Scientific information inquiry-answer system, and a host computer and an inquiring computer therefor

In a system of this invention, an inquiring computer supplies a host computer with inquiry information indicated open or closed to third parties. The host computer applies inquiry information indicated open to a wide range of inquiring and answering computers, but does not apply inquiry information indicated closed to third party inquiring computers. Inquiry information indicated closed is applied to a small range including only the inquiring computer having inputted the inquiry information and answering computers. When answer search information is transmitted from the inquiring computer to the host computer, answer information supplied from an answering computer may be received through communication lines. Thus, the answer information for the inquiry information may be obtained efficiently while taking the security protection for the inquiry information presenting party into account.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

(1) Field of the Invention

This invention relates to a scientific information inquiry-answer system for presenting inquiry information and offering answer information for the inquiry information, through communication lines, concerning scientific information which is information relating to scientific fields, and a host computer and an inquiring computer for use with the system. In particular, the invention relates to a technique for efficiently obtaining answer information while taking the security protection for an inquiry information presenting party into account.

(2) Description of the Related Art

Scientific fields include various fields such as biology, chemistry, physics, medicine and so on, and cover extensive ranges. Numerous people engaged in the scientific fields (e.g. developing staffs of business enterprises, staffs of research institutions, and individual persons interested in science) use a computer system such as the Internet to retrieve and view information relating to the scientific fields (hereinafter called “scientific information” as appropriate), such as scientific/technical software, information regarding academic societies and exhibitions, advertisements, machinery and equipment, and so on.

Specifically, research institutions, business enterprises and the like operating in the scientific fields set up Web sites or home pages on the Internet to offer scientific information. People seeking information may directly access the Web sites through public telephone lines or other communication lines to obtain desired information. Tools such as search engines or mail magazines may also be used to obtain desired information.

However, it is difficult to obtain desired information efficiently through a conventional computer system.

The development of computer technology has produced overwhelming quantities of information. Since scientific fields cover extensive ranges, as many as several thousands to several tens of thousands of pieces of information may have to be viewed. It is very troublesome to check such information successively and determine whether the information is necessary or not.

On the other hand, an information seeker may access a particular site (e.g. a Web site on the Internet) presenting information in scientific fields, ask the person or company presenting the information questions concerning the information, and view the information after receiving answers directly. However, it is difficult to identify a site offering suitable information, and to obtain desired information efficiently. Use of the Internet, in particular, entails an additional problem that the party presenting inquiry information may be defenseless in terms of security.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention has been made having regard to the state of the art noted above, and its object is to obtain, efficiently, answer information for inquiry information presented while taking the security protection for the inquiry information presenting party into account.

The above object is fulfilled, according to this invention, by a scientific information inquiry-answer system comprising an inquiring computer for presenting, as distinguished between open and closed to third parties, inquiry information concerning scientific information which is information relating to scientific fields, and viewing the inquiry information and answer information, an answering computer for viewing the inquiry information and answer information and offering the answer information, and a host computer for storing the inquiry information and answer information, the computers being interconnected through communication lines, wherein:

the inquiring computer includes a first display/input device for inputting the inquiry information as distinguished between open and closed, inquiry search information for searching inquiry information, and answer search information for searching answer information, and displaying the inquiry information and answer information;

the answering computer includes a second display/input device for inputting the answer information, answer search information and inquiry search information, and displaying the inquiry information and answer information;

the host computer includes an open/closed determining device for determining a distinguishment between open and closed to third parties of the inquiry information and answer information, an information storing device for storing the inquiry information supplied from the inquiring computer and the answer information supplied from the answering computer, and an information retrieving device for retrieving answer information, based on the answer search information, from among the answer information stored, and retrieving inquiry information, based on the inquiry search information, from among the inquiry information stored;

the inquiring computer supplying the inquiry information, inquiry search information and answer search information inputted by the first display/input device to the host computer through one of the communication lines;

the answering computer supplying the answer information, answer search information and inquiry search information inputted by the second display/input device to the host computer through the other communication line;

the host computer applying, through the communication lines, inquiry information indicated open to the inquiring and answering computers, applying inquiry information indicated closed only to the inquiring computer having inputted the inquiry information and to the answering computer without applying such inquiry information to a third party inquiring computer, and applying answer information retrieved based on the answer search information to one of the inquiring computer and the answering computer having inputted the answer search information;

the host computer further applying answer information indicated open to the inquiring and answering computers, applying answer information indicated closed only to the inquiring computer having inputted the inquiry information and to the answering computer having inputted the answer information, without applying such answer information to third party inquiring and answering computers, and applying inquiry information retrieved based on the inquiry search information to the inquiring and answering computers;

the answering computer displaying the inquiry information and answer information applied thereto for viewing; and

the inquiring computer displaying the inquiry information and answer information applied thereto for viewing.

With the system according to this invention, inquiry information inputted along with an open/closed indication by the first display/input device of the inquiring computer is applied from the inquiring computer to the host computer through the communication line. The inquiry information applied to the host computer is distinguished between open and closed by the open/closed determining device and stored in the information storing device. Of the inquiry information stored in the information storing device of the host computer, inquiry information indicated open is applied to both inquiring and answering computers. Inquiry information indicated closed is not applied to other inquiring computers, but applied only to the inquiring computer having inputted this inquiry information and to the answering computer.

The answering computer displays inquiry information based on inquiry search information inputted by the second display/input device and the information retrieving device of the host computer. Answer information inputted by the second display/input device is applied from the answering computer to the host computer through the communication line. The answer information applied to the host computer is stored in the information storing device.

When answer search information inputted by the first display/input device of the inquiring computer is applied from the inquiring computer to the host computer through the communication line, the information retrieving device of the host computer retrieves answer information corresponding to the answer search information. The answer information retrieved is promptly applied from the host computer to the inquiring computer through the communication line. The first display/input device of the inquiring computer displays the answer information for viewing. In this way, answer information is obtained for the inquiry information.

In the system of this invention, as described above, inquiry information is limited to inquiry information on scientific information, and answer information is supplied by inputting inquiry information and answer search information from the inquiring computer. Thus, answer information may be obtained efficiently. Further, inquiry information indicated open to third parties when inputted is given to a wide range of inquiring and answering computers, but inquiry information indicated closed to third parties is given to a small range including only the inquiring computer having inputted the inquiry information and answering computers. In this way, security is ensured for the party presenting inquiry information.

In this invention, one example of scientific information is software information which is information on software for use in scientific fields, and the inquiry information and answer information are information on the software information. In this case, since the inquiry information and answer information are information on software information, the inquiring party may obtain necessary software information efficiently while maintaining its confidentiality.

Other examples of scientific information include information on academic societies, information on exhibitions, information on advertisements, and information on machinery and equipment, and the inquiry information and answer information are information on the information on academic societies, exhibitions, advertisements, and machinery and equipment. In this case also, since the inquiry information and answer information are information on the information on academic societies, exhibitions, advertisements, or machinery and equipment, the inquiring party may obtain necessary information on academic societies, exhibitions, advertisements, or machinery and equipment efficiently while maintaining its confidentiality.

Preferably, the host computer includes a translating device for translating the scientific information into different languages. Scientific information, e.g. inquiry information and answer information, are translated into other languages by the translating device. Thus, scientific information such as inquiry information and answer information may be viewed or applied to the host computer not only in a home country but also in other countries. As a result, the system according to this invention may be used worldwide.

The information storing device, preferably, includes an open information storage area for storing inquiry information and answer information indicated open, and a closed information storage area for storing inquiry information and answer information indicated closed, the inquiry information and answer information being distributed to the open information storage area and the closed information storage area in response to results of distinguishment made between open and closed by the open/closed determining device, the inquiry information stored in each of the open information storage area and the closed information storage area being classified according to inquirer, the answer information being stored in the information storage area where the inquiry information to be answered is stored, and associated with the inquiry information to be answered. In this case, the inquiry information inputted from the inquiring computer is stored as classified according to open/closed and inquirer, and the answer information is stored as associated with the inquiry information to be answered. This storing arrangement greatly facilitates searches of the stored inquiry information made according to open/closed or inquirer, and searches for answer information corresponding to particular inquiry information.

Further, one preferred example of the information storing device stores the inquiry information as hierarchized according to each user having inputted the inquiry information, the inquiry information indicated closed and stored in the closed information storage area of the information storage device as hierarchized according to the user being applied, based on the inquiry search information inputted by the first and second display/input device from the answering computer and the inquiring computer of the user having inputted the inquiry information indicated closed, only to the answering computer and the inquiring computer without being applied to third party inquiring computers. In this case, a third party inquiring computer cannot retrieve or view the inquiry information indicated closed and stored in the closed information storage area. The user having inputted the inquiry information indicated closed may easily retrieve and view this inquiry information while maintaining its confidentiality. The answering computer may easily retrieve and view this inquiry information indicated closed.

Another preferred example of the information storing device stores the answer information as hierarchized at two levels of each user having inputted the inquiry information and a vender having inputted the answer information for the inquiry information, the answer information indicated closed and stored in the closed information storage area of the information storage device as hierarchized according to the user and the vender being applied, based on the answer search information inputted by the first and second display/input device from the inquiring computer of the user having inputted the inquiry information indicated closed, and the answering computer of the vender having inputted the answer information for the inquiry information indicated closed, only to the inquiring computer and the answering computer without being applied to third party inquiring and answering computers. In this case, a third party inquiring or answering computer cannot retrieve or view the answer information corresponding to the inquiry information indicated closed and stored in the closed information storage area. The user having inputted the inquiry information indicated closed and the vender having inputted the answer information for this inquiry information indicated closed may easily retrieve and view the answer information for the inquiry information while maintaining its confidentiality.

Preferably, each of the first and second display/input device comprises an information screen for displaying the inquiry information and answer information, the information screen being started and a log-in made by input operations through a keyboard and a mouse, a determination being made from the log-in inputted on the information screen whether the computer having started the information screen is the inquiring computer or the answering computer. In this case, depending on a log-in inputted, the computer having started the information screen acts as the inquiring computer or answering computer. Thus, the computer having started the information screen can easily be changed to the inquiring computer or answering computer according to purpose. The inquiring computer and answering computer in the system of this invention may have the same construction.

A host computer for use in the system of this invention comprises:

an open/closed determining device for determining a distinguishment between open and closed to third parties of the inquiry information and answer information;

an information storing device for storing the inquiry information supplied from the inquiring computer and the answer information supplied from the answering computer; and

an information retrieving device for retrieving answer information, based on the answer search information, from among the answer information stored, and retrieving inquiry information, based on the inquiry search information, from among the inquiry information stored.

With this host computer, inquiry information indicated open and not requiring security protection is given to both answering and inquiring computers. Inquiry information indicated closed and requiring security protection is not given to third party inquiring computers, but given only to the inquiring computer having inputted this inquiry information and answering computers. The host computer retrieves answer information corresponding to the answer search information inputted from the inquiring computer, and applies the answer information to the inquiring computer requesting the search. As a result, the inquiring computer may efficiently obtain answer information for the inquiry information while ensuring security protection for the party presenting the inquiry information.

An inquiring computer for use in the system of this invention comprises a first display/input device for inputting the inquiry information as distinguished between open and closed, inquiry search information for searching inquiry information, and answer search information for searching answer information, and displaying the inquiry information and answer information.

With this inquiring computer, inquiry information is supplied to the host computer as distinguished between open and closed to third parties to take security into account. Answer search information is supplied to the host computer to retrieve and view corresponding answer information efficiently.

In a preferred display mode of the inquiring computer, the first display/input device comprises an information screen for displaying the inquiry information and answer information, the information screen being started by an input operation through a keyboard and a mouse to display the inquiry information and answer information for viewing. In this case, inquiry information and answer information may be viewed on the information screen corresponding to the first display/input device.

A preferred example of the information screen includes open/closed boxes for designating an open/closed status, one of the open/closed boxes being selected by operating the keyboard and mouse, when the inquiry information is inputted, to determine an open/closed status of the inquiry information. In this case, only by selecting one of the open/closed boxes with the keyboard or mouse, an open/closed status of the inquiry information inputted may easily be determined from the selected box.

As another preferred example of the information screen, a search is made for inquiry information matching inquiry search information, or for answer information matching answer search information, inputted on the information screen by operating the keyboard and mouse, and search results are displayed on the information screen. In this case, only by inputting inquiry search information or answer search information from the keyboard and mouse to the information screen, search results corresponding to the search information inputted may easily be displayed and viewed.

A further preferred example of the information screen includes an inquiry information input box for inputting inquiry information, an answer information search box for searching answer information based on answer search information, and an inquiry information search box for searching inquiry information based on inquiry search information, the boxes being selectable by operating the keyboard and mouse to input the inquiry information and search the answer and inquiry information. In this case, only by selecting an appropriate box with the keyboard and mouse, inquiry information may be inputted or a search may be made for answer information or inquiry information easily.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

A preferred embodiment of this invention will be described in detail hereinafter with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1is a block diagram of a principal portion of an information inquiry-answer system according to this invention. This system is constructed by using a host computer and inquiring computers embodying this invention.

As shown inFIG. 1, the system includes an inquiring computer1, an answering computer2and a host computer3connected to one another through communication lines4, typically through cables, signal lines and/or interfaces. The inquiring computer1is used to supply inquiry information concerning topics in the scientific fields, as distinguished between open and closed to third parties, and to view the inquiry information and answer information. The answering computer2is used to view the inquiry information and answer information and supply the answer information. The host computer3is constructed to collect and store the inquiry information and answer information.

Where the system uses the Internet, telephone lines act as the communication lines4. Naturally, the system according to this invention may be constructed, for example, by using a local network instead of using the Internet.

In this system, the inquiring computer1and answering computer2are provided as separate from each other to avoid confusion. The two computers1and2have the same construction. Thus, either one of the computers may act as the inquiring computer1when used to supply inquiry information to the host computer3, or as the answering computer2when used to supply answer information to the host computer3. Of course, the two computers may have different constructions.

The information about which inquiries and answers are made in this system includes varied information relating to the scientific fields, such as software information which is information on software used in the scientific fields, information relating to academic societies, information relating to exhibitions, information relating to advertisements, and information relating to machinery and equipment. The system will be described hereinafter with emphasis placed on software information.

Each of the inquiring computer1and answering computer2includes a control unit5for supervising and controlling operation of the computer, a screen display unit6for displaying images on a monitor, and input devices such as a keyboard (console)7and a mouse (pointing device)8. The screen display unit6of inquiring computer1displays varied information screens (first display/input device) used to input inquiry information as distinguished between open information and closed information, inquiry search information for searching inquiry information, and answer search information for searching answer information, and to display the answer information, answer search information and inquiry search information. The screen display unit6of answering computer2displays varied information screens (second display/input device) used to input the answer information and display the inquiry information.

Where the system is constructed by using the Internet, a browser acts as the information screens. When connected to the host computer3, the browser is started to access an initial screen P1described hereinafter, whereby the screen display unit6displays the initial screen P1received through the communication line4.

As shown inFIG. 1, the host computer3includes a control unit9for supervising and controlling operation of host computer3, an identifying unit10for performing an identification process on varied information transmitted from the inquiring computer1or answering computer2, an information memory unit11for storing varied information transmitted from the inquiring computer1or answering computer2, an information search unit12for performing searches based on varied search information transmitted from the inquiring computer1or answering computer2, and a translation unit13. The identifying unit10corresponds to the open/closed determining device in this invention. The information search unit12corresponds to the information retrieving device in this invention. The translation unit13corresponds to the translating device in this invention.

As shown inFIG. 1, the information memory unit11includes an identification data memory11afor storing identification information on inquiring and answering parties, an open page memory11bfor storing varied information classified as open, a closed page memory11cfor storing varied information classified as closed, and a software information memory11dfor storing software information. As shown inFIG. 1, the information memory unit11further includes an academic society information memory12efor storing information relating to academic societies, an exhibition information memory12fstoring information relating to exhibitions, an advertisement information memory12gfor storing information relating to advertisements, and a machinery and equipment information memory12hfor storing information relating to machinery and equipment. The open page memory11band closed page memory11ccorrespond to the information storing device in this invention. The open page memory11bcorresponds to an open information storage area in this invention. The closed page memory11ccorresponds to a closed information storage area in this invention.

The system of this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to information screens actually used.

When the system is started by the inquiring computer1connected to the host computer3, an initial screen P1is displayed by the screen display unit6as shown inFIG. 2. A selection is made on the initial screen P1whether the access to the system (i.e. use) is a user log-in made by a user (inquirer) or a vender log-in made by a vender (answerer). The initial screen P1includes two buttons, i.e. a user log-in button P1aand a vender log-in button P1b.When a user log-in is selected by clicking the mouse8on the user log-in button P1a,the host computer3recognizes the computer connected to the host computer3as the inquiring computer1. When a vender log-in is selected by clicking on the vender log-in button P1b,the host computer3, of course, recognizes the computer connected to the host computer3as the answering computer2.

When the user clicks on the user log-in button P1aon the initial screen P1, as shown inFIG. 3, the screen display unit6displays a screen P2for inputting a password and the like. A registered user may type his or her password and handle name in a password input box P2aand handle name input box P2bon the screen P2through the keyboard7, and click on a send button P2m.Then, the inquiry identifier10aof host computer3checks to determine whether the password and handle name inputted from the inquiring computer1coincide with those stored in the identification data memory11awithin the information memory unit11. When the password and handle name are found to coincide with those already stored, as shown inFIG. 4, a user page menu screen P3is displayed. The user can select a suitable option on the user page menu screen P3. The handle name used in this embodiment is a character string (such as alphabets and numerals) freely selected by the user. The user may select his or her alias (nickname) as the handle name. The password may also be a character string freely selected by the user.

When the password and handle name coincide with none of those already stored in the identification data memory11a,an error message is displayed and the operation cannot proceed any further, of course.

When the user (inquiring party) is not registered as a member yet, a procedure for membership registration is carried out first. That is, the user clicks the mouse8on a “new registration” button P2con the screen P2for inputting a password and the like. Then, as shown inFIG. 5, the screen display unit6displays a membership registration screen P4for the user to type identification data such as the user's name, password, organization, handle name, mail address and so on in input boxes on the screen. The identification data inputted are transmitted to the host computer3and stored in the identification data memory11awithin the information memory unit11.

A vender (answering party) carries out the same procedure for membership registration as does the user. Identification data inputted are stored in the same identification data memory11a.

When transmitting inquiry information from the inquiring computer1to the host computer3, the user clicks on an inquiry information input button P3aon the user page menu screen P3to select an inquiry information input option. Then, as shown inFIG. 6, the screen display unit6displays an inquiry information input screen P5. The user types the title and contents in an inquiry title box P5aand an inquiry content box P5b,and clicks on appropriate buttons in an inform estimated price box P5c,an inform delivery term box P5dand an inquiry information open or closed box P5e.When translations of the title and contents of the inquiry are desired, the user may click on translate buttons P5fand P5g.Then, the translation unit13included in the host computer3will automatically translate the title and contents. When English translations are desired, for example, the translation unit13will automatically translate the title and contents into English. The inquiry information completed in this way is supplied to the host computer3through the communication line4by clicking on a send button P5m.The inquiry information may, for example, be information seeking scientific and technical software.

In the host computer3, the inquiry identification unit10achecks the inquiry information open or closed box P5eto determine whether the information may be made open or must be closed to third parties. The inquiry information, when found open, is written to (i.e. stored in) the open page memory11b,and when found closed, is written to the closed page memory11c.In this case, as shown inFIG. 7, inquiry information QA, whether in the open page memory11bor in the closed page memory11c,is stored in an appropriate area in a user memory14hierarchized for each user.

The inquiry information stored in the open page memory11bmay be freely accessed and viewed by not only venders but also other users. However, the inquiry information stored in the closed page memory11cis inaccessible to other users, and may be accessed and viewed only by the user having inputted the inquiry information and by venders (i.e. all venders). In the system of this embodiment, the inquiry identifier10adetermines whether accessing parties are venders or users, and prevents users from accessing other users' inquiry information in the closed page memory11c.

When the user clicks on an answer information search button P3bon the user page menu screen P3, a search may be made for answer information (provided by venders as described hereinafter) for the inquiry information provided by the user currently making access. When the user clicks on an inquiry information search button P3c,a search may be made for inquiry information provided by the user currently making access. When the user clicks on an open page button P3d,a search may be made for the inquiry information and answer information stored in the open page memory. Of course, the inquiry information and answer information stored in the closed page memory may also be searched so long as such information is the inquiry information provided by this same user or answer information addressed to this inquiry information.

For searching answer information, as shown inFIG. 8, the screen display unit6displays an answer information search screen P6. The user completes answer search information by typing or selecting and clicking on necessary items or options in an inquiry title input box P6a,an inquiry content input box P6b,an answer content input box P6cand a search logic (AND or OR) select box P6d.When the user clicks on a search button P6m,the answer search information is transmitted to the host computer3through the communication line4.

For searching inquiry information, as shown inFIG. 9, the screen display unit6displays an inquiry information search screen P7. The user completes inquiry search information by typing or selecting and clicking on necessary items or options in an inquiry title input box P7a,an inquiry content input box P7band a search logic (AND or OR) select box P7c.When the user clicks on a search button P7m,the inquiry search information is transmitted to the host computer3through the communication line4.

When the user clicks on the search button P6mor P7m,with the boxes on the answer information search screen P6or inquiry information search screen P7left blank, search information for retrieving all answer information or inquiry information is transmitted to the host computer3.

The system of this embodiment offers a keyword search for retrieving a limited range of answer information or inquiry information. This is performed by suitably selecting words inputted in the input boxes.

In the host computer3having received the answer search information or inquiry search information, the answer information searcher12asearches and reads answer information from the closed page memory11cbased on the answer search information, and outputs the retrieved information through the communication line4, or the inquiry information searcher12bsearches and reads inquiry information from the closed page memory11cbased on the inquiry search information, and outputs the retrieved information through the communication line4. The inquiring computer1causes the screen display unit6to display the answer information or inquiry information for viewing.

The inquiry information and answer information stored in the open page memory may also be retrieved as described above. A search for inquiry information or answer information requested from the answering computer2may also be performed in the same way as a search for inquiry information or answer information requested from the inquiring computer1.

That is, when retrieving and viewing inquiry information stored in the open page memory11bor closed page memory11c,a vender supplies inquiry search information from the answering computer2to the host computer3, and reads necessary inquiry information through the communication line4. As shown inFIG. 10, the screen display unit6displays a retrieved inquiry information viewing screen P8. When inquiry information that can be answered is found on the retrieved inquiry information viewing screen P8, the vender may prepare answer information and supply this information to the host computer3. At this time, the vender can view all inquiry information on the open page and all inquiry information on the closed page. However, since only the handle name is presented on the retrieved inquiry information viewing screen P8, the user's private information, i.e. identification information, is unknown to the vender at the stage of viewing the inquiry information.

For preparing answer information to be supplied, the vender clicks on an answer button P8mon the retrieved inquiry information viewing screen P8. Then, as shown inFIG. 11, the screen display unit6of answering computer2displays an answer information input screen P9. The vender types necessary matters in an answer content box P9a,an estimated price box P9b,a delivery term box P9cand so on. The system of this embodiment allows links, pictures and animated cartoons to be applied as contents of an answer. Where a translation of the answer information is required, the vender clicks on a translate button P9d.Then, the translation unit13of host computer3will automatically translate the answer information as in time of inquiry information. In this way, the translation unit13of host computer3translates inquiry information and answer information into a foreign language. Thus, scientific information such as inquiry information and answer information may be viewed or applied to the host computer3not only in a home country but also in other countries. As a result, the system of this embodiment may be used worldwide.

FIG. 12shows a specific example of completed answer information input screen P10. When the vender clicks on a send button P9m,the answer information input screen P10is transmitted as answer information from the answering computer2to the host computer3through the communication line4. The answer information may, for example, introduce a specific product of scientific and technical software sought by the user.

In the host computer3having received the answer information from the answering computer2, the answer identifier10bdetermines whether the inquiry information answered is open or closed to third parties. When the inquiry information is found open, the answer information is written to the open page memory11b.When the inquiry information is found closed, the answer information is written to the closed page memory11c.As shown inFIG. 7, answer information QB, whether in the open page memory11bor in the closed page memory11c,is stored in an appropriate area in a vender memory15hierarchized for each vender within the user memory14.

On the other hand, the user may search answer information in the open page memory11bor closed page memory11cfrom the inquiring computer1, and view retrieved answer information displayed by the screen display unit6. Of course, the user can retrieve only answer information relating to his or her own inquiry, among answer information stored in the closed page memory11c,because of an identification process carried out by the answer identifier10b.That is, as shown inFIG. 8, the user enters necessary items on the answer information search screen P6displayed on the screen display unit6of inquiring computer1, and transmits completed answer search information to the host computer3. A search is made for all answer information stored in the open page memory11brelating to other users' inquiry information also, for free viewing by the user. The host computer3outputs an answer search result display screen P11as shown inFIG. 13, for example, as a search result to the inquiring computer1through the communication line4.

The user views the answer search result display screen P11displayed on the screen display unit6of inquiring computer1. When suitable answer information is found, the user sends a message to the vender who has provided the suitable answer information. By clicking on the answer information on the answer search result display screen P11, details of the answer information are displayed on the screen display unit6. The details include the vender's address to enable the user to send a message to the vender. The message may be transmitted by using the system of this embodiment, or by e-mail separately from the system of this embodiment.

Along with the message, the user's private information, i.e. identification information, is transmitted to the vender. Subsequently, transactions take place between the user and vender without using the system of this embodiment. By using a closed page in the system of this embodiment, necessary answer information may be obtained with no possibility of the user's private information being leaked until such a message is transmitted.

Further, in the system of this embodiment, as shown inFIG. 1, the information memory unit11includes the software information memory11dfor storing software information used in the scientific fields. This software information is offered by venders and transmitted from the answering computer2to the host computer3to be stored in the software information memory11d.In the software information memory11d,the software information is hierarchized according to field, category and product. Access may be made from the inquiring computer1to read the software information freely. If software information cited in answer information is stored in the software information memory11d,the software information may be read from the software information memory11d,and viewed to study the contents of the software information fully.

A typical example of scientific information inquiry and answer performed in the system of the above embodiment will be described in the order of an inquiry information input process, an answer information input process and an answer information retrieval process, with reference to the drawings.FIG. 14is a flow chart of the inquiry information input process.

[Step S1] The user connects the inquiring computer1to the host computer3and starts the system. The initial screen P1is displayed on the screen display unit6of inquiring computer1.

[Step S2] The user log-in is selected on the initial screen P1. Then, the screen P2for inputting a password and the like is displayed on the screen display unit6.

[Step S3] The user, if already registered as a member, inputs his or her handle name and password on the screen P2. Then, the user page menu screen P3is displayed on the screen display unit6. If the user is not registered as a member yet, the operation proceeds to step4.

[Step S4] The membership registration screen P4is displayed on the screen display unit6. After registering the user as a member, the operation returns to step3.

[Step S5] The inquiry information input menu is selected on the user page menu screen P3. The inquiry information input screen P5is displayed on the screen display unit6.

[Step S6] Inquiry information QA is completed by making inputs on the inquiry information input screen PS, including an input as to whether the information is open or closed. The inquiry information QA completed is supplied to the host computer3through the communication line4. It is assumed here that the inquiry information QA is closed.

[Step S7] The host computer3identifies the user and determines whether the inquiry information QA supplied is open or closed. Then, as shown inFIG. 7, the inquiry information QA is written to an appropriate area in the user memory14of closed page memory11c.This completes the input of inquiry information from the inquiring computer1.

The answer information input process will be described next.FIG. 15is a flow chart of the answer information input process.

[Step SA] The vender connects the answering computer2to the host computer3. As in the case of the user log-in, a vender log-in is carried out. Then, the inquiry information search screen P7is displayed on the screen display unit6of answering computer2.

[Step SB] On the inquiry information search screen P7the vender manually makes inputs required for searching the closed page memory11c,to complete inquiry search information. The inquiry search information is supplied to the host computer3through the communication line4. The inquiry search is assumed here to include the inquiry information QA as information to be retrieved.

[Step SC] The host computer3determines that the computer having supplied the inquiry search information is the answering computer2(vender side). The closed page memory11cstoring the inquiry information QA is searched based on the inquiry search information. The inquiry information retrieved (including the inquiry information QA) is transmitted to the answering computer2through the communication line4.

[Step SD] The inquiry information retrieved is displayed and viewed on the screen display unit6of answering computer2.

[Step SE] When the inquiry information QA that can be answered is found on the screen display unit6, the vender causes the answer information input screen P9to be displayed on the screen display unit6to prepare answer information. When no answerable inquiry information is found, the answer information input process is discontinued.

[Step SF] The vender inputs necessary matters on the answer information input screen P9. After completing answer information QB for the inquiry information QA, the answer information QB is supplied to the host computer3through the communication line4.

[Step SG] The host computer3determines whether the inquiry information QA for which the answer information QB has been supplied is open or closed, and identifies the user who has supplied the inquiry information QA and the vender who has responded thereto. Then, as shown inFIG. 7, the answer information QB is written to an appropriate area in the vender memory15within the user memory14, where the inquiry information QA is stored, of closed page memory11c.

The answer information retrieval process will be described next.FIG. 16is a flow chart of the answer information retrieval process.

[Step Sa] As when inputting the inquiry information, the user connects the inquiring computer1to the host computer3, carries out a user log-in, and causes the user page menu screen P3to be displayed on the screen display unit6.

[Step Sb] The user selects the answer information search menu on the user page menu screen P3to cause the answer information search screen P6to be displayed on the screen display unit6.

[Step Sc] The user inputs necessary matters on the answer information search screen P3. Answer search information completed is supplied to the host computer3through the communication line4.

[Step Sd] The host computer3determines whether the user having supplied the answer search information is the same user having supplied the inquiry information QA. When the user is one and the same, a search is made to read the answer information QB corresponding to the inquiry information QA from the closed page memory11c.The answer information QB is transmitted to the inquiring computer1through the communication line4.

[Step Se] The screen display unit6of inquiring computer1displays the answer search result display screen P11showing the answer information QB transmitted from the host computer3.

[Step Sf] The user viewing the answer information QB determines whether the answer information QB is appropriate or not. When the answer information QB is appropriate, the user mails a message to the vender. Otherwise, the user terminates the answer information retrieval process without mailing a message.

In the scientific information inquiry-answer system of this embodiment, as particularly described hereinbefore, inquiry information QA used is limited to topics in the scientific fields, and answer information QB is obtained by inputting such inquiry information and answer search information from the inquiring computer1. Thus, answer information may be obtained efficiently. Further, when inputting open inquiry information which requires no security protection, the information is indicated as such and applied to both inquiring and answering computers1and2. Inquiry information requiring security protection is indicated as such and applied only to the answering computer2. Thus, security is considered for the party presenting the inquiry information.

In the system of the above embodiment, inquiry information QA is classified according to open/closed and inquirer, and is stored in the open page memory11bor closed page memory11c.Moreover, answer information QB is stored in the open page memory11bor closed page memory11cas associated with the inquiry information answered. Thus, it is extremely easy to retrieve inquiry information as classified according to open/closed or inquirer, or to retrieve answer information as associated with particular inquiry information.

This invention is not limited to the above embodiment but may be modified as follows:

(1) In the above embodiment, inquiry information is hierarchized according to user and stored in the applicable user memory14, and answer information corresponding to the inquiry information is further hierarchized according to vender and stored in the applicable vender memory15. For example, answer information may be hierarchized according to vender, and further hierarchized according to user.

(2) In the above embodiment, inquiry information and answer information are stored as hierarchized according to user and vender. For example, inquiry information and answer information may be hierarchized according to field, category and product. That is, as shown inFIG. 17, inquiry information and answer information may be stored in a field-specified memory16, a categorical memory17and a product memory18hierarchized in the stated order within the information memory unit11. The invention is not limited to a particular way of storing inquiry information and answer information.