Information retrieval method and apparatus displaying together main information and predetermined number of sub-information related to main information

摘要

In an information retrieval method that allows the user to retrieve information in an intuitive way even when the user only has a vague requirement, information is retrieved from a memory device in which a plurality of information are stored. The information retrieval method includes the steps of determining whether any of a predetermined number of sub-information displayed in advance is selected or not: setting selected information as main information when any of the sub-information is selected; calculating the level of relationship with the main information for each information other than the main information stored in the memory device when any of the sub-information is selected and selecting the predetermined number of sub-information according to the level of relationship; displaying the main information; and displaying the predetermined number of sub-information.