Search device, search system, search method, and program

Abstract

To enable the dictionary used for search of a headword to be easily confirmed from a search history.SOLUTION: A search device (3, 4) includes a control unit (200) which, when a list (810) of headwords that a user used in a search of dictionary content is displayed on a display unit and a headword in the list is selected, identifies dictionary content having detail information for a selected headword (815), and causes the display unit to display a search result (820) that includes information (821-823) indicating the identified dictionary content and the headword associated with detail information in the dictionary content.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] One of the functions of an electronic dictionary is to display, as a search history, entry words that are frequently searched for by a user. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology for displaying the number of searches together with an entry word as a search history. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2006-228044 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Some electronic dictionaries include (provide) multiple similar dictionaries as included content. For example, in the case of English-Japanese dictionaries, different educational institutions may recommend different English-Japanese dictionaries, or different English-Japanese dictionaries may be used depending on the level of proficiency or the purpose of learning. If a search is performed for a specific entry word using an electronic dictionary that includes multiple dictionaries like this, when the user wishes to check the search results for the entry word in the search history at a later date, it becomes difficult to confirm which of the multiple dictionaries was used for the search.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to make it possible to easily check the dictionary used to search for an entry word from the search history. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A search device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a control unit that, when a headword in a list used by a user to search dictionary contents is selected while a list is being displayed on a display unit, identifies dictionary content from among multiple types of dictionary content that has detailed information about the selected headword, and displays search results on the display unit that include information indicating the identified dictionary content and the headword associated with the detailed information in the dictionary content. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the above aspect, it is possible to easily check the dictionary used to search for an entry word from the search history. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a search system according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of user data to be stored in a storage unit of a Web system. [Diagram 3] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of an integrated entry word search history. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a learning terminal. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an electronic dictionary. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a method for searching for an entry word using a study terminal. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a method for searching for an entry word using an electronic dictionary. [Figure 8] 13 is a diagram illustrating a first example of a screen transition when performing a search using an entry word list generated based on an entry word integrated search history. FIG. [Figure 9] 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of detailed information display processing. [Figure 10] 13A to 13C are diagrams illustrating an example of a screen transition when detailed information is displayed from a search result screen. [Figure 11] 13 is a diagram illustrating a second example of a screen transition when performing a search using an entry word list generated based on an entry word integrated search history. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0010] Fig. 1 is a diagram for explaining an example of the configuration of a search system according to an embodiment. Fig. 2 is a block diagram for explaining an example of user data stored in a storage unit of a Web system. Fig. 3 is a diagram for explaining an example of an integrated headword search history.

[0011] The search system 1 illustrated in FIG. 1 includes a Web system 2, and a learning terminal 3 and an electronic dictionary 4 as search devices. FIG. 1 shows, as examples of the learning terminal 3 and electronic dictionary 4, a learning terminal 3A and an electronic dictionary 4A used by user A for searches, and a learning terminal 3B and an electronic dictionary 4B used by user B for searches. The search system 1 may also include a learning terminal 3 and an electronic dictionary 4 used by a user other than user A and user B for searches. The user may be a child, a pupil, a student, or the like. In the following description, the reference characters for the learning terminal and the electronic dictionary are the numerals "3" and "4" followed by the alphabet "A" or "B" only when specifying the user.

[0012] The Web system 2 is a system that uses the Internet 5 to provide multiple contents including multiple types of English-Japanese dictionaries, and includes a control unit 200, a storage unit 201, and a communication unit 204. The Web system 2 may be configured, for example, by a single server, or may be configured by multiple servers. For example, the Web system 2 may be configured by a Web server, an application server, and a database server. In this specification, the term "server" may be read as "computer."

[0013] The control unit 200 controls the operation of the Web system 2. For example, the control unit 200 performs processing in response to an HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) request from the study terminal 3, generates a screen in response to the processing result, and transmits it to the study terminal 3. The processing in response to the HTTP request includes a search process using an entry word as a search key, and a process of generating an entry word list. The functions of the control unit 200 are provided by one or more processors that execute an OS (Operating System) program and various programs related to the provision of content. The processor may include a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The processor may include a DSP (Digital Signal Processor) or the like.

[0014] The storage unit 201 has a Web content storage area 210 for storing content to be provided to a user via the Internet 5, a user data storage area 211 for storing user data, and a storage area for storing other data, programs, etc. (not shown). The storage device providing the function of the storage unit 201 includes a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory) as a main storage device, and an auxiliary storage device. The auxiliary storage device may be, for example, a HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), etc. The storage unit 201 may include a portable recording medium as one of the auxiliary storage devices, or separate from the main storage device and the auxiliary storage device. The portable recording medium may be an optical disk such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disc-ROM), a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), or a Blu-ray Disc (registered trademark), a storage device equipped with a USB (Universal Serial Bus) terminal, a card-type storage device, etc.

[0015] The Web content storage area 210 stores the contents of multiple types of dictionaries, including the contents 220 of English-Japanese dictionary A and the contents 220 of English-Japanese dictionary B. Although omitted in FIG. 1, the Web content storage area 210 also stores the contents of English-Japanese dictionary C and English-Japanese dictionary D. The contents stored in the Web content storage area 210 are not limited to the contents of dictionaries such as an English-Japanese dictionary. The contents of these dictionaries include head words and detailed information. In the case of the contents of an English-Japanese dictionary, the head words are English words, etc., and the detailed information can be information such as the phonetic symbols of the English words, their meanings in Japanese, example sentences, etc.

[0016] The user data storage area 211 stores user data 230 associated with users who can use the Web system 2, including user data 230A associated with user A and user data 230B associated with user B. In the following description, the symbol for user data is the numeral symbol "230" followed by the alphabet "A" or "B" only when specifying a user.

[0017] The single user data 230 includes, for example, user information 231, setting information 232, learning information 233, and integrated entry word search history 234, as shown in FIG.

[0018] The user information 231 includes various information related to the user associated with the user data 230. The user information 231 includes, for example, information such as a license granted to the user to permit use of the Web system 2, a user name, and a password. The setting information 232 includes various setting information related to the method of using the content by the user. The setting information 232 includes, for example, information related to the design and layout of a screen to be displayed on the learning terminal 3 when the learning terminal 3 is connected to the Web system 2, and information related to conditions for searching for an entry word. Either the user information 231 or the setting information 232 may include information for identifying a search device (the learning terminal 3 and the electronic dictionary 4) used by the user for a search, for example, information such as a serial number of the search device, a hardware configuration, and the like.

[0019] The learning information 233 includes information regarding the learning conducted by the user by connecting the learning terminal 3 to the Web system 2, such as information such as markers, sticky notes, and notes that are electronically attached to detailed information on words looked up using dictionary content.

[0020] The headword integrated search history 234 is a headword search history that integrates the headwords that the user searches by connecting the learning terminal 3 to the Web system 2 and the headwords that the user searches in the electronic dictionary 4. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the headword integrated search history 234 records the number of searches and the most recent search date for each headword that is searched. When the user uses the learning terminal 3 to search for a certain headword in a single dictionary, for example, the control unit 200 of the Web system 2 updates the headword integrated search history 234. If the searched headword is included in the headword integrated search history 234, the control unit 200 updates the number of searches and the most recent search date for that headword, and if the searched headword is not included in the headword integrated search history 234, the control unit 200 adds that headword, the number of searches, and the most recent search date to the headword integrated search history 234. In addition, when the control unit 200 obtains the headword search history 413 from the electronic dictionary 4 used by the user, as shown in FIG. 3, for example, the control unit 200 updates the headword integrated search history 234 based on the information in the headword search history 413 about the searched headwords, the number of searches, and the most recent search date.

[0021] For example, the headwords "port" and "according" in the headword search history 413 shown in Fig. 3 are included in the headword integrated search history 234 before the update. Therefore, the control unit 200 updates the number of searches and the most recent search date for each of the headwords "port" and "according" in the headword integrated search history 234. In addition, if the headwords "transmit" and "send" in the headword search history 413 illustrated in Fig. 3 are not included in the headword integrated search history 234 before the update, the control unit 200 adds the headwords "transmit" and "send" to the headword integrated search history 234, as well as the number of searches and the most recent search date for each headword.

[0022] Returning to the description of the configuration example of the Web system 2 with reference to Fig. 1, the communication unit 204 of the Web system 2 connects the Web system 2 to the Internet 5 and communicates with an external device via the Internet 5. The function of the communication unit 204 is provided by a communication device that is connected to a communication device such as a router connected to the Internet 5 by a transmission cable such as a LAN (Local Area Network) cable and communicates according to a well-known communication standard. The function of the communication unit 204 may be provided by a wireless communication device that wirelessly communicates with a communication device such as an access point or a router connected to the Internet 5 according to a wireless communication standard such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark).

[0023] Although not shown in FIG. 1, the Web system 2 may include, for example, an input unit provided by an input device such as a keyboard or a mouse, and a display unit provided by a display device such as a liquid crystal display.

[0024] Next, a description will be given of configuration examples of the study terminal 3 and the electronic dictionary 4. Fig. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the study terminal. Fig. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the electronic dictionary.

[0025] The learning terminal 3 illustrated in Fig. 4 includes a control unit 300, a memory unit 301, an input unit 302, a display unit 303, a communication unit 304, a sound collection unit 305, and a sound emission unit 307. The learning terminal 3 may be, for example, a personal computer such as a tablet computer. The learning terminal 3 is not limited to a general-purpose computer, and may be a computer dedicated to learning using the Web system 2 or a computer with limited functions. The appearance of the learning terminal 3 is not limited to the appearance of the learning terminal 3A illustrated in Fig. 1.

[0026] The control unit 300 controls the operation of the study terminal 3. For example, the control unit 300 performs a process of displaying a screen transmitted from the Web system 2 on the Web browser, and a process of transmitting information input on the Web browser to the Web system 2 as an HTTP request. The functions of the control unit 300 are provided by one or more processors that execute an OS program and various programs (such as the Web browser 310) related to the use of the content of the Web system 2. The processor may include a CPU. The processor may include a DSP, etc.

[0027] The storage unit 301 has a storage area for storing the Web browser 310 and a storage area for storing other data, programs, etc. (not shown). The Web browser 310 is not limited to a specific browser as long as it is capable of browsing and operating the dictionary contents provided by the Web system 2 and inputting characters, etc. The storage device that provides the functions of the storage unit 301 includes a ROM and RAM as a main storage device, and an auxiliary storage device. The auxiliary storage device may be, for example, an HDD, an SSD, etc. The storage unit 301 may include a portable recording medium such as an optical disk, a storage device equipped with a USB terminal, or a card-type storage device.

[0028] The input unit 302 accepts input of information related to the operation (movement) of the study terminal 3. The input accepted by the input unit 302 includes an input for starting the Web browser 310, an input for selecting an object displayed in the Web browser, an input of an entry word, and the like. The function of the input unit 302 is provided by, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, and the like. The display unit 303 visualizes and displays information related to the operation, and the like of the study terminal 3. The information displayed on the display unit 303 includes information on the screen for the Web browser transmitted from the Web system 2. The function of the display unit 303 is provided by, for example, a display device such as a liquid crystal display. When the study terminal 3 is a terminal equipped with a touch panel display such as a tablet computer, some or all of the functions of the input unit 302 are provided by a position detection device arranged over the display surface of the display device functioning as the display unit 303.

[0029] The communication unit 304 connects the learning terminal 3 to the Internet 5 and communicates with an external device via the Internet 5. The function of the communication unit 304 is provided by a wireless communication device that wirelessly communicates with an access point or a router connected to the Internet 5 in accordance with a wireless communication standard such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth (registered trademark). The function of the communication unit 304 may be provided by a communication device that is connected to a communication device such as a router connected to the Internet 5 by a transmission cable such as a LAN cable.

[0030] The sound collection unit 305 converts sounds (sound waves) around the learning terminal 3 into audio data (electrical signals). The sound collection unit 305 enables, for example, the user to practice pronunciation using content, input operations by voice, and the like. The function of the sound collection unit 305 is provided, for example, by a microphone built into the learning terminal 3 or connected to an input terminal equipped in the learning terminal 3. The sound emission unit 306 emits audio data (electrical signals) as sound (sound waves) around the learning terminal 3. The sound emission unit 306 enables the user to practice pronunciation and listening using content, provide operation guidance by voice, and the like. The function of the sound emission unit 306 is provided, for example, by a speaker built into the learning terminal 3. The function of the sound emission unit 306 may be provided by earphones, speakers, and the like connected to an output terminal equipped in the learning terminal 3.

[0031] 5 includes a control unit 400, a storage unit 401, an input unit 402, a display unit 403, a communication unit 404, a sound pickup unit 405, and a sound emission unit 406. The electronic dictionary 4 may be an electronic device specialized in providing a plurality of types of content including some or all of the plurality of types of content provided by the Web system 2. The plurality of types of content provided by the electronic dictionary 4 may include content other than a dictionary, or may include content not provided by the Web system 2. The appearance of the electronic dictionary 4 is not limited to the appearance of the electronic dictionary 4A illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0032] The control unit 400 controls the operation of the electronic dictionary 4. The control unit 400 performs, for example, a process of searching the dictionary for an input entry word and displaying the search results, a process of communicating with the Web system 2 and updating the entry word integrated search history, etc. The functions of the control unit 400 are provided by a processor that executes an OS program, various programs related to the use of content stored (contained) in the storage unit 401, and various programs related to communication (linkage) with the Web system 2. The processor may include a CPU.

[0033] The storage unit 401 has a content storage area 410 for storing a plurality of types of content, a storage area for storing link information 411, learning information 412, entry word search history 413, and entry word integrated search history 414, and a storage area for storing other data, programs, etc. (not shown). A storage device providing the functions of the storage unit 401 includes a ROM and a RAM. Some of the functions of the storage unit 401 may be provided by a portable recording medium such as a card-type storage device.

[0034] The multiple types of content stored in the content storage area 410 include content 420 of English-Japanese dictionary A and content 421 of English-Japanese dictionary B shown in FIG. 5, as well as one or more contents not shown in FIG. 5. The combination of content provided by the electronic dictionary 4 may be the same as or different from the combination of content provided by the Web system 2. For example, if the Web system 2 provides content of English-Japanese dictionary D, the multiple types of content provided by the electronic dictionary 4 may or may not include the content of English-Japanese dictionary D. In addition, the multiple types of content provided by the electronic dictionary 4 may include content that is not provided by the Web system 2.

[0035] The link information 411 stores information used for linking a search history with the headword integrated search history 234 (see FIG. 2) in the user data of the Web system 2. The link information 411 includes, for example, information such as the serial number and hardware configuration of the electronic dictionary 4 used for matching with the user information 231 or setting information 232 (see FIG. 2) of the user data 230 in the Web system 2.

[0036] The learning information 412 includes information related to the learning the user has performed using the electronic dictionary 4, such as highlighters, tags, memos, and other information electronically attached to detailed information on words looked up using the contents of the dictionary.

[0037] The headword search history 413 includes a search history of headwords searched for by the user in the electronic dictionary 4. For example, as shown in Fig. 3, the headword search history 413 records the number of searches and the most recent search date for each headword searched for in the electronic dictionary 4. The headword integrated search history 414 corresponds to the headword integrated search history 234 included in the user data 230 of the Web system 2. As will be described later with reference to Fig. 7, the electronic dictionary 4 transmits the headword search history 413 to the Web system 2, acquires the headword integrated search history 234 updated on the Web system 2 based on the headword search history 413 from the Web system 2, and updates the headword integrated search history 414.

[0038] The input unit 402 accepts input of information relating to the operation (operation) of the electronic dictionary 4. The input accepted by the input unit 402 includes input for selecting content, input of entry words, etc. The function of the input unit 402 is provided by, for example, a keyboard, etc. The display unit 403 visualizes and displays information relating to the operation, etc. of the electronic dictionary 4. The information displayed by the display unit 403 includes information on a content selection screen, information on an entry word input screen, and information on a screen of search results for entry words. The function of the display unit 403 is provided by, for example, a display device such as a liquid crystal display. If the electronic dictionary 4 is a device equipped with a touch panel display, some or all of the function of the input unit 402 includes a position detection device arranged over the display surface of the display device functioning as the display unit 403.

[0039] The communication unit 404 connects the electronic dictionary 4 to the Internet 5 and communicates with an external device via the Internet 5. The function of the communication unit 404 is provided by a wireless communication device that performs wireless communication with an access point or a router connected to the Internet 5 in accordance with a wireless communication standard such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. The function of the communication unit 404 may be provided by an input / output interface that is connected to a computer connected to the Internet 5 via a transmission cable such as a USB cable.

[0040] The sound collection unit 405 converts sounds (sound waves) around the electronic dictionary 4 into voice data (electrical signals). The sound collection unit 405 enables, for example, the user to practice pronunciation using content, input operations by voice, and the like. The function of the sound collection unit 405 is provided, for example, by a microphone built into the electronic dictionary 4 or connected to an output terminal of the electronic dictionary. The sound emission unit 406 emits the voice data (electrical signals) as sound (sound waves) around the electronic dictionary 4. The sound emission unit 406 enables the user to practice pronunciation and listening using content, provide operation guidance by voice, and the like. The function of the sound emission unit 406 is provided, for example, by a speaker built into the electronic dictionary 4. The function of the sound emission unit 406 may be provided by earphones, speakers, or the like connected to an output terminal of the electronic dictionary 4.

[0041] The study terminal 3 and the electronic dictionary 4 in the search system 1 according to the present embodiment are not limited to the above-mentioned configurations. For example, some or all of the functions of the control unit 400 and the storage unit 401 in the electronic dictionary 4 may be provided by a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a programmable logic device (PLD), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or the like.

[0042] As described above, the users of the search system 1 according to this embodiment may be children, pupils, students, etc. A single user can use the learning terminal 3 and the electronic dictionary 4 depending on the learning environment. For example, when looking up the meaning of an English word in an English-Japanese dictionary, the user can use the learning terminal 3 during class at school and the electronic dictionary 4 during independent study at home. Looking up the meaning of an English word using the contents of the English-Japanese dictionary in the Web system 2 or the electronic dictionary 4 is an example of searching for an entry word.

[0043] Fig. 6 is a sequence diagram for explaining an example of a method for searching for an entry word using a study terminal. The process performed by the study terminal 3 illustrated in Fig. 6 is performed by the control unit 300 of the study terminal 3 alone or in cooperation with the storage unit 301, the input unit 302, the display unit 303, the communication unit 304, etc. The process performed by the Web system 2 illustrated in Fig. 6 is performed by the control unit 200 of the Web system 2 alone or in cooperation with the storage unit 201, the communication unit 204, etc.

[0044] When searching for an entry word using the study terminal 3, first, a process is performed in which the study terminal 3 is connected to the Web system 2 and a home screen is displayed on the study terminal 3 (steps S101 to S107). In order to connect the study terminal 3 to the Web system 2, the user, for example, double-clicks a specific icon displayed on the display unit 303 of the study terminal 3, or performs an operation for accessing the Web system 2 on the displayed Web browser. When this operation is accepted (step S101), the study terminal 3 transmits an access request to the Web system 2 (step S102). At this time, if the Web browser is not running, the study terminal 3 starts the Web browser. The access request may be a well-known HTTP request.

[0045] When the Web system 2 receives the access request and returns login screen data (Web page) to the learning terminal 3 as an HTTP response (step S103), the login screen is displayed on the Web browser of the learning terminal 3 (step S104). When the user inputs an ID (user name) and password into the text fields of the login screen displayed on the Web browser and presses the button to execute login, the learning terminal 3 encodes the input ID and password and transmits them to the Web system 2 (step S105).

[0046] The Web system 2 that receives the encoded ID and password information decodes the ID and password from the received information and performs authentication, although this is not shown in Fig. 6. If the authentication is successful, home screen data is sent from the Web system 2 to the learning terminal 3 (step S106), and the home screen is displayed on the Web browser of the learning terminal 3 (step S107). Although not shown in Fig. 6, if the authentication fails, the Web system 2 returns to the learning terminal 3 data of a login screen that prompts the user to resend the ID and password.

[0047] After displaying the home screen on the Web browser, the learning terminal 3 judges whether or not there is an input until an input is made to the learning terminal 3 (step S108; NO). When an input is made (step S108; YES), the learning terminal 3 judges whether or not the input is an input for selecting a learning log (step S109). In this specification, the term "learning log" is the name of an item for selecting the display of an entry list based on the entry word integrated search history 234 or 414. If the input is not an input for selecting a learning log (step S109; NO), the learning terminal 3 performs a process according to the input that is different from the process performed when the learning log is selected (step S130), and then returns to the judgment of step S108. The process performed by the learning terminal 3 in step S130 may be, for example, a process for displaying a top screen of the selected content, a process for displaying a screen of search results for the entry word entered in the text field, and the like. Step S130 includes a process for sending an HTTP request according to the input to the Web system 2, and a process for displaying screen data as an HTTP response from the Web system 2 on the Web browser. When the process of displaying the screen of the search results is performed in step S130, the Web system 2 updates the headword integrated search history 234 in the user data 230 associated with the user of the study terminal 3.

[0048] When an input for selecting a learning log is made (step S109; YES), the study terminal 3 transmits an HTTP request for requesting an entry word list to the Web system 2 (step S110). The Web system 2 that receives this HTTP request generates data for an entry word list screen based on the entry word integrated search history 234 (step S111). After that, the Web system 2 transmits data for the entry word list screen to the study terminal 3 (step S112), and the entry word list screen is displayed on the Web browser of the study terminal 3 (step S113). The entry word list screen may be, for example, a screen in which all entry words in the entry word integrated search history 234 are arranged in order of frequency of search, such as the entry word list screen 810 shown in FIG. 8. The entry word list screen may be, for example, a screen in which the top 10 entry words in the entry word integrated search history 234 are arranged in order of frequency of search, such as the entry word list screen 840 shown in FIG. 11. Information for designating the display method of the entry word on the entry word list screen generated in step S111 may be included in the setting information 232 of the user data 230, for example.

[0049] After displaying the entry word list screen on the Web browser, the study terminal 3 judges whether or not there is an input until an input is made to the study terminal 3 (step S114; NO). When an input is made (step S114; YES), the study terminal 3 judges whether or not the input is an input for selecting a change in the display method of the entry word list (step S115). If the input is an input for selecting a change in the display method of the entry word list (step S115; YES), the study terminal 3 displays the entry word list screen in which the display method of the entry word list has been changed (step S116), and returns to the judgment of step S114. Although omitted in FIG. 6, when the study terminal 3 performs the process of step S116, the study terminal 3 transmits an HTTP request including information indicating that the display method of the entry word list is to be changed to the Web system 2, and acquires the entry word list screen in which the display method has been changed from the Web system 2.

[0050] If the input is not for selecting a change in the display method of the entry word list (step S115; NO), the study terminal 3 judges whether the input is for selecting an entry word in the entry word list screen (step S117). If the input is not for selecting an entry word (step S117; NO), the study terminal 3 performs processing according to the input (step S130), and then returns to the judgment of step S108.

[0051] If the input is for selecting an entry word (step S117; YES), the study terminal 3 transmits an HTTP request to the Web system 2 requesting a search using the entry word as a search key (step S118). The Web system 2 that receives this HTTP request searches the contents of multiple dictionaries using the entry word included in the request as a search key, and generates a search result screen showing the search result (step S119). In step S119, the Web system 2 identifies the contents of a dictionary that includes detailed information about the entry word used as the search key from among the contents of the multiple dictionaries, and generates a search result screen including information indicating the identified dictionary. After that, data of the search result screen is transmitted from the Web system 2 to the study terminal 3 (step S120), and the search result of the selected entry word is displayed on the Web browser of the study terminal 3 (step S121). In step S119, when there are two or more dictionaries that include detailed information for the entry word, the Web system 2 generates data of the search result screen including information indicating each of the dictionaries that include the detailed information. For example, if detailed information for a certain entry word is written in English-Japanese dictionary A and English-Japanese dictionary B, the search result screen generated by Web system 2 will include information indicating English-Japanese dictionary A and information on the entry word in English-Japanese dictionary A, as well as information indicating English-Japanese dictionary B and information on the entry word in English-Japanese dictionary B. Specific examples of the search result screen will be described later with reference to Figs. 8 and 11.

[0052] Next, an example of a method for searching for an entry word using the electronic dictionary 4 will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a sequence diagram for explaining an example of a method for searching for an entry word using an electronic dictionary. The process performed by the electronic dictionary 4 illustrated in Fig. 7 is performed by the control unit 400 of the electronic dictionary 4 alone or in cooperation with the storage unit 401, the input unit 402, the display unit 403, the communication unit 404, etc. Also, the process performed by the Web system 2 illustrated in Fig. 7 is performed by the control unit 200 of the Web system 2 alone or in cooperation with the storage unit 201, the communication unit 204, etc.

[0053] When the power supply of the electronic dictionary 4 is turned on, the electronic dictionary 4 displays a home screen on the display unit 403 (step S201). After displaying the home screen, the electronic dictionary 4 judges whether or not an input is made until an input is made (step S202; NO). When an input is made (step S202; YES), the electronic dictionary 4 judges whether or not the input is an input for selecting a learning log (step S203). When the input is not an input for selecting a learning log (step S203; NO), the electronic dictionary 4 performs a process according to the input that is different from the process performed when the learning log is selected (step S230), and then returns to the judgment of step S202. The process performed by the electronic dictionary 4 in step S230 may be, for example, a process for displaying a top screen of the selected content, a process for searching for an entry word entered in a text field and displaying a screen of the search results, and the like. When the search result screen is displayed in step S230, the electronic dictionary 4 updates, for example, the entry word search history 413 and the entry word integrated search history 414 in the storage unit 401.

[0054] When an input for selecting a learning log is made (step S203; YES), the electronic dictionary 4 next judges whether it is time to update the entry word integrated search history 234 of the Web system 2 (step S204). The electronic dictionary 4 judges that it is time to update when the "input for selecting a learning log" to be judged is the first input made within a predetermined period including the day on which the input was made. The predetermined period may be only the day on which the input was made, or may be a period of two or more days. When it is not time to update (step S204; NO), the electronic dictionary 4 omits the process for updating the entry word integrated search history 234, and generates and displays an entry word list screen based on the entry word integrated search history 414 in the storage unit 401 (step S213). The entry word list screen displayed in step S213 may be, for example, a screen similar to the entry word list screen 810 shown in FIG. 8 or the entry word list screen 840 shown in FIG. 11.

[0055] If it is time to update the headword integrated search history 234 of the Web system 2 (step S204; YES), the electronic dictionary 4 displays a login screen for connecting to the Web system 2 (step S205). When the user inputs an ID (user name) and password in the text fields of the login screen and presses the button to execute login, the electronic dictionary 4 encodes the input ID and password and transmits them to the Web system 2 (step S206).

[0056] Although not shown in FIG. 7, the Web system 2 that has received the encoded ID and password information decodes the ID and password from the received information and performs authentication. If the authentication is successful, the Web system 2 transmits information indicating that the authentication is successful to the electronic dictionary 4 (step S207). If the authentication is successful, the electronic dictionary 4 transmits the entry word search history 413 to the Web system 2 (step S208). The Web system 2 that has received the entry word search history 413 from the electronic dictionary 4 updates the entry word integrated search history 234 of the user data 230 associated with the user of the electronic dictionary 4 based on the entry word search history 413 (step S209), and transmits the updated entry word integrated search history 234 to the electronic dictionary 4 (step S210). The electronic dictionary 4 that has received the updated entry word integrated search history 234 from the Web system 2 updates (replaces) the entry word integrated search history 414 in the storage unit 401 with the received entry word integrated search history 234 (step S211). After successfully updating the headword integrated search history 234 of the Web system 2 and the headword integrated search history 414 of the storage unit 401, the electronic dictionary 4 resets the headword search history 413 of the storage unit 401 (step S212). After that, the electronic dictionary 4 generates and displays an headword list screen based on the updated headword integrated search history 414 (step S213). In step S212, the electronic dictionary 4 erases, for example, information on the headword, the number of searches, and the most recent search date recorded in the headword search history 413. If updating the headword integrated search history 234 of the Web system 2 and the headword integrated search history 414 of the storage unit 401 fails, the electronic dictionary 4 does not need to perform the process of step S212.

[0057] After displaying the entry word list screen, the electronic dictionary 4 judges whether or not there is an input until an input is made to the electronic dictionary 4 (step S214; NO). When an input is made (step S214; YES), the electronic dictionary 4 judges whether or not the input is an input for selecting a change in the display method of the entry word list (step S215). If the input is an input for selecting a change in the display method of the entry word list (step S215; YES), the electronic dictionary 4 displays the entry word list screen in which the display method of the entry word list has been changed (step S216), and returns to the judgment of step S214.

[0058] If the input is not for selecting a change in the display method of the entry word list (step S215; NO), the electronic dictionary 4 judges whether the input is for selecting an entry word in the entry word list screen (step S217). If the input is not for selecting an entry word (step S217; NO), the electronic dictionary 4 performs processing according to the input (step S230), and then returns to the judgment of step S202.

[0059] If the input is to select a heading word (step S217; YES), the electronic dictionary 4 searches the contents of multiple types of dictionaries in the storage unit 401 using the heading word as a search key (step S218), and generates and displays a search result screen showing the search results (step S219). After that, the electronic dictionary 4 returns to the judgment of step S202. In step S219, the electronic dictionary 4 identifies, from the contents of the multiple types of dictionaries, the contents of a dictionary that has detailed information about the heading word used as the search key, and generates a search result screen including information of the identified dictionary.

[0060] In this way, in the search system 1 of this embodiment, the integrated headword search histories 234 and 414 are generated and updated as needed, integrating the search history of headwords searched by a single user using the study terminal 3 and the search history of headwords searched by a single user using the electronic dictionary 4. Therefore, when a single user views a list of headwords searched in the past using either the study terminal 3 or the electronic dictionary 4, the user can view a list of headwords that also reflects the search history of headwords searched by either the study terminal 3 or the electronic dictionary 4, respectively.

[0061] In the search system 1 of this embodiment, as described above, when an entry word included in the entry word list screen displayed on the study terminal 3 and the electronic dictionary 4 is selected, the contents of multiple dictionaries can be searched for using the selected entry word as a search key. Therefore, the search result screen for the selected entry word can include search results in multiple dictionaries.

[0062] Fig. 8 is a diagram for explaining a first example of screen transitions when performing a search using an entry word list generated based on an entry word integrated search history. Fig. 8 illustrates screen transitions on the study terminal 3, but screen transitions on the electronic dictionary 4 may be similar. In Fig. 8, the screens on the study terminal 3 transition in a clockwise direction starting from screen 800 shown in the upper left.

[0063] The screen 800 of the study terminal 3 at the upper left can be a screen for selecting the contents of an English-Japanese dictionary. In the screen 800, an area 801 on the left side displays items (menus) related to search, study, etc. using the Web system 2, and an area 802 on the right side displays icons indicating the contents of available English-Japanese dictionaries. By inputting (operating) to select an icon in the area 802, a search can be performed using the selected single English-Japanese dictionary.

[0064] When the item 803 of "Learning Log" displayed in the area 801 on the screen 800 is selected, the processing of steps S110 to S113 described above with reference to FIG. 6 is performed between the study terminal 3 and the Web system 2. By performing step S113, the screen displayed on the study terminal 3 is switched from the screen 800 to the entry word list screen 810 illustrated on the study terminal 3 at the upper right. The entry word list screen 810 includes an area 811 that displays entry words included in the entry word integrated search history 234, and tabs 812 and 813 that switch the sorting order of the entry words displayed in the area 811. On the entry word list screen 810 of FIG. 8, the tab 812 is selected, and a list of entry words arranged in descending order of the number of searches is displayed in the area 811. When the tab 813 is selected, the display of the area 811 is switched to a display of a list of entry words arranged in descending order of the search date (in other words, in descending order of the most recent search date). In the area 811, for example, a scroll button 814 is displayed, and by pressing the scroll button 814, the headword displayed in the area 811 can be switched.

[0065] When an entry word displayed in the area 811 of the entry word list screen 810 is selected, the processing of steps S118 to S121 described above with reference to FIG. 6 is performed between the study terminal 3 and the Web system 2. For example, when the entry word 815 "port" displayed in the area 811 is selected, the Web system 2 searches a plurality of English-Japanese dictionaries using "port" as a search key and generates a search result screen. When the user selects "port" and steps S118 to S121 of FIG. 6 are performed, the screen displayed on the study terminal 3 is switched from the entry word list screen 810 to a search result screen 820 shown in the lower right of the study terminal 3. The search result screen 820 includes dictionary information 821 to 823 indicating an English-Japanese dictionary including detailed information about the entry word used as the search key, an entry word associated with the detailed information in the English-Japanese dictionary, and "all" buttons 824 to 826 associated with each of the dictionary information 821 to 823. When all of the information to be displayed as search results cannot be displayed on one screen in the display unit 303 of the study terminal 3, for example, a scroll button 827 is displayed on the search result screen 820. By pressing the scroll button 827, the search results displayed on the search result screen 820 can be switched.

[0066] In the search result screen 820, when any of the entry words displayed in association with each of the dictionary information 821 to 823 is selected, the screen displayed on the study terminal 3 is switched to a detailed information screen including detailed information about the entry word in the dictionary associated with the selected entry word. For example, when the entry word 828 "port" associated with the dictionary information 821 "English-Japanese A" is selected, the screen displayed on the study terminal 3 is switched from the search result screen 820 to a detailed information screen 830 including detailed information 831 about "port" in the English-Japanese dictionary A, as exemplified by the study terminal 3 at the lower left. The detailed information 831 on the detailed information screen 830 includes information on the phonetic symbol, part of speech, meaning in Japanese, and example sentences of "port". Therefore, the user of the study terminal 3 can display the detailed information screen 830 including detailed information in the content of the desired dictionary specified for the entry word searched in the past by a simple input operation.

[0067] In this way, in the search system 1 of this embodiment, when detailed information about an entry word selected on the entry word list screen 810 is included in multiple dictionaries, a search result screen 820 is displayed to notify the user of multiple dictionaries that include the detailed information. Therefore, the user of the study terminal 3 and the electronic dictionary 4 can easily know, from the search result screen 820, dictionaries that include detailed information about an entry word searched in the past. The entry word selected by the user from the entry word list screen 810, which is one form of the entry word search history, is an entry word that has been searched for in one or more dictionaries displayed on the search result screen 820. Therefore, the user can easily check the dictionaries used to search for the entry word from the entry word search history.

[0068] In addition, when any of the "All" buttons 824-826 included in the search result screen 820 illustrated on the study terminal 3 in the lower right of FIG. 8 is selected, a screen including all of the detailed information about the selected headword in the dictionary corresponding to the selected button can be generated and displayed.

[0069] Fig. 9 is a flowchart explaining an example of detailed information display processing. Fig. 10 is a diagram explaining an example of screen transitions when displaying detailed information from a search result screen. Below, the processing in Fig. 9 is explained as processing performed by the study terminal 3 and the Web system 2, but the processing in Fig. 9 may also be performed by the electronic dictionary 4. Also, Fig. 10 illustrates an example of screen transitions on the study terminal 3, but the screen transitions on the electronic dictionary 4 may be similar.

[0070] When the user performs an operation to display detailed information on the study terminal 3 on which the search result screen 820 is displayed, the search system 1 performs a detailed information display process including steps S301 to S303 illustrated in FIG.

[0071] In the detailed information display process, first, the control unit 300 of the study terminal 3 judges whether an entry word or the "All" button on the search result screen 820 has been selected (step S301). When an entry word on the search result screen 820 has been selected (step S301; entry word), the study terminal 3 and the Web system 2 generate and display a screen of detailed information of the selected entry word in the dictionary associated with the selected entry word (step S302). When the "All" button on the search result screen 820 has been selected (step S301; all), the study terminal 3 and the Web system 2 generate and display a screen including detailed information of all entry words included in the search result in the dictionary associated with the selected "All" button (step S303).

[0072] The process of step S302 corresponds to, for example, switching from the search result screen 820 at the bottom right to the detailed information screen 830 at the bottom left in Fig. 8. Although a description with reference to the figure is omitted, for example, when the three entry words "port" associated with the dictionary information 822 indicating the English-Japanese dictionary B on the search result screen 820 illustrated in Fig. 8 are displayed, the detailed information screen 830 may be displayed. 1 ", "port 2 ", "port 3 " is selected, the selected entry word (e.g., "port 2 A screen including only detailed information about the course ") is displayed on the study terminal 3.

[0073] The process of step S303 is performed, for example, when the "All" button 825 associated with the dictionary information 822 indicating the English-Japanese dictionary B on the search result screen 820 is pressed, as shown in FIG. 10. At this time, a detailed information screen 850 including detailed information on each of the three "ports" associated with the dictionary information 822 indicating the English-Japanese dictionary B is displayed on the screen of the study terminal 3. In the detailed information screen 850, a left area 851 displays the three entry words "port" included in the English-Japanese dictionary B, 1 ", "port 2 ", "port 3 " and the corresponding entry words 853 to 855 are displayed, and in the right area, three entry words "port1 ", "port 2 ", "port 3 " is displayed. When all the detailed information to be displayed cannot be displayed on one screen in the display unit 303 of the study terminal 3, as illustrated in FIG. 10, for example, a scroll bar is displayed on the detailed information screen 850. By pressing the scroll bar, the detailed information displayed on the detailed information screen 850 can be switched. In addition, the display of the entry words 853 to 855 in the area 851 may be associated with the detailed information displayed on the display unit 303 in the detailed information 852. For example, when the detailed information on the first entry word 853 of the three entry words 853 to 855 is displayed on the display unit 303, the display format of the entry word 853 may be different from that of the other entry words 854 and 855. This allows the user to easily understand that the detailed information displayed on the display unit 303 is the detailed information on the entry word 853. In addition, for example, when one of the three entry words 853 to 855 displayed in the area 851 is selected, a portion including the beginning of the detailed information on the selected entry word may be displayed on the display unit 303.

[0074] Furthermore, when generating the search result screen 820, an upper limit on the number of entry words in one dictionary may be set. For example, in the search result screen 820 in Fig. 8, the actual number of detailed information items in which the entry word "port" is included in the contents of the English-Japanese dictionary B may be four or more, and entry words that are not displayed in the search result screen 820 (for example, "port") may be displayed in an area 851 (see Fig. 10) of the detailed information screen 850 that is displayed when the "All" button 825 is pressed. 4 " etc.) may be displayed.

[0075] In addition, when either the headword or the "All" button is selected on the search result screen displayed on the display unit 403 of the electronic dictionary 4, the processing of steps S301 to S303 in the detailed information display processing illustrated in FIG. 9 is performed by the control unit 400 of the electronic dictionary 4 alone or in cooperation with the memory unit 401, the display unit 403, etc.

[0076] As described above, in the search system 1 of this embodiment, the headword list screen 810, which is one aspect of the headword search history generated based on the headword integrated search history 234 or 414, is displayed on the study terminal 3 as a search device and the electronic dictionary 4. When a user of the search device selects a headword included in the headword list screen 810, the search device displays a search result screen 820 including information on a dictionary having detailed information about the headword. This allows the user of the search device to easily check which dictionary was used to search for a headword that was previously searched for.

[0077] The headword list screen generated and displayed based on the headword integrated search history 234 or 414 is not limited to the headword list screen 810 exemplified in Fig. 8. The headword list screen may be, for example, a screen in which only headwords that have been frequently searched in the headword integrated search history 234 or 414 are extracted, or may include such a screen.

[0078] Fig. 11 is a diagram for explaining a second example of screen transitions when performing a search using an entry word list generated based on an entry word integrated search history. Fig. 11 illustrates screen transitions on the study terminal 3, but the screen transitions on the electronic dictionary 4 may be similar. In Fig. 11, the screens on the study terminal 3 transition clockwise from screen 800 shown in the upper left.

[0079] The screen 800 of the study terminal 3 at the top left may be a screen for selecting contents of an English-Japanese dictionary, as described above with reference to FIG. 8. In a second example of screen transition described with reference to FIG. 11, when the item 803 of "Learning Log" is selected on the screen 800, a ranking-format entry word list screen 840 as illustrated on the study terminal 3 at the top right is displayed. In the following description, the ranking-format entry word list screen 840 is referred to as the second entry word list screen 840, and the entry word list screen 810 described above with reference to FIG. 8 is referred to as the first entry word list screen 810. The information displayed in the area 841 on the left side of the second entry word list screen 840 is substantially the same as the information displayed in the area 801 on the left side of the screen 800. In the area 842 on the right side of the second entry word list screen 840, the top 10 entry words in descending order of the number of searches among the entry words recorded in the entry word integrated search history 234 are displayed in a ranking format that allows the order to be known. Also, an item 844 "View all logs" is displayed at the bottom end of the area 842 of the second entry word list screen 840. When the item 844 "View all logs" is selected, the first entry word list screen 810 shown as an example on the lower right learning terminal 3 is displayed. When an entry word displayed on the first entry word list screen 810 (for example, the entry word "port" 815) is selected, the search result screen 820 shown as an example on the lower left learning terminal 3 is displayed. In contrast, when an entry word displayed on the second entry word list screen 840 (for example, the entry word "port" 843, which is the fifth most frequently searched entry word) is selected, the search result screen 820 shown as an example on the lower left learning terminal 3 is displayed instead of the first entry word list screen 810. In this way, the entry word list screen generated based on the entry word integrated search history 234 or 413 is not limited to a screen of a specific display format.

[0080] The above-described embodiment is a specific example shown to facilitate understanding of the invention, and the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment. The search device, search system, search method, and program can be modified and changed in various ways without departing from the scope of the claims.

[0081] For example, the search device (study terminal 3 and electronic dictionary 4) and Web system 2 in the search system 1 illustrated in the above embodiment may be connected via a communication network called a school LAN, intramural LAN, etc., separate from the Internet 5. [Explanation of symbols]

[0082] 1. Search System 2. Web System 3 Learning terminals 3 4. Electronic Dictionary 200, 300, 400 Control section 201, 301, 401 Storage section 204, 304, 404 Communications Department 234, 414 Headword integrated search history 413 Headword search history 5. Internet 810, 840 Headword list screen 820 Search results screen 830, 850 detailed information screen

Claims

1. When a user selects an entry word in the list while the list of entry words used by the user to search dictionary contents is displayed on the display unit, the content of a dictionary having detailed information about the selected entry word is identified from among the contents of a plurality of dictionaries; displaying on the display unit a search result including information indicating the content of the identified dictionary and an entry word associated with the detailed information in the content of the dictionary; Control unit, A search device comprising:

2. The search device according to claim 1, characterized in that the control unit further controls the display unit to display, when a headword in the search results is selected while the search results are being displayed on the display unit, the detailed information associated with the selected headword.

3. The list of entries includes: a first search history including an entry word searched by a user of the search device for searching contents of a first plurality of types of dictionaries using the search device; a second search history including entry words obtained by the user of the search device searching for content in a second plurality of types of dictionaries using a search device other than the search device; and 3. The search device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. A storage unit that stores the contents of the plurality of types of dictionaries, The list of entries includes: a first search history including an entry word searched by a user of the search device using a search device other than the search device for a plurality of types of dictionary content different from the plurality of types of dictionary content stored in the storage unit; a second search history including an entry word obtained by searching the contents of the plurality of types of dictionaries stored in the storage unit; and a list of entry words generated based on the integrated search history.

3. The search device according to claim 1 or 2.

5. A search system including a search device and a server communicably connected to the search device, The control unit of the search device when a user selects an entry word from a list of entry words used by the user to search the contents of a dictionary while the list is being displayed on a display unit of the search device, the selected entry word is transmitted to the server; The control unit of the server Identifying a dictionary content having detailed information about the selected entry word from among a plurality of dictionary contents based on the entry word received from the search device; Transmitting a search result including information indicating the content of the identified dictionary and an entry word associated with the detailed information in the content of the dictionary to the search device; The control unit of the search device further displaying the search results received from the search device on the display unit; A search system comprising:

6. A search system including a first search device, a second search device, and a server communicatively connected to the first search device and the second search device, The server, a storage unit that stores contents of a first plurality of types of dictionaries, a first search history including an entry word searched for by a user of the first search device using the search system, and user information that associates a user of the first search device with a user of the second search device; a control unit that generates a list of entry words searched for by a user of the first search device based on the first search history, transmits the list to the first search device, and when an entry word in the list is selected, transmits to the first search device a search result including information indicating a dictionary content having detailed information for the selected entry word among the contents of the first plurality of dictionaries, and an entry word associated with the detailed information in the dictionary content; The second search device is a storage unit that stores contents of a second plurality of types of dictionaries and a second search history including entry words searched for in the contents of the second plurality of types of dictionaries; a control unit that transmits the second search history to the server; The control unit of the server further updates the first search history including an entry word searched for by a user of the first search device, the user being associated with the user of the second search device by the user information, using the search system, based on the second search history transmitted by the second search device. A search system comprising:

7. On the computer, causing a display device of said computer to display a list of entries utilized by a user of said computer in searching the contents of a dictionary; a step of identifying, when an entry word in the list is selected while the list of entry words is being displayed on the display device, a dictionary content having detailed information about the selected entry word from among a plurality of types of dictionary content; displaying, on the display device of the computer, a search result including information indicating the content of the identified dictionary and an entry word associated with the detailed information in the content of the dictionary; The search method is characterized by executing the above.

8. On the computer, displaying on a display device of said computer a list of entries that a user of said computer has used to search the contents of a dictionary; a step of identifying, when an entry word in the list is selected while the list of entry words is being displayed on the display device, a dictionary content having detailed information about the selected entry word from among a plurality of types of dictionary content; a step of displaying, on the display device of the computer, a search result including information indicating the content of the identified dictionary and an entry word associated with the detailed information in the content of the dictionary; A program for executing the above.

Images