not been received (S15: NO), the control unit 10 shifts the process to S17. In S16, the control unit 10 performs a work space providing process, which will be described later. After that, the control unit 10 moves the process to S17.

[0046] In S17, the control unit 10 judges whether or not to log out. For example, the control unit 10 judges to log out when the screen 60 outputted to the user terminal 6 is closed. Also, for example, the control unit 10 judges to log out when an operation to select the logout link 63 on the screen 60 of FIG. 5A or FIG. 5B is received. If logout is to be performed (S17: YES), the control unit 10 ends this processing. On the other hand, if logout is not to be performed (S17: NO), the control unit 10 moves the processing to S12.

[0047] Next, the work space creation process will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a workspace creation process in the graph sharing server 1 according to this embodiment. 7 and 8 are diagrams showing a specific example of the work space creation process according to this embodiment. FIG. 9A is a diagram showing an example of knowledge information according to a specific example of the work space creation process according to this embodiment. FIG. 9B is a diagram showing an example of a graph according to a specific example of the work space creation process according to this embodiment.

[0048] In S31 of FIG. 6, the control unit 10 (work space generating unit 14) generates a new work space WS, and outputs to the user terminal 6 the work space WS in which an empty graph is placed. 7(A), a workspace WS is output to the user terminal 6. For example, the workspace WS has a graph 70 including a node 70a and a node 70b, which are connected by an edge 70c. Then, when information is input to node 70a (in this example, "characters"), the control unit 10 outputs list 71 shown in Fig. 7(B), so the user inputs words (in this example, the names of characters) that are related elements of node 70a in input area 71a and selects add button 71b. When input of related elements is completed, the user selects close button 71c. After adding the related element, the user may be prompted to enter status-related information such as that shown in a list 72 in FIG. 8(A).

[0049] Next, the user returns to the workspace WS shown in Fig. 8(B) and inputs information into node 70b (in this example, inputs "spell special skill"), and then the control unit 10 outputs the list 73 shown in Fig. 8(C). Then, the user performs an operation to input a word (in this example, the name of a spell or special skill, etc.) that is a related element of node 70b. Furthermore, the user may perform operations such as adding a new node to the graph 70 and connecting the new node with an edge to an already created node.

[0050] By performing such an operation on the user terminal 6, in S32, the control unit 10 (update information reception processing unit 15) receives the update information from the user terminal 6. The update information also includes information related to the contents / purpose of the workspace WS. 6, the control unit 10 (update information reception processing unit 15) assigns attributes to the workspace WS based on the update information. The control unit 10 (update information reception processing unit 15) also registers records in the workspace storage unit 41 and the knowledge storage unit 42.

[0051] 9A shows an example of knowledge information registered in the knowledge storage unit 42. The knowledge information has a related element portion 42a, a category portion 42b, and an association portion 42c. The related element section 42a has words that are related elements corresponding to the category section 42b entered by the user. The associating section 42c associates the category section 42b and corresponds to the edges of the graph. This knowledge information is created with different contents of the related element section 42a, the category section 42b, and the association section 42c depending on the user who creates it.

[0052] 6, the control unit 10 (graph update unit 16) generates an updated graph by updating the empty graph using the update information stored in the knowledge storage unit 42. Then, the control unit 10 registers the generated graph in the graph storage unit 43. FIG. 9B shows an example of a graph 70 registered in the graph storage unit 43. 6, the control unit 10 outputs the generated updated graph to the user terminal 6. After that, the control unit 10 shifts the process to S17 in FIG.

[0053] Next, the spatial task providing process will be described. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the spatial task providing process in the graph sharing server 1 according to this embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of output from the user terminal 6 according to this embodiment.

[0054] In S41 of FIG. 10, the control unit 10 (work space providing unit 18) outputs the specified work space WS to the user terminal 6. 11 is output to the user terminal 6. Then, when the user selects an item (e.g., the "Characters" item 81a, etc.) from the menu area 81, the control unit 10 may output the workspace WS and list 71 (see FIG. 7(B)) corresponding to the heading screen 80 to the user terminal 6.

[0055] 10, the control unit 10 (update information reception processing unit 15) receives the update information from the user terminal 6. The operation etc. by the user terminal 6 here is similar to the operation etc. by the user terminal 6 when the update information is received from the user terminal 6 in S32 of FIG. In S43, the control unit 10 (update information reception processing unit 15) updates the records in the knowledge storage unit 42 based on the update information. Since the user access process can be performed by various users, the knowledge information in the knowledge storage unit 42 reflects information input by various users.

[0056] In S44, the control unit 10 (graph update unit 16) further updates the updated graph using the update information stored in the knowledge storage unit 42. Then, the control unit 10 registers the generated graph in the graph storage unit 43. The graph in the graph storage unit 43 grows into a large graph as various users register knowledge information therein. The process of S45 is the same as the process of S35 in Fig. 7. After that, the control unit 10 shifts the process to S17 in Fig. 4.

[0057] In this way, a graph may be created initially by a certain user, and then various users may update the graph, and the resulting graph may be made available for use by various users. Any user may use the graph freely, or the graph may be used by paying a usage fee. When a usage fee is paid for the graph, at least a portion of the usage fee may be distributed to the user who created or updated the graph. Doing so may provide an incentive for users to register knowledge.

[0058] As described above, the graph sharing server 1 of this embodiment has the following advantages. (1) A workspace WS for creating a graph is generated, an empty graph is placed in it, update information is received from the user terminal 6 and registered in the data storage device 4, and an updated graph is generated by updating the empty graph using the update information registered in the data storage device 4. Therefore, an environment for creating a graph can be provided to the user. Also, since an empty graph is arranged, an environment can be created in which the user can easily register information. Furthermore, since an updated graph is generated by updating the empty graph using update information received from the user terminal 6, a graph can be provided to the user, making it easier for the user to make new discoveries. (2) A creation request for a workspace WS is received from the user terminal 6, and the workspace WS is generated based on the received creation request. Therefore, a workspace WS for creating a graph can be generated in response to a user request.

[0059] (3) Receive update information including information related to the content and / or purpose of the workspace WS from the user terminal 6, assign attributes to the workspace WS based on the received information related to the content and / or purpose of the workspace WS, and associate the assigned attributes with the workspace WS. Therefore, the workspace WS for creating a graph can be associated with attributes obtained from information related to the content and / or purpose of the workspace WS input by the user. Therefore, the content and / or purpose of the workspace WS can be understood from the attributes.

[0060] (4) Output the attribute to the user terminal 6, receive the attribute designation from the user terminal 6, and provide the workspace WS having the received attribute to the user terminal 6. Therefore, the user can obtain a workspace WS associated with the specified attribute by specifying the attribute output to the user terminal 6. Then, a graph corresponding to the specification is output in the workspace WS, so the user can check the graph corresponding to the specified workspace WS.

[0061] (5) Update information for the generated updated graph is received from the user terminal 6 and registered in the data storage device 4, and an updated graph is generated using the registered update information. Thus, further updates can be made to the graph already in the workspace WS, allowing the graph to grow. (6) Information regarding the addition of nodes and / or edges is received from the user terminal 6 as update information. This makes it easier to generate graphs using the received update information.

[0062] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments. Furthermore, the effects described in the embodiments are merely a list of the most preferable effects resulting from the present invention, and the effects of the present invention are not limited to those described in the embodiments. The above-mentioned embodiments and the modified forms described below can be used in appropriate combination, but detailed description will be omitted.

[0063] (Variations) (1) In the present embodiment, as an example, the nodes and edges of the knowledge graph are registered in the workspace, and the user inputs update information to be registered in the knowledge storage unit, but the present invention is not limited to this. The method used in the above description as an interface for user input is merely one example.

[0064] (2) In the present embodiment, one graph is created in the work space and then updated, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the control unit (graph generation means) of the graph sharing server may create multiple different graphs in the work space by copying a graph that is in the process of being created and creating a new graph.

[0065] (3) In the present embodiment, various data are stored in the data storage device 4 connected to the graph sharing server 1, but this is not limiting. For example, various data may be stored in the storage unit of the graph sharing server.

[0066] (4) In this embodiment, the system is used in games as an example, but the system is not limited to games and can be used in various genres. A community is formed for each genre, and by inputting information that people who are interested in that genre can know, the amount of knowledge increases and new discoveries can be made. When new discoveries are made, the number of users of the system increases, and it is expected that the scope of use will expand. [Explanation of symbols]

[0067] 1. Graph sharing server 4 Data storage devices 6 User terminals 10 Control section 12. Workspace list output section 13 Creation Request Reception Department 14 Workspace generation part 15 Update information reception processing section 16 Graph Update Section 17 Designated Reception Department 18 Work space provision department 30 Storage section 31a Graph sharing program 32 User information storage unit 33 History memory section 41 Workspace memory 42 Knowledge storage part 43 Graph memory section 60 screens 70 Graphs List of 71, 72, 73 80 Heading screen 100 Graph Sharing System WS Workspace

Claims

1. A workspace generating means for generating a workspace for creating a knowledge graph that expresses knowledge connections in a graph structure and arranging an initial graph, which is an initial format of the knowledge graph; an update information receiving means for receiving update information for the initial graph contained in the workspace generated by the workspace generating means from a user terminal of a user and registering the update information in a storage device; a graph update means for generating an updated graph by updating the initial graph using the update information registered in the storage device by the update information receiving means; A knowledge graph sharing device comprising:

2. The knowledge graph sharing device according to claim 1 , A creation request receiving means for receiving a creation request for the workspace from the user terminal, The work space generating means generates the work space based on the creation request received by the creation request receiving means.

3. The knowledge graph sharing device according to claim 2, The update information receiving means receives the update information including information related to the content and / or purpose of the workspace, an attribute assigning means for assigning an attribute to the workspace based on information related to the content and / or purpose of the workspace received by the update information receiving means; an associating means for associating the attribute assigned by the attribute assigning means with the work space; A knowledge graph sharing device comprising:

4. The knowledge graph sharing device according to claim 3, an attribute output means for outputting the attribute to the user terminal; an attribute designation receiving means for receiving the designation of the attribute outputted by the attribute output means from the user terminal; a workspace providing means for providing the workspace having the attribute received by the attribute designation receiving means to the user terminal; A knowledge graph sharing device comprising:

5. The knowledge graph sharing device according to claim 1 , the update information receiving means receives the update information for the generated updated graph from a user terminal of a user and registers it in the storage device; The graph update means generates the updated graph using the update information registered in the storage device by the update information receiving means.

6. The knowledge graph sharing device according to claim 1 or 5, A knowledge graph sharing device, wherein the update information receiving means receives information related to the addition of nodes and / or edges as the update information.

7. The knowledge graph sharing device according to claim 1 , A knowledge graph sharing device comprising: a graph generation means for generating a new graph based on the updated graph contained in the work space generated by the work space generation means.

8. A knowledge graph sharing method executed by a computer communicatively connected to a user terminal used by a user, comprising: A workspace generation step of generating a workspace for creating a knowledge graph that expresses knowledge connections in a graph structure and arranging an initial graph, which is an initial format of the knowledge graph; an update information receiving step of receiving update information for the initial graph contained in the workspace generated in the workspace generating step from the user terminal and registering the update information in a storage device; a graph updating step of generating an updated graph by updating the initial graph using the update information registered in the storage device in the update information receiving step; A knowledge graph sharing method, including:

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