JPH09319753A - Data base connecting system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To unnecessitating user's previous investigation concerning which data base data on a retrieving object are included in, a connecting method to a data base, e.g. by improving user's operability at the time of connecting a data base. SOLUTION: A data base content holding part 31 stores a group of key words showing data base contents in each data base. A data base form holding part 32 stores the position of a data base and a connection protocol concerning each data base. A data base selection means 21 selects the data base including the same key word as an inputted character string based on the retrieval of the holding part 31. A data base connection means 22 executes connection to the data base selected by the selection means 21 based on the reference of the holding part 32.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a database and a data processing device (input / output by a user via an input device and an output device) in order to provide a user (user of the database system) with operating means of the database. The present invention relates to a database connection method for connecting to a data processing device that performs data processing based on the above.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Techniques (apparatuses and methods) for allowing a user of a database system to operate a database with a simple operation have been available. However, such a conventional technique is to open the operation related to a specific database to the user.

As such a conventional technique, for example, W
Gateway services to databases using WW (World Wide Web) can be seen. this is,
The WWW provides an interface for searching a specific database and referring to necessary data.

In the above-mentioned "gateway service to database by WWW", an interface centered on mouse operation is adopted. Such an interface has better operability than an interface in which a user inputs a command for directly operating the database. However, the target database must be selected and specified by the user in advance, as in the past. Further, in order to specify the target database, the user needs to operate the mouse or keyboard at least once. In this way, all operations related to database selection are not performed unless the user instructs.

As described above, in the conventional database connection method, all the operations relating to the selection of the database to be connected are left to the user.

[0006]

In the above-mentioned conventional database connection method, since the selection of the database to be connected is entirely up to the user, the user must select the database to be connected in advance. There was a problem that it had to be done (operability deteriorated for the user).

In other words, the WWW gateway service or the like has enabled the user to retrieve data from the database with a simple operation. However, regarding which database contains the necessary data, Must know

[0008] Here, unless the user can clearly characterize the necessary data, it is difficult for the user to accurately specify the target database (database to be connected). In particular, with regard to other new databases found during the search of a certain database, it is common for the user not to have information about that database, so it is determined whether or not to search that database as well. It is very difficult for the user to (determine whether or not the database should be connected).

However, in the prior art, even for such a database, it is left to the user to decide whether or not to connect, and when the user wants to connect, the user explicitly I had to tell him to connect.

As described above, in the conventional database connection method, a large amount of burden (time and effort) is imposed on the user in selecting the database to be connected.

In view of the above points, an object of the present invention is to provide a database connection system which can improve the operability of the user when connecting the database.

[0012]

A database connection method according to the present invention includes a database content holding unit for storing a keyword group indicating a database content of each database, and a database form holding unit for storing a database position and a connection protocol for each database. Database selection means for selecting a database containing the same keyword as the input character string based on a search of the database content holding part, and to the database selected by the database selection means based on the reference of the database form holding part. And a database connection means for making connection.

As will be described later, in the database connection system of the present invention, in addition to the above-mentioned basic form, there are modified forms having various additional functions.

[0014]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Next, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

(1) First Embodiment of the Present Invention FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a first embodiment of the database connection system of the present invention.

In this database connection method, an input device 1 realized by a keyboard or the like, a data processing device 2 which operates under program control, a storage device 3 for storing information, and information outside the device (data processing device 2) It is configured to include an external input / output device 4 which is a device for transmitting and receiving data, and an output device 5 which is realized by a display device, a printing device or the like.

The storage device 3 includes a database content holding unit 3
1 and a database form holding unit 32.

The database content holding unit 31 stores a set of one or more keywords (keyword group) included in the corresponding database using the name of the database (database name) as a headword. That is, the database content holding unit 31 has an entry having items of “database name” and “database content” for each database (see FIG. 3). As the keyword in the “database content”, it is possible to use not only the word indicating the item name existing in the database or the word included in the data of the database but also the word indicating the type or form of the database. (The term "keyword contained in the database" is used in a broad sense including words representing such types and forms).

The database form holding unit 32 stores in advance the position of the corresponding database on the network and the protocol used at the time of connection, using the name of the database (database name) as an entry word. That is, the database form holding unit 32 has entries having items of "database name", "database position", and "connection protocol" (see FIG. 3). As the entry words (database names) of the database form holding unit 32, all the entry words (database names) of the database content holding unit 31 are prepared.

As the databases registered in the database content holding unit 31 and the database form holding unit 32,
In addition to the relational database and the document database, for example, an OS (Operating System)
m) managed file system, personal computer (PC) forums, electronic conference rooms,
WWW sites and the like can be targeted.

As the keywords in the "database contents" item in the database contents holding section 31, the following information items can be taken depending on the type of database.

In the case of a relational database, the table name or field name of each table can be used as a keyword.

In the case of a document database, a category name or the like for allocating documents can be used as a keyword.

In the case of a “database using a file system” in which a document file created by application software is divided into directories on a plurality of host computers, the directory name existing on each host computer is used as its name. It can be a keyword corresponding to the host computer.

In the case of a personal computer communication forum / electronic conference room, words appearing in the forum name or the conference room name can be held as keywords.

When a WWW site is used as a target database, words or the like appearing in the index page of each site can be stored as a keyword.

The data processing device 2 comprises a database selecting means 21 and a database connecting means 22.

The database selection means 21 searches the database content holding unit 31 to find a database containing the same keyword as the input character string given from the input device 1 (the input character string is stored in the “database” in the database holding unit 31). Select the database specified by the "database name" of the entry you have as a keyword in "contents".

The database connection means 22 connects the database selected by the database selection means 21 to the data processing device 2. At this time, the database connection unit 22 searches the database form holding unit 32, and determines the position of the database to be connected on the network (the position indicated by the “database position” in the entry having the “database name” of the database). The protocol at the time of connection (the protocol indicated by the "connection protocol" in the entry having the "database name" of the database) is recognized in advance. The database connection unit 22 connects the database and the data processing device 2 via the external input / output device 4 according to these positions and protocols.

FIG. 2 is a flow chart showing the processing of this database connection method. This processing includes a database name search step A1, a detection possibility determination step A2, a database position and connection protocol search step A3,
It comprises a database connection step A4, a connection availability judgment step A5, a "connection completed" output step A6, a "connection impossible" output step A7, and a "no search data" output step A8.

FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a concrete example of this database connection method, as will be described later. In FIG. 3, specific examples of the database content holding unit 31 and the database form holding unit 32 are shown.

Next, the operation of the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

The input character string given from the input device 1 is
It is supplied to the database selection means 21 in the data processing device 2.

Upon receipt of the input character string, the database selecting means 21 performs the following processes (1) to (3).

The database content holding unit 31 is searched by this input character string, and the database name of the database in which the same word as this input character string is included as a keyword is searched (step A1). That is, the database content holding unit 31 is searched for an entry having the same keyword as the input character string in the “database content”, and the “database name” in the entry is searched (in this way, the database to be connected is searched). Make a choice). When a plurality of input character strings are supplied from the input device 1, the database name of the database in which the same word as any one of the input character strings is included as a keyword is searched.

It is determined whether or not the database name was actually detected by the search in step A1 (step A
2).

When it is determined in step A 2 that “the database name of the database including the same word as the input character string as a keyword could not be detected”, it means “no search data” (the database to be connected does not exist). ) Is output (displayed) to the output device 5 (step A)
8).

On the other hand, when it is determined in step A2 that “the database name of the database including the same word as the input character string as a keyword has been detected”, the detected database name (when a plurality of database names can be detected, Provides all of the plurality of database names) to the database connection means 22.

When the database connection means 22 is given a database name by the database selection means 21, the database connection means 22 carries out the following processes.

For a given database name (or a plurality of database names when a plurality of database names are given), the database form holding unit 32
The position of the database stored on the network (database position) and the protocol used for connection (connection protocol) are read (the database form holding unit 32 is searched by the given database name, and these information Is detected) (step A3).

Based on the database position and connection protocol read in step A3, a connection to the database is attempted by communicating with the database existing at the position on the network via the external input / output device 4 by the protocol ( In step A4), it is determined whether or not the connection was actually established (step A5).

When it is determined in step A 5 that “connection is successful”, the fact that the connection is completed (indication of “connection completed”) is output (displayed, etc.) to the output device 5 (step A
6) The subsequent operation by the user is transmitted to the database as it is.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step A5 that “the connection cannot be made”, the fact that the connection cannot be made (the fact that “the connection cannot be made”) is output (displayed) to the output device 5 (step A7).

Incidentally, in the above-mentioned processing of and by the database connecting means 22, when there are a plurality of databases to be connected, the respective processing is carried out for each database.

The database connection method of the first embodiment described above corresponds to the invention of claim 1. Here, a database connection method in which a weight is added to each keyword and only databases having a total sum of weights equal to or greater than a certain value (weight threshold value) are selected as a connection target can be realized. By adding weights,
It can represent the degree of agreement between each input string and each database content). The invention of such a form corresponds to the invention of claim 2. The “weight” will be described in detail in the description of the second embodiment described later.

Next, the effect of the first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

In the first embodiment of the present invention, since a plurality of databases can be automatically searched for a single input character string, the user does not have to select the database to be connected. You can Further, since the method of connecting to the database (protocol etc.) is stored in the database form holding unit 32, the user can perform a search for the database without knowing the method of connecting to the database. In addition, the database to be searched (the database to be connected) is limited to those that have the same keywords as the words in the input character string, reducing unnecessary search operations and reducing the time and effort required for searching. Is reduced. Therefore, the user of the database system can obtain the target data without connecting to a plurality of databases to search for the data or researching the contents of various databases in advance.

(2) Second Embodiment of the Present Invention FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a second embodiment of the database connection system of the present invention.

This database connection system uses the input device 1
A data processing device 2, a storage device 3, an external input / output device 4, and an output device 5.

The storage device 3 includes a database content holding unit 3
1 and a database form holding unit 32.

The data processing device 2 comprises a database selection means 21, a database connection means 22, and a database content inspection means 23.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 6, the configuration of the database connection method according to the second embodiment of the present invention is as follows in comparison with the configuration of the database connection method according to the first embodiment. They differ in the points shown in and.

The data processing device 2 has a database content inspection means 23.

The database content holding unit 31 in the storage device 3 holds the weight for each keyword (index indicating the importance or priority of the keyword when determining whether or not to connect the database). That is, the information indicating the weight is added to each keyword in the “database content” in each entry (the numerical value in parentheses following the keyword in the database content holding unit 31 in FIG. 6 corresponds to the “weight”). To). Keywords to which such weights are added are called "weighted keywords".

The database content inspection means 23 makes a temporary connection to the database determined by the database selection means 21 to be a database below the weight threshold (contents will be described later), and the description exists in the database. Search a database other than the database and make a recursive connection to the database of the search results,
It is checked whether or not the input character string is included in the temporarily connected database at or above the connection criterion (at least a predetermined constant or at a predetermined constant ratio).

Here, the "database other than the database in which the description exists in the database" includes, for example, a database containing another document linked from a document in a certain document database, or a net. Articles in newsgroups with news have been designated as cross-post destinations, or W
There are other WWW site documents linked to in the WW documents.

The database connection means 22 connects to the database selected by the database selection means 21 on the basis of the reference of the database form holding section 32, and the database content inspection means 22 indicates that "the input character string is not less than the connection reference. Connection to the database that is determined to be “Yes”.

In the database connection method of this embodiment, a database having a large sum of weights, which will be described later, is unconditionally connected, but a database having a small sum of weights is not necessarily connected. In view of this, the connection is not made immediately. For such a database, a temporary connection is made to the database, and based on the information obtained by the temporary connection, it is determined whether or not to finally connect. As a result, it is possible to prevent connection to a database having a small relation with the input character string input by the user.

Furthermore, when information about another related database is obtained during temporary connection to a database, that database is recursively set as a temporary connection target. As a result, even when valid information exists in the database that is not registered in the database content holding unit 31, it is possible to find the information.
However, since it is not known whether the newly found information is necessarily useful, a temporary connection is actually made to the database, and the information obtained by the temporary connection is used to determine whether or not to finally connect.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing the processing of this database connection method. This processing includes a database name search step A1, a detection possibility determination step A2, a database position and connection protocol search step A3,
Database connection step A4, connection availability judgment step A5, "connection completed" output step A6, "connection impossible" output step A7, "no search data" output step A8, weighted sum calculation step B1, weighted sum Judgment step B2, temporary connection database position and connection protocol search step B3, temporary database connection step B4, content search step B5, other database related description search step B6, description presence / absence judgment step B
7 and content determination step B8.

FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a concrete example of this database connection method, as will be described later. In FIG. 6, a specific example of the weighting keyword in the database content holding unit 31 is shown.

Next, the operation of the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5.

The input character string given from the input device 1 is
It is supplied to the database selection means 21 in the data processing device 2.

Upon receipt of the input character string, the database selecting means 21 performs the following processes (1) to (3).

The database content holding unit 31 is searched by this input character string, and the database name of the database in which the same word as this input character string is included as a keyword (weighting keyword) is searched (step A
1). That is, the database content holding unit 31 is searched for an entry having the same keyword as the input character string in the “database content”, and the “database name” in the entry is searched (in this way, the database to be connected is searched). Make a choice). When a plurality of input character strings are supplied from the input device 1, the database name of the database in which the same word as any one of the input character strings is included as a keyword is searched.

It is determined whether or not the database name was actually detected by the search in step A1 (step A
2).

If it is determined in step A 2 that “the database name of the database including the same word as the input character string as a keyword could not be detected”, it means “no search data” (there is no database to connect to. ) Is output (displayed) to the output device 5 (step A)
8).

On the other hand, when it is determined in step A2 that “the database name of the database including the same word as the input character string as a keyword has been detected” (an entry having “database content” including the input character string as a weighting keyword is found). In the case where it exists in the database content holding unit 31), each weight of one or more relevant weighted keywords (the same weighted keyword as the input character string) in the relevant entry is extracted, and the sum of these weights is calculated ( Step B1). If there is only one corresponding weighting keyword in the entry, that weight need only be extracted.

It is determined whether the sum of the weights calculated in step B1 is greater than or equal to a certain constant C (predetermined weight threshold value) (step B2).

If it is determined that the sum of weights is equal to or greater than C in step B2, the database (the database including the same keyword as the input character string and the same input character string keyword (same as the input character string The database name of the database) whose sum of the weights of the one or more weighted keywords) is equal to or greater than the weight threshold is given to the database connection means 22.

On the other hand, in step B2, “the sum of weights is C
If it is determined to be "less than", the database is less than the weight threshold (a database that contains the same keyword as the input string, but the sum of the weights of the same keywords in the input string is less than the weight threshold). The database name of the database determined to be and the input character string are given to the database content inspection means 23.

When the database name inspecting means 23 receives the database name and the like from the database selecting means 21, the database content inspecting means 23 carries out the following processes (1) to (3).

For each given database name, the position on the network (database position) of the database stored in the database form holding unit 32 and the protocol (connection protocol) used for connection are read (step B3).

A database existing at the position on the network based on the database position and the connection protocol (database under the weight threshold)
Then, a temporary connection to the database is performed by communicating with the database via the external input / output device 4 (step B4).

For the database that could be temporarily connected in step B4 (the processing is abandoned for the database that could not be temporarily connected), the contents of the database are searched (step B5). That is, how much the input character string given by the database selection means 21 exists in the database is searched.

Further, the description of another database in the database is searched (step B6), and it is determined whether such a description exists (step B7).

When it is determined in step B7 that “a description regarding another database exists in the database”, temporary connection is recursively performed for that database (step B4), and the database selecting means 21
How much the input character string given by is present in the database (database newly provisionally connected) is searched (step B5), and the description of other databases in the database is searched (step B6). ), It is determined whether there is such a description (step B7). In this way, the processes of steps B4 to B7 are recursively repeated.

If it is determined in step B7 that “there is no description about other databases in the database”, all databases temporarily connected up to that point (databases less than the weight threshold and step B4
~ Based on the search in step B5, the input character string is equal to or more than the connection reference (as described above, a constant number or a constant number) for all databases that are temporarily connected recursively by repeating the process of step B7. It is determined whether or not there is a constant ratio or more) (step B8).

Regarding the database determined in step B8 to be “the input character string exceeds the connection criterion”,
The database name is passed to the database connection means 22. If it is determined that "the input character string does not exist for the connection reference or more" for all the databases, nothing is done and the process is terminated.

The search in step B5 and step B8
The determination (determination as to whether or not the given input character string exists in the database in excess of the connection criterion) does not necessarily have to be performed on the entire database. For example, depending on the type of database shown below, the search / judgment ranges as shown in a to d below can be adopted.

A. In the case of a document database, the contents of the database can be searched for the title of the document, and the determination can be made based on the number of detected titles.

B. In the case of a "database using a file system" in which document files created by application software are placed in directories on multiple host computers, the file name of each file and the document name given by the application software Can be searched for.

C. In the case of a personal computer communication forum / electronic meeting room, the hierarchical name and the title of each message in the menu below can be used for searching.

D. In the case of a WWW site, words or the like appearing in the headline of a document can be used for searching.

When the database connection means 22 receives a database name from the database selection means 21 or the database content inspection means 23, the database connection means 22 performs the processing shown in steps A3 to A7. These processes are the same as the processes in the first embodiment (therefore, the description is omitted here).

The database connection system of the second embodiment described above corresponds to the invention of claim 4. here,
The invention can be realized even if there is no processing (processing of steps B6 and B7 in FIG. 5) related to “recursive search of description in database”. Such an invention (an invention in which a recursive search is not performed) corresponds to the invention according to claim 3. Further, in the process of step B7, regarding the newly searched and connected database, the entry relating to the database is registered in the database form holding unit 32, and necessary information is collected after the connection and the entry having the information is stored in the database. Content holding unit 3
1 (when the information about the database recursively searched by the database content inspection means 23 is not registered in the database content holding unit 31, the information about the database is collected and the information is held in the database content. The means for registering in the section 31 is called "database content registration means"). The invention of such a form (an invention having a database content registration means as a constituent element) corresponds to the invention of claim 5.

Next, the effect of the second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

In the second embodiment of the present invention, the keywords included in each database are weighted, and a database having the same keyword as the word (input character string) input by the user is low in weight. The contents are checked by the database contents checking means 23, and if the contents are judged to be insufficient, the connection is canceled. Therefore, in addition to the effect of the first embodiment, there is an effect that the connected databases are limited to those having a strong relationship with the input character string. This allows
It is possible to reduce the trouble of the user when selecting a required database from the connected databases.

Further, by performing the processing of steps B6 and B7 (processing relating to recursive search),
A recursive search for another database can be performed from the database of the connection destination, and even if the database is not stored in the database content holding unit 31, as long as it includes the input character string, It will be possible to make an automatic connection to the database.

(3) Third Embodiment of the Present Invention FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a third embodiment of the database connection system of the present invention.

This database connection method uses the input device 1
A data processing device 2, a storage device 3, an external input / output device 4, and an output device 5.

The storage device 3 includes a database content holding unit 3
1 and a database form holding unit 32.

The data processing device 2 comprises a database selecting means 21, a database connecting means 22, a database content checking means 23, and a database content changing means 24.

Referring to FIG. 7, the configuration of the database connection method according to the third embodiment of the present invention is different from that of the database connection method according to the second embodiment.
The difference is that the data processing device 2 has a database content changing means 24.

The database content changing means 24 increases or decreases the weight in the database content holding section 31 based on the monitoring of the user's operation on the database to which the database connecting means 21 is connected.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing the processing of this database connection method. This processing includes a database name search step A1, a detection possibility determination step A2, a database position and connection protocol search step A3,
Database connection step A4, connection availability judgment step A5, "connection completed" output step A6, "connection impossible" output step A7, "no search data" output step A8, weighted sum calculation step B1, weighted sum Judgment step B2, temporary connection database position and connection protocol search step B3, temporary database connection step B4, content search step B5, other database related description search step B6, description presence / absence judgment step B
7, content determination step B8, operation presence / absence determination step C1, weight reduction step C2, and weight increase step C
3 and 3.

FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a concrete example of this database connection method, as will be described later.

Next, the operation of the third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8.

The operations of the database selecting means 21, the database connecting means 22, and the database content checking means 23 shown in steps A1 to A8 and steps B1 to B8 in FIG. 8 are the same as those in the second embodiment. Database selection means 21, database connection means 22, and database content inspection means 2
The operation is the same as that of No. 3 (thus, the description is omitted here).

After the database connection means 22 outputs "connection completed" in step A6 (after the connection to one or more databases to be connected is actually performed), the database content changing means 24 Perform the processing shown in.

It is monitored whether or not a character string is input (some operation) from the input device 1 to each of the connected databases, and it is determined whether such an operation has been performed (step C1).

When it is determined in step C1 that “an operation for a certain database has been performed”, the “database content” in the corresponding entry (entry having the “database name” of the database) in the database content holding unit 31 is determined. Of the predetermined keyword (the same keyword as the input character string considered in the determination as to whether or not to connect) is increased (step C3).

On the other hand, when it is determined in step C1 that “the operation for a certain database has not been performed” (when the connection to the database has been disconnected due to no character string input), the database content holding unit 31 The weight of the predetermined keyword in the "database contents" in the corresponding entry of is reduced (step C
2).

The database connection system of the third embodiment described above corresponds to the invention of claim 6.

Next, the effect of the third embodiment of the present invention will be described.

In the third embodiment of the present invention, for the database actually used by the user after connecting to the database, the weight of the keyword that triggered the connection to the database is increased. In addition, the weight is reduced for databases that are not used by the user. As a result, it becomes possible to automatically adjust the weighting of the keywords included in each database according to the usage mode of the user.

(4) Modifications to the Embodiments Described below are modifications of the first, second, and third embodiments of the present invention.

In the above-mentioned first, second, and third embodiments, the database selecting means 21 is the input device 1
The database content holding unit 31 is searched using only the words in the input character string input from. However, it is also possible to search a database such as a dictionary and search for a database that includes synonyms and synonyms thereof in addition to the words of the input character string. In this case, a dictionary search means for searching the input character string for its synonyms and synonyms, and a synonym and a synonym corresponding to the input character string detected by the above dictionary search means other than the input character string. Is also regarded as an input character string and a database selecting means 21 for searching the database content holding unit 31 and a synonym and a synonym corresponding to the input character string detected by the dictionary searching means are also input in addition to the input character string. A database content inspection unit 23 that performs processing by considering it as a character string is provided (the database content inspection unit 23 does not exist in the modification of the first embodiment). As a result, even if the same keyword as the input character string is not directly included, it is possible to connect to the database that includes the related word or phrase. Such a modified database connection method corresponds to the invention of claim 7 or claim 8.

In the first, second, and third embodiments described above, the “database contents” information stored in the database contents holding unit 31 is fixed information. However, this information can be updated at any time using the information obtained when connecting to the database. In this case, when the information regarding the database connected by the database connection unit 22 is collected and the content of the information is different from the content of the information regarding the database registered in the database content holding unit 31, Database content updating means for updating the information about the database registered in the database content holding unit 31 with the collected content is provided.
As a result, even if the contents of the database are changed, the latest contents are reflected in the database contents holding unit 31. Such a modified database connection system corresponds to the invention of claim 9.

It is also possible to realize a modified database connection method having both the above-mentioned contents and the contents shown in.

[0111]

EXAMPLES Next, specific examples of the database connection system of the present invention will be described.

(1) Example Corresponding to the First Embodiment of the Present Invention FIG. 3 shows an example corresponding to the first embodiment of the database connection system of the present invention, as mentioned above. FIG. 4 is a block diagram for explaining (“Step A1” in FIG. 3)
Etc. correspond to the reference numerals of the steps in FIG. 2).

Referring to FIG. 3, for example, a database name “PP-VAN SIG WINDOWS” among databases whose “database name” and “database content” are stored in the database content holding unit 31.
Database and database name "M-soft WW
W site ”database and the character string“ window
The keyword "s" is included in the "database contents".

Consider a case where the input character string "windows" is given from the input device 1 to the database connection method of the present embodiment.

In this case, the database selection means 21
Searches the database “database name” of the database including the keyword “windows” as the “database content” in the database content holding unit 31.
As a result, "PP-VAN SIG WINDOWS"
And two "M-soft WWW site" are obtained and given to the database connection unit 22 (see step A1 in FIG. 2).

In response to this, the database connection unit 22 causes the database form holding unit 32 to display "PP-V
AN SIG WINDOWS "and" M-soft W
The "database position" and the "connection protocol" corresponding to the two "database names" of "WW site" are searched (see step A3).

Referring to FIG. 3, the search results shown in and are obtained by the search in step A3.

[PP-VAN SIG WINDOW
The database position corresponding to "WS" is "ppvan.o.
r. jp, JWIN "and the connection protocol is" telnet, PP-VAN ".

The database position corresponding to “M-soft WWW site” is “www.m-soft.c”.
om "and the connection protocol is" http ".

The database connection unit 22 sends "pp" through the external input / output device 4 according to the above search result.
van. or. jp "using the" telnet "protocol and moving to" JWIN "using the" PP-VAN "protocol to obtain the database name" PP-VAN ".
Attempt to connect to the database of "SIG WINDOWS" (see step A4).

Further, the database connection means 22 sends "http." To "www.m-soft.com" via the external input / output device 4 according to the above search result.
Database name "M
-Try to connect to the database of the "soft WWW site" (see step A4).

After that, the database connection means 22 displays on the output device 5 information ("connection completed" or "connection impossible") indicating whether or not the connection was successful (see step A5, step A6, and step A7). If the connection can be established, subsequent user operations are performed on the connection destination database.

(2) Example Corresponding to Second Embodiment of the Present Invention FIG. 6 shows an example corresponding to the second embodiment of the database connection system of the present invention, as mentioned above. FIG. 7 is a block diagram for explaining (“Step A1” in FIG. 6)
And "step B1" and the like correspond to the reference numerals of steps in FIG.

Referring to FIG. 6, for example, of the databases in which "database name" and "database contents" are stored in the database contents holding unit 31, the database name "PP-VAN SIG WINDOWS" is set.
Database and database name "PC related document database" database and database name "M-sof
The database of "t WWW site" and the character string "wi
"Windows" keyword (weighting keyword)
Is included in the "database contents". Also, for each of those databases, "windows"
The weight of the keyword is 10, 4, and 10.

Consider a case where the input character string "windows" is given from the input device 1 to the database connection method of the present embodiment.

In this case, the database selection means 21
Searches the database “database name” of the database that includes the weighting keyword “windows” as the “database content” in the database content holding unit 31. As a result, "PP-VAN SIG WIND
OWS ”,“ PC related document database ”and“ M-so ”
3 database names "ft WWW site" are obtained (see step A1 in FIG. 5).

It is now assumed that the constant C (weight threshold value), which is a reference for checking the contents of these databases, is 5. In this case, the database selection means 21 displays "PP-VAN SIG WINDOW.
Two database names of "S" and "M-soft WWW site" are given to the database connection means 22 (see step B1 and step B2).

Further, the database selecting means 21 uses the database name "PC related document database" (database name of database less than weight threshold) and the input character string "windows" as the database content checking means 23.
(See step B1 and step B2).

The database content inspection means 23 uses the database name "PC
The database position and connection protocol of the "related document database" are searched, and the temporary connection to the "PC related document database" is performed accordingly (see step B3 and step B4).

Referring to FIG. 6, the database name "PC
There are 10 documents in the database of "related document database", of which "windows" is the title.
There are seven that include.

Now, the database content inspection means 23 has sufficient database content in the database when the input character strings given to more than half of the data in the database (here, document titles) are included. Then, the content determination of step B8 in FIG. 5 is performed based on the "connection standard".

In this case, the database content inspection means 2
3 retrieves the document title of "PC-related document database" and obtains the result that more than half of the documents including "windows" exist, and the database name "PC-related document database" is used as the database connection means 22.
(See step B5 and step B8).

The database connecting means 22 receives the databases given from the database selecting means 21 and the database content checking means 23, and in the database form holding section 31, "PP-VAN SIG WIN".
The "DOWS", "PC related document database", and "M-soft WWW site" are searched for "database location" and "connection protocol" of three databases with database names, and an attempt is made to connect to those databases (step A4). reference). For the database that can be connected, a message to that effect is displayed on the output device 5 (see step A6) so that subsequent user operations can be performed on the connected database.

(3) Example Corresponding to Third Embodiment of the Present Invention FIG. 9 shows an example corresponding to the third embodiment of the database connection method of the present invention, as mentioned above. FIG. 10 is a block diagram for explaining (step A in FIG. 9).
1 "," step B1 "," step C1 ", etc. correspond to the reference numerals of the steps in FIG. 8).

Referring to FIG. 9, the database connection method of this embodiment is similar to that of the embodiment shown in FIG.
Finally, based on the input string "ows", "PP
-Connect to three databases with database names "VAN SIG WINDOWS", "PC related document database", and "M-soft WWW site".

Consider a case where, after such a connection is made, the user operates only the "PC-related document database" and disconnects all the databases.

In this case, the database content changing means 24 increases the weight assigned to the weighting keyword “windows” in the “database content” for the database name “PC related document database” in the database content holding unit 31. Database name "PP-V
AN SIG WINDOWS "and" M-soft
The weight assigned to the weighting keyword “windows” in the “database content” for the “WWW site” is reduced.

For example, if the weight increment / decrement units are both 2, the database name "PP
-Weighting keyword "window" in "database contents" for "VAN SIG WINDOWS"
"s" has a weight of 8, and the weighting keyword "windows" in the "database contents" for the database name "PC-related document database" has a weight of 6,
Weighting keyword "wi" in "database contents" for database name "M-soft WWW site"
The weight of "n Windows" is 8.

[0139]

As described above, according to the present invention,
The following effects are produced.

The first effect is that, in response to a single input character string instruction, a plurality of databases containing keywords corresponding to the input character string are automatically connected. As a result, the user can perform processing without previously checking which database contains the data to be searched and how to connect to that database, reducing the number of operations. be able to. This is because the content of each database is stored in the database content holding unit in advance, and when an input character string is given, the database is connected to the database containing the input character string as a keyword.

The second effect is that it is possible to select and connect only a database that is highly relevant to the input character string designated by the user. As a result, it is possible to reduce the number of candidates when the user selects a required database from the connected database group, and it is possible to reduce the number of operations of the user. This is because when the weight of the keyword corresponding to the input character string is small in the database to be connected, a temporary connection is made and the contents of the database are checked to determine whether the database is closely related to the input character string. This is because the connection is canceled for those that are not related.

The third effect is that, when a database describes another database, it is possible to recursively connect to the other database. As a result, even if the database is not registered, if the existence of the database is known, it is possible to automatically connect to the database having a high relation with the input character string. This is because when a database is connected, the contents of another database described in the database are examined, and the connection is performed when the input character string is sufficiently included.

The fourth effect is that the strength of the relation between the database and the input character string can be adjusted according to the usage mode of the user. As a result, for databases in which the user frequently operates by specifying a specific keyword, even if the keyword is not fully included in the database, the The possibility of connecting the database can be increased. This is because the weight of the keyword (weighted keyword) included in the database can be increased or decreased by monitoring whether or not the user has operated the database after connecting to the database.

The fifth effect is that even if the database does not sufficiently contain the same keyword as the input character string, if the database contains many phrases related to the input character string, the connection to the database is made. Is possible. This is because the input character string can be expanded to a set of input character strings including the synonyms and synonyms, and the database to be connected can be selected using the set of input character strings.

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to improve the operability of the user when connecting to the database.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a first embodiment of a database connection system of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a process of the database connection method shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram for explaining an embodiment corresponding to the database connection method shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a second embodiment of the database connection system of the present invention.

5 is a flow chart showing processing of the database connection method shown in FIG. 4. FIG.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram for explaining an embodiment corresponding to the database connection method shown in FIG.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a third embodiment of the database connection system of the present invention.

8 is a flowchart showing the processing of the database connection method shown in FIG. 7.

9 is a block diagram for explaining an embodiment corresponding to the database connection method shown in FIG. 7. FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 input device 2 data processing device 3 storage device 4 external input / output device 5 output device 21 database selection means 22 database connection means 23 database content inspection means 24 database content change means 31 database content holding unit 32 database form holding unit

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. A database content holding unit that stores a keyword group indicating a database content of each database, a database form holding unit that stores a database position and a connection protocol for each database, and a database content holding unit based on a search of the database content holding unit. Database selection means for selecting a database containing the same keyword as the input character string, and database connection means for connecting to the database selected by the database selection means based on the reference of the database form holding unit. Characteristic database connection method. 2. A database content holding unit that stores a weighted keyword group indicating a database content of each database, a database form holding unit that stores a database position and a connection protocol for each database, and a database content holding unit for searching the database content holding unit. On the basis of the database selection means for selecting a database including the same keyword as the input character string, wherein the sum of the weights of the same character strings of the input character string is equal to or more than a weight threshold value, based on the reference of the database form holding unit. A database connection means for connecting to the database selected by the database selection means. 3. A database content holding unit that stores a weighted keyword group indicating a database content of each database, a database form holding unit that stores a database position and a connection protocol for each database, and a database content holding unit for searching the database content holding unit. Database selecting means for selecting a database including the same keyword as the input character string and having a sum of weights of the same input character string being equal to or greater than a weight threshold value; and a weight threshold value by the database selecting means. A database content inspecting means for inspecting whether or not the input character string is included in the database more than the connection standard, and performs a temporary connection to the database determined to be a less than database, based on the reference of the database form holding unit, Database selection Database connection method characterized by having a database connection means for connecting the between the selected database the database contents checking means by means to an "input character string included are more connected standard" is determined database. 4. A database content holding unit that stores a weighted keyword group indicating a database content of each database, a database form holding unit that stores a database position and a connection protocol for each database, and a database content holding unit for searching the database content holding unit. Database selecting means for selecting a database including the same keyword as the input character string and having a sum of weights of the same input character string being equal to or greater than a weight threshold value; and a weight threshold value by the database selecting means. A temporary connection is made to a database that is determined to be less than the database, a database other than the database in which the description exists in the database is searched, and a temporary connection to the database of the search result is made recursively, and the temporary connection is made. Database Database content inspecting means for inspecting whether or not the input character string is included in the connection criterion or more, and the database selected by the database selecting means and the “input by the database content inspecting means based on the reference of the database form holding section. A database connection method for connecting to a database determined to contain a character string equal to or larger than a connection criterion. 5. When the information about the database recursively searched by the database content checking unit is not registered in the database content holding unit, the information about the database is collected and the information is stored in the database content holding unit. The database connection method according to claim 4, further comprising a database content registration means for registering. 6. The database content changing means for increasing or decreasing the weight in the database content holding unit based on the monitoring of the user's operation on the database to which the database connection means is connected. The database connection method according to claim 4 or claim 5. 7. A dictionary search means for searching a synonym and a synonym for an input character string, and a synonym and a synonym corresponding to the input character string detected by the dictionary search means in addition to the input character string. 3. The database connection method according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: the database selection unit which regards the database content holding unit as an input character string to perform a search. 8. A dictionary search means for searching a synonym and a synonym for an input character string, and a synonym and a synonym corresponding to the input character string detected by the dictionary search means other than the input character string. In addition to the input character string, the database selection means for performing a search on the database content holding unit by regarding it as an input character string, and the synonym and the synonyms corresponding to the input character string detected by the dictionary search means are also input character strings. 8. The database connection method according to claim 3, claim 4, claim 5, claim 6, or claim 7, comprising: 9. The information related to the database connected by the database connection means is collected, and when the content of the information is different from the content of the information related to the database registered in the database content holding unit, the information is collected. 6. A database content updating unit for updating information about the database registered in the database content holding unit with content, claim 1, claim 2, claim 3, claim 4, claim 5, claim 5. The database connection method according to claim 6, claim 7, or claim 8.