JP2002183152A - Device and method for music retrieval and recording medium with recorded software for music retrieval - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide technology for music retrieval which enables abstract retrieval based upon an impression, etc., without previously knowing characteristic information on music, e.g. a song name. SOLUTION: A music database 1 stores music information regarding music software including recording media where music is gathered. A CGI control part 2 receives the specification of a retrieval condition for the music information from a terminal T and provides the retrieved music information for the terminal T. A search engine 3 retrieves pieces of music information stored in the music information database 11 according to the retrieval condition specified by the terminal T or the property value obtained by interpreting the retrieval condition.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an improvement in technology relating to music search, and more particularly to a music which allows an abstract search based on an impression or the like without knowing in advance information unique to each music such as a song title. It provides search technology.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, with the development of digital network technology represented by the Internet, a search technology that allows a user to search for various information via a network has become widespread.
It is used for information distribution and electronic commerce. There is also known an example in which such a search technique is applied to music, but the content of music can be expressed only in ambiguous words, and the features felt from music are abstract and have individual differences. For this reason, in the conventional search for music, only information unique to one song or a group of music, such as a CD number, an artist name, an album name, a song name, etc., can be handled, and information stored in these search items is input. The search criteria had to match.

[0003]

However, in the above-mentioned prior art, since specific information such as a specific name is required in advance, unknown music can be searched from an image or category of music to be listened to, or broadcast can be performed. Abstract search, such as searching for unknown music from melodies that have left an impression on the subject, was impossible. For this reason, it is difficult for the user to search for the music that he / she really wants, and it is difficult for businesses such as CD sellers to effectively promote sales.

In the prior art, information provided as a search result from a database of music works is associated in advance with the searched music or CD, such as a work name, an artist name, a release source, and a release date. Because it was limited to information, it was difficult to dynamically provide other various information. Also in this regard, it has been difficult for users to search for the music they really want, and it is difficult for businesses such as CD sellers to effectively promote sales.

[0005] That is, originally, for example, the act of searching for a "desired artist" is an act of pursuing information on an individual artist, such as what kind of work the artist has participated in and what kind of song the song is. . However, in the conventional search described above, the searchable works are limited to works such as albums released under a specific artist name, and it is not possible to obtain a wide range of information such as works that participated as backgrounds and works performed in friendship. It was impossible.

Here, an example of displaying information associated with an artist in advance is known (http: //www.cdno).
w.com) In this example, for example, if you enter an artist name, the album information announced by that artist will appear along with the jacket photo. If you select a jacket, a song introduction screen for the album will appear. Click (select) the song name to preview. Becomes possible. In addition, information on musicians related to artists and works is registered in the database in advance. For example, when searching for certain artist information,
At the same time, the names of related musicians are displayed. Also,
Clicking on the musician's name gives information about the album that the musician has released, as well as links to album songs, previews, and related musician information.

However, in this example, the "knowledge" portion of "the artist A is related to the artists B, C and D" is stored in a database in advance.
When A is searched, "related musicians" B, C, and D included in the information are displayed as a search result for the matching of the person A.
For this reason, "relationship" could only be made within the range of the memory of the person who created the database, such as "this person is related to this person".

[0008] For this reason, at the time of creating the database, the relationship between the artists who did not know or did not exist cannot be reflected in the search results. In this case, the musicians who were "related" after the database was created are deleted. It is necessary to check and add one after another, and it is difficult to realize such an update with a small burden and sufficient accuracy.

[0009] Further, even if the relationship between "well-known" artists can be temporarily covered by these methods, in fact, there are "something" such as directors, producers, and affiliated offices behind the scenes. Music that reflects the specific personality and habit of a particular person is called “your favorite music”
Often it is. In that case, if you can follow the producer's past achievements, you can pursue that person's view of the world and expand your range of preference. And it is impossible to know these associations except for registering them in the database as "related people" one by one, but in fact, each time a work is released, it depends on "human knowledge" It is difficult to supplement information.

[0010] Originally, it is fan psychology that the user wants to obtain information that is extremely difficult to know as described above, and also wants to know as much as possible of all matters related to his favorite artist. In the search, it is desirable to provide information related to an object of interest as much as possible from a vast amount of music information. In addition, "I like that musician" means that the field in which the artist is active itself and other artists on the same ring are often considered as "favorite". It is desirable to provide as much information as possible about the subject.

In fact, many musicians and producers often participate in the works of musicians around them as demonstrations and produce in addition to works under their own names. For this reason, if users can know such information, related musicians and works, etc.
It is thought that peripheral music fields derived from a specific artist can be added to one's musical knowledge and taste as a new repertoire. However, in many cases, the name of such an artist is listed as a credit somewhere on the CD, but since such information is enormous and collation has been virtually impossible in the past, many Fans could not know it. For this reason, they often suddenly learned from some information that "that musician was participating in that album."

[0012] Each song recorded in music software such as a CD always includes credits such as composition, arrangement, and lyrics. In the case of an album, the name of the musician who participated in the performance of the song is described. Often written for each part. Nevertheless, heretofore, there has not been known a technique in which such information can be searched for, an artist's participation can be searched from all angles, and information can be searched for by link search based on mutual relation of information. Similarly,
For example, on the jacket of a CD, a sentence (called a jacket copy) that promotes the music in about three lines is printed,
Conventionally, it was impossible to search for such various information.

As described above, conventionally, it has not been possible to search for favorite music by tracing related information over a wide range. In this respect, it is difficult for a user to search for music that he / she really wants.
It has been difficult for companies such as CD sellers to effectively promote sales.

Furthermore, there has not been known a technique of searching for music and listening to a work by focusing on visuals (meaning of visual elements; the same applies hereinafter) such as an image of a jacket. It is difficult to search for the music that the user really wants, and it is difficult for businesses such as CD sellers to effectively promote sales.

That is, for example, when purchasing a CD at a CD shop, the visual appearance of the “jacket” is a great indication and trigger for purchasing the CD together with the “jacket copy”. The visuals on this jacket have a great meaning for artists to symbolize or appeal to the images of CD songs and album concepts, but at the same time, if you are a listener, you can use the visuals to image the concepts and songs of the album. And it is also an important way to match your tastes and styles. In this sense, choosing a CD from the visuals of the jacket can be said to be the most intuitive search for unknown music.

Generally, the act of imagining the contents of the work from the visual image of the CD jacket and arriving at the purchase is called "jacket buying". However, conventionally, there has been no known technique for appropriately associating such a jacket visual with a content preview. For example, even at a store, only a part of the works is provided in the audition corner, and it is impossible to freely listen to works that are visually appealing. For this reason, in the past, the decision to purchase was made based solely on the visual of the jacket, and the actual content was often disappointingly different from what was imagined. For this reason, it is difficult for the user to search for the music that he / she really wants, and it is difficult for a business operator such as a CD seller to effectively promote sales.

The present invention has been proposed to solve the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, and its purpose is to provide an abstraction based on an impression or the like without knowing in advance information unique to each music such as a song title. It is an object of the present invention to provide a music search technology capable of performing a basic search, that is, a music search device and method, and a recording medium that stores music search software. Further, another object of the present invention is to allow a wide range of information, such as all credits, to be freely searchable from mutual relations, etc., so that a list of past works, participating works and works in the vicinity from a specific musician can be obtained. It is an object of the present invention to provide a music search technology for dynamically and effectively searching for related information. Another object of the present invention is to provide a music search technology that allows a wide range of unknown music to be more intuitively encountered by searching for an interesting work or artist from a visual and allowing the user to smoothly listen to the work as it is. is there.

[0018]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is directed to a music search apparatus for searching and providing music information relating to music to a terminal connected via a computer network. Storing means for storing one or more attributes arbitrarily selected from a plurality of attributes including sensory characteristics as music information for each music and their attribute values, and specifying search conditions for the music information from the terminal Receiving means for receiving, a search means for searching a plurality of music information stored in the storage means based on a search condition specified from the terminal or an attribute value interpreted from the search condition, and music corresponding to the search. Providing means for providing information to the terminal.

According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, the invention of the first aspect is grasped from the viewpoint of a method, and a music search method for allowing a terminal connected via a computer network to search for and provide music information related to music. In, as music information for each music, one or more attributes arbitrarily selected from a plurality of attributes including sensory features and their attribute values are stored in advance, and the terminal specifies search conditions for the music information. An accepting step of accepting, a search step of searching a plurality of stored music information based on a search condition specified from the terminal or an attribute value interpreted from the search condition, and transmitting the music information corresponding to the search to the terminal. Providing step of providing.

According to a thirty-first aspect of the present invention, the inventions of the first and sixteenth aspects are viewed from the viewpoint of a recording medium on which computer software is recorded. By controlling a computer, a terminal connected via a communication network can be provided. On the other hand, in a recording medium recording music search software for searching and providing music information related to music, the software allows the computer to arbitrarily select from a plurality of attributes including sensory characteristics as music information for each music. One or two or more attributes and their attribute values are stored in advance, the terminal specifies a search condition for the music information from the terminal, the stored plurality of music information, the search conditions specified from the terminal or A search is performed based on the attribute value interpreted from the search condition, and music information corresponding to the search is provided to the terminal. And wherein the Rukoto.

In these embodiments, since an attribute value including a sensory feature can be designated as a search condition, an abstract search based on an impression or the like can be performed without knowing in advance information unique to each music such as a song title.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the music search device according to the first aspect, the candidate of the attribute value corresponds to each row of each column corresponding to each of the attributes, and the music information includes a tag indicating the attribute. And a code representing the attribute value of the tag selected from the candidates.

According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, the invention of the second aspect is grasped from the viewpoint of a method. In the music search method according to the sixteenth aspect, the attribute value is stored in each row of each column corresponding to each attribute. Candidates correspond, and the music information is expressed or searched using a tag representing an attribute and a code representing an attribute value selected from the candidate for the tag.

[0024] The invention of claim 32 captures the invention of claims 2 and 17 from the viewpoint of a recording medium on which computer software is recorded. In a recording medium on which music search software according to claim 31 is recorded, The candidate of the attribute value corresponds to each row of each column corresponding to each of the attributes, and the music information uses a tag representing the attribute and a code representing the attribute value selected from the candidate for the tag. It is characterized by being expressed or searched.

In these embodiments, a database for music information can be constructed / managed or searched in a data format that can be expressed in a matrix format, that is, tags indicating attributes and codes of attribute values described for each tag. This increases the independence between the data itself and the processing procedure, excels in the versatility, sharing, and application range of the data, and makes it easy to search for unknown music by passing character strings from multiple software modules and other servers. It becomes possible.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the music search apparatus according to the first or second aspect, a definition database that associates a definition including at least one or two or more other elements with each word; Decomposing means for decomposing the input word into a plurality of elements by referring to the definition database, and when the word input from the terminal is not in the definition database, input the definition of the word from the terminal. Means for holding the word and the input definition as additional candidates and provisionally referring to the reference, and adding an additional candidate satisfying a predetermined criterion to the definition database. , The search is performed based on attribute values corresponding to the elements decomposed by the decomposing means.

The invention of claim 18 captures the invention of claim 3 from the viewpoint of a method. In the music search method of claim 16 or 17, at least one or more other elements are provided for each word. Using a definition database that associates definitions including, a word input as a search condition from the terminal, by referring to the definition database, a decomposition step of decomposing the word into a plurality of elements, the word input from the terminal is the word When it is not in the definition database, the terminal inputs the definition of the word, holds the word and the input definition as an additional candidate, and provisionally sets the reference as the reference target, and selects an additional candidate satisfying a predetermined criterion. Adding to the definition database;
Wherein the search step performs the search based on an attribute value corresponding to the element decomposed by the decomposing means.

According to a thirty-third aspect of the present invention, the inventions of the third and eighth aspects are viewed from the viewpoint of a recording medium on which computer software is recorded, and the recording medium on which music search software according to claim 31 or 32 is recorded. At
The software loads the computer, word by word,
Using a definition database that associates definitions including at least one or two or more other elements, decomposing words entered as search conditions from the terminal into a plurality of elements by referring to the definition database, When the word input from the terminal is not in the definition database, the input of the definition of the word is accepted from the terminal, and the word and the input definition are retained as additional candidates and temporarily referred to as the reference target. An additional candidate satisfying a predetermined criterion is added to the definition database, and in the search, the search is performed based on an attribute value corresponding to the decomposed element.

In these embodiments, by replacing the input word with one or more attribute values used in the music information database, various words can be used as search conditions and the usability of the search is improved. . Further, since words used by many people are added to the definition database, it is possible to provide an effective music search corresponding to the user's sense and vocabulary that changes with the times.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the music search device according to the third aspect, when a predetermined one of the definitions is referred to, a predetermined software module is executed. I do.

According to a nineteenth aspect of the present invention, the invention of the fourth aspect is grasped from the viewpoint of a method. In the music search method according to the eighteenth aspect, when a predetermined one of the definitions is referred to, , A predetermined software module is executed.

In these embodiments, when a predetermined definition is referred to, for example, when a specific word is input or the word is decomposed into specific elements, an operation different from a normal search is performed. For example, data is obtained from another server. By performing an operation such as displaying the ranking top 10, it is possible to provide music information more flexibly and flexibly.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the music retrieval apparatus according to the third or fourth aspect, a search result set is obtained by the search means for each of a plurality of elements decomposed from words by the decomposing means, and the terminal is obtained. Means for switching and displaying the corresponding search result set on the terminal in accordance with the element to be switched and selected in (1).

According to a twentieth aspect of the present invention, the invention of the fifth aspect is grasped from the viewpoint of a method. In the music search method according to the eighteenth or nineteenth aspect, each of a plurality of elements decomposed from words in the decomposing step is provided. The method further includes a step of obtaining a search result set by the search step, and switching and displaying the corresponding search result set on the terminal in accordance with the element selected and switched by the terminal.

In these embodiments, a search result set corresponding to each element is displayed by switching the elements obtained by decomposing a given word. For this reason, even if there is an individual difference in the usage of sensory words, it is possible to freely select and effectively use a search result set that is close to one's own sensitivity.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the music search device according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, the receiving means causes the terminal to specify a plurality of elements as search conditions for the music information, Further, as the degree of matching of the search condition, (1) all the elements match from the terminal (2) all or a part of one or more priority elements to be specified by the terminal from the respective elements further matches (3) At least one of the elements is provided with means for designating any one of the matches.

According to a twenty-first aspect of the present invention, the invention of the sixth aspect is grasped from the viewpoint of a method. In the music search method according to any one of the sixteenth to twentieth aspects, the receiving step includes the step of receiving the music. A plurality of elements are designated by the terminal as information search conditions, and one or two of (1) all of the elements are matched by the terminal and (2) each element is further designated by the terminal as the degree of matching of the search conditions. All or some of the above important elements match (3) At least one of the above elements has a step of designating any one of the matching.

In these embodiments, the degree of matching and the key elements in the search can be specified based on the purpose of the search, the number of search results up to the middle, etc., so that a more effective search according to the circumstances is realized.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the music search apparatus according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, the receiving means displays a GUI part representing each attribute, and
When a part is operated, an attribute value candidate corresponding to the attribute is displayed, and when any of the attribute value candidates is operated, the tag corresponding to the GUI part and the operated attribute value are displayed. Means for creating a search condition sentence including a code that represents the search condition.

The invention of claim 22 captures the invention of claim 7 from the viewpoint of a method. In the music search method according to any one of claims 16 to 21, the receiving step comprises: A GUI component representing an attribute is displayed, and when the GUI component is operated, a candidate for an attribute value corresponding to the attribute is displayed, and when one of the attribute value candidates is operated, the corresponding GUI component is displayed. Said tag,
A means for creating a search condition sentence including a code representing the operated attribute value is provided.

In these modes, the search can be executed as it is, including the tag indicating the attribute and the code indicating the attribute value, by simply selecting the attribute value from a GUI component such as a palette displayed for each attribute. Since the search condition sentence is created, the search for music information is made more efficient.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the music search apparatus according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, a desired music designated from the search results is temporarily stored, and the temporarily stored one or more music is stored. A means for sequentially listening to two or more music pieces when a predetermined operation is performed is provided.

According to a twenty-third aspect of the present invention, the invention of the eighth aspect is grasped from the viewpoint of a method. In the music search method according to any one of the 16th to 22nd aspects, the music search method is specified from among the search results. Temporarily storing desired music, and sequentially listening to the temporarily stored one or more music when a predetermined operation is performed.

In these embodiments, the search results can be efficiently used, such as temporarily storing or clipping the search results that are of interest, and then listening to and comparing them and examining the musicians later. .

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the music search apparatus according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, what kind of search condition is used in association with a user ID registered for each user. Or a user information management means for recording user information relating to at least one of the types of information browsed and for continuing processing based on the recorded user information the next time a connection is made with the user ID. It is characterized by having.

According to a twenty-fourth aspect of the invention, the invention of the ninth aspect is grasped from the viewpoint of a method. In the music search method according to any one of the sixteenth to twenty-third aspects, a user registered for each user is provided. In association with the ID, user information relating to at least one of what search condition is used or what information is browsed is recorded, and is recorded the next time the user is connected with the user ID. The method includes a user information management step of continuing processing based on the user information.

In these modes, the state of search and information browsing is stored for each individual user, and the next use can be resumed from the same state, so that the continuity of use of music information is maintained and usability is improved. .

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the music search apparatus according to any one of the first to ninth aspects, a search condition is registered in association with each user, and music information corresponding to the registered search condition is registered. Means for transmitting the information to the corresponding user when is registered.

The twenty-fifth aspect of the present invention captures the tenth aspect of the present invention from the viewpoint of a method.
In the music search method described in any one of the above, a search condition is registered in association with each user, and when music information corresponding to the registered search condition is registered, the information is transmitted to the corresponding user. It is characterized by including a step.

In these embodiments, when the music information corresponding to the registered search condition appears, the notification is made by e-mail or the like, so that the convenience of the user, the use promotion, and the speed of information distribution can be improved.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the music search apparatus according to any one of the first to tenth aspects, music information of another music having all or a part of the attribute value in common with the designated music is stored. It is characterized by having means for searching and providing.

The twenty-sixth invention captures the eleventh invention from the viewpoint of a method.
The music search method according to any one of the above, further comprising a step of searching and providing music information of another music having all or a part of the attribute value common to the designated music.

In these modes, based on music already known or favorite music among the search results, other music having common search conditions such as attribute values can be easily known.
Since music having such common characteristics is also likely to be liked, trading opportunities are effectively increased.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the music retrieval apparatus according to any one of the first to eleventh aspects, the storage means is provided as a part of music information relating to music software including a recording medium on which music is recorded. , At least one of the character strings displayed on the packaging / recording medium of the music software or the bundled item, the name of the organization related to the music software, the name of the individual, the name of the facility, and the name of the work are stored as related information The accepting unit is configured to cause the terminal to designate a desired item among the information items in the related information provided for the designated music software, and the searching unit comprises: It is configured to search for other music software including the item.

The invention of claim 27 captures the invention of claim 12 from the viewpoint of a method, and claims 16 to 26
In the music search method according to any one of the above, as a part of music information on music software including a recording medium recording music, a character string displayed on the packaging / recording medium of the music software or a bundled item, Organization name related to music software,
At least one of an information item of a personal name, a facility name, and a work name is stored as related information, and the receiving step includes a desired item among information items in the related information provided for the designated music software. Is specified in the terminal, and the searching step searches for other music software including the specified desired item.

In these embodiments, by making it possible to freely search for extensive information, such as all credits, on music software from mutual relationships and the like, the user can, for example, retrieve a past music from a specific musician from a specific musician. It is possible to easily develop a dynamic and effective search, such as checking a list of works, participating works and works around them.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in the music retrieval apparatus according to any one of the first to twelfth aspects, the storage means stores a jacket image and trial listening data for each music software, and stores a plurality of music images. A terminal is provided with a means for displaying a soft jacket image on a screen on a terminal and providing the terminal with music information or the preview data corresponding to the jacket image selected from the screen display on the terminal.

The twenty-eighth aspect of the present invention captures the invention of the thirteenth aspect from the viewpoint of a method.
In the music search method according to any one of the above, a jacket image and trial listening data are stored for each music software as the music information, and a plurality of music software jacket images are displayed on a screen, and the screen is displayed on the terminal. Providing a terminal with music information or the preview data corresponding to the jacket image selected from the display.

In these embodiments, by searching for an interesting work or artist from the visual of the jacket and making it possible to smoothly listen to the sample as it is, it is possible to more intuitively encounter a wide range of unknown music.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, in the music search device according to any one of the first to thirteenth aspects, a map is displayed on a terminal, and at least one of a place, an era, and an artist designated from the terminal is displayed. It is characterized by including a means for displaying related information based on the map.

The invention of claim 29 captures the invention of claim 14 from the viewpoint of a method, and claims 16 to 28
The music search method according to any one of the above, further comprising a step of displaying a map on a terminal, and displaying information related to at least one of a place, an era, and an artist specified from the terminal based on the map. It is characterized by the following.

In these embodiments, information relating to a place, an era, or an artist in each place is displayed or designated based on a map, thereby making it easy to search while grasping the music scene on a global scale.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, in the music search apparatus according to any one of the first to fourteenth aspects, the type of search is switched at a desired time while holding one or more search result sets. Receiving means for receiving the information.

The invention of claim 30 captures the invention of claim 15 from the viewpoint of a method, and claims 16 to 29
In the music search method according to any one of the above, at a desired time, while holding one or more search result sets,
The method includes a step of receiving a change in search type.

In these embodiments, for example, at a desired point in time, such as after a search for a sensory feature using a free keyword, the type of search is switched while maintaining a certain piece of music found as a search result up to that time as a reference. The degree of freedom of music search is improved, such as searching for other songs having the same sensory attribute value or searching for past works of the player.

[0066]

Next, embodiments of the present invention (hereinafter, referred to as "embodiments") will be specifically described with reference to the drawings. Note that this embodiment is typically realized by controlling a computer with software. The software in this case realizes the operation and effect of the present invention by physically utilizing the hardware of the computer, and the conventional technology is applied to the common parts with the conventional technology.

However, in this case, the types and configurations of hardware and software, the range of processing by software, and the like can be variously changed.
Hard disk drive with software and software
A recording medium such as a disk pack or a CD-ROM is also an aspect of the present invention even when used alone. For this reason, in the following description,
Virtual circuit blocks that realize the functions of the present invention and the embodiments are used.

[1. Configuration] [1-1. Overall Configuration] This embodiment is a network-compatible music search system. As shown in FIG. 1, a server S connected to the Internet N, which is a computer network, allows access from many client terminals T to the Internet N. It will be accepted via
Further, the server S can share data and services with an external network service and a system such as a database (referred to as an external system E) via the Internet N.

[1-2. Configuration of Client Terminal] The client terminal T is a personal computer (called a personal computer) or a mobile phone terminal with an Internet connection function, and accesses input / output devices such as input keys and display screens, and a search engine on the server side. And a user interface such as a remote access mechanism for performing other operations.

As a specific user interface, in addition to general-purpose browser application software used for browsing websites, for example, dedicated application software having an input interface and display means can be used.

For example, with respect to a screen display device and a sound source reproduction application in the sound reproduction section, when the client terminal T is a personal computer, a reproduction application is often included and can be used. Other original applications, such as those manufactured by third parties, can also be used.

From the above, as the client terminal T,
In addition to a dedicated terminal, a general device that can be connected to a network and has the above functions, for example, a PDA (Personal
Digital assistants), mobile communication terminals such as personal computers and mobile phones, set-top boxes used in CATV and satellite broadcasting, game machines, car navigation systems, and the like can be used.

[1-3. Configuration of Server] On the other hand, server S
Is a terminal T connected via a computer network
Is a music search device (also referred to as the present system) for searching for and providing music information related to music, and includes a search engine using a search algorithm, various databases and interfaces therefor, various management systems, and the like. . Specifically, the server S includes the following components shown in FIG.

[1-3-1. Configuration Related to Music Information] Information about music to be searched by the server S is called music information. That is, the music information database 1 is a storage unit that stores, as music information for each music, an attribute value for each of one or more attributes arbitrarily selected from a plurality of attributes including a sensory characteristic.

Here, the principle of expressing music information in the present embodiment can be illustrated in FIG. That is,
In this example, candidate attribute values are associated with each row of each column corresponding to each attribute, and the music information includes a tag representing the attribute and a code representing the attribute value selected from the candidate for the tag. , And are searched.

Such music information is stored in the music information database 1 in a predetermined expression format in advance. Here, the expression format of the music information in the present embodiment is Mus
Called icML (Music Markup Language)
The icML is a data description format that classifies music content information, digitizes (symbolizes) it, and stores and manages it. More specifically, a matrix is created using keywords constituting elements of music, and tags constituting each of the elements constituting the matrix are classified and encoded to be managed. The matrix is a conceptual description, and the music information only needs to include at least one or two or more attribute values.

As described above, even the contents of a sound source that can be expressed only by ambiguous words are encoded by numerical values and symbols, so that information processing such as classification, search, and data quotation becomes easy. In addition, by providing a means for constructing and managing a database in accordance with the search and providing a search, a function of searching for a target music or an unknown music is provided. That is, once the music information database 1 is constructed as described above, there is an advantage that any number of search means, interfaces, and the like can be added later according to various applications and services by referring to the tags.

FIG. 3 shows a conceptual diagram of the matrix. That is, the matrix is categorized for each music element, and each category stores music elements expressed in sensory words. Categories are
Each category can have a sub-category, and the category can be subdivided or the degree of the category can be stored stepwise.

Various types of sensual words expressing music can be considered. For example, attributes relating to music include attributes as shown in FIG. 4, and parentheses following the attributes are examples of attribute values. FIG. 5 shows an example of a matrix corresponding to this. Other keywords can be used freely. Elements related to the artist include attributes and attribute values as illustrated in FIG.

That is, conventional music information includes a CD number,
Although it was composed of artist names, song names, etc., the music information in the present embodiment adds information such as sensory characteristics and links of external networks, enhances search function and versatility, and enables data sharing. And further expand the possibilities of various services through these features. In addition,
The above-described music information can be realized in a desired format, for example, by embedding a tag in an XML document.

The music database 1 stores, as a part of music information relating to music software including a recording medium on which music is recorded, a character string displayed on a packaging / recording medium of the music software or a bundled item, a music string. Stores at least one information item (referred to as related information and link information) among related organization names, individual names, facility names, and work names. The music information for each music software includes a jacket image and trial listening data, and the sound source video system data such as the jacket image and the trial listening data is stored in a sound source video database 10 as illustrated in FIG. Is also good. Here, FIG. 7 is a configuration example of the music information database 1, and shows a state where a plurality of pieces of information for each song are associated with information for each piece such as an album.

[1-3-2. Configuration Related to Search] The CGI control unit 2 (FIG. 1) is a receiving unit that receives designation of a search condition for the music information from the terminal T, and provides the music information corresponding to the search to the terminal T. It is also a means of providing. The search engine 3 is a search unit that searches a plurality of pieces of music information stored in the music information database 11 based on search conditions specified by the terminal T or attribute values interpreted from the search conditions.

In the search described above, a word specified as a search condition is decomposed into a plurality of elements. That is, the definition database 4 is a database that associates definitions including at least one or two or more other elements for each word. The word decomposing unit 5 is a decomposing unit that decomposes a word input as a search condition from the terminal T into a plurality of elements by referring to the definition database 4. The search is performed on the basis of the attribute value corresponding to the searched element.

When the word input from the terminal is not in the definition database, the word addition processing section 6 allows the terminal to input the definition of the word, and uses the word and the input definition as addition candidates. While holding, tentatively as a target of the reference by the word decomposition unit 5,
This is a means for adding an additional candidate satisfying a predetermined criterion to the definition database 4.

[1-3-3. Specific Configuration of CGI Control Unit] Further, the CGI control unit 2 includes the following units. First, the execution unit 20 is a unit that executes a predetermined software module when a predetermined one of the definitions is referred to. In addition, the switching display unit 21 obtains a search result set by the search engine 3 for each of the plurality of elements decomposed from the word by the word decomposing unit 5, and performs a corresponding search in accordance with the element switched and selected by the terminal T. A means for switching and displaying the result set on the terminal T.

Further, the matching degree designating section 22 designates a plurality of elements from the terminal T as search conditions of music information, and further, from the terminal T as the degree of matching of search conditions. 2) All or a part of one or more important elements specified by the terminal T from each element matches (3) At least one of the elements specifies one of the following.

The pallet processing unit 23 displays GUI parts representing each attribute, and when this GUI part is operated, displays a candidate for an attribute value corresponding to the attribute. Is operated, a tag corresponding to the GUI component, a code indicating the operated attribute value,
This is a part for creating a search condition sentence including. G like this
The search using the UI parts is called a sense palette search.

The similarity search section 24 is a means for searching and providing music information of another music having the same or all of the attribute values as the specified music. "Search like ..." The clip processing unit 25 is a means for temporarily storing desired music specified from the search results, and for sequentially listening to one or more of the temporarily stored music when a predetermined operation is performed. .

The element search section 26 is a section that allows the terminal to specify a desired item from among the information items in the related information provided for the specified music software. Is configured to search for other music software that includes the desired item specified in. Such a search based on the information items in the related information is called an element search.

The jacket search unit 27 causes the terminal to display a jacket image of a plurality of music software on a screen and provides the terminal with music information or the preview data corresponding to the jacket image selected from the screen display on the terminal. It is a means to do. The roots search unit 28 is a part that displays a map on a terminal and displays information related to at least one of a place, an era, and an artist specified from the terminal based on the map. Like this on the map,
A search based on age or artist is called a roots search.

The pallet processing unit 23 and the similarity search unit 2
4. The element search unit 26, the jacket search unit 27, and the roots search unit 28 are search means for performing different types of searches based on different points of interest, respectively, and constitute a search means library L. I have. Then, the search switching unit 29 is a part that receives the switching of the search type from the terminal T while holding one or two or more search result sets at a desired time.

[1-3-4. User information relation] The user information management unit 7 associates a user ID registered for each user with a user ID related to at least one of a search condition used and information viewed. Record the information, then the user ID next time
When the connection is made by the user, the processing is continued based on the recorded user information. This user information management unit 7
Is a means for registering a search condition in association with each user, and transmitting music information corresponding to the registered search condition to the corresponding user when the music information is registered.

[1-4. External System] Examples of the external system E include a sales site for CDs and sound source data, a music information site, an affiliated record company, a production website, and other search engines.

By connecting these external services and businesses to the server S and sharing the data, the services and functions can be improved, and the data can be shared with the external system E. Conventionally, basic music information such as a CD number, an artist name, a song name, and the like are used. In the present embodiment, an attribute value designating tag that can be expressed in text is used so that a search engine can be used remotely. .

Further, a specific mode of accessing the server S from the external system E such as an external network service can be arbitrarily selected. As an example, a basic search function is provided as illustrated in the conceptual diagram of FIG. The program may be incorporated in the service of the external system, or a means for accessing the search function of the server S may be incorporated into any keyword or button in the service, and
I or the like may be used.

[2. Operation] In the present embodiment configured as described above, music information can be searched while arbitrarily switching the type of search (hereinafter, also referred to as "search algorithm"), as shown in FIG. In the procedure shown in FIG. 9, a desired search algorithm is selected (step 403), a search process is performed (steps 405 to 407), and the results are sorted and, if necessary, (step 408) audition (step 4).
10) Perform purchase and other actions (step 412).

[2-1. Assumption] Here, it is assumed that the point of interest (also referred to as a vector) for music search and the final target are roughly divided into the following two (FIG. 10). (1) In the case of "searching for the desired music", such as "I want to listen to that song", "I want to know that song or artist", or "I want that CD". (2) "Searching for unknown music", such as "Is there any good song?"

The former (1) “Search for target music” is further divided as follows. (1-a) Searching for a favorite song on the premise of a secondary action such as purchase or download. (1-b) When you want to know more about your favorite artist and works other than songs you already know. In many cases, secondary behaviors such as purchase and download are premised, and it is also important how smart the transition can be made to the secondary behaviors.

In the case of (2) "Searching for unknown music", it is further divided as follows. (2-a) When looking for music vaguely without having a specific image. (2-b) When there is a certain sensational image such as "good song" or "danceable song". (2-c) When you have your favorite song or genre in advance and want to encounter new music other than your own music knowledge. Divided into

Further, (3) a case in which music is not triggered by “searching”, but is triggered by some chance and is “interested”. Is also conceivable. Specifically, for example, when watching a radio or TV, and thinking, "What is this song? Who's the song? What kind of work are you releasing?" It is also important to be able to smartly move to secondary actions such as search and purchase at the point in time.

As described above, as a feature of the music search, first, the vector of the music search varies as described above, and the vector of the searcher always changes because the object of interest of the searcher changes. Also, the music to be searched is vague,
It is not an absolute property, and even if it is classified by words or numbers, it is not always possible to classify it completely because it is not always correct for everyone, and it must be managed by name or No. Did not get.

That is, in the conventional search, as shown on the upper side of the broken line in FIG. 11, an "artist name" or a "song name" is designated to search for a just-matched song. Several embodiments are known. However, in such a conventional technique, no matter how much the number of registered databases, the range of music search is narrow and the degree of freedom is low because the variety of search is limited.
In particular, searching only by specific names such as song titles and artist names would not be possible without knowing the specific names in advance, and unknown music could not be searched. Similarly, conventionally, when a target song is found by a search, for example, it has not been possible to respond to a request (change in interest) of "want to listen to a song in a category similar to this song".

Therefore, the purpose of the present system is to provide a plurality of vectors in a search, that is, a search method that is optimal for each point of interest, and to provide a method for an optimal object for a fluctuating target or a search vector. The emphasis is on whether or not a search can be performed. Such a present embodiment provides a search with a higher degree of freedom than the conventional music search with a "standard" in a music search in which an absolute result is difficult and cannot be expected in nature.

[2-2. Outline] Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 10, search algorithms optimal for each music search vector, such as a sense palette search and a roots search, are prepared. By switching between these search algorithms and shifting while retaining the data of the object and the search result, music search with a higher degree of freedom can be performed in accordance with the fluctuating object of interest and the search vector.

For example, in the above-mentioned example, if "I want to listen to a song in the same category as this song", the process is shifted to the sense palette search, and the same palette arrangement as the music currently being listened, that is, music having similar characteristics is searched. I can find it. Also, if you are listening to the search results and want to listen to the past works of the musician playing this song, you can move to roots search and follow the past works.

Note that in the case of a search using elements that compose a music, it is necessary to classify the music for each attribute and attribute value and hit it as a search result, but as described above, it is difficult to completely classify the music. Classification may be based on statistical results.

More specifically, in the search for music information, as shown in the conceptual diagram of FIG. 12, since the "how to search" is different depending on the motive, purpose, etc., each search means included in the search means library L is searched. More arbitrary items can be selected and searched by the search switching unit 29. In particular, the purpose of the search is always fluctuating, and the type of search can always be switched accordingly. In this case, between the search processes for each type, synchronization can be achieved by delivering the search results up to that time. For example, after the search result is displayed, the search means included in the search means library L is switched when performing a refined search, so that the search purpose can be changed by thinking or a result closer to the purpose can be obtained.

When the type of search is switched, the visual display, input items, and operation method are switched in the input / search interface on the client side in accordance with the change. In the search means library L on the server S side, as the types of search, in addition to the “sense-free keyword search” by inputting a free word text, the “sensory palette search” by the palette processing unit 23, and the “element search” by the element search unit 26 , "Jacket search" by the jacket search unit 27, and "roots search" by the roots search unit 28, and a similarity search by the similarity search unit 24 can be used.

When a new search method is developed, a search processing module or the like is added to the search means library L, and the user selects and uses the search method from the input / search interface of the client terminal T. be able to. In addition, the display of the input / search interface on the client terminal T is performed when necessary images and
This is realized by transmitting text data and its configuration information (HTML or the like) from the server S side and composing and forming the entire display on the client terminal T.

[2-3. Feeling-free keyword search] First, as shown in the upper part of the broken line in FIG. 11, in the conventional music search, when the artist name and the like are input and perfect matching is performed, the release date, price, release source, etc. can be found. It is. On the other hand, the sense-free keyword search (also referred to as a sense-free word search) in the present embodiment is shown in FIG.
As shown in the conceptual diagram of FIG. 3, the user inputs desired words representing sensory characteristics for an unknown song to be searched for and performs a search. The CGI control unit 2, the search engine 3, the definition database 4, the word This is realized by the operation of the decomposition unit 5, the word addition processing unit 6, and the like.

For example, when the word “etch” is input, the word decomposition unit 5 decomposes this word with reference to the definition database 4 as a definition of the given word, and thereby a plurality of words constituting this word are formed. (Also called a method). In other words, decomposition refers to extracting a plurality of elements constituting a nuance and associating elements by extracting constituent elements included in the definition based on a word given as expressing a nuance.

In this way, by registering the user's original method, it is possible to respond to individual differences in senses, and to search for "etches" that the user desires, that is, sound sources including each method, and to further "preference" Close results can be obtained.

Although the decomposition process and the specific contents of the definition database 4 are arbitrary, for example, data in units of a combination of a word and a component as its definition (even if the data is configured in a matrix). (Referred to as a definition matrix), search for words in such data, extract the methods included in the corresponding definition, and further search for the songs included in the music information as attribute values for each method. Display as What is realized by this is, for the sensory terms, words that support them, associated words, synonyms, etc. are made into "elements", and they are aggregated and defined, so that a specific sensory term This is a mechanism that enables the storage and management of connection information between the and related elements.

In such a sense-free word search, it is desirable to register a user's original method to deal with individual differences in senses. As a result, it is possible to search for music containing the “etch” desired by each user, ie, each method, and to obtain a result closer to “preference”.

The contents of the definition database 4 are added by the operation of the word addition processing unit 6 as follows. First, when a user does not find a word in the middle of a search,
That is, when the definition is not in the definition database, the user is required to input the definition such as “Definition X = OO”. The defined word and each component input in this way are registered in a user preset (also called a preset definition). Here, the user preset is a definition storage area dedicated to each user, and is provided, for example, in a storage area in the definition database 4. A combination of a word and an element registered in a user preset is called a user definition. FIG. 14 shows examples of the preset definition and the user definition stored as described above.

At the same time, the words and the constituent elements are new reserved words (presets) for the entire system, and can be added to a predetermined storage area (called a built-in preset) in the entire system which can be used by other users. be registered. These presets are referred to when the word decomposing unit 5 decomposes the word into elements, whereby even if a third party other than the registered person inputs the word X, the components are extracted by this definition, and the retrieval is performed. become able to.

Further, the word addition processing section 6 periodically checks, for each word whose definition is recorded in the definition database 4, an addition candidate, and at that time, the same word is registered and registered. For each user definition, statistics of the application frequency of each component are collected. For example, FIG.
Reference numeral 202 of 5 denotes a state in which the statistics of the respective elements of the users A, B, and C are taken for the definition X.
As a result of such a statistic, the one with a certain standard or higher (for example, Top 10 or the like) is replaced with the built-in preset definition (203 in FIG. 15). This built-in preset is applied commonly to each user.

As a result, the built-in preset reflects the statistical result of the user preset, and is always kept up-to-date and defined so as to be accepted by the majority. As described above, in this embodiment, the content of the definition database 4 can correspond to the user's feeling that "changes with the times", and always stores the definition of the content that "many people think so". This point is similar to natural proliferation and natural selection in the living world.

Note that the definition for each word is in principle associated with the “sensory feature”, except that in addition to the “sensory feature”, a predetermined software module such as a program is added to an arbitrary word definition in advance. It can also be assigned. For example, when the given word is "good song", the definition is as shown in FIG.
Of the external system E by the operation of the execution unit 20
, Requesting the music information of TOP10, and executing a program for displaying the music information. Normally, the search is automatically performed based on the elements in which the definition is decomposed. When the software module is not allocated, as shown in FIG. The definition may be displayed to the user once, and the assigned software module may be executed or a search may be performed based on the selected element according to the user's selection.

[2-4. Switching of Search Targets] By the way, music is searched with a sense, but in many cases, music is originally classified by other third parties according to completely different values. For example, even if you say "intense music", depending on the person, it is only associated with sensory words such as "heavy" or "fast", or when you associate specific sound characteristics such as "great drum" or "great guitar" There is also a wide variety of "intense music". For this reason, even if you could only search for "intense music," they would be too vague, and in order to get closer to the song you're imagining, you might want to say something like "a little bit heavier" or "faster." Squeezing means is needed, but because of the relative nature of music,
It is very abstract, and many people "can't put it into words", even if they can somehow imagine it with their heads.

For this reason, in the present system, with respect to a search condition given by a word such as “intense music”, the above-mentioned word (definition) is decomposed into “heavy” and “early”.
By performing a music search based on more specific elements such as the above, the above-mentioned "cannot be made into words" portion is automatically extracted to some extent. At the same time, in the present system, a search target music group obtained by matching each of these elements is presented in a screen image such as an "axis" as exemplified in FIG.

In this case, each axis corresponds to a set of songs that are "separated by subtly different words", in other words, more specific elements that the given word may mean. is there. For this reason, the music group displayed corresponding to the axis is a search result set that matches the element. With this, the user sets the axis as a “reference”, and by the operation of the switching display unit 21, selects the axis by mouse click or the like to display the display so as to move between the search result sets and look around. By listening to music, you can find the "axis" that is close to the image, and search for music that is closer to the image.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing in the above-described sense-free keyword search. That is, first, the user inputs an image (sense term) X that comes to mind, such as “sad song”, into a predetermined search window (step 1802). Then, when the search button is pressed,
The definition database 4 is queried for the input sense term X (step 1803). Definition database 4
Is a collection of one sensory term defined in multiple words. Referring to this definition, if it matches with the term X, multiple words constituting the definition and related words contained in the definition are included. Can be extracted. This is called definition decomposition.

As a result, if there is a corresponding term in the definition database 4, the word is decomposed into elements according to the definition (step 1807). At this time, the definition database 4
If there is no definition corresponding to (1804), a message is sent to the user to that effect, and the user is prompted to select either (1) create his own original definition or (2) return to the initial screen of search ( Step 1805).

When the term X is decomposed, the search target is the term X
, And a plurality including the decomposed element n (A to E in FIG. 19) (step 1808). For example, if X is a "sad song", when it is decomposed, elements such as "ballad", "melancholic", "broken heart", "despair", and "kyun kuru" are extracted. The search engine 3 extracts music that includes the decomposed word in the attribute value by referring to the music information database 1 based on each of the decomposed elements (step 1809). This extraction result is a search result set for each word corresponding to the decomposed element.

Here, the music information database 1 stores, for each song, song information such as a title, sense information as a set of one or more attribute values, jacket information including a jacket image and jacket copy information, Although poetry information including lyrics and user information are stored, the term X and the decomposed element n are collated with each attribute value in the sensory information. Here, the jacket copy is a text printed on a jacket of music software such as a CD and PR of the music in about three lines, and the jacket copy information is text data of the jacket copy. According to the selection of the user, such jacket copy information and poetry information can be set as search targets and can be searched simultaneously. In this case, the hit rate is high, but the result may be too large. In such a case, the user is urged to narrow down the conditions.

The search condition for each element is

## EQU1 ## It is conceivable that Y1 = B and C and D Y2 = A and E Y3 = E.

If the keyword entered by the searcher is not in the definition database, a dialog as to whether or not to register the original definition by the user is displayed as shown in FIG. If the original definition is not registered here, it will not be possible to search by that keyword, but in such a case, by saving the entered keyword, it is possible to search " And a list of "keywords left unregistered in the original definition" can be created. This list may be periodically reviewed, and necessary items may be added to the definition database 4.

For example, FIG. 21 shows an example in which a list is displayed in order of definition. For example, when "sea-like" is selected, each element constituting the definition of "sea-like" is displayed, and a search can be performed based on the element selected therefrom. This is used when entering a free nuance when there is no hit or when searching for what definition exists first. Further, as illustrated in FIG. 21, when the input nuance “Nori Nori” is not in the definition database, the meaning of “Nori Nori”, related keywords, and other words can be expressed.
Ask the user to enter In this way, the ambiguous meaning of a single word "Nori Nori" naturally propagates like dance music, groovy and hips.

The search results obtained include a search result set including a music group that matches “input term X”, and a search result set including a music group that matches each of the decomposed “elements n”. As a search result set, a song that matches “input term X”, such as “sad song” in the above example, that is, a search result that perfectly matches “JUST”
(Just), and the results of “element n” are each referred to as “axis n”.

In this case, the search result screen (FIG. 22)
"JUS" which is a search result for "input term X"
By displaying the "T" and the decomposed "element n" as the switching candidate G2, the searcher can ask the searcher "what word was searched for""what kind of element is close to the input term" And the search results JU
Each axis related to ST is displayed in a list (steps 1811 and 1812).

[0132] The search result screen in this example includes
A search window 2801 which is a text input column used for re-search and narrowing search, a search button attached to the search window 2801, a number of hits column 2803 indicating the number of hits corresponding to the displayed axis, a clip button 2804, Audition button 2805, download button 2906, video button 2807, jacket photo 2808, music information 280
9, a sorter interface 2810, a navigation window 2811, and a favorite palette call button 2812.

On this screen, a plurality of search results are displayed. For one song, in addition to the jacket photograph 2808 and basic song information 2809 of "song name" and "artist name", the genre, form, age ( The content of MusicML, such as a release date) and a sensory element, are displayed. Using these as a guide, the searcher can sort (sort) or narrow down the music of interest by using the sorting means interface 2810 or the like (step 181).
3).

When the preview button 2805 is pressed, for example, a request for designated trial data, ie, a trial sound source file, is made to a corresponding facility on the network, for example, an internal or external database.
By activating and executing external application software such as a real audio player mounted on the client terminal, a preview sound source can be reproduced. The performance and mechanism of data transfer and reproduction depend on the external application.

When the clip button 2804 is pressed, music information can be temporarily stored in the memory of the client terminal. As a specific example of use, it is possible to clip more and more of anxious, listen and compare them later, and find out about the musician.

If the user presses an obtain button 2806, the music can be obtained. Several modes, formats, and the like can be considered for acquisition. For example, as formats, (1) purchase of a package product such as a CD, and (2) purchase of music data are conceivable. (2) Regarding music data, there is a music data which is distributed free of charge in addition to purchase. Can be downloaded. As a specific operation, when the button 2806 is pressed, the CD
A selection screen for selecting the package or the data appears, and when the user selects either, the connection to the related network service is established. At that time, the song management number, song name,
Transmit the artist name, user ID, etc. Subsequent operations depend on the network service.

When the video button 2807 is pressed, a request for a specified video file is made to a facility on the corresponding network, for example, an internal or external database, and the real audio player of the client terminal is provided. By activating and executing such an external application, a video can be reproduced. The performance and mechanism of data transfer and reproduction depend on the external application.

When the jacket picture 2808 is pressed, a detail screen as shown in FIG. 23 is displayed, and the searcher can know the details of this work. The detail screen has a navigation function for a changing object of interest, and the searcher can use this to search for music as he or she likes.

As described above, by performing operations such as trial listening, the searcher can search for his or her favorite music while enjoying the music on the displayed axis. However, the axis "JUST" displayed is classified as "sad song" by a third party, taking "sad song" as an example, and thus is not necessarily "sad song" for the searcher. Absent. Of course, while listening to some songs (step 1814), it is conceivable to seek a song with a different nuance or atmosphere even for "similar song" or the same "sad song".

In such a case, when a desired one is selected from JUST displayed in advance as the switching candidate 2802 and “element n” which is a word constituting or related to JUST (step 1817), the selected item is selected. The axis is switched to the one (step 1818), and for example, the music corresponding to the selected element n is listed again. For example, if JUST is a "sad song", the disassembled element n is the axis of "ballad", "melancholic", "broken heart", "despair", and "kyun to kuru". Like this"
By moving (switching) these axes, the vague target, that is, the music that could not be searched, can be previewed. In this way, the searcher can find his or her "sad song" by moving the axis.

[2-5. Feeling Palette Search] In addition, by the operation of the palette processing unit 23, a feeling palette search using GUI parts is also possible. In the sensation palette search, a GUI component representing each attribute that can be specified as a search condition is displayed, and when this GUI component is operated, a candidate for an attribute value corresponding to the attribute is displayed. When operated, a search condition sentence including a tag corresponding to the GUI component and a code indicating the operated attribute value is created.

[2-5-1. Overview of sensation palette search]
To schematically illustrate the sense palette search, for example, a “palette” that is a set of sensory terms for a sensory image of the searcher, such as “glossy singing voice” or “magnificent feeling” In the same way as generating and selecting colors with a palette, this search method searches for music close to the image by selecting and combining sensory terms such as “glossy” and “magnificent”. FIG. 24 shows a specific processing procedure in this feeling palette search, and FIG. 25 shows a display example of a screen.

[2-5-2. Palette generation and initialization)
In this procedure, the display screen (FIG. 25) first displays the Musici
Among the matrices in cML, a GUI component that buttons several categories that make up music expression elements, such as “sound source form”, “genre characteristic”, “tone characteristic”, “rhythmic characteristic”, “sensory characteristic”, etc. A certain category selection button 331 is displayed. Also, corresponding to the operated category button 331, a middle item button 332, which is a GUI component in which the middle item constituting the category is converted to a button, is displayed together with the category name 333. These category names 3
A set of 33 and the middle item button 332 is called a “palette”. Each of these palettes can be displayed by selecting the category selection button 331.

[2-5-3. [Search Start] The searcher operates the desired category selection button 331 to display the palette. For example, if the user has a specific timbre impression such as “glossy singing voice”, the user selects “tone characteristics” and displays the palette. In addition, in music search, there are many cases in which the image of the search target is not particularly clear, such as “I don't know what it is”. In such a case, for example, the category selection button 331 is sequentially operated from the left to change the palette. The contents may be displayed, the contents thereof may be checked, and an appropriate selection may be made as desired.

When a desired category is selected and the middle item button 332 constituting the palette is selected by clicking the mouse or the like, a selectable attribute value is popped up in the attribute of the middle item. For example, when the middle item “song impression” is selected from the palette of “tone characteristics”, “husky, colorful, glossy” and the like are popped up as selectable attribute values.

When an arbitrary attribute value is selected from these, the attribute value is specified as an element to be searched. Specifically, for example, when “Glossy” is selected in the item “Song impression” in the above “Tone characteristics” palette, Music
This means that “glossy” was selected for the tag <song-img> on the cML matrix.
song-img> gloss] is formed.

It is also possible to specify a complex condition. For example, if the same condition is specified for other pallets and middle items, several tags are linked in a <tag> element, a <tag> element, and so on. (Steps 322 and 32
3).

By such an operation, for example, when a more detailed search is desired, a larger number of palettes and elements are specified. On the other hand, when a wide range of results is desired, a search is performed with a minimum required specification. The width of the search can be changed depending on the designation method.

[2-6. Designation of Matching Degree] The matching degree designating section 22 can also designate a matching degree, ie, a degree of narrowing, to be regarded as a match, and sort and display information equal to or higher than the specified matching degree in descending order of the matching degree. . For example, the matching degree designating unit 22 causes the terminal T to designate a plurality of elements as music information search conditions, and further designates and changes any one of the terminals T as the search condition match degree. (1) "Complete": All the elements match. (2) “Priority”: All or a part of one or more priority elements specified by the terminal T from each element matches. (3) "Wide": At least one of the elements matches.

For example, as shown in FIG. 19, when elements A, B, C, D, and E are specified by a logical product (and) as a search condition, matching among music M1 to M4 shown in the lower part of FIG. The search result changes as follows according to the degree. For example, when “complete” is specified, only M1 in which all specified attribute values match (match) is a search result. If “important” is specified and the user specifies the important element B, the music M2 and M3 may be eventually required by the user and are included in the search result. In this way, if the user determines one or more important elements, even if all specified elements do not completely match,
Those that include elements with emphasis are displayed as search results. That is, when the emphasis is placed on B, the music M1, M2, and M3 are displayed.

When the degree of matching “wide” is designated, a result that matches any one of the elements is displayed as a result. In the case of the example of FIG. 19, the music M1, M2, M
3 and M4 are all displayed.

As shown in FIG. 25, the elements specified by the pallet from each category are the current selection contents 335.
Is displayed under each category, so that the searcher can reconfirm the direction of the search by looking at this. FIG.
In the above example of No. 5, in the "Japanese music" of "Female Vocal",
It is a singing voice that looks like "reggae" and has a "glossy" singing voice.

When the search condition is designated and the search button 336 is pressed, the search is executed (step 324). Specifically, a plurality of elements specified by the pallet are connected, and a matching one is searched in the music database. In the above example, [<Ptype> female, <C
With the search condition sentences such as <type> Japanese music (general), <ctg-state> reggae-like, <song-img> luster], music including them is extracted from the music information database 1.

With respect to the results of the above search, for example, a preview is performed on the search result list screen (FIG. 26) based on the search results, and the music is evaluated. Then, if the song is interesting, the user can use the functions of the clip button 3404, the audition button 3405, the download button 3406, and the like, and can move to an arbitrary operation such as displaying a detailed information screen as in the case of the "sense-free keyword search". .

On the other hand, if the search result is different from what was imagined, or if the user wants to narrow down or expand the search, the palette is displayed again with the category selection button 331, and the selected element is changed. Then, search again with the search button. For example, change the detail by changing "glossy" to "through"
With "rhythmic features", it is possible to make adjustments such as increasing the specification of elements to get closer to the image, or conversely, reducing the specification to list a wider range of songs.

In the free keyword search described above, the search viewpoint is changed by “moving the axis”. However, in the pallet search, the search viewpoint can be changed by changing the conditions as described above. In the same way, changing the color selected in the palette will greatly change the mixed color.

[2-7. Similar Search and Its Application] When the "search for similar music" method is selected based on the result of another search method other than the above-described sensory palette search, the type of search is switched to the similar search. Here, the processing procedure of the similarity search is shown in FIG. That is, as a feature of the music search, an interest such as "Is there anything else in the song like this" is generated based on the music I currently listen to, but in the present embodiment, this is described as follows. Enable by search.

For example, a search for "a song like this, nothing else" is interpreted as follows. First, "like this" refers to something such as "sound source form", "genre characteristic", "tone characteristic", "rhythmic characteristic", "sensory characteristic", etc. It may also be "ambiguous". In this case, the searcher often does not know what the “feel like” is, for example, in terms of music jargon or how to treat it in the categorization as described above. No specific search could be specified for the vague search image "Other songs like this".

Therefore, in the present embodiment, the music information of the music currently being listened to is called up, and the “sound source form”, “genre characteristic”, “tone characteristic”, “rhythmic characteristic”, “sense” as used in the retrieval of the sense palette. By extracting attribute values such as "characteristic features" from music information related to the song and automatically substituting the plurality of attribute values into search conditions, a search "like this" is realized. Then, since the search result is a music piece including elements similar to those, it is possible to present a music piece having an element that is somewhat close to the image of the searcher. And although they do not always match the “look like this” that the searcher imagined, they can be used as a large guideline compared to the past, in which case the searcher continues to use palette search and the like. This makes it easy to search for music that is close to the image.

That is, in the case of music search by designating sensory elements, sensory “perfect match” is difficult in nature,
It is important to provide a guideline as described above, navigate through the music world where a large number of music exists with the interest of the searcher, and access the music to be imaged as easily and smartly as possible. According to the present embodiment, this object is effectively achieved.

[0161] Such a system is compatible with Musici.
A collection search can be performed by easily calling and using each other's search function with another search system based on the cML tag.

For example, in the element search, jacket search, roots search, etc., on the detailed screen (FIG. 23), the details of the music can be known, and at the same time, the navigation function, ie, the function of switching the type of search, is used.
Although it is possible to cope with various interests that fluctuate, if “similar music” is selected here, the similarity search unit 24
, A request for similarity search is received, the management number of the currently listened song (selected song) is transferred to the similarity search unit 24, and the search is started.

More specifically, the similarity search unit 24 extracts the tag of the sense element part from the music information of the received music No. from the music information database 1. In particular,
Categories such as “sound source form”, “genre characteristic”, “tone characteristic”, “rhythmic characteristic”, and “sensory characteristic” and attribute values corresponding thereto are extracted.

In the ordinary sense palette search described above, the searcher specifies each of these elements for each pallet, and a search condition sentence is created based on this. Each element is designated as a palette, and a search condition sentence is automatically created and passed to the search engine 3. In this way, a song composed of the same sense elements as the song that the user listened to is searched. as a result,
It is possible to present to the searcher a song according to demand such as "Is there something like this song like this?" The search results are displayed to the user in the same manner as the palette search, and by changing the selected elements of the palette as necessary, changing the search vector, etc.
You can access unknown music. Here, the pallet is not limited to the GUI component but has an attribute that can be specified by the GUI component.

[2-8. Clip processing] For the desired music among the search results obtained by the above search, the clip processing unit 25 temporarily stores the desired music at a desired point in time, and temporarily stores one or two or more of the temporarily stored music. When the operation is performed, it is also possible to make a trial listening. The specific term of the temporary storage is free, for example, it may be stored in a storage area such as a temporary memory as a temporary storage place until the window of the web browser is closed,
It may be stored until an erasure instruction is given. Further, the temporarily stored music may be displayed on the search result list screen, for example, in an overlapping manner, or may be browsed by switching to another screen as illustrated in FIG.

When such a clipping process is used, in the process of switching or narrowing down the type of search, the "tune to be worried" is clipped more and more by operating the "clip" button or the like. In other words, it is very time-consuming to perform the next search after listening to each one, and it is very lossy and thoughts are easily interrupted.Therefore, clipping is performed using the element display and related information as a guide. If you listen to them all at once, you will achieve excellent work efficiency.

[2-9. Storage of User Information] Further, by the operation of the user information management unit 7, it is also possible to store information (called user information) for each user such as a favorite music or a work state such as a search. For example, when there is a favorite music, for example, as shown in FIG. 29, a link using an ID or a URL for each music in an area (called a favorite palette) of a page serving as a dedicated link page dedicated to each user. The information may be saved and recalled at any time.

In addition to the above, user information and examples of its use include a user ID for identification, presenting news of a previously registered artist, presenting a new song matching the registered sense palette, and singing a song at karaoke. The past access browsing results, the status of how far the user has searched in the case of a roots search, and other information regarding various advisor functions may be considered.

In addition, various types of user information such as favorite contents can be analyzed and applied as marketing data. For example, by pre-registering and registering specific “genres”, “sensory elements”, “arbitrary musicians”, etc., a suggestion function that notifies the user when new music comes out and there is information that matches it (Here, called “information reservation”).

Specifically, for example, necessary information such as an artist name registered as a favorite is stored in a personal information database (referred to as a personal information DB) in the form of a file or the like as personal user information together with a user ID. Manage it. At the time of release of the new music, elements such as “artist name”, “genre”, and “sense element” are added to the released music (TITLE Ｌ: ART = “xxx
x ", <ctg1> = 1 (Rock), 6 (J-PO
P), <song-img> = 1 (husky) ,,,)
Extract like. Then, the extracted element is referred to the personal information DB, and the corresponding “personal ID” is, for example, (T
ITLE ○: ART “xxxx”: ID123,
ID234. . . Take out like. The information extracted in this manner is, in the above example, a list of users who have registered in advance that they want to be notified if there is a song including the artist xxxx.

Similarly, a personal ID corresponding to each element
Is extracted. Then, after these search processes are completed, if the extracted personal IDs are sorted, a list of personal IDs and corresponding elements is created. For example, (ID123: ART “x
xxx ", <sensory element tag> = ○, ○). By repeating the above-described series of processing for each newly registered music, a list of personal IDs corresponding to each music is completed. , Song name (TITL
E), an artist, a genre, a personal ID, and other corresponding elements are arranged in a list.

Therefore, new information and the like are notified by e-mail in accordance with the registration of each music ID, and, for example, a notification is also notified to an information board such as a web page dedicated to each user, and the guidance is provided by the user. Click to open the details screen, where you can listen and listen to other actions.

As described above, in the use of user information, as shown in FIG. 29, an artist is registered as a favorite indicating personal preference of the user, and if there is a new album of the artist, concert information, etc., a favorite palette is displayed. Or by e-mail or by referring to the music element registration information of the registered music, and when there is a similar music, the same is notified. Similarly, if you have a favorite song, you can save the link information in a favorite palette and recall it at any time.

[2-10. Cooperation with external system] Note that the above processing relating to the user information is an operation inside the server S. However, if the following processing is performed, the external system E such as an external database service can be connected to a network such as the Internet. Can be linked. For example, when a user purchases a CD at an external system E such as a server system of a music software purchase site such as a CD or a mail order site, the external system E transmits a request to the server S to perform a past search. Record, refer to registered contents of favorites, etc.

In this case, the server S checks the status of the information reservation, such as the user's preference and the artist, and if there is matched information, the server S uses the user via the CGI function of the external system E, for example. Open a window on the terminal where you are, and you will see a new song for which you have registered your preference.
And provide information. At the same time, from the information of the purchased CD sent from the external system E, the sensory information of the music is analyzed, a new music score of a similar music is extracted by a similarity search, and information on the music is provided to the user together with a preview function. .

With regard to the above series of processing, information processing is performed between the server S and the external system E, and all screen display is performed centrally on the user's terminal. No complicated operation is required, and the user can enjoy smooth music shopping using the functions such as the information provision described above. In addition, a business operator such as a seller who operates the external system E can make a proposal or a sales promotion in place of the “salesman's proposal” quickly, reliably, and at low cost.

When a CD is inserted into a terminal connected to a network such as a personal computer, it may be possible to connect to the server S via the network and transmit the CD number at the same time as CD playback starts. Here, the CD number is IC
Also called RC code, it is managed by the Records Association and recorded as data on a CD. In this case, the server S searches the music information database 1 using the CD number as a key, extracts artist information, and provides the information to the terminal.

In addition, a monitoring system for the search process is constructed, and the search terms used to express the sensory characteristics, the names of the artists who boarded various selections, jump destinations, roots searches, etc., are included. An individual's history of what keyword was searched and what song was searched by the route may be used for marketing and system improvement.

[2-11. Element Search] In addition to searching for artist names and titles, the operation of the element search section 26 also covers producers, engineers, players, and other credits as search targets. Use of hyperlinks in music is also easy, such as access to your work and music that your favorite musicians are participating in.

In such a data search, it is important how much information is registered in the database and displayed as additional information when matching is performed.
In particular, letting each user extract the target information of his / her interest as much as possible as well as processing information related to each information added one after another, Being involved in more than 500 works, how to be able to browse a lot of related information at the same time smartly, narrow down when needed without deviating from the object of interest, or immediately become an object of interest for ever-changing interests A major issue is whether it can be transferred by information retrieval.

On the other hand, FIG. 30 shows a processing procedure for element retrieval in this embodiment. In this procedure, when an element search is designated as a search type, an initial screen C1 shown in FIG. 31 is displayed. Where the artist name (person name)
, Song name / CD name, jacket copy, lyrics, nuance, all search (step 47)
02, 4703). When a nuance is selected, the search is automatically switched to a feeling-free keyword search.

Then, when the search button is operated, a corresponding item is extracted from the music information database 1 (step 4704), and a list is displayed on the result display screen C2 shown in FIG. 31 (step 4705). For example, when "Artist name" is selected, the music information database 1
The column of artist names in is searched. At this time, in the database, by searching not only the artist name item column but also related information such as musician credits and remarks item column (FIG. 32), not only the result of matching as the artist name, For example, if the composition or the production has the name, the result of the music, the inserted song of the movie in which the person appeared, etc. can be displayed (lower part of the screen C2 in FIG. 31).

When "Song Title, CD Name" is selected, both the "Song Title" and "CD Name" columns in the music information database 1 are searched. When “Jacket Copy” is selected, a character string input as a free keyword is searched from, for example, “Jacket Copy” in the music information database 1. The "jacket copy" is a catch phrase expressing the contents of the CD, the characteristics of the music, the introduction of the artist, etc. in about three lines.
It is often described in the band attached to the package of D, which is a great indication and an opportunity for purchase at the store, and a great indication for music search. It should be noted that the music information thus displayed for the CD is
Music information when the CD is an album is called album information.

Then, in the music details based on the search result, for example, in addition to the CD information selected on the previous screen, for example, the music names of all the recorded music are described (step 4708). In addition, in each song title, in addition to general credits such as a composer, arranger, and lyricist, credits of musicians who participated in performances such as guitar, bass, and remix are described. further,
A preview button is placed next to each song name, and when this button is pressed, the song can be previewed by the CGI control unit 2 and the preview data prepared in the music information database 1 in advance. As further related information, other information described on the existing CD, such as the producer, director, studio used, jacket designer, etc. of the entire CD (the lower part of the screen C3 in FIG. 23) is described.

Normally, the artist repeats a series of steps of searching for an artist → designating an album of interest from the search results → viewing / listening to album information → returning to a single screen and listening to a different album. Investigations such as knowing past songs are possible. In addition to this, as a feature of the present embodiment, hyperlinks are set, for example, for all the music credits described in the music information and the album credits including the producer. Thereby, it becomes possible to advance the search by operating the hyperlink.

Therefore, in a series of such a search, for example, when "the person who produced this music wants to know or listen to other works", the name of the person is selected from the credits. Is operated (step 4709), the name is automatically substituted for a new search condition expression, and the search is started. And as a result,
A list of songs to which the names of the producers and musicians are applicable is displayed (screen C2 in FIG. 31). Similarly, by selecting arbitrary information (screen C3 in FIG. 23), it is possible to know or listen to those works. Becomes possible. In this way, it is possible to expand the unknown music world by searching for a specific artist and the artists surrounding it in a chain.

[0187] In the initial screen, as a search condition, "Song title /
When "CD name" is designated and the song name is entered in the search input box and the search is started, the corresponding song is extracted from the music information database 1 and is listed on the result display screen (screen C2 in FIG. 31). For example, music of a certain genre such as jas or a classic song of the past is often performed by various artists, and in this case, the corresponding album information is listed together with the artist name. Thereafter, by specifying and selecting the album in the same manner as described above, FIG.
The detailed information is displayed as in the screen C3 of FIG. 3 so that the user can preview the music and search for related musicians in a chain.

When "Jacket Copy" is specified as a search condition on the initial screen and some "keywords" are entered in the search input box and the search is started, the corresponding information is extracted from the music information database 1 and the result is displayed. Screen (Figure 3
1 is displayed on the screen C2). In other words, "Jacket Copy" is a catch phrase written on the CD jacket strip. The songs recorded on the CD are combined into a short sentence of about three lines by connecting several keywords. This is a great indication when purchasing a CD.

[0189] This "reference" can be used for the search in the "jacket copy" of the present embodiment, and in many cases, the expression "XX in XX lock" is used. ○ and △△ and
By performing a search by combining a plurality of keywords such as "XX" and sorting the search in descending order of matching, music can be searched appropriately and easily.

[2-12. Jacket Search] Next, the user can search for music from the jacket visuals by the operation of the jacket search unit 27 (FIG. 3).
3). Specifically, for example, assuming that there are one million search targets, it is physically impossible to see all of them even if they are all displayed visually. It is considered appropriate to display the details when necessary while browsing. For this reason, in the present embodiment, typically, candidates are once narrowed down by another type of search, and 2
Performing a secondary search is considered the most effective means.

Here, FIG. 34 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen in the jacket search. In this jacket search, rather than slowly searching while listening to music, you can visually grasp at a glance what kind of things are there because of the nature of listening to music one by one with interest in visuals as a guide At the same time, there is a demand for an operation environment in which the change of interest can be instantaneously performed.

As information displayed based on the selection of the jacket in the jacket search, it is desirable to present music information that has already been selected to some extent, such as a part of a new record or a recommended topical work that can be seen at a store. . Also, if you divide your target into categories,

[0193]

[Equation 2] Recently released albums All artists in order of Iueo Genre Genre (in order of Iueo) Age (in order of Iueo) Region (in order of Iueo) Keywords It is conceivable to assign objects to categories such as shop mode (recommended).

A plurality of modes may be provided as specific display modes in the jacket search, and any mode can be incorporated in the system depending on the purpose and the characteristics of the search target. For example, the list mode is shown in FIG.
As illustrated in FIG. 4, this is an aspect in which more jackets are displayed on the screen while omitting details and the like. When the mouse cursor is placed on the jacket of interest on this display screen, the jacket display is emphasized, and at the same time, a request is sent to the preview interface and the music is reproduced. For example, if the song is single, the single song is played, and if the song is an album, the first song is played. Alternatively, when the user clicks on an item of interest, the other search types may be displayed on the detailed screen to allow the user to operate the device, and the user may proceed to browse the details or preview each song.

[2-13. Root search] FIG. 35 In the root search by the similar search unit 24, the roots of the music, the distribution of the artists, and the music information of each artist released in that era can be extracted from the visualized music distribution map, and can be previewed. It facilitates the exploration of timeless music. For example, the following functions can be considered as functions in the root search. "Whole": Information is displayed in a batch to oversee what movement was in which era (Figure 3)
6). "Select by region": The birthplace, its flow, and the cultural flow unique to the region (Fig. 37). "Artist": Displays what kind of music any artist is playing in what era, who is in the vicinity, what kind of influence it has been, and what kind of activity they have done so far (Fig. 38).

For such a root search, the search may be started from the root search, or may be used in a manner of bringing in another type of search result. In the present application, the “map” is not limited to a geographical map in a narrow sense, but broadly means a chart representing information in a format similar to a map, such as a distribution diagram or a system diagram.

[2-14. Other examples of similar search] Similar search has already been described for an example of searching for another similar song from the sensory characteristics of the searched individual specific song. You like a particular artist or genre, but you only know a few artists, and you want to know, meet, or discover more similar artists. " This means that you want to know "similar and similar" artists based on "artists you like" and "artists you know". Similarity search is also applied in such cases. You.

That is, as the “similar or similar” artist, as shown in FIG. 39, the following types based on various viewpoints can be considered. (1) Similar themes / concepts of the artists include, for example, social themes such as liberalism, rebellion against society, and love for humanity, rock theories such as spirituality, guts, and styles such as soul and hippies. It is diverse. (2) Similar strains The strains are also called "tribes", but they vary from geographical ones, such as Shibuya and Shimokita, to those that refer to music styles, such as Mondo and Diva. Rather, they often refer to a group of such people and the environment. (3) Producers are the same. In this case, the producers are a kind of "connoisseur", each establishing their own world view and providing the user with the music style. Therefore, if the producers are the same, the work is often made based on the worldview and connoisseur, and many fans are unconscious but sympathetic with the worldview created by the producer. That is, in a nutshell, the same producer results in a similar sound. (4) Same genre The "genre" which has been used so far, that is, the genre, which is a category means comprehensively considering musicality, is the same, and the applicable range is wide. (5) Performance characteristics are the same The overall performance characteristics of the musician, such as a fake singing method, a Hayabiki guitar, a driving ensemble, and the like.

It is free to add desired viewpoints and algorithms to the system, such as other DJs being the same.
In the case where the five types as described above are considered, in the present embodiment, in addition to the general music information, the music information database 1 based on MusicMl including the sensory features of the music is provided. Based on the name of the artist (referred to as a reference artist), it is possible to respond to the above (1) to (5) by using several types of searches as described below, and as a result, You can find artists who are "similar and similar" to the artist. Further, based on the result, by further switching to various types of searches and linking them, it is possible to listen to the tune of the artist, trace the roots, and perform various quests with interest.

For example, in the case of (1) the theme / concept of the artist is similar, (2) the system is similar, and (4) the same genre, in the music information of the reference artist input by the searcher, With reference to a target portion, for example, a theme / concept (underlined portion in FIG. 39), a search keyword such as “soul” is automatically generated. And
A search keyword soul such as "soul" is searched based on the artist information in the music information database 1, and a matching artist is displayed.

(3) If the producer is the same, the producer name is extracted by referring to the producer list in the music information database 1 for all the songs of the reference artist. Further, element search is performed using this as a search keyword, and a list of artists produced by the producer is displayed.

(5) In the case where the performance characteristics are the same, the performance characteristics are referenced from the music information database 1 for all the songs of the reference artist, and the attribute values such as the punch-in ensemble and the fake are extracted as keywords. The search is performed by designating one or more search keywords extracted in this manner on the "performance characteristics" palette of the sense palette search.
At this time, when there are a plurality of keys, the search is repeatedly performed. Then, songs that match each keyword are extracted, for example, as a result of a driving ensemble, a result of a fake, etc., and only artist names are extracted from the results, duplicates are arranged, and a list of Is displayed.

In the similarity search described above, specifically, an artist name is input into a predetermined search window. What is input at this time is an artist name used as a reference when searching for similar artists. Then, when the search button is pressed, the above algorithms are executed, and the respective search results are displayed. The search result is displayed together with the search element, that is, the search keyword extracted by the algorithm when the title, that is, the theme / concept is similar, and the like. When each artist name is selected on this display screen, a screen such as screen C2 in FIG. 31 in element search appears. Thereafter, in the same manner, it is possible to proceed to the detailed screen, or to shift to the audition or other types of search.

[3. Effect] As described above, in the present embodiment, an attribute value including a sensory feature can be specified as a search condition, so that an abstract search based on an impression or the like can be specified without knowing in advance information unique to each music such as a song title. Becomes possible.
In the present embodiment, a database for music information can be constructed / managed or searched in a data format that can be expressed in a matrix format, that is, tags indicating attributes and codes of attribute values described for each tag. This increases the independence between the data itself and the processing procedure, excels in the versatility, sharing, and application range of the data, and makes it easy to search for unknown music by passing character strings from multiple software modules and other servers. It becomes possible. Further, in the present embodiment, by replacing the input word with one or more attribute values used in the music information database, various words can be used as search conditions, and the usability of the search is improved. Further, since words used by many people are added to the definition database, it is possible to provide an effective music search corresponding to the user's sense and vocabulary that changes with the times. Also, in the present embodiment, when a predetermined definition is referred to, such as when a specific word is input or the word is decomposed into a specific element, an operation different from a normal search, for example, data is obtained from another server and ranked By performing an operation such as displaying the top 10, music information can be provided more flexibly and flexibly. Further, in the present embodiment, a search result set corresponding to each element is displayed by switching elements obtained by decomposing a given word. For this reason, even if there is an individual difference in the usage of sensory words, it is possible to freely select and effectively use a search result set that is close to one's own sensitivity. Also,
In the present embodiment, the degree of matching and the key elements in the search can be specified based on the purpose of the search, the number of search results up to the middle, and the like, so that a more effective search according to the circumstances is realized. In these aspects, a search condition statement that includes a tag representing an attribute and a code representing an attribute value and can be directly executed by simply performing an easy operation of selecting an attribute value from a GUI component such as a palette displayed for each attribute Is created, the search for music information is made more efficient. Further, in the present embodiment, it is possible to efficiently use the search results, such as temporarily storing or clipping the worrisome ones among the search results, and listening and comparing them later and examining the musician later. Further, in the present embodiment, the search and information browsing status is stored for each user, and the use can be resumed from the same status at the next use, so that the continuity of use of the music information is maintained and the usability is improved. Further, in the present embodiment, when music information corresponding to the registered search condition appears, the notification is made by e-mail or the like, so that user convenience is improved, use is promoted, and information distribution is speeded up. Further, in the present embodiment, based on music already known or favorite music among search results, other music having a common search condition such as an attribute value can be easily known. Music with features is also likely to be liked, so trading opportunities are effectively increased. Also,
In the present embodiment, by making it possible to freely search widely-covered information such as all credits of music software from mutual relationships and the like, the user can continue to be interested in a list of past works from a specific musician, for example, It is possible to easily develop dynamic and effective searches, such as examining participating works and works around them. Further, in the present embodiment, by searching for an interesting work or artist from the visual of the jacket and making it possible to smoothly audition as it is, it is possible to more intuitively encounter a wide range of unknown music. Further, in the present embodiment, by displaying or specifying information on a place, an era, an artist in each place, or the like based on a map, it becomes easy to search while grasping the music scene on a global scale. Further, in the present embodiment, for example, by switching the type of search at a desired point in time, such as after searching for a sensory feature with a free keyword, while maintaining a certain song found as a search result up to that time as a reference, for example, The degree of freedom in music search is improved, such as searching for other songs having the same attribute value of the musical feature or searching for past works of the player.

[4. Other Embodiments] The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, but includes other embodiments as exemplified below. For example, in the above embodiment, an example in which a plurality of types of searches are appropriately switched has been described.
Multiple types of searches and their switching are not essential.

[0206]

As described above, according to the present invention, a music search technique capable of performing an abstract search based on an impression or the like without knowing in advance information unique to each music such as a music title, that is, a music search apparatus In addition, it is possible to provide a recording medium on which the music retrieval software is recorded, thereby increasing music demand.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram showing a configuration of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram showing the principle of expressing music information in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram of a matrix according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing attributes and attribute values for each song in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a matrix indicating elements of each music piece according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing attributes and attribute values for each artist according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a conceptual diagram showing a configuration example of a music information database according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a conceptual diagram showing one mode of accessing a server from an external system in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for searching for music information while switching the type of search in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram showing a state in which a type of search according to a purpose is used in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a conceptual diagram showing a sense-free keyword search according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a conceptual diagram showing switching of a search type in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a conceptual diagram showing word decomposition using a definition database in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a conceptual diagram showing a preset definition and a user definition in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a conceptual diagram showing a state in which a preset definition is automatically generated based on statistics in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of definition of a word in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a conceptual diagram showing display of a search result based on an axis in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing in a sense-free keyword search according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a conceptual diagram showing a search result according to a search condition in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for adding a definition by a user in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a view showing an example of additional registration of definition elements and a display example of a definition dictionary in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 22 is a view showing a display example of a search result according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 23 is a view showing a display example of a detail screen showing details of a search result in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of a sense palette search according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 25 is a view showing an example of a screen display of a sense palette search in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 26 is a diagram showing an example of a search result list display screen by a sensory palette search in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of a sense pallet search in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 28 is a view showing an example of a clip list screen according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 29 is a view showing an example of a favorite palette list screen according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing a procedure of an element search process according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 31 is a view showing an example of a screen in an element search in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 32 is a view showing a display example of related information according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 33 is a view showing an example of a screen display for jacket search in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 34 is a view showing another screen display example of a jacket search in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 35 is a diagram showing a screen display example of a roots search according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 36 is a diagram showing another screen display example of the root search according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 37 is a diagram showing another screen display example of the root search according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 38 is a view showing another screen display example of the root search according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 39 is a view showing a screen display example of similarity search in the embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 S: Server N: Internet T: Client terminal E: External system 1: Music information database 2: CGI control unit 20: Execution unit 21: Switching display unit 22: Matching degree designating unit 23: Palette processing unit 24: Similarity search unit 25 ... Clip processing section 26. Element search section 27. Jacket search section 28. Roots search section 29. Search switching section 3. Search engine 4. Definition database 5. Word decomposition section 6. Word addition processing section 7. User information management section 10. … Sound source video database

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page F term (reference) 5B075 ND14 NK02 NK46 NR12 PP03 PP13 PP22 PP23 PQ02 PQ32 QM05 UU13

Claims (33)

[Claims] 1. A music search device for allowing a terminal connected via a computer network to search for and provide music information related to music, wherein the music information for each music is arbitrarily selected from a plurality of attributes including sensory characteristics. Storing means for storing one or more selected attributes and their attribute values, receiving means for receiving designation of a search condition for the music information from the terminal, and a plurality of music information stored in the storage means, A search unit for searching based on a search condition specified from the terminal or an attribute value interpreted from the search condition; and a providing unit for providing music information corresponding to the search to the terminal. Music search device. 2. The attribute value candidate corresponds to each row of each column corresponding to each attribute, and the music information is a tag representing an attribute and a code representing an attribute value selected from the candidate for the tag. The music search device according to claim 1, wherein the music search device is expressed or searched for using: 3. A definition database that associates a definition including at least one or two or more other elements with each word; Decomposing means for decomposing into elements, when the word input from the terminal is not in the definition database, input the definition of the word from the terminal, hold the word and the input definition as additional candidates and provisionally Means for adding the addition candidate satisfying a predetermined criterion to the definition database, wherein the search means is based on an attribute value corresponding to the element decomposed by the decomposition means. The music search device according to claim 1, wherein the music search device is configured to perform the search. 4. The music search device according to claim 3, wherein a predetermined software module is executed when a predetermined one of the definitions is referred to. 5. A search result set is obtained by the search means for each of a plurality of elements decomposed from words by the decomposing means, and the search result set corresponding to the element switched and selected by the terminal is provided. The music search device according to claim 3, further comprising: a unit configured to switch and display on the terminal. 6. The receiving means allows a plurality of elements to be designated from the terminal as search conditions for the music information, and further from the terminal as a degree of matching of the search conditions. (1) All of the elements match (2) The present invention further comprises means for designating one or more of one or more important elements to be designated by the terminal from each element or (3) at least one of the respective elements to match. Item 6. The music search device according to any one of Items 1 to 5. 7. The accepting unit displays a GUI component representing each attribute, displays an attribute value candidate corresponding to the attribute when the GUI component is operated, and displays any one of the attribute values. Is operated when
The music according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising means for creating a search condition sentence including the tag corresponding to the I component and a code representing an operated attribute value. Search device. 8. A system for temporarily storing desired music designated from search results, and sequentially listening to one or more of the temporarily stored music when a predetermined operation is performed. The music search device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein 9. In association with a user ID registered for each user, user information relating to at least one of what kind of search condition is used or what kind of information is browsed is recorded. 9. The music search apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a user information management unit that continues processing based on the recorded user information when the connection is made with the user ID. 10. A system according to claim 1, further comprising means for registering a search condition in association with each user, and transmitting music information corresponding to the registered search condition to a corresponding user when the music information is registered. The music search device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein: 11. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising means for searching for and providing music information of another music having all or part of an attribute value common to the designated music. A music search device according to claim 1. 12. The storage means, as a part of music information related to music software including a recording medium on which music is recorded,
Store at least one of the following information items as character strings displayed on the packaging / recording medium of the music software or the bundled item, the name of the organization related to the music software, the name of the individual, the name of the facility, and the name of the work. The reception unit is configured to cause the terminal to specify a desired item among the information items in the related information provided for the specified music software, and the search unit sets the specified desired item The music search device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the music search device is configured to search for other music software including: 13. The storage means stores a jacket image and preview data for each music software, displays a plurality of music software jacket images on a screen, and displays the jacket image selected from the screen display on the terminal. 13. The music search device according to claim 1, further comprising a unit for providing corresponding music information or the trial listening data to a terminal. 14. A device for displaying a map on a terminal, and displaying information related to at least one of a place, an era, and an artist specified from the terminal based on the map. 14. The music search device according to any one of 1 to 13. 15. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising means for receiving a change in search type while holding one or more search result sets at a desired time. Music search device. 16. A music search method for causing a terminal connected via a computer network to search for and provide music information related to music, wherein the music information for each music is arbitrarily selected from a plurality of attributes including sensory characteristics. One or more attributes to be selected and their attribute values are stored in advance, a receiving step of receiving a search condition specification for the music information from the terminal, and a plurality of stored music information specified by the terminal. A music search method, comprising: a search step of searching based on search conditions or attribute values interpreted from the search conditions; and a providing step of providing music information corresponding to the search to the terminal. 17. The attribute value candidate corresponds to each row of each column corresponding to each attribute, and the music information is a tag representing an attribute and a code representing an attribute value selected from the candidate for the tag. 17. The music search method according to claim 16, wherein the search or expression is performed using: 18. Using a definition database in which a definition including at least one or two or more other elements is associated with each word, a plurality of words input as search conditions from the terminal are referred to by referring to the definition database. And a decomposition step of decomposing into elements, when the word input from the terminal is not in the definition database, input the definition of the word from the terminal, and hold the word and the input definition as additional candidates Temporarily adding, to the definition database, additional candidates that satisfy the predetermined criterion as the target of the reference, and wherein the search step is based on an attribute value corresponding to the element decomposed by the decomposing means. 18. The music search method according to claim 16, wherein the search is performed. 19. The music search method according to claim 18, wherein a predetermined software module is executed when a predetermined one of the definitions is referred to. 20. A search result set is obtained by the search step for each of a plurality of elements decomposed from words by the decomposing step, and the search result set corresponding to the element switched and selected by the terminal. 20. The music search method according to claim 18, further comprising a step of switching and displaying the music on the terminal. 21. The receiving step, wherein a plurality of elements are designated from the terminal as search conditions of the music information, and further, from the terminal as a degree of matching of the search conditions, (1) all the elements match. The method further comprises the step of designating all or a part of one or more priority elements to be designated by the terminal from each element or (3) at least one of the respective elements to match. 21. The music search method according to any one of 16 to 20. 22. The receiving step, wherein: displaying a GUI component representing each of the attributes; displaying a candidate for an attribute value corresponding to the attribute when the GUI component is operated; Is operated when
22. The music according to claim 16, further comprising: means for creating a search condition sentence including the tag corresponding to the I component and a code representing an operated attribute value. retrieval method. 23. Temporarily storing desired music specified from the search results, and sequentially listening to the temporarily stored one or more music when a predetermined operation is performed. The music search method according to any one of claims 16 to 22, wherein: 24. In association with a user ID registered for each user, user information relating to at least one of what kind of search condition is used or what kind of information is browsed is recorded. The music search method according to any one of claims 16 to 23, further comprising a user information management step of continuing processing based on the recorded user information when connecting with the user ID. 25. A method comprising: registering search conditions in association with each user; and transmitting music information corresponding to the registered search conditions to a corresponding user when the information is registered. The music search method according to any one of claims 16 to 24. 26. The method according to claim 16, further comprising a step of searching for and providing music information of another music having all or part of an attribute value common to the designated music. Music search method described. 27. As a part of music information relating to music software including a recording medium on which music is recorded, a character string displayed on a packaging / recording medium of the music software or a packaged item, an organization name related to the music software, At least one of an information item among a personal name, a facility name, and a work name is stored as related information, and the receiving step is a desired item among the information items in the related information provided for the designated music software. 17. The user is designated in the terminal, and the search step searches for other music software including the designated desired item.
27. The music search method according to any one of to 26. 28. As the music information, a jacket image and trial listening data are stored for each music software, a plurality of music software jacket images are displayed on a screen, and the terminal displays the jacket image selected from the screen display. 17. The method according to claim 16, further comprising the step of providing corresponding music information or the preview data to the terminal.
28. The music search method according to any one of items 27 to 27. 29. The method according to claim 16, further comprising the step of displaying a map on a terminal, and displaying information related to at least one of a place, an era, and an artist designated from the terminal based on the map. From 28
Music search method according to any one of the above. 30. The method according to claim 16, further comprising the step of receiving a change in search type while holding one or more search result sets at a desired time.
9. The music search method according to any one of 9. 31. By controlling a computer,
A recording medium for recording music search software for causing a terminal connected via a communication network to search for and provide music information related to music, the software provides the computer with sensory characteristics as music information for each music. One or more attributes arbitrarily selected from a plurality of attributes including and their attribute values are stored in advance, and a search condition specification for the music information is received from the terminal, and the stored plurality of music information is A recording medium on which music search software is recorded, wherein a search is performed based on a search condition designated by the terminal or an attribute value interpreted from the search condition, and music information corresponding to the search is provided to the terminal. 32. The attribute value candidate corresponds to each row of each column corresponding to each attribute, and the music information is a tag representing an attribute and a code representing an attribute value selected from the candidate for the tag. 32. The recording medium recording the music search software according to claim 31, wherein the music search software is expressed or searched using: 33. The software causes the computer to use a definition database that associates a definition including at least one or two or more other elements for each word, and converts the word input as a search condition from the terminal into the definition. By referencing the database, the word is input into the definition database when the word input from the terminal is not present in the definition database. And as a candidate for the reference provisionally,
4. An additional candidate satisfying a predetermined criterion is added to the definition database, and in the search, the search is performed based on an attribute value corresponding to the decomposed element.
A recording medium on which the music search software according to 1 or 32 is recorded.