Document processing support system using keywords to retrieve

Abstract

Method and apparatus are provided for editing input information. Input information is received from an input means (1) from which a keyword is selected for editing purposes. A low level record is located in a memory (5) which has the keyword of the input information stored therein. The low level record having the keyword stored therein is accessed to determine the location in the memory of higher level records and information types of the higher level records. The higher level records having stored therein explanatory information for the keyword in accordance with the information types of the higher level records. The higher level records are of a plurality of information types for presenting different types of explanatory information regarding the keyword, such as a definition of the keyword, a synonym for the keyword, an example usage of the keyword, etc. A display (55) is provided with an indication of the information types stored in the memory for the keyword so that a user can select a desired information type. The explanatory information associated with the desired information type is then displayed to the user, thereby facilitating the user's decision whether the keyword is properly used in the input information.