Abstract:
In an information processing system, an information storing unit stores a plurality of main information sets along with time information sets. A retrieval condition input unit inputs retrieval conditions for the main information sets. A retrieval execution unit performs a retrieval upon the main information sets along with the time information sets by using the retrieval conditions. A cell output information generating unit receives retrieved main information sets along with the time information sets and generates a number of the main information sets and a tendency of the number of the main information sets to change with respect to time for each of cells defined by the retrieval conditions. A cell output unit outputs each of the cell and displays each of the cells at a location on a matrix designated by the retrieval conditions.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to an information processing system such as a patent mapping system. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     In an information processing system, a retrieval is performed upon a huge amount of information in a database to obtain the tendency of the information. Particularly, in a patent information processing system, a patent mapping apparatus is essential. 
     In a patent map obtained by a first prior art patent mapping apparatus (see JP-A-11-15833), a map having an abscissa indicating International Patent Classifications (IPCs) and an ordinate indicating manufacturing fields and processes is prepared. That is, the number of patent publications is calculated for each IPC and each of the manufacturing fields and processes, and then, one circle having a diameter showing the number of patent publications is depicted at each intersection between the IPCs and the manufacturing fields and processes, thus visually indicating the number of patent publications. This will be explained later in detail. 
     In the above-described first prior art patent mapping apparatus, however, it is impossible to time-sequentially indicate the patent publications. 
     In a second prior art patent mapping apparatus (see FIG. 7 of JP-A-8-221435), a diagram having an abscissa indicating years and an ordinate indicating the number of patent publications for a certain number of companies is generated. That is, the number of patent publications per year can be visually indicated. This also will be explained later in detail. 
     In the above-described second prior art patent mapping apparatus, however, it is impossible to easily indicate the tendency of the number of patent publications for each company to increase or decrease. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide an information processing system such as a patent mapping system capable of indicating the tendency of the number of information sets to increase or decrease. 
     According to the present invention, in an information processing system, an information storing unit stores a plurality of main information sets along with time information sets. A retrieval condition input unit input retrieval conditions for the main information sets. A retrieval execution unit performs a retrieval upon the main information sets along with the time information sets by using the retrieval conditions. A cell output information generating unit receives retrieved main information sets along with the time information sets and generates a number of the main information sets and a tendency of the number of the main information sets which changes with respect to time for each cell defined by the retrieval conditions. A cell output unit outputs each of the cells and displays each of the cells at a location on a matrix designated by the retrieval conditions. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The present invention will be more clearly understood from the description set forth below, as compared with the prior art, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
     FIG. 1 is a patent map obtained by a first prior art patent mapping apparatus; 
     FIG. 2 is a patent histogram obtained by a second prior art patent mapping apparatus; 
     FIG. 3 is a block circuit diagram illustrating an embodiment of the patent mapping system according to the present invention; 
     FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the database file of FIG. 3; 
     FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the display unit of FIG. 3; 
     FIGS. 6A,  6 B and  6 C are diagrams showing examples of the items in the column direction of FIG. 5; 
     FIGS. 7A,  7 B,  7 C,  7 D,  8 ,  9 A,  9 B and  10  are diagrams showing examples of the cells of FIG. 5; 
     FIG. 11 is a detailed block circuit diagram of the client personal computer of FIG. 3; 
     FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the general operation of the patent database server and the client personal computer of FIG. 11; 
     FIG. 13 is a block circuit diagram of the retrieval execution command input unit of FIG. 11; 
     FIGS. 14A and 14B are block circuit diagrams of modifications to the retrieval execution command input unit of FIG. 13; 
     FIG. 15 is a block circuit diagram of the cell input unit of FIG. 11; 
     FIGS. 16A and 16B are block circuit diagrams of modifications to the cell input unit of FIG. 15; 
     FIG. 17 is a detailed block circuit diagram of the cell output information generating unit of FIG. 11; 
     FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the operation of the tendency determining unit of FIG. 17; 
     FIGS. 19A,  19 B,  19 C and  19 D are diagrams showing arrows used in the flowchart of FIG. 18; 
     FIG. 20 is a flowchart of a modification to the flowchart of FIG. 18; 
     FIG. 21 is a diagram showing arrows used in the flowchart of FIG. 20; 
     FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing the operation of the tendency determining unit of FIG. 17; 
     FIG. 23 is a diagram showing lines used in the flowchart of FIG. 22; 
     FIG. 24 is a detailed block circuit diagram of the item output information generating unit of FIG. 11; 
     FIGS. 25A,  25 B,  25 C,  25 D,  25 E and  25 F are block circuit diagrams of the cell output unit of FIG. 11; 
     FIG. 26 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the map merging unit of FIG. 11; 
     FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing the operation of the retrieval execution unit by the number designating unit of FIG. 11; 
     FIG. 28 is an example of an image displayed on the display unit of FIG. 5; 
     FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing the operation of the automatic document extracting unit of FIG. 11; 
     FIG. 30 is a diagram for explaining the degenerating operation of the automatic upper layer cell generating unit of FIG. 11; and 
     FIG. 31 is a flowchart showing the operation of the automatic upper layer cell generating unit of FIG.  11 . 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Before the description of the preferred embodiment is given, prior art patent mapping apparatuses will be explained with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. 
     In FIG. 1, which illustrates a patent map obtained by a first prior art patent mapping apparatus (see JP-A-11-15833), the abscissa indicates International Patent Classifications (IPCs) and the ordinate indicates manufacturing fields and processes. That is, the number of patent publications is calculated for each IPC and each of the manufacturing fields and processes and, then, a circle having a diameter showing the number of patent publications is depicted at each intersection between the IPCs and the manufacturing fields and processes, thus visually indicating the number of patent publications. 
     In the first prior art patent mapping apparatus, however, although it is important to indicate the patent publications on a basis of time, it is impossible to time-sequentially indicate the patent publications. 
     In FIG. 2, which illustrates a patent histogram obtained by a second prior art patent mapping apparatus (see FIG. 7 of JP-A-8-221435), the abscissa indicates years and the ordinate indicates the number of patent publications for a certain number of companies. That is, the number of patent publications per year can be visually indicated. 
     In the second prior art patent mapping apparatus, however, it is impossible to easily indicate the tendency of patent publications for each company to increase or decrease. 
     In FIG. 3, which is a block circuit diagram illustrating an embodiment of the patent mapping system according to the present invention, reference numeral  1  designates a patent database server connected via a local area network (LAN) and the Internet to a client personal computer  2  which has a display unit  3 . 
     The server  1  is constructed by a database file  11  and a retrieval execution unit  12 . 
     In FIG. 4, which shows an examples of the database file  11  of FIG. 3, the database file  11  has a relational structure where one patent publication is stored in one record. For example, one patent publication is constructed by dates such as filing date, a publication date and a registered date, attributes (categories) such as an IPC, applicants and inventors, text information including a specification, claims, drawings and an abstract, and the like. Note that the database file  11  can be another kind of structure. 
     Logic operations such as an AND logic operation, an OR logic operation and a NOT logic operation are performed upon the attributes of the database file  11 , thus carrying out various kinds of analysis of the patent publications. 
     Also, specific patent publications are extracted from the database file  11  by using one or more specific key words used in the specifications and abstracts of the patent publications in the database file  11 . 
     In FIG. 5, which is an example of the display unit  3  of FIG. 3, an image of the display unit  3  is largely divided into a map image  31  on the upper side and three button images  32 - 1 ,  32 - 2  and  32 - 3  on the lower side. 
     In the map image  31 , item “effect” is arranged in the row direction and item “element” is arranged in the column direction. Also, the item “effect” has item “multi-sync” and item “display” as a first layer, and item “display” has item “full-color” and item “high brightness” as a second layer. On the other hand, item “element” has item “material”, item “structure” and item “process” as a first layer, and item “structure” has item “single” and item “array” as a second layer. Note that these items are used for liquid crystal display (LCD) apparatuses. 
     Depicted at each intersection between the items in the row direction and the column direction is a cell formed by a circle having a diameter corresponding to the number of patent publications affixed thereto and an arrow showing the tendency of the number of patent publications to increase or decrease. 
     Also, depicted at each of the items in the row direction is a circle having a diameter corresponding to the total number of patent publications affixed thereto and an arrow showing the tendency of the number of patent publications to increase or decrease. 
     Further, depicted at each of the items in the column direction is a circle having a diameter corresponding to the total number of patent publications affixed thereto and an arrow showing the tendency of the number of patent publications to increase or decrease. 
     Note that the total numbers of patent publications in the row direction and in the column direction are not the sums of the corresponding patent publications, because one patent publication is located at one or more intersections between the items in the row direction and the items in the column direction. 
     The button image  32 - 1  is a parameter input image which is formed by an image clear button  3211 , a map style set button  3212 , a reserve map call button  3213 , a cell retrieval condition set button  3214 , a number designate button  3215 , and a company group register button  3216 . 
     The button image  32 - 2  is a retrieval execution image which is formed by an all-cell retrieval button  3221 , a selective cell retrieval button  3222 , a map merge button  3223 , an automatic upper layer cell generate button  3224 , a between-cell calculate button  3225 , and an automatic document extract button  3226 . 
     The button image  32 - 3  is an output image which is formed by a list display button  3231 , a map superpose button  3232 , a publication display button  3233 , a map preserve button  3234 , a map print button  3235 , and a detailed tendency button  3236 . 
     The map image  31  and the button images  32 - 1 ,  32 - 2  and  32 - 3  are displayed as one image and, therefore, it is unnecessary to switch the map image  31  to one of the button images  32 - 1 ,  32 - 3  and  32 - 3  or vice versa. 
     As explained above, each patent publication has dates such as a filing date, a publication date and a registered date. Therefore, patent publications to be retrieved can be limited to those having dates, such as filing dates, within a predetermined period. In this case, the predetermined period is a multiple of one year or sixth months which is called a span. In this example of FIG. 5 the filing dates of retrieved patent publications are from Jan. 1, 1995 to Dec. 31, 1998, which is divided into three spans where one span is one year. 
     The items in the row and column directions can be single-layered or multi-layered as illustrated in FIGS. 6A,  6 B and  6 C. Note that FIG. 6A illustrates a single-layered column formed by a layer  61 , FIG. 6B illustrates a double-layered column formed by layers  61  and  62 , and FIG. 6C illustrates a triple-layered column formed by layers  61 ,  62  and  63 . The number of layers and the number of items of each layer can be set by using the map style set button  3212 . For example, for the items in the column direction as illustrated in FIG. 6A, data of these items is represented by 
     ELEMENT/MATERIAL/PROCESS 
     Also, for the items in the column direction as illustrated in FIG. 6B, data of these items is represented by 
     ELEMENT/MATERIAL·RESIN/MATERIAL·ALLOY/PROCESS/ 
     Further, for the items in the column direction as illustrated in FIG. 6C, data of these items are represented by 
     ELEMENT/MATERIAL·RESIN·A1/MATERIAL·RESIN·A2/MATERIAL·ALLOY/MATERIAL·OTHERS/PROCESS/ 
     Modifications of the cell of FIG. 5 are illustrated in FIGS. 7A,  7 B,  7 C,  7 D,  8 ,  9 A,  9 B and  10 . 
     In FIG. 7A, the number of patent publications are affixed to the arrow showing the tendency to increase or decrease. Note that the arrow along with the number of patent publications can be arranged below the circle. 
     In FIG. 7B, the circle is superposed onto the arrow, to decrease the size of the cell. This increases the number of cells displayed on one image. 
     In FIG. 7C, the ratio of increased or decrease patent publications is affixed to the arrow, thus accurately indicating the ratio of increased or decreased patent publications. 
     In FIG. 7D, a line graph swung fully within a dotted region is provided instead of the arrow and the number of patent publications of FIG. 7A, thus accurately indicating the tendency of patent publications to increase or decrease. 
     In FIG. 8, two kinds of information on patent publications are depicted in one cell. For example, a circle  81   a  showing the number  82   a  of patent publications on a basis of publication dates and an arrow  83   a  showing the tendency to increase or decrease are depicted in one cell. Simultaneously, a circle  81   b  showing the number  82   b  of patent publications on a basis of registered dates and an arrow  83   b  showing the tendency to increase or decrease are depicted in the same cell. If the numbers of two kinds of patent publications are the same, circles  84   a  and  84   b  are shifted a little from each other. 
     Note that the above-mentioned two kinds of information regarding patent publications can be directed to two different applicants (companies). 
     In FIG. 8, although the two kinds of information are identified by two kinds of hatchings, the two kinds of information can be identified by two kinds of colors. Also, three or more kinds of information regarding patent publications can be depicted in one cell. 
     In FIG. 9A, information on patent publications for four applicants (companies) A, B, C and D are depicted in one cell. In this case, ellipses showing the number of patent publications are used instead of circles. Note that “A”, “B”, “C” and “D” can be countries for which one applicant has filled patent publications. Also, “A”, “B”, “C” and “D” can be technical ranks. For example, “A” designates most important patent information, “B” designates second most important patent information, “C” designates ordinary patent information, and “D” designates less important patent information. Such technical ranks are given to the database file  11  in advance. 
     If “A”, “B”, “C” and “D” designate technical ranks, the ratio of a specific applicant (company) can be illustrated by  93   a,    93   b,    93   c  and  93   d  in FIG.  9 B. 
     In FIG. 9B, although pi-chart-type perspective circular plates are illustrated, other pi-chart-type circles or ellipses, or the like can be used. 
     If “A”, “B”, “C” and “D” designate applicants (companies), the ratio of each applicant can be depicted in one cell as illustrated in FIG.  10 . In this case, since the number of applicants is caused to be 3, the applicant “B” is omitted. Also, although a company other than the companies “A”, “B”, “C” and “D” is ranked “3”, such a company is also omitted. 
     In FIG. 11, which is a detailed block circuit diagram of the client personal computer  2  of FIG. 3, a retrieval execution command input unit  201  and a cell input unit  202  is connected to the retrieval execution unit  12 . The retrieval execution command input unit  201  is operated by the all-cell retrieval button  3221  and the selective cell retrieval button  322  of the button image  32 - 2 . The cell input unit  202  is operated by the cell retrieval condition set button  3214 , and is also connected to a row/column item input unit  203  operated by the map style set button  3212  of the button image  32 - 1 . 
     Also, a number designating unit  204  is operated by the number designate button  3215  of the button image  32 - 1 , thus designating a text information. 
     Temporary memory units  205 ,  206 ,  207  and  208  are provided. That is, the memory unit  205  is a publication number storing unit, the memory unit  206  is a map information storing unit, the memory unit  207  is a map information preserving unit, and the memory unit  208  is simultaneous cell number storing unit. In this case, the storing units  205 ,  206  and  208  are constructed by random access memories (RAMs), and the preserving unit  207  is constructed by a hard disk unit. 
     A between-cell calculating unit  209  operated by the between-cell calculate button  3225  of the button image  32 - 2  is connected to the publication number storing unit  205 . Also, an automatic document extracting unit  210  operated by the automatic document extract button  3226  of the button image  32 - 2  is connected to the publication number storing unit  205 . Further, a publication selecting unit  211  operated by the publication display button  3233  of the button image  32 - 3 . 
     A cell output information generating unit  212  is connected to the retrieval execution unit  12 , the publication number storing unit  205  and the map information preserving unit  207 . The simultaneous cell number storing unit  208  and the cell output information generating unit  212  are connected to a cell output unit  213  for displaying cells on the display unit  3 . 
     Also, an item output information generating unit  214  is connected to the cell output information generating unit  212  and the map information preserving unit  207 , in order to generate the total number of patent publications at the items in the row direction and at the items in the column direction of the map image  31 - 1  of the display unit  3 . The item output information generating unit  214  as well as the map information storing unit  207  is connected to a map item output unit  215  for displaying items on the display unit  3 . 
     A date, period and span designating unit  216  is connected to the cell output information generating unit  212 . That is, one of a filing date, a publication date and registered date is designated. Also, a period to be retrieved is designated. Further, a span of 1 year or 6 months is designated. 
     Also, an automatic upper layer cell generating unit  217  operated by the automatic upper layer cell generate button  3224  is connected to the cell output information generating unit  212 . 
     Further, a map merging unit  218  operated by the map merge button  3223  is connected to the map information storing unit  206  and the cell output information generating unit  212 . 
     The map information preserving unit  207  is operated by the map preserve button  3234  to permanently store patent map information generated by the cell output information generating unit  212  and the item output information generating unit  214  even after the power supply is turned OFF. 
     The operation of the client personal computer  2  as well as the patent database server  1  of FIG. 11 will be explained next with reference to a general flowchart as shown in FIG.  12 . 
     First, at step  1201 , the retrieval execution unit  12  calls retrieval conditions from the retrieval execution command input unit  201  and the cell input unit  202 . Thus, one cell is selected. 
     Next, at step  1202 , the retrieval execution unit  12  performs a retrieval upon the database file  11  in accordance with the retrieval conditions of the selected cell. Then, the retrieval result is forwarded to the cell output information generating unit  212 . 
     Next, at step  1203 , the cell output information generating unit  212  counts hit patent publications. 
     Next, at step  1204 , the cell output information generating unit  212  stores data information of the hit patent publications, such as filing date information. 
     Next, at step  1205 , the cell output information generating unit  212  counts the patent publications for each span, i.e., 1 year or 6 months, in accordance with the date information. 
     Next, at step  1206 , the cell output information generating unit  212  calculates the total number of the patent publications for a predetermined period and the tendency of patent publications to increase or decrease for each span. That is, cell information for the selected cell is generated and forwarded to the cell output unit  213 . 
     Next, at step  1207 , the cell output unit  213  depicts the cell information on a corresponding location of the display unit  3 . 
     Step  1208  repeats the control at steps  1201  through  1207  for all the cells to be retrieved. 
     The routine of FIG. 12 is completed by step  1209 . 
     The elements of the client personal computer  2  will be explained in detail. 
     In FIG. 13, which is a detailed block circuit diagram of the retrieval execution command input unit  201  of FIG. 11, an all-cell retrieval execution command input unit  2011  is operated by the all-cell retrieval button  3221 , and a selective cell retrieval command input unit  2012  is operated by the selective cell retrieval button  3222 . In this case, only one of the all-cell retrieval command input unit  2011  and the selective cell retrieval command input unit  2012  is operated, so that a retrieval execution control unit  2013  generates either an all-cell retrieval command or a selective cell retrieval command and transmits it to the retrieval execution unit  12 . 
     Note that, as illustrated in FIGS. 14A and 14B, it is possible to provide only one of the all-cell retrieval execution command input unit  2011  and the selective-cell retrieval execution command input unit  2012 . 
     In FIG. 15, which is a detailed block circuit diagram of the cell input unit  202  of FIG. 11, a retrieval condition storing unit  2021  is provided. The retrieval condition storing unit  2021  is operated by the cell retrieval condition set button  3214  to receive a row item and a column item from the row/column input unit  203 . Thus, one cell is selected, and a selected cell is forwarded to the retrieval execution unit  12 . 
     In FIG. 16A, which illustrates a modification of the cell input unit  202  of FIG. 15, the cell input unit  202  is modified to a row input unit. In this case, a retrieval condition storing unit  2022  is operated by a row retrieval condition set button to receive a row item from the row/column input unit  203 . Thus, one row is selected, and a selected row is forwarded to the retrieval execution unit  12 . 
     In FIG. 16B, which illustrates another modification of the cell input unit  202  of FIG. 15, the cell input unit  202  is modified to a column input unit. In this case, a retrieval condition storing unit  2023  is operated by a column retrieval condition set button to receive a column item from the row/column input unit  203 . Thus, one column is selected, and a selected column is forwarded to the retrieval execution unit  12 . 
     In FIG. 17, which is a detailed block circuit diagram of the cell output information generating unit  212  of FIG. 11, when the retrieval execution unit  12  completes a retrieval operation, counters  2121  and  2122  are operated. 
     Since the publication number storing unit  205  stores publication numbers for each of the cells, the counter  2121  counts patent publications for each of the cells. If the number of patent publications is required for each applicant (company) or technical rank as illustrated in FIG. 9A, the counter  2121  counts patent publications for each applicant (company) or technical rank. The counted number of patent publications can be stored in the map information preserving unit  207 . The counted number of patent publications is forwarded to a numeral-to-circle conversion unit  2123  to generate a circle having a diameter corresponding to the counted number of patent publications. This circle is forwarded to a circle output unit  2124 . Also, the counted number of patent publications is forwarded to a numeral output unit  2125 . 
     On the other hand, the counter  2122  counts patent publications for each span of each of the cells. If the number of patent publications is required for each applicant (company) or technical rank as illustrated in FIG. 9A, the counter  2122  counts patent publications for each applicant (company) or technical rank. The counted number of patent publications can be stored in the map information preserving unit  207 . The counted number of patent publications is forwarded to a tendency determining unit  2126  to generate an arrow showing the tendency of patent publications to increase or decrease. This arrow is forwarded to an arrow output unit  2127 . 
     When the numbers of patent publications counted by the counters  2121  and  2122  are stored in the map information preserving unit  207 , the counted numbers of patent publications are forwarded to the numeral-to-circle conversion unit  2123 , the numeral output unit  2125  and the tendency determining unit  2126 . 
     The operation of the tendency determining unit  2126  of FIG. 17 is explained next with reference to FIG.  18 . 
     First, at step  1801 , i is initialized to be 1. 
     Next, at step  1802 , it is determined whether or not N i+1  is larger than N i . Note that N i  is the number of patent publications for an i-th span (1 year or 6 months) and N i+1  is the number of patent publications for an (i+1)-th span next to the i-th span. 
     At step  1802 , if N i+1 &gt;N i , the control proceeds to step  1803  which allocates (+) to a sign pattern. Otherwise, the control proceeds to step  1804  which allocates (−) to the sign pattern. 
     Next, at step  1805 , the value i is increased by 1, and at step  1806 , it is determined whether or not i≧i max  is satisfied. Note that a value i max  is the number of spans of a selected cell. If i&lt;i max , the control at steps  1802  through  1805  is repeated. On the other hand, if i≧i max , the control proceeds to step  1807 . 
     At step  1807 , an arrow pattern is read out of a read-only memory (ROM) (not shown) using the sign pattern as a parameter. Note that the ROM stores arrow patterns as illustrated in FIGS. 19A,  19 B,  19 C and  19 D, where FIG. 19A shows arrow patterns, when i max =5, FIG. 19B shows arrow patterns when i max =4, FIG. 19C shows arrow patterns when i max =3, and FIG. 19D shows arrow patterns when i max =2. 
     Next, at step  1808 , the read arrow pattern is output to the arrow output unit  2127 . 
     Then, the flowchart of FIG. 18 is completed by step  1809 . 
     In FIG. 20, which is a modification of the flowchart of FIG. 18, step  1802  of FIG. 18 is modified to step  1802 ′ which compares N i+1  with N i . Also, step  2001  is added. Therefore, at step  1802 ′, if N i+1 &gt;N i , the control proceeds to step  1803  which allocates (+) to the sign pattern. If N i+1 =N i , the control proceeds to step  2001  which allocates (0) to the sign pattern. If N i+1 &lt;N i , the control proceeds to step  1804  which allocates (−) to the sign pattern. In this case, the ROM stores arrow patterns as illustrated in FIG. 21 where N max =3. 
     The operation of the tendency determining unit  2126  of FIG. 17 is explained next with reference to FIG.  22 . The flowchart of FIG. 22 is used for generating a line graph as illustrated in FIG.  7 D. In this case, note that the arrow output unit  2127  is modified to a line output unit. 
     First, at step  2201 , a maximum number N max  is selected from the numbers N 1 , N 2 , . . . , N imax . 
     Next, at step  2201 , the number n of patent publications per one pixel in the Y direction is calculated by 
     
       
         
           n←N 
           max 
           /P 
           Y 
         
       
     
     where P Y  is the number of pixels of a depicted region in the Y direction as shown in FIG.  23 . 
     Next, at step  2203 , the number N i  of the spans of a selected cell is normalized by 
     
       
         
           N 
           i 
           ←N 
           1 
           /n. 
         
       
     
     Next, at step  2204 , a length ΔX per span is calculated by 
     
       
         Δ X←P   x /( i   max −1) 
       
     
     where P x  is the number of pixels of the depicted region as shown in FIG.  23 . 
     Next, at step  2205 , lines L 1 , L 2 , . . . linking coordinates (0, N 1 ), (ΔX, N 2 ) . . . are produced as shown in FIG.  23 . 
     Next, at step  2206 , an arrow is added to the last line. 
     Next, at step  2207 , the lines L 1 , L 2 , . . . along with the arrow are output to the line output unit. 
     Thus, the flowchart of FIG. 22 is completed by step  2208 . 
     In FIG. 24, which is a detailed block circuit diagram of the item output information generating unit  214  of FIG. 11, when the cell output information generating unit  212  completes its operation, counters  2141  and  2142  are operated. 
     The counter  2141  counts patent publications for each of the rows and the columns of the cells. If the number of patent publications is required for each applicant (company) or technical rank as illustrated in FIG. 9A, the counter  2121  counts patent publications for each applicant (company) or technical rank. The counted number of patent publications can be stored in the map information preserving unit  207 . The counted number of patent publications is forwarded to a numeral-to-circle conversion unit  2143  to generate a circle having a diameter corresponding to the counted number of patent publications. This circle is forwarded to a circle output unit  2144 . Also, the counted number of patent publications is forwarded to a numeral output unit  2145 . 
     On the other hand, the counter  2142  counts patent publications for each span of each of the rows and the columns of the cells. If the number of patent publications is required for each applicant (company) or technical rank as illustrated in FIG. 9A, the counter  2142  counts patent publications for each applicant (company) or technical rank. The counted number of patent publications can be stored in the map information preserving unit  207 . The counted number of patent application is forwarded to a tendency determining unit  2146  to generate an arrow showing the tendency of patent publications to increase or decrease. This arrow is forwarded to an arrow output unit  2147 . 
     FIGS. 25A,  25 B,  25 C,  25 D  25 E and  25 F are detailed block circuit digrams of the cell output unit  213  of FIG.  11 . 
     In FIG. 25A, a sound conversion unit  2131  is provided to produce various kinds of sound signals in accordance with the tendency of patent publication to increase or decrease, and a sound output unit  2132  is provided to receive a sound signal from the sound conversion unit  2131  to generate a sound. As a result, the tendency of patent publications to increase or decrease can be audibly indicated. 
     In FIG. 25B, a portrait conversion unit  2133  is provided to produce various kinds of portrait signals in accordance with the tendency of patent publications to increase or decrease, and a portrait output unit  2134  is provided to receive a portrait signal from the portrait conversion unit  2133  to generate a portrait. For example, if the number of patent publications for a selected cell is remarkably decreasing, a delighted portrait is generated. As a result, the tendency of patent publications to increase or decrease can be visually indicated. 
     In FIG. 25C, a game image conversion unit  2135  is provided to produce various kinds of game image signals in accordance with the tendency of patent publications to increase or decrease, and a game image output unit  2136  is provided to receive a game image signal from the game image conversion unit  2135  to generate a game image. As a result, the tendency of patent publications to increase or decrease can again be visually indicated. 
     In FIG. 25D, a character image conversion unit  2137  is provided to produce various kinds of character image signals in accordance with the tendency of patent publications to increase or decrease, and a character image output unit  2138  is provided to receive a character image signal from the character image conversion unit  2137  to generate a character image. As a result, the tendency of patent publications to increase or decrease can again be visually indicated. 
     In FIG. 25E, a motion picture conversion unit  2139  is provided to produce various kinds of motion picture signals in accordance with the tendency of patent publications to increase or decrease, and a motion picture output unit  2140  is provided to receive a motion picture signal from the motion picture conversion unit  2139  to generate a motion picture. As a result, the tendency of patent publications to increase or decrease can again be visually indicated. 
     In FIG. 25F, a stationary picture conversion unit  2141  is provided to produce various kinds of stationary picture signals in accordance with the tendency of patent publications to increase or decrease, and a stationary picture output unit  2142  is provided to receive a stationary picture signal from the stationary picture conversion unit  2141  to generate a stationary picture. As a result, the tendency of patent publications to increase or decrease can again be visually indicated. 
     FIG. 26 is a diagram for explaining the merge operation by the map merging unit  218  of FIG.  11 . That is, when the map merging unit  218  is operated by the map merge button  3223  of FIG. 5, a plurality of patent maps such as two patent maps  3601  and  3602  read from the map information preserving unit  207  are merged into one patent map  3603 . In FIG. 26, the patent map  3601  has information at cells (1, A), (1, B) and (2, A) and the patent map  3602  has information at cells (1, C), (2, A), (2, B), (2,C), (3, A), (3, B) and (3, C). As a result, the merged patent map  3603  has information at all the cells. In this case, since both of the patent maps  3601  and  3602  have information at cell (2, A), this is informed to an operator, so that one of the maps  3601  and  3602  is selected for cell (2, A). 
     Also, in the merging operation, a patent map for a first period such as 1996 and 1997 and a patent map for a second period such as 1998 to 2000 can be easily merged into a patent map for a third period from 1996 to 2000. 
     The operation of the retrieval execution unit  12  while receiving a patent publication number from the number designating unit  204  is explained next with reference to FIG.  27 . The flowchart of FIG. 27 is started by receiving a patent publication number from the number designating unit  204 . 
     First, at step  2701 , one cell is selected, i.e., retrieval conditions for one cell are selected. 
     Next, at step  2702 , a retrieval condition is determined by the following AND logic: 
     the patent publication number AND the retrieval conditions for the selected cell. 
     Next, at step  2703 , a retrieval using the retrieval condition determined at step  2703  is performed upon the database file  11 . As a result, if a record having the retrieval condition is hit, the control proceeds to step  2704  which outputs cell information to the cell output information generating unit  212 . Otherwise, the control proceeds directly to step  2705 . 
     Step  2705  repeats the control at steps  2701  through  2704  for all the cells. 
     The flowchart of FIG. 27 is completed at step  2706 . 
     When the cell output information generating unit  212  receives hit cells from the retrieval execution unit  12 , the hit cells can be highlighted or displayed in a special color, thus visually indicating the cells to which the patent publication designated by the number designating unit  204  belongs. 
     As illustrated in FIG. 28, when a patent map  2801  is being displayed on the display unit  3 , a cell  2802  can be selected. Then, when the list display button  3231  of FIG. 5 is turned ON, patent publication numbers belonging to the selected cell are displayed on the display unit  3 . Also, when the specification display button  3233  of FIG. 5 is turned ON, a patent publication  2803  is displayed on the display unit  3 . 
     Further, cells  2802 ′ to which the patent publication  2803  belongs can be highlighted or marked by color along with the cell  2802 . This operation is carried out by the automatic document extracting unit  211  using the publication number storing unit  205  and the simultaneous cell storing unit  208  by the flowchart of FIG.  29 . 
     First, at step  2901 , one cell is selected from the publication number storing unit  205 . Note that the publication number storing unit  205  stores patent publication numbers for each cell. 
     Next, at step  2902 , a retrieval of a patent publication number, by the automatic document extracting unit  210 , is performed upon the publication number storing unit  205 . As a result, if the patent publication number is hit, the control proceeds to step  2903  which outputs cell information to the simultaneous cell storing unit  208 . Otherwise, the control proceeds directly to step  2904 . 
     Step  2904  repeats the control at steps  2901  through  2903  for all the cells in the publication number storing unit  205 . 
     The flowchart of FIG. 29 is completed at step  2905 . 
     When the simultaneous cell storing unit  208  receives hit cells from the publication number storing unit  205 , the hit cells can be highlighted or displayed in a special color, thus visually indicating the cells to which the patent publication designated by the automatic document extracting unit  210  belongs. 
     Also, when the list display button  3231  is turned ON, a keyword list  2804  as illustrated in FIG. 28 is displayed on the display unit  3 . The keyword list  2804  includes keywords along with the number of appearances used in the patent publication  2803 , thus indicating the technical field of the patent publication  2803 . 
     Also, in FIG. 11, the publication selecting unit  211  operated by the publication display button  3233  is used to maintain the currently-displayed patent publication in the cell of the publication number storing unit  205  or to remove it from the cell of the publication number storing unit  205 , if necessary. 
     Further, in FIG. 11, a cell moving unit  219  operated by a cell moving button  2805  in FIG. 28 is connected to the publication number storing unit  205 . As a result, the currently-displayed patent publication can be moved or copied to another cell, or removed from the current cell. 
     Additionally, in FIG. 11, the between-cell calculating unit  209  operated by the between-cell calculate button  3225  is connected to the publication number storing unit  205 . For example, an OR logic, an AND logic and a NOT logic for retrieval conditions is performed upon one or more of the cells in the publication number storing unit  209 , to generate a new cell. For example, an upper cell as a combination of two or more cells is generated by an AND logic, and a low cell formed of common patent publications in two or more cells is generated by an OR logic. Also, a cell formed by patent publications excluding a specific technology is generated by a NOT logic. 
     Furthermore, in FIG. 11, the automatic upper layer cell generating unit  217  operated by the automatic upper layer cell generate button  3224  is connected to the cell output information generating unit  212 . That is, as illustrated in FIG. 30, a degenerating operation is carried out, so that a plurality of cells having row items “2” and “3” and column items “A”, “B”, “C” and “E” are degenerated into one cell having row item “11” and column item “X”. The operation of the automatic upper layer cell generating unit  217  is illustrated in FIG.  31 . 
     First, at step  3101 , an OR logic operation is performed upon patent publication umbers of selected cells, to store new patent publication numbers for a new cell. 
     Next, at step  3102 , an OR logic operation is performed upon all the retrieval conditions of the selected cells, to store new retrieval conditions of the new cell. 
     Thus, the flowchart of FIG. 31 is completed at step  3103 . 
     Also, in FIG. 11, when a cell displayed on the display unit  3  is indicated by a mouse clock, a cell location unit  220  passes the location of the cell to the map item output unit  215 , so that the items of the cell in the row direction and in the column direction are highlighted or indicated by a special color, thus indicating the technical field of the cell. 
     In the above-described embodiment, although a patent map is two-dimensional, the present invention can be applied to a three-dimensional or multi-dimensional patent map. 
     Also, the present invention can be applied to fields other than the patent field. For example, the present invention can be applied to financial affairs including sales and profits. 
     As explained hereinabove, according to the present invention, the tendency of information to increase or decrease can be easily indicated.