Search control system, search control method, and program

Abstract

This invention provides a search control system, a search control method, and a program that enable users to obtain search results from a search system suitable for their desired search without being aware of the existence of multiple search systems. [Solution] The search mediation unit 50 determines at least one target system from among the multiple search systems based on a given search query and the history of queries used in searches performed by each of the multiple search systems. The search mediation unit 50 outputs the search query to each of the at least one target system. The search mediation unit 50 receives search results corresponding to the search query from each of the at least one target system. The display control unit 54 displays a screen showing the search results received from each of the at least one target system.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a technique for assisting a user in product search on a shopping site on the Internet.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In recent years, various search systems exist, and it is difficult for a user to determine which search system is suitable for a desired search among these search systems.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and one of its objects is to provide a search control system, a search control method, and a program that can obtain search results in a search system suitable for a desired search without the user being aware of the existence of a plurality of search systems.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The search control system according to the present invention includes: a target system determination means for determining at least one target system from among a plurality of search systems based on a given search query and a history of queries used in searches performed by each of a plurality of search systems; a search query output means for outputting the search query to each of the at least one target system; a search result receiving means for receiving search results corresponding to the search query from each of the at least one target system; and a display control means for displaying a screen showing the search results received from each of the at least one target system.

[0007] The search control method according to the present invention includes the steps of: determining at least one target system from among a plurality of search systems based on a given search query and a history of queries used in searches performed by each of the plurality of search systems; outputting the search query to each of the at least one target system; receiving search results corresponding to the search query from each of the at least one target system; and displaying a screen showing the search results received from each of the at least one target system.

[0008] The present invention provides a program for causing a computer to perform the following steps: determine at least one target system from among a plurality of search systems based on a given search query and a history of queries used in searches performed by each of the plurality of search systems; output the search query to each of the at least one target system; receive search results corresponding to the search query from each of the at least one target system; and display a screen showing the search results received from each of the at least one target system. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This figure shows an example of the configuration of a chat system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a diagram showing an example of a chat screen. [Figure 3] This is a diagram showing an example of a chat screen. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of a search results screen. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of a search results screen. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of a search results screen. [Figure 7] This is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functions of a search control system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8A] This flowchart shows an example of the processing flow performed in a search control system related to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8B] This flowchart shows an example of the processing flow performed in a search control system related to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8C] This flowchart shows an example of the processing flow performed in a search control system related to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] This flowchart shows an example of the processing flow performed in a search control system related to one embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] One embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0011] Figure 1 shows an example of the configuration of the chat system 1 according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, the chat system 1 according to this embodiment includes a search control system 10, a search system 12 (first search system 12a, second search system 12b, third search system 12c, ...), and a terminal 14. The search control system 10, the search system 12, and the terminal 14 are connected to a computer network 16 such as the Internet.

[0012] The search control system 10 may be composed of a computer, such as a server computer. The search control system 10 may include a processor 10a such as a CPU or GPU, a storage unit 10b such as memory or a hard disk drive, a communication unit 10c such as a network interface card, and so on. The search control system 10 may include multiple computers or one computer.

[0013] The search system 12 may consist of a server computer that includes, for example, a CPU, GPU, memory, and communication interface. The search system 12 may also consist of multiple computers or a single computer.

[0014] Terminal 14 may consist of a computer (e.g., a personal computer, smartphone, tablet, etc.) including, for example, a CPU, memory, communication interface, input device, and display.

[0015] In this embodiment, for example, chat messages are exchanged between the search control system 10 and the terminal 14. During this exchange, searches are performed in the search system 12 as appropriate. The search system 12 performs searches for suggestions to the user (more specifically, searches to generate options for products and services that the user is suggested to purchase).

[0016] In this embodiment, for example, the search targets in each search system 12 are different from each other. Also, the search system 12 may execute a search targeting products or services. For example, in the search by the first search system 12a, data indicating products for sale in online shopping is the search target, in the search by the second search system 12b, data indicating used products being sold is the search target, and in the search by the third search system 12c, data indicating books or e-books may be the search target. Additionally, for example, in the search by another search system 12, data indicating fashion items provided by a fashion brand may be the search target. Also, in the search by another search system 12, distributed music data may be the search target. Also, in the search by another search system 12, recipe data may be the search target.

[0017] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a chat screen 20 displayed on the display of the terminal 14 according to this embodiment. The chat screen 20 may be a screen scrollable in a predetermined direction (for example, the vertical direction).

[0018] In the chat screen 20 shown in FIG. 2, user message images 22 (22a, 22b, and 22c) indicating chat messages input by a user operating the terminal 14 are arranged.

[0019] Furthermore, the chat screen 20 shown in Figure 2 includes response message images 24 (24a and 24b) that represent chat messages sent from the search control system 10 to the terminal 14 in response to chat messages received by the search control system 10 from the terminal 14. The response message images 24 may also include option images 26 that show options that the user can select. In the example in Figure 2, response message image 24a includes option images 26a, 26b, 26c, and 26d. Response message image 24b includes option images 26e, 26f, 26g, 26h, and 26i.

[0020] Furthermore, the chat screen 20 shown in Figure 2 includes an input form 28 for the user to enter chat messages.

[0021] When a user enters a string into the input form 28 and performs a predetermined operation (for example, pressing the Enter key or tapping the send button), a chat message containing the string entered in the input form 28 is sent from the terminal 14 to the search control system 10.

[0022] Furthermore, when a user selects an option image 26 (for example, by tapping on the option image 26), a chat message containing the text placed on the selected option image 26 is sent from the terminal 14 to the search control system 10.

[0023] Additionally, a chat screen 20 is displayed on the terminal 14's screen, which includes a user message image 22 containing a chat message sent from terminal 14 to the search control system 10.

[0024] The chat screen 20 shown in Figure 2 indicates that a selection operation was performed on the optional image 26i, resulting in the chat message "Search for me" being sent from terminal 14 to the search control system 10.

[0025] In this embodiment, for example, as shown in Figure 3, the search results from the search performed by the search system 12 are transmitted from the search control system 10 to the terminal 14, and a chat screen 20 with a search result summary image 30 showing the search results is added and displayed on the terminal 14's display. Alternatively, the chat screen 20 with a search result summary image 30 showing only a portion of the search results from the search performed by the search system 12 may be displayed on the terminal 14's display. As shown in Figure 3, the search results may represent a product or service. For example, as shown in Figure 3, the search results may include an image of the product or service, the name of the product or service, and the price of the product or service.

[0026] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, the display of terminal 14 may show a chat screen 20 in which chat messages and search results are arranged chronologically. For example, as shown in Figure 3, a chat screen 20 may be displayed in which chat messages and search results are arranged chronologically from top to bottom, starting with the oldest.

[0027] When the chat screen 20 is displayed, if the user performs a predetermined operation (for example, a tap) on the search results summary image 30, a search results display request is sent from the terminal 14 to the search control system 10. Then, the search results screen 32 (for example, the search results screen 32a shown in Figure 4) is displayed on the terminal 14's display.

[0028] The search results screen 32 includes multiple tabs 34 and multiple search result detail images 36. In the example in Figure 4, the search results screen 32 includes three tabs 34 (34a, 34b, and 34c). In this embodiment, each tab 34 is associated with each search result detail image 36 on a one-to-one basis.

[0029] In this embodiment, among the multiple search result detail images 36, the search result detail image 36 associated with the selected tab 34 is displayed, while the other search result detail images 36 are hidden.

[0030] In the search results screen 32a shown in Figure 4, tab 34a is selected, while tabs 34b and 34c are not selected. Additionally, the search results detail image 36a, which is associated with tab 34a and shows all search results, is displayed, while search results detail images 36b and 36c are hidden. Note that search results detail image 36a may show only a portion of the total search results.

[0031] Assuming that the search results screen 32a shown in Figure 4 is displayed, a predetermined operation is performed on tab 34b. Then, the search results screen 32a displayed on the terminal 14's display is updated to the search results screen 32b shown in Figure 5. In the search results screen 32b shown in Figure 5, tab 34b is selected, and tabs 34a and 34c are not selected. In addition, the search results detail image 36b, which shows the search results of a search performed in a search performed in a certain search system 12 (here, for example, the first search system 12a) associated with tab 34b, is displayed, while the search results detail images 36a and 36c are hidden. Note that the search results detail image 36b may show only a portion of the search results from the search performed in the first search system 12a.

[0032] Assume that a predetermined operation is performed on tab 34c while the search results screen 32b shown in Figure 5 is displayed. Then, the search results screen 32b displayed on the terminal 14's display is updated to the search results screen 32c shown in Figure 6. In the search results screen 32c shown in Figure 6, tab 34c is selected, and tabs 34a and 34b are not selected. Also, the search results detail image 36c, which shows the search results from a search performed in another search system 12 (here, for example, the second search system 12b) associated with tab 34c, is displayed, while the search results detail images 36a and 36b are hidden. Note that the search results detail image 36c may show only a portion of the search results from the search performed in the second search system 12b.

[0033] Assume that a predetermined operation is performed on tab 34a while either the search results screen 32b shown in Figure 5 or the search results screen 32b shown in Figure 6 is displayed. Then, the search results screen 32 displayed on the terminal 14's display is updated to the search results screen 32a shown in Figure 4.

[0034] In this embodiment, for example, the search result detail image 36a displayed on the search result screen 32a shown in Figure 4 shows both the search results from the search performed by the first search system 12a and the search results from the search performed by the second search system 12b. The search result detail image 36a may also show a portion of the search results from the search performed by the first search system 12a, as shown in the search result detail image 36b, and a portion of the search results from the search performed by the second search system 12b, as shown in the search result detail image 36c.

[0035] Furthermore, in this embodiment, for example, when a user performs a predetermined operation (e.g., a tap operation) on the search result shown in the search result detail image 36, the screen displayed on the terminal 14's display transitions to a purchase page for purchasing the product or service indicated by the search result. The user can then purchase the product or service through this purchase page.

[0036] Thus, in this embodiment, users can seamlessly obtain search results from the search system 12 in a way that feels like they are naturally chatting with someone.

[0037] Furthermore, in this embodiment, users can obtain search results from a search system 12 suitable for their desired search without being aware of the existence of multiple search systems 12.

[0038] The functions of the search control system 10 according to this embodiment, and the processes performed by the search control system 10, will be described further below.

[0039] Figure 7 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functions implemented in the search control system 10 according to this embodiment. Note that it is not necessary for all of the functions shown in Figure 7 to be implemented in the search control system 10 according to this embodiment, and other functions not shown in Figure 7 may also be implemented.

[0040] As shown in Figure 7, the search control system 10 according to this embodiment functionally includes, for example, a log storage unit 40, a reception unit 42, a prompt generation unit 44, a prompt output unit 46, an executed query history collection unit 48, a search mediation unit 50, a chat message generation unit 52, a display control unit 54, and a search result screen generation unit 56. The log storage unit 40 is mainly implemented by the storage unit 10b. The reception unit 42 and the executed query history collection unit 48 are mainly implemented by the communication unit 10c. The prompt generation unit 44, the prompt output unit 46, the chat message generation unit 52, and the search result screen generation unit 56 are mainly implemented by the processor 10a. The search mediation unit 50 and the display control unit 54 are mainly implemented by the processor 10a and the communication unit 10c.

[0041] The above functions may be implemented by running a program containing commands corresponding to the above functions, which is installed on the search control system 10, a computer, on the search control system 10. This program may also be supplied to the search control system 10 via a computer-readable information storage medium such as an optical disc, magnetic disc, magnetic tape, or magneto-optical disc, or via the internet.

[0042] In this embodiment, the log storage unit 40 stores logs of chat message exchanges between the search control system 10 and the terminal 14. For example, the log storage unit 40 may store logs of chat messages received by the search control system 10 from the terminal 14, and chat messages output from the search control system 10 to the terminal 14. Here, for example, the log storage unit 40 may store chat messages associated with a timestamp indicating the date and time the chat message was received or output, and a flag indicating whether the chat message was received or output by the search control system 10.

[0043] In this embodiment, the reception unit 42 receives chat messages from the terminal 14, for example. In this embodiment, the reception unit 42 also stores the chat messages in the log storage unit 40, for example.

[0044] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the reception unit 42 receives, for example, the above-mentioned search result display request from the terminal 14.

[0045] In this embodiment, the prompt generation unit 44 generates a prompt to the language model (e.g., LLM) based on a chat message received from the terminal 14. Here, for example, the prompt generation unit 44 may generate a prompt that includes a chat message received by the reception unit 42.

[0046] In this embodiment, the prompt output unit 46 outputs, for example, the prompt generated by the prompt generation unit 44 to the language model.

[0047] Here, the search mediation unit 50 may include a pre-trained language model (e.g., an LLM). Hereafter, the language model included in the search mediation unit 50 will be referred to as the mediating LLM.

[0048] The prompt output unit 46 may, for example, output a prompt generated by the prompt generation unit 44 to the intermediary LLM.

[0049] The executed query history collection unit 48 collects the history of queries used in searches executed by the search system 12. The executed query history collection unit 48 then stores the history of the collected queries.

[0050] The executed query history collection unit 48 may, for example, collect a history of queries used in searches executed by the search system 12 from each of the first search system 12a, the second search system 12b, the third search system 12c, ... at predetermined time intervals. Alternatively, the executed query history collection unit 48 may collect a history of queries used in searches executed by the search system 12 from each of the first search system 12a, the second search system 12b, the third search system 12c, ... in response to a collection instruction from the search mediation unit 50.

[0051] Furthermore, the executed query history collection unit 48 may collect a history of queries used in searches executed in response to requests from users using the terminal 14 according to this embodiment. The executed query history collection unit 48 may also collect a history of queries used in searches executed in response to requests from multiple users, including the user using the terminal 14 according to this embodiment. Furthermore, the executed query history collection unit 48 may also collect a history of queries used in searches executed in response to requests from one or more users other than the user using the terminal 14 according to this embodiment.

[0052] In this embodiment, the search mediation unit 50 generates, for example, a response to an incoming prompt. In this embodiment, knowledge regarding the search targets in searches conducted by all search systems 12 is pre-registered (learned) in the mediation LLM included in the search mediation unit 50. In addition, in this embodiment, the mediation LLM is able to refer to logs stored in the log storage unit 40.

[0053] The search mediation unit 50 may determine, based on the logs stored in the log storage unit 40, whether sufficient information (context) has been obtained to perform a search by the search system 12.

[0054] For example, the prompt generation unit 44 may generate a prompt that includes a template that reads, "Please refer to the logs at the following location to determine whether a search is possible," and a string indicating the location of the log storage unit 40 (e.g., a URL).

[0055] The prompt output unit 46 may output the prompt to the intermediary LLM. The search intermediary unit 50 may then determine that it has obtained sufficient information (context) to perform a search using the search system 12 if the response output from the intermediary LLM to the prompt is a positive response (for example, "It is possible").

[0056] Furthermore, for example, the search mediation unit 50 may determine whether or not at least one predetermined attribute (for example, gender, age group, address, hobbies, household size, etc.) can be extracted from the log stored in the log storage unit 40. If the search mediation unit 50 determines that the attribute can be extracted, it may then determine that sufficient information (context) has been obtained to perform a search by the search system 12.

[0057] Furthermore, as will be described later, if it is determined that sufficient information (context) has been obtained to perform a search by the search system 12, a predetermined chat message indicating that the search is executable (for example, a chat message containing an optional image 26i with the string "Search for me") may be sent to the terminal 14.

[0058] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the search mediation unit 50 may generate a search query based on the log of the chat message exchange between the search control system 10 and the terminal 14. The search query may be a keyword used to search for a product or service. Here, for example, the search mediation unit 50 may generate a search query in response to the fulfillment of a given search execution condition. The search execution condition may be, for example, that the chat message received by the reception unit 42 contains a predetermined string (for example, "Search for me"). Note that the predetermined string does not have to be the string "Search for me", but may be, for example, the string "Search for me" in Japanese. Alternatively, the search execution condition may be that it has been determined that sufficient information (context) has been obtained to perform a search by the search system 12.

[0059] Here, the prompt generation unit 44 may, for example, generate a search query generation prompt that instructs the log storage unit 40 to generate a search query based on the log stored in the log storage unit 40 when a chat message received by the reception unit 42 satisfies a given search execution condition, and the prompt output unit 46 may output the search query generation prompt to the language model (in this case, for example, the intermediary LLM). Then, the search intermediary unit 50 may generate a search query based on the response output from the language model in response to the output of the search query generation prompt to the intermediary LLM.

[0060] For example, the prompt generation unit 44 may generate a prompt that includes a template such as "Please refer to the log at the following location and generate a single sentence of Japanese keywords suitable for searching," and a string indicating the location of the log storage unit 40 (e.g., URL), and the prompt output unit 46 may output this prompt to the intermediary LLM. Alternatively, the prompt generation unit 44 may generate a prompt that includes the content of the log to be referenced and instructions for generating a search query, and the prompt output unit 46 may output this prompt to the intermediary LLM. The search intermediary unit 50 may then obtain the response output from the intermediary LLM in response to this prompt as a search query.

[0061] The search intermediary unit 50 may also generate a search query based on a chat message received from the terminal 14 (for example, the latest chat message received from the terminal 14).

[0062] Hereafter, the search queries generated by the search intermediary unit 50 will be referred to as generated search queries.

[0063] Then, the search mediation unit 50 calculates a search frequency score for each of the multiple search systems 12 based on a given search query (for example, a generated search query) and the history of queries used in searches performed by each of the multiple search systems 12.

[0064] For example, a search frequency score may be calculated for each of the multiple search systems 12 based on a given search query and the query history held by the executed query history collection unit 48.

[0065] Furthermore, for example, the search mediation unit 50 may output a collection instruction to the executed query history collection unit 48 in response to the generation of a generated search query. The executed query history collection unit 48 may then collect a history of queries used in searches executed by each of the multiple search systems 12 from each of the multiple search systems 12 in response to the receipt of the collection instruction. Based on the generated search query and the query history thus collected, a search frequency score may be calculated for each of the multiple search systems 12.

[0066] Here, the search intermediary unit 50 may calculate a search frequency score for each of the multiple search systems 12 based on the number of times a given search query was used in the search performed by the search system 12. For example, the search intermediary unit 50 may calculate the search frequency score for the search system 12 as the number of times a search using the same query as the generated search query was performed in the search system 12. Alternatively, the search intermediary unit 50 may calculate the search frequency score for the search system 12 as the number of times a search using a query containing the same word as any of the words included in the generated search query was performed in the search system 12.

[0067] Furthermore, the search intermediary unit 50 may calculate a search frequency score for each of the multiple search systems 12 based on the ratio of the number of times a given search query was used to the total number of searches performed by the search system 12. For example, the search intermediary unit 50 may calculate the search frequency score for the search system 12 by dividing the number of times a search using the same query as the generated search query was performed by the search system 12 by the total number of searches performed by the search system 12. Alternatively, the search intermediary unit 50 may calculate the search frequency score for the search system 12 by dividing the number of times a search using a query containing any word identical to any word in the generated search query was performed by the search system 12 by the total number of searches performed by the search system 12.

[0068] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the search frequency score may be normalized. For example, the search frequency scores calculated for each of the multiple search systems 12 as described above may be treated as provisional scores. Then, the value obtained by multiplying the provisional scores of each of the multiple search systems 12 by a predetermined number so that the sum is 1 may be calculated as the search frequency score.

[0069] Furthermore, the query history used to calculate the search frequency score may be the query history used for searches performed in response to a request from a single user using terminal 14. Alternatively, the query history used to calculate the search frequency score may be the query history used for searches performed in response to requests from multiple users, including the user using terminal 14. Furthermore, the query history used to calculate the search frequency score may be the query history used for searches performed in response to requests from one or more users other than the user using terminal 14.

[0070] Then, in this embodiment, the search mediation unit 50 determines at least one target system from among the multiple search systems 12 based on a given search query and the history of queries used in searches performed by each of the multiple search systems 12.

[0071] Here, the search mediation unit 50 may determine at least one target system based on the search frequency score. For example, the search system 12 with the highest search frequency score may be determined as the target system. Alternatively, for example, N search systems 12 from the one with the highest search frequency score to the Nth-highest may be determined as target systems (where N is a predetermined number of 2 or more).

[0072] Furthermore, the search mediation unit 50 may determine a search system 12 whose search frequency score is greater than a predetermined value (for example, 0.6) as the target system.

[0073] In this embodiment, the search mediation unit 50 outputs a given search query to each of at least one target system. Here, the search mediation unit 50 may output a generated search query to each of at least one target system. In this embodiment, the same search query is output to at least one target system. In this embodiment, the search mediation unit 50 then receives search results corresponding to the search query from each of at least one target system. For example, the search mediation unit 50 receives search results output from each of at least one target system in response to the output of a search query to that target system.

[0074] In this embodiment, when a search is performed in the search system 12, the prompt generation unit 44 generates a prompt that includes the search results in each of at least one target systems, and the prompt output unit 46 may output the prompt to a language model (in this case, for example, an intermediary LLM). The prompt may also include a chat message received by the reception unit 42. Furthermore, the prompt may include an instruction to refer to a log stored in the log storage unit 40. The search intermediary unit 50 may then obtain the response output from the language model in response to the prompt.

[0075] On the other hand, if no search is performed in the search system 12, the prompt generation unit 44 may generate a prompt containing the chat message received by the reception unit 42, and the prompt output unit 46 may output the prompt to the language model (in this case, for example, the intermediary LLM). The prompt may also include an instruction to refer to the log stored in the log storage unit 40. The search intermediary unit 50 may then obtain the response output from the language model in response to the prompt.

[0076] In this embodiment, the chat message generation unit 52 generates chat messages to be output to the terminal 14, for example.

[0077] For example, the chat message generation unit 52 may generate a chat message that includes the response generated by the intermediary LLM. If the search intermediary unit 50 receives search results output from each of at least one target systems, the search intermediary unit 50 may generate a chat message that includes the search results received from each of at least one target systems and the response generated by the intermediary LLM.

[0078] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the chat message generation unit 52 may generate a predetermined chat message indicating that a search can be performed when a given search execution condition is met. For example, the chat message generation unit 52 may generate a chat message including an optional image 26i containing the string "Search for me" when a given search execution condition is met. Here, the search execution condition may be, for example, the condition that it has been determined that sufficient information (context) to perform a search has been obtained.

[0079] Furthermore, the intermediary LLM may be configured to output a prompt that includes instructions for generating options to be presented to the user. The chat message generation unit 52 may then generate a chat message that includes option images 26, each associated with one or more options output from the intermediary LLM in response to the output of the prompt.

[0080] In this embodiment, the display control unit 54, for example, displays the chat screen 20 on the display of the terminal 14.

[0081] The display control unit 54 may, for example, generate a chat screen 20 with the chat message added when the reception unit 42 receives a chat message from the terminal 14, and send the chat screen 20 to the terminal 14. The terminal 14 may then display the chat screen 20 on its display when it receives it.

[0082] Furthermore, the display control unit 54 may, for example, generate a chat screen 20 with the chat message added in response to the chat message generation unit 52 generating a chat message, and send the chat screen 20 to the terminal 14. Here, the chat message may include search results received from at least one target system (for example, a search result summary image 30). The chat message may also include a portion of the search results received from at least one target system (for example, a search result summary image 30 showing a portion of the search results received from the search system 12). Then, in response to receiving the chat screen 20, the terminal 14 may display the chat screen 20 on its display.

[0083] Thus, the display control unit 54 in this embodiment acts as a chat message output unit that outputs chat messages to the terminal 14 based on the language model's response to a prompt. Furthermore, the display control unit 54 in this embodiment acts as a search result output unit that outputs search results received from the search system 12 to the terminal 14 in response to the output of a search query to the search system 12.

[0084] In this embodiment, the search intermediary unit 50 may output a search query to the target system in response to the receipt of a search request in response to the output of a predetermined chat message indicating that a search is possible (for example, the receipt of a chat message containing "Search for me" in response to the output of a chat message containing an optional image 26i with the string "Search for me" placed on it).

[0085] For example, if the search mediation unit 50 determines that it has obtained sufficient information (context) to perform a search, the chat message generation unit 52 may generate a chat message that includes an optional image 26i containing the string "Search for me". The display control unit 54 may then send the chat screen 20 containing the optional image 26i to the terminal 14. In response to the transmission of the chat screen 20, the search mediation unit 50 may generate a generated search query, calculate a search frequency score, and determine at least one target system. The search mediation unit 50 may then output the generated search query to at least one target system.

[0086] Furthermore, the search mediation unit 50 does not need to generate a generated search query and output it to the search system 12 in response to a search request in response to the output of a predetermined chat message indicating that a search is executable. Even if the predetermined chat message indicating that a search is executable has not been output, the search mediation unit 50 may generate a generated search query and output it to the search system 12 in response to the receipt of a search request. For example, in response to the reception unit 42 receiving a message containing a predetermined string (for example, the string "search" in Japanese), the search mediation unit 50 may generate a generated search query and output the generated search query to the search system 12.

[0087] In this embodiment, the search results screen generation unit 56 generates search results screen data that shows the search results in a search performed by at least one target system. In this embodiment, for example, search results screen data is generated that includes a tab 34a associated with all search results, tabs 34 associated with each target system, a search results detail image 36a showing all search results, and a search results detail image 36 showing the search results in a search performed by the target system.

[0088] Here, for example, let's assume that the first search system 12a and the second search system 12b are the target systems. In this case, search result screen data is generated that includes tabs 34a, 34b, 34c, search result detail image 36a, search result detail image 36b, and search result detail image 36c. Here, search result detail image 36b may show a portion of the search results from the search in the first search system 12a. Also, search result detail image 36c may show a portion of the search results from the search in the second search system 12b, as shown in search result detail image 36b. Furthermore, search result detail image 36a may show a portion of the search results from the search in the first search system 12a, as shown in search result detail image 36b, and a portion of the search results from the search in the second search system 12b, as shown in search result detail image 36c.

[0089] Then, the display control unit 54 causes, in this embodiment, to display a search results screen 32 showing the search results received from at least one target system.

[0090] The display control unit 54 may, for example, generate the search result screen data described above in response to the reception unit 42 receiving a search result display request from the terminal 14, and transmit the search result screen data to the terminal 14. The terminal 14 may then display the search result screen 32a on its display in response to receiving the search result screen data.

[0091] In this embodiment, the prompt generation unit 44 may store the prompts it generates in the log storage unit 40. The display control unit 54 may also store the chat screen 20 it generates in the log storage unit 40.

[0092] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the search mediation unit 50 may store the generated search queries it generates in the log storage unit 40.

[0093] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the logs stored in the log storage unit 40 may include search results. For example, the search mediation unit 50 may store the search results it receives from the target system in the log storage unit 40. Also, the logs stored in the log storage unit 40 may include a history of queries used in searches executed by the search system 12, which are collected by the executed query history collection unit 48.

[0094] Furthermore, the various data stored in the log storage unit 40 in this manner may be referenced in the various processes described above.

[0095] Here, an example of the processing flow executed in response to the reception of a chat message in the search control system 10 according to this embodiment will be explained with reference to the flowcharts illustrated in Figures 8A, 8B, and 8C.

[0096] When the reception unit 42 receives a chat message from the terminal 14 (S101), the display control unit 54 generates a chat screen 20 containing the chat message and sends the chat screen 20 to the terminal 14 (S102). In response to receiving the chat screen 20, the terminal 14 updates the chat screen 20 displayed on its display to the received chat screen 20.

[0097] Then, the prompt generation unit 44 determines whether or not to generate a search query based on the chat message received in the process shown in S101 (S103).

[0098] If it is determined that generating a search query is unnecessary (S103:N), the prompt generation unit 44 generates a prompt containing the chat message received in the process shown in S101 (S104), and the prompt output unit 46 outputs the prompt generated in the process shown in S104 to the intermediary LLM (S105).

[0099] Then, the chat message generation unit 52 generates a chat message based on the response from the target model to the prompt output to the intermediary LLM in the process shown in S105 (S106).

[0100] Then, the display control unit 54 generates a chat screen 20 containing the chat message generated in the process shown in S106, and sends the chat screen 20 to the terminal 14 (S107), and the process shown in this example is completed. In response to receiving the chat screen 20, the terminal 14 updates the chat screen 20 displayed on its display with the received chat screen 20.

[0101] If the process shown in S103 determines that it is necessary to generate a search query (S103:Y), the prompt generation unit 44 generates a search query generation prompt (S108), and the prompt output unit 46 outputs the search query generation prompt generated in the process shown in S108 to the intermediary LLM (S109).

[0102] Then, the search mediation unit 50 obtains the generated search query, which is the output from the mediation LLM in response to the search query generation prompt output to the mediation LLM in the process shown in S109 (S110).

[0103] Then, the search mediation unit 50 outputs a collection instruction to the executed query history collection unit 48, and the executed query history collection unit 48 collects the history of queries used in searches executed by each of the first search system 12a, the second search system 12b, the third search system 12c, ... from each of the said search system 12 (S111).

[0104] Then, the search mediation unit 50 calculates the search frequency score for each of the multiple search systems 12 based on the generated search queries obtained in the process shown in S110 and the query history collected in the process shown in S111 (S112).

[0105] Then, the search mediation unit 50 determines at least one target system based on the search frequency scores of each of the multiple search systems 12 calculated in the process shown in S112 (S113).

[0106] Then, the search mediation unit 50 outputs the generated search query obtained in the process shown in S110 to each of the at least one target systems determined in the process shown in S113 (S114).

[0107] Then, the search mediation unit 50 receives search results output from each of at least one target systems in response to the output of a generated search query to that target system (S115).

[0108] Then, the prompt generation unit 44 generates a prompt that includes the search results received in the process shown in S115 (S116), and the prompt output unit 46 outputs the prompt generated in the process shown in S116 to the intermediary LLM (S117).

[0109] Then, the chat message generation unit 52 generates a chat message (S118) based on the search results received in the process shown in S115 and the response from the target model to the prompt output to the target model in the process shown in S117.

[0110] Then, the display control unit 54 generates a chat screen 20 containing the chat message generated in the process shown in S118, and sends the chat screen 20 to the terminal 14 (S119), and the process shown in this example is completed. In response to receiving the chat screen 20, the terminal 14 updates the chat screen 20 displayed on its display with the received chat screen 20.

[0111] The processes shown in S101 to S119 are executed each time the reception unit 42 receives a chat message.

[0112] Next, an example of the processing flow executed in the search control system 10 according to this embodiment in response to the receipt of a search result display request will be explained with reference to the flowchart illustrated in Figure 9C.

[0113] When the reception unit 42 receives a request to display search results from the terminal 14 (S201), the search result screen generation unit 56 generates search result screen data based on the search results received in the process shown in S115 (S202).

[0114] Then, the display control unit 54 transmits the search results screen data generated by the process shown in S202 to the terminal 14 (S203), and the process shown in this example is terminated. In response to receiving the search results screen data, the terminal 14 displays the search results screen 32 on its display.

[0115] According to this embodiment, as described above, the user can seamlessly obtain search results from the search system 12 via the chat screen 20, feeling as if they are naturally chatting with a person.

[0116] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, as described above, the user can obtain search results from a search system 12 suitable for their desired search without being aware of the existence of multiple search systems 12.

[0117] In this embodiment, the display control unit 54 may display a search results screen 32 in which the search results for each of at least one target systems are displayed in a number of search results corresponding to the search frequency score of that target system. For example, the search frequency score and the number of search results may be associated in advance. The search results screen generation unit 56 may then generate search results screen data for each of at least one target systems, which includes the number of search results for that target system that are associated with the search frequency score of that target system.

[0118] Furthermore, for example, the search results screen generation unit 56 may determine the number of search results to be displayed for each of the at least one target systems based on the search frequency score of each of the at least one target systems. For example, for each of the at least one target systems, the number of search results to be displayed for that target system may be determined by multiplying a predetermined number by the search frequency score of that target system and dividing by the sum of the search frequency scores of the multiple search systems 12. The search results screen generation unit 56 may then generate search results screen data for each of the at least one target system that includes the number of search results to be displayed for that target system. The display control unit 54 may then display a search results screen 32a showing the number of search results to be displayed for each of the at least one target system that are associated with that target system.

[0119] Here, for example, a search results screen 32a showing search results selected according to a predetermined rule may be displayed. For example, a search results screen 32a showing a number of search results in order from the cheapest to the most expensive may be displayed. Alternatively, for example, a search results screen 32a showing a number of search results in order from the newest to the most recent release date may be displayed.

[0120] Furthermore, in this embodiment, each of the multiple search systems 12 may be associated with a service. For example, the first search system 12a may be associated with an e-commerce service, and the second search system 12b may be associated with a used goods distribution service. The search intermediary unit 50 may then determine at least one target system based on the usage history (e.g., frequency of use) of the services associated with each of the multiple search systems 12 by the user using the terminal 14. For example, if it is determined that the e-commerce service is the most frequently used service based on the usage history of each service, the first search system 12a may be determined as the target system.

[0121] However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above.

[0122] For example, the language model according to this embodiment does not have to be a large-scale language model (LLM). For instance, the language model according to this embodiment may be an n-gram model, a recurrent neural network (RNN), a Seq2Seq model, a word embedding model, or the like.

[0123] Furthermore, the search targets in the search system 12 according to this embodiment are not limited to products or services.

[0124] Furthermore, the intermediary LLM may not be included in the search control system 10, but may be included in an external system capable of communicating with the search control system 10.

[0125] Furthermore, the specific strings and numbers mentioned above, as well as those in the drawings, are examples only and are not limiting to these strings and numbers.

[0126] Furthermore, the search control system can also be configured as follows: [1] A target system determination means that determines at least one target system from among multiple search systems based on a given search query and the history of queries used in searches performed by each of the multiple search systems, Each of the at least one target systems is provided with a search query output means for outputting the search query, A search result receiving means that receives search results corresponding to the search query from each of the at least one target systems, A display control means for displaying a screen showing the search results received from each of the at least one target systems, A search control system including a search control system. [2] The system further includes a search frequency score calculation means that calculates a search frequency score for each of the plurality of search systems based on the search query and the history of queries used in searches performed by each of the plurality of search systems, The target system determination means determines the at least one target system based on the search frequency score. [1] The search control system described above. [3] The search frequency score calculation means calculates the search frequency score for each of the plurality of search systems based on the number of times the search query was used in the search performed by the search system. [2] The search control system described above. [4] The search frequency score calculation means calculates the search frequency score for each of the plurality of search systems based on the ratio of the number of searches performed using the search query to the total number of searches performed by the search system. [2] The search control system described above. [5] The target system determination means determines a search system whose search frequency score is greater than a predetermined value as the target system. [2] The search control system described above. [6] The display control means causes the screen to display the search results for each of the at least one target system, in a number of search result presentations corresponding to the search frequency score of that target system. A search control system as described in any of [2] to [5]. [7] The system further includes a search result presentation count determination means that determines the number of search results to be presented in each of the at least one target systems based on the search frequency score of each of the at least one target systems, The display control means causes the screen to display the search results for each of the at least one target system, in a number of search result presentations corresponding to that target system. A search control system as described in any of [2] to [5]. [8] The system further includes a search query generation means that generates the search query based on the chat message received, in response to the fulfillment of a given condition, The target system determination means determines the at least one target system based on the generated search query. A search control system as described in any of [1] to [7]. [9] A prompt generation means that generates prompts to a language model based on chat messages received from a terminal, A prompt output means for outputting the aforementioned prompt to the language model, A chat message output means that outputs a chat message to the terminal based on the response from the language model to the prompt, The system further includes a search query generation means that generates the search query based on the logs of the chat message exchange with the terminal, depending on whether a given condition is met. The target system determination means determines the at least one target system based on the generated search query, The display control means causes the terminal to display the screen. A search control system as described in any of [1] to [7].

[10] The aforementioned history is a history of queries used in searches performed in response to requests from users using the terminal. [9] The search control system described below.

[11] Each of the aforementioned search systems is associated with a service, The target system determination means determines the at least one target system based on the usage history of services associated with each of the plurality of search systems by the user using the terminal. The search control system described in [9] or

[10] .

[12] Further including the aforementioned terminal, The terminal includes a display means for displaying the screen, A search control system as described in any of [9] to

[11] . [Explanation of Symbols]

[0127] 1 Chat system, 10 Search control system, 10a Processor, 10b Memory unit, 10c Communication unit, 12 Search system, 12a First search system, 12b Second search system, 12c Third search system, 14 Terminal, 16 Computer network, 20 Chat screen, 22,22a,22b,22c User message image, 24,24a,24b Reply message image, 26,26a,26b,26c,26d,26e,26f,26g,26h,26i Option image, 28 Input form, 30 Search result summary image, 32,32a,32b,32c Search result screen, 34,34a,34b,34c Tab, 36,36a,36b,36c Search result detail image, 40 Log memory unit, 42 Reception unit, 44 Prompt generation unit, 46 48 Prompt output unit, 48 Executed query history collection unit, 50 Search mediation unit, 52 Chat message generation unit, 54 Display control unit, 56 Search results screen generation unit.

Claims

1. A search frequency score calculation means calculates a search frequency score for each of the multiple search systems based on a given search query and the history of queries used in searches performed by each of the multiple search systems. A target system determination means that determines at least one target system from among the plurality of search systems based on the search frequency score, Each of the at least one target systems is provided with a search query output means for outputting the search query, A search result receiving means that receives search results corresponding to the search query from each of the at least one target systems, A display control means that causes a screen to display a number of search results corresponding to the search frequency score of the at least one target system, A search control system including a search control system.

2. A search frequency score calculation means calculates a search frequency score for each of the multiple search systems based on a given search query and the history of queries used in searches performed by each of the multiple search systems. A target system determination means that determines at least one target system from among the plurality of search systems based on the search frequency score, A search result presentation count determination means that determines the number of search results to be presented associated with each of the at least one target systems based on the search frequency score of each of the at least one target systems, Each of the at least one target systems is provided with a search query output means for outputting the search query, A search result receiving means that receives search results corresponding to the search query from each of the at least one target systems, A display control means that causes a screen to display the search results of each of the at least one target systems, in a number of search result presentations corresponding to that target system, A search control system including a search control system.

3. The search frequency score calculation means calculates the search frequency score for each of the plurality of search systems based on the number of times the search query was used in the search performed by the search system. The search control system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The search frequency score calculation means calculates the search frequency score for each of the plurality of search systems based on the ratio of the number of searches performed using the search query to the total number of searches performed by the search system. The search control system according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The target system determination means determines a search system whose search frequency score is greater than a predetermined value as the target system. The search control system according to claim 1 or 2.

6. A prompt generation means that generates prompts to a language model based on chat messages received from a terminal, A prompt output means for outputting the aforementioned prompt to the language model, A chat message output means that outputs a chat message to the terminal based on the response from the language model to the prompt, A search query generation means that generates a search query based on the logs of chat message exchanges with the terminal, depending on whether a given condition is met. A target system determination means that determines at least one target system from among the multiple search systems based on the generated search query, the history of queries used in searches performed by each of the multiple search systems associated with the service, and the usage history of services associated with each of the multiple search systems by the user using the terminal, Each of the at least one target systems is provided with a search query output means for outputting the search query, A search result receiving means that receives search results corresponding to the search query from each of the at least one target systems, A display control means for displaying a screen showing the search results received from each of the at least one target systems, A search control system including a search control system.

7. Further including the aforementioned terminal, The terminal includes a display means for displaying the screen, The search control system according to claim 6.

8. The search frequency score calculation means calculates a search frequency score for each of the multiple search systems based on a given search query and the history of queries used in searches performed by each of the multiple search systems. The target system determination means determines at least one target system from among the plurality of search systems based on the search frequency score, The search query output means outputs the search query to each of the at least one target systems, The search result receiving means includes the step of receiving search results corresponding to the search query from each of the at least one target systems, The display control means provides a screen in which the search results for each of the at least one target system are displayed in a number of search results corresponding to the search frequency score of the target system, A search control method that includes this.

9. The search frequency score calculation means calculates a search frequency score for each of the multiple search systems based on a given search query and the history of queries used in searches performed by each of the multiple search systems. The target system determination means determines at least one target system from among the plurality of search systems based on the search frequency score, The means for determining the number of search results to present includes the step of determining the number of search results to present associated with each of the at least one target systems based on the search frequency score of each of the at least one target systems, The search query output means outputs the search query to each of the at least one target systems, The search result receiving means includes the step of receiving search results corresponding to the search query from each of the at least one target systems, The display control means provides a screen that displays a number of search results corresponding to the search results of each of the at least one target systems, A search control method that includes this.

10. The prompt generation means generates a prompt to the language model based on a chat message received from the terminal, The prompt output means includes the step of outputting the prompt to the language model, The chat message output means outputs a chat message to the terminal based on the response from the language model to the prompt, The search query generation means generates a search query based on the logs of the chat message exchange with the terminal, depending on whether a given condition is met. The target system determination means determines at least one target system from among the plurality of search systems based on the generated search query, the history of queries used in searches performed by each of the plurality of search systems associated with the service, and the usage history of services associated with each of the plurality of search systems by the user using the terminal. The search query output means outputs the search query to each of the at least one target systems, The search result receiving means includes the step of receiving search results corresponding to the search query from each of the at least one target systems, The display control means causes a screen to display the search results received from each of the at least one target systems, A search control method that includes this.

11. A step of calculating a search frequency score for each of the multiple search systems based on a given search query and the history of queries used in searches performed by each of the multiple search systems. The steps include determining at least one target system from among the plurality of search systems based on the search frequency score, The steps include outputting the search query to each of the at least one target systems, The steps include receiving search results corresponding to the search query from each of the at least one target systems, The steps include: displaying a screen showing the search results for each of the at least one target systems, with a number of search results displayed corresponding to the search frequency score of the target system; A program that causes a computer to execute something.

12. A step of calculating a search frequency score for each of the multiple search systems based on a given search query and the history of queries used in searches performed by each of the multiple search systems. The steps include determining at least one target system from among the plurality of search systems based on the search frequency score, A step of determining the number of search results to be presented for each of the at least one target systems based on the search frequency score of each of the at least one target systems, The steps include outputting the search query to each of the at least one target systems, The steps include receiving search results corresponding to the search query from each of the at least one target systems, The steps include: displaying a screen showing the search results for each of the at least one target systems, in a number of search result presentations corresponding to that target system; A program that causes a computer to execute something.

13. A step of generating prompts for the language model based on chat messages received from the terminal, The steps include outputting the prompt to the language model, The steps include outputting a chat message to the terminal based on the response from the language model to the prompt, Depending on whether a given condition is met, the steps include generating a search query based on the logs of the chat message exchange with the terminal, A step of determining at least one target system from among the multiple search systems based on the generated search query, the history of queries used in searches performed by each of the multiple search systems associated with the service, and the usage history of services associated with each of the multiple search systems by the user using the terminal; The steps include outputting the search query to each of the at least one target systems, The steps include receiving search results corresponding to the search query from each of the at least one target systems, The steps include: displaying a screen showing the search results received from each of the at least one target systems; A program that causes a computer to execute something.

Images