JP2001337877A - Information system, information display device, information providing device, program for device functioning as information display device, recording medium stored with program, program for device functioning as information providing device, recording medium stored with program, information providing method and operation method of information providing device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve bookmark processing which is used to connect many connected with a network is so far limited to allow access to a specified individual location, and achieve an easy management. SOLUTION: The system acquires 'related information' which is used as the foundation of operation to allow a viewer to perform specific actions with the information thereof from a server which manages the image, and guides an operator to perform his operation. For this purpose, the image information and its related information are previously associated with each other and recorded, thereby, when an operator specifies an image information, expedites an access action based on its related information.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention is suitable for use mainly in digital televisions and the like. An operator operates an image displayed on a display device as a clue, based on information related to the image. The present invention relates to an information display device, an information providing device, and an information device configured to easily perform the above. Specifically, an information display device that displays main display information obtained from an information source, an information device that provides information to the information display device, and an information providing device that includes the information display device and the information device as main elements, An information display device, an information providing device, and the like, which are distributed together with main display information, include relevant information such as a network address and a program component, receive image data, display the image data, and use this as a clue to facilitate network access and the like. It relates to information systems and the like.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Recently, with the spread of the Internet, the number of servers accessible from terminals connected to the Internet has become enormous. Various information is recorded on each server based on the intention of the operator.
The terminal operator can obtain necessary information by accessing each server from the terminal. There are various ways to access the server, but generally, software called a browser, such as Internet Explorer and Netscape Navigator (both are trademarks), is installed on the terminal, and the terminal operator starts the browser to allow the terminal operator to access the server. The location of the desired server is specified, and the specified server is accessed to obtain necessary information.

Generally, in order to access information in a server connected to the Internet, an operator inputs a character string called a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) from a terminal so that the information can be realized. Has become. The URL is information (pointer) for specifying a server location on the Internet and a recording location of information in the server, and is uniquely assigned to a specific server and a specific information recording location. There is another IP (Internet Protocol) address as information for specifying the location of the server on the Internet, and the IP address is uniquely associated with the URL. When accessing the server on the Internet using the above-mentioned browser, the UR provided in the browser
The terminal operator manually inputs a URL or an IP address indicating a desired server location or a specific information recording location in the server in the L or IP address input window,
The browser interprets this and accesses the server desired by the terminal operator, and requests the server to transmit desired information. When the server sends information to your device,
The browser displays this on the display screen of the terminal or starts a predetermined operation based on the information.

[0004] Here, it is known that terminal operators generally have a strong tendency to access specific information on limited specific servers. For this reason, a function called a so-called bookmark is known so that such information can be accessed with a small operation procedure. The bookmark function means that the specification of the information is represented by one character string or one image (icon), and the operator uses the character string or the like as a clue, and selects and specifies the information to obtain the specified information. To make it accessible. According to this function, the information can be accessed more quickly than when a character string such as a URL is input to specify the information.

[0005] It should be noted that the above-described technique is not only implemented in a so-called personal computer,
It has been widely applied in the field of home appliances. In particular, an information terminal called a digital television is not only receiving a broadcast but also being connected to a network and is able to access specified information.

[0006]

However, the function of the bookmark is that a single character string or icon merely indicates the location of the information.

[0007] For this reason, the processing performed via this bookmark is limited to accessing the specified place, and other operations cannot be caused. Further, even if the information supplier wants to bookmark a plurality of network addresses, the viewer cannot manage the network addresses collectively.

[0008]

The invention disclosed in the present application has been made to reduce the above-mentioned problems.

That is, the present invention provides an information container including at least information for specifying image information and related information corresponding to the image information, and obtaining the image information from a server in which the image information is stored. An information system comprising: an information display device to display; and a network connecting the server and the information display device, wherein the information display device has a display unit having a display screen for displaying information in a visible state; Image display control means for interpreting the information container and acquiring the image information from the server, and displaying the image information on the display screen; input means for detecting a designated position on the display screen by an operator; When the image information is specified by the input means, an operation determining means for starting a process based on related information corresponding to the specified image information is provided. That the information system, and an information display used to construct the system, by providing such information providing device is obtained thereby reducing the above problems problems.

The first aspect of the present invention relates to a configuration in the present system.

[0011] The invention according to claim 2 relates to a system configuration for improving operability, including a point where the operation surface displayed to the operator is separated into a first management area and a second management area.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, an information container including at least information for specifying image information and related information corresponding to the image information is recorded and distributed to the first server. By recording information activated by the processing based on the related information in the server, the use efficiency of the system is further improved.

[0013] The invention described in claims 3 to 11 is:
It is an information display device provided to construct the above system.

The invention according to claims 12 and 13 is an information providing apparatus provided for constructing the above system.

The invention according to claims 14 to 33 relates to an information display device provided for constructing the above system, a program relating to the information providing device, and a recording medium recording the program.

Claims 34 to 38 relate to an operation method of the information providing apparatus and the information system.

Claims 39 and 40 relate to a computer in which a so-called browser program such as Microsoft Internet Explorer is already installed, by adding a function to the computer, so that the information system is connected to the computer. The present invention relates to a program or the like that functions as an information display device that is significant for construction.

[0018]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

(1. Related Information) First, related information, which is a concept used in the present embodiment, will be described.

The related information is basic information when a viewer wants to perform a specific operation using image information as a clue. That is, the related information is information associated with the icon or the image information. For example, when the viewer wants to refer to information on a specific server, information (URL, IP address, etc.) specifying the information is used. Corresponds to this. When a specific program is to be operated, the program name or the program itself may be used. Further, it can be used as an identifier such as related information or a file name for specifying the image. Also, a plurality of pieces of related information can be associated with a single piece of image information.

In (2. Graphic image displayed on information display device), FIG. 2 shows an example of a graphic image displayed on the information display device according to the present invention.
This will be described with reference to FIGS.

(2-1. Example of Graphic Image Suitable for Computer) First, the present invention is applied to Windows 9x, Windows
When implemented on a computer that supports an OS capable of displaying graphics, such as NT, Windows 2000, and Linux (all trademarks), the look and feel shown in FIG.
This is explained because it is preferable to take an AND feel.

The display screen 201 acts so that humans can visually recognize information from the display device such as a cathode ray tube display surface, a TFT liquid crystal screen, and a screen of a display device incorporated in eyeglasses worn on the human body. Although the boundary portion of the display screen 201 is the outermost frame of the display device in this drawing, the frame may be displayed on the display device to be implemented.

The one-touch window 204 is a window for displaying at least the icons 205 and 206. When the viewer of the information display device specifies the icons 205 and 206 by operating means (not shown),
At least one related information is displayed, and some processing based on the information is started, and when there is a plurality of related information for a single icon, these are selected and some processing based on the information is started. You can do it. When a plurality of pieces of related information are included in a single icon, for example, a menu may be displayed by designating the icon, and the operator may select any menu item.

That is, on the display screen 201, this one-touch window 204
And serves as a special management area (second management area) for guiding a specific operation using the icon as a clue, and the viewer can realize a new operation by using the icon displayed in this area as a clue. It has become.

The information providing window 202 is a frame for displaying at least the icons 203 and the like. When the viewer of the information display device specifies an icon to be displayed in this frame by operating means (not shown),
A new icon is added to the one-touch window 204 based on this operation.

At this time, the one-touch window 2
04 is added to the information providing window 20.
2, the icon specified by the viewer may be displayed as it is, or may be replaced with another icon as needed. In the information providing window 202,
In addition to the icons, character information 207 and the like may be displayed. That is, on the display screen 201, the information providing window 202 displays icons and the like to interest the viewer, and registers the one-touch window 204 by operating the viewer to specify the icon. (A first management area).

When a pointing device such as a mouse is provided in the operation means for a specific operation by the viewer, an icon for which a pointer is to be registered is designated, and the icon is moved to the one-touch frame 202 and dropped there. A so-called drag and drop user interface technique may be used (208). With this user interface,
For example, it is advantageous to use Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator (both trademarks) as the information providing window 202.

In FIG. 2, the icons 203, 205,
Although the description has been made with reference to the example 206, the present embodiment is applicable to image information including a photographic image and the like. A well-known method can be applied to the display method of the image information. In addition to the above-described icons, a thumbnail type displayed on the information providing window 202 or the like (the image information is appropriately reduced and displayed)
Alternatively, it includes an image of full size display, wallpaper and the like. In the following description, these will be referred to as “icons”.

(2-2. Another Graphic Image Example Suitable for Computer) As another interface example, a window as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 can be used.

The display screens 301 and 401 function so that humans can visually recognize information from the display device, such as a cathode ray tube display surface, a TFT liquid crystal screen, and a screen of a display device incorporated in eyeglasses worn on the human body. .

The information display / registration window 302 functions as an interface that allows the operator to perform operations for displaying and registering icons obtained from the information provider.

The information provision tab 303 is an interface element for selecting a management area provided in the area of the information display / registration window 302. When the management area is activated, an icon sent from the information provider is displayed. It can be displayed in one management area 305.
When the viewer of the information display device specifies an icon to be displayed here by operating means (not shown), the second management displayed when the one-touch tab 304 is activated based on this operation. Area 405
, A new icon is added.

The one-touch tab 304 is an interface element for selecting a management area provided in the area of the information display / registration window 302. When this tab element is activated, the second management area is displayed and the first management area is displayed. With respect to the icon designated to be registered in the area 305, a new icon relating to the icon can be displayed in the second management area 405. When the viewer of the information display device specifies an icon to be displayed here by operating means (not shown), at least one related information is displayed based on the operation, and some processing based on the information is started. When there are a plurality of pieces of related information for a single icon, these pieces of information can be selected and some processing based on the information can be started. When a plurality of pieces of related information are included in a single icon, for example, a menu may be displayed by designating the icon, and the operator may select any menu item.

That is, the information display / registration window 30
On the second management area 405, the icon 401,
The key 402 functions as a management area for guiding a specific operation, and the icon displayed in this area serves as a key so that a viewer can realize a new operation.

Using this user interface,
When the area of the display screens 301 and 401 is small or the screen resolution is low, the information display / registration operation can be completed in a small display area, which is advantageous.

(2-3. Another Graphic Image Example Suitable for Digital Television or PDA) Next, when the present invention is applied to a portable terminal such as a digital television or a PDA (Personal Data Assistance), FIG. It is preferable to take a look and feel as shown in FIG.

The display screen 501 acts so that humans can visually recognize information from the display device, such as a cathode ray tube display surface, a TFT liquid crystal screen, and a screen of a display device incorporated in eyeglasses worn on the human body. Although the boundary of the display screen 501 is the outermost frame of the display device in this drawing, the frame may be displayed on the display device and the display device may be implemented.

The one-touch frame 502 functions similarly to the one-touch window 204.
A frame for displaying at least the icon 508, and when the viewer of the information display device specifies the icon 508 by operating means (not shown), at least one related information is displayed, and some processing based on the information is started, When there are a plurality of pieces of related information for a single icon, these can be selected and some processing based on the information can be started. When a plurality of pieces of related information are included in a single icon, for example, a menu may be displayed by designating the icon, and the operator may select any menu item.

That is, on the display screen 501, the one-touch frame 502 functions as a special management area (second management area) for guiding a specific operation using the icon 508 as a key. The viewer can realize a new operation using the displayed icon as a clue.

The information providing frame 503 functions in the same manner as the information providing window 202, and is a frame for displaying at least the icons 505, 507 and the like. When an icon displayed in this frame is specified, a new icon is added to the one-touch frame 502 based on this operation.

The icon added at this time is displayed in the information providing frame 503, and the icon specified by the viewer may be displayed as it is, or may be replaced with another icon as needed. Absent. The information providing frame 503 may display character information 507 and the like in addition to the icons.

That is, on the display screen 501, the information providing frame 503 displays an icon or the like to interest the viewer, and when the viewer performs an operation of specifying the icon, the information providing frame 503 is displayed on the one-touch frame 502. And a special management area (first management area) that leads to the registration of the information.

For a specific operation by a viewer, when a pointing device such as a mouse is provided in the operation means, an icon for which a pointer is to be registered is designated, and the icon is moved onto the one-touch frame 502 and dropped there. A so-called drag-and-drop user interface technique may be used.

The information display surface 504 is, for example, a frame for displaying a content such as a movie in a digital broadcast, and is an area used for displaying information desired by a viewer. Note that the content is not limited to a moving image and the like, and includes all information to be transmitted by stimulating human vision such as a still image and text broadcast information.

(3. Relationship between Common Server and Client) Next, the relationship between the common server and client as infrastructure in the present invention is shown in FIG.
This will be described with reference to FIG.

The server 101 is a device which provides corresponding image information in response to an image information acquisition request of the client 103 which functions as an information display device, and functions as an information device.

The client 103 is connected to the server 101
Information display device for displaying information connected via a network so that a first management area 104 and a second management area 105 having different functions can be operated inside the information display apparatus. Has become.

The first management area 104 displays an image obtained from the server 101. In the case of the above-mentioned graphic image, the information providing window 20 is used.
2, 302, and the information providing frame 503.

In the second management area 105, when a specific icon is designated in the first management area, the content is registered, and the content is displayed. When the icon to be displayed is specified, at least one related information is displayed based on this operation, some processing based on the information is started, and when there is a plurality of related information for a single icon, These are selected, and control for activating some processing based on the information is performed. In the graphic image described above, the one-touch windows 204 and 405 and the one-touch frame 50
It corresponds to 2.

The server 102 is a device that is connected to the client 103 via a network and provides requested information under the control of the second management area 105, and functions as an information device.

As described above, these servers 101 and 102
The client 103 constitutes an information providing device that provides various information in response to a request from a viewer.

Here, the server 101 and the server 1
02 are different from each other, but it goes without saying that they may be the same depending on the nature of the information to be supplied or the server construction specification.

(4. Communication of Related Information Between First Management Area and Second Management Area) As will be described later, communication of related information and the like is performed between the first management area and the second management area. .
In general, for the communication between processes and between threads, various realization methods can be selected. For example, a control unit that controls two areas can communicate using a common memory space. Further, it is also possible to perform data communication between the first management area and the second management area by creating a new another process and communicating with this process.

In particular, Microsoft's Wind as an OS
In the case where ows (trademark) is used and Internet Explorer (trademark) is used to control the first management area, it is easy to use COM (Component Object Model).

FIGS. 12 to 1 show an example in which COM is used.
3 will be described. In the case of COM, a specific object can be created from one process, and the method of this object can be used. For example, if an object that realizes communication is activated as this object, it becomes possible to perform communication between a plurality of processes.

(4-1. Communication When Related Information Is Included in XML Island) FIG. 12 shows an XML (extensible mark).
This is an example of an information container including related information using an up language.

This information container is a so-called HTML (Hype)
rText Markup Language), a tag 1203 for specifying image information to be displayed (in the illustrated example, a file name of the image information, a display area, and the like are specified), and a tag 1203 as related information. XML Island 12
01 is included.

The information container opens a COM when a script is read by Internet Explorer (trademark) (1202). At the same time, since the tag 1203 for displaying image information is included, the server requests the corresponding image information, obtains it, and displays it.

Here, when the operator single-clicks the information on the image, Internet Explorer (trademark) generates an event and executes the program related to the tag 1203. In this example, since the event is received by the subroutine 1204, the store which is the method of the COM opened earlier is activated, and thereby the information of the XML island 1201 can be transferred to the COM which is the communication object. become.

In the illustrated example, the information of the XML island 1201 contains the site name of the server where the related information is stored and the URL indicating the storage location of the related information, and these can be transferred. I have. The transferred related information can be put under the control of the second management area through the communication COM through a similar mechanism.

The same applies to the image information.
Or in the case of Windows, using the OLE drag and drop function.

(4-2. Communication When Related Information Is Included in a Program) FIG. 13 is an example of an information container including related information as a program. This information container is also created in a so-called HTML format, and specifies an image to be displayed (in the illustrated example, the file name of the image information,
A tag 1301 (for which a display area or the like is specified) and information 1303 for sending related information directly to the COM are included.

The information container opens a COM when a script is read by Internet Explorer (trademark) (1302). At the same time, since the tag 1301 for displaying the image is included, the server requests the corresponding image information from the server, acquires it, and displays it.

Here, when the operator single-clicks the information on the image, Internet Explorer (trademark) generates an event and executes a program related to this tag. In this example, the event will be accepted in subroutine 1303,
The store, which is the method of the previously opened COM, is activated, whereby the related information described as the argument can be transferred to the communication object COM.

In the illustrated example, the information of the subroutine 1303 includes the site name of the server where the related information is stored and the URL indicating the storage location of the related information, and these can be transferred. . The transferred related information can be put under the control of the second management area through the communication COM through a similar mechanism.

It should be noted that the same applies to the image information.
Through, or in the case of Windows ™, O
It is possible to transfer using the LE drag and drop function.

(5. Information Display Device) Next, an information display device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

(5-1. Example of Operation Procedure of Information Display Device) An example of the operation procedure of the information display device will be described with reference to FIG.

In this information display device, first, a first container is displayed according to an information container and an icon provided by the information provider.
After the image is displayed in the management area (601), an icon is specified by the operator, and an operation for registering the icon is performed (60).
When 2) is performed, the icon is transferred from the first management area to the second management area (603), and the related information included in the container is also registered (604).
Then, the operator specifies the icon placed in the second management area and, if there is a plurality of pieces of related information for a single icon, selects at least one of the pieces of related information (605). ), And requests information from the server corresponding to the related information (606) and receives the information (60).
7). Then, the requested information is displayed on the information display device (608). Of course, if the related information does not display information but indicates that the program is to be operated, it is sufficient to execute this without requesting information from the server.

When the image information is held on the information display device side as in the present embodiment, the image information is not held on the information display device side and compared with the case where the image information is appropriately transmitted from the server at each display operation. Network traffic can be reduced.

(5-2. Configuration Example of Information Display Device) A configuration example of this information display device will be described with reference to FIG.

The image display unit 701 is a browser such as Internet Explorer (trademark) and functions as a first management area. That is, the image display unit 701 acquires data from the server 712, and
Images can be displayed. Further, when one of the displayed icons is selected and a predetermined operation is performed, the icon (that is, the image information) and the related information corresponding to the icon can be transferred to the communication COM 702. ing.

The recording information acquisition unit 704 is
In 1, when it is detected that the icon has been specified by the operator operating the operation means, an event notification is issued via the OS interface 709, and at that time, the event is specified via the communication COM 702. Icon (image information) and related information corresponding to the icon (image information).

The image information recording unit 705 is connected to the recording information acquiring unit 704, and stores the image information acquired by the recording information acquiring unit 704 as it is or after a predetermined code conversion. Then, the stored image information is stored in the one-touch frame 5 as the second management area.
02, the image information is provided to the image display component 708 so as to be displayed in the one-touch window 204 (hereinafter, collectively represented by a “one-touch frame”).

The image display configuration unit 708 is connected to the image information recording unit 705 and controls the image information recorded in the image information recording unit to be displayed in a one-touch frame in the form of icons.

The image specifying section 710 will be described later so that when the operator specifies an icon displayed in the one-touch frame through the operating means, the operation can be started based on the related information corresponding to the specified icon. An inquiry is made to the related information recording unit 707, the related information is acquired, and the operation is started based on this.

When the related information is composed of a plurality of pieces of information, control may be performed so that the selection candidate is displayed in order to allow the operator to select one of the related information. The method of displaying the selection candidates is arbitrary,
As an example, when Windows is used as the OS, a menu-based display method that is displayed beside an icon when a right button of a pointing device such as a mouse as an operation means is operated is exemplified. Then, the operator is allowed to make a selection from among these, and the operation can be started based on the selected related information. Of course, even when the related information is made up of a single piece of information, the content may be confirmed and the operation may be started based on the related information.

The related information acquiring unit 706 is connected to the recording information acquiring unit 704, acquires the image information acquired when the recording information acquiring unit is notified from the OS interface 709 to perform the processing related to the icon, The related information included in the image information is extracted.

The related information recording unit 707 is connected to the related information acquiring unit 706 and the operation determining unit 711, and records the related information extracted by the related information acquiring unit 706 together with the corresponding relationship information with the icon. . Then, when a notification indicating that an icon has been specified is received from the image specifying unit 710, the operation determining unit 711 is notified of related information corresponding to the icon.

The operation determining unit 711 receives an instruction from the image specifying unit, determines which of the related information related to the specified icon is selected, and processes the content. At this time, for example, a specific server 71
In order to connect to the second information, the corresponding information is accessed through the network.

(5-3. Hardware Configuration Example of Information Display Device) A hardware configuration example of the information display device will be described with reference to FIG. The CPU 801 has a function of controlling and calculating the entire information display device, and uses, for example, Pentium (trademark) of Intel Corporation. The memory 802 is a storage unit for writing / reading information in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 801.
It is appropriate to use M (dynamic RAM) or the like. The memory 802 is connected to the CPU 801 and various resources to be described later, and stores information according to these requests.

The bus 803 is connected to the CPU 801 and various resources, and the CPU 801 can access various resources via the bus 803.

The HD controller 804 is connected to the hard disk 805 and the bus 803, and
Based on a disk access request from the PU 801, information is written to a specific area in the hard disk 805.
Control is performed so that reading can be performed.

The CD-ROM controller 806 is a CD-ROM controller.
ROM drive 807 and bus 803 are connected to
Based on a disk access request from the CPU 801 via the CD-ROM 03, control is performed so that information can be read from a specific area of the CD-ROM 808 mounted on the CD-ROM drive 807. This CD
-ROM 808 stores a control program for the information display device and necessary data.
The information display device has the functions as shown in FIG. 7 by reading the program data from and operating the program.

An input controller 809 is connected to an input device 810 such as a pointing device such as a mouse and a keyboard, and a bus 803, and transmits an input signal from the input device 810 to the CPU 801.

The display controller 811 has a display device 812
And the bus 803, and displays information and the like created by the CPU 801 as an image on a display screen of a display device.

A network interface controller (NIC) 813 is connected to the bus 803 and controls transmission and reception of information between the information display device and the server 815 via the network 814.

(6. Others) (6-1. Modularization) In the embodiment described above, a bookmark function that is easier to use through icons can be realized. When the functions of the first management area are realized by these browser programs, such as when a general-purpose browser such as Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator (both are trademarks) is implemented and used as a unit, the configuration of each of the above embodiments is used. Of these, it is sufficient to realize a part excluding the image display unit as a set program.

(6-2. Distribution of Program) When the configuration described in the above embodiment is implemented on a computer, it can be distributed in the form of a program so that the computer functions as described above. In this case, the program is distributed on a CD as in the present embodiment.
-It may be realized using an information recording medium such as the ROM 808, or via a network. In addition, even if the program is modularized as described above, the program may be distributed via a network or by using an information recording medium such as a CD-ROM. In addition, in the above-described embodiment, it is mentioned that the program is distributed by the CD-ROM 808 only for the information display device. However, the program and data may be distributed to the server by using the information recording medium such as the CD-ROM. Good.

(6-3. Communication) In the above-described embodiment, communication of each unit is a typical example of COM.
Or, using OLE, Windows (trademark)
If an OS other than the above is used, or if a monitor program is used, it is sufficient to use other communication means without being limited to these.

(6-4. OS Interface) In common with the above embodiment, the OS interface receives a signal from an operating means (not shown) for the operator's operation on the first management area or the second management area. It is configured to detect that an operation instruction has been given, and to notify an appropriate portion of the detection. Also Windows
(Trademark) supports communication between tasks such as COM services.

[0093]

EXAMPLE (1. Example in the case of implementation in a computer environment) FIG. 9 shows an example in which the invention is implemented in a computer environment, corresponding to this embodiment. The flow of each information is given the same number as in FIG. 6 showing an operation example.

A browser 902 is started on the OS 901 in the computer 900, and information (URL, IP address, etc.) allowing access to the information providing location of the information provider.
Is input by the viewer, the browser 902 sends a signal for instructing information provision to the server 904 where the information exists via the network 903. Server 904
Sends an information container (container text) 905 via the network 903 to the computer to which the command was sent.

Browser 9 receiving information container 905
02 interprets this and sends the icon specified in the information container via the network 903 to the server 90.
Command 4 The server 904 responds to this command and sends an icon (image information) 906 via the network 903 to the computer 900 to which the command has been sent. Thereafter, the browser 902 displays the transmitted icon 9
06 is displayed on the display screen (601).

Next, when the viewer specifies the icon 906 displayed on the browser 902 by operating means such as a mouse, not shown in FIG. 9, the browser 902 interprets the icon 906 and includes the icon 906 in the information container 905. The related information is transferred to the second management area 908 via the communication COM 907, and the control program (not shown in FIG. 9) for controlling the second management area 908 registers the information (604). At the same time, the browser 902 transfers the icon 906 to the second management area 908 (603), and the second management area control program stores the transferred icon 906 in the second management area 908.
To be displayed.

Further, when the viewer specifies the icon 906 displayed in the second management area 908 by operating means (not shown) and selects at least one of a plurality of pieces of related information when there is a plurality of related information, The second management area control program sends a request for information corresponding to the related information to the network 9.
03 to the server 904 (606). Alternatively, when the related information indicates the operation of the program, the operation of the program related to the related information is performed without making an information request to the server 904.

(2. Example in the Case of Implementation in Digital Television Environment) FIG. 10 shows an example corresponding to the present embodiment and implemented in a digital television environment. The flow of each information is given the same number as in FIG. 6 showing an operation example.

In the digital television 1000, FIG.
When an unillustrated information providing window is opened in the server, the unillustrated program for controlling the information providing window is transmitted to the server
002 to 002. The server 1002 transmits an information container (container text) 1003 via the network 1001 to the digital television 1000 to which the command has been transmitted, in response to this command.

The information provision window control program which has received the information container 1003 interprets this, and instructs the server 1002 via the network 1001 to send out the icon 1004 designated in the information container 1003. The server 1002 responds to this command, and sends the command to the digital television 1000 to the network 10.
An icon (image information) 1004 is sent out via “01”. Thereafter, the transmitted icon 1004 is displayed on the display screen (601).

Next, when the viewer specifies the icon 1004 displayed in the information providing window by operating means such as a mouse (not shown) in FIG.
The related information included in 003 is passed to the second management area 1005, and a control program (not shown in FIG. 10) for controlling the second management area 1005 registers this. At the same time, the icon 1004 is transferred to the second management area 1005 (603), and the second management area control program displays the transferred icon 1004 in the second management area 1005.

Further, when the viewer specifies the icon 1004 displayed in the second management area 1005 by operating means (not shown) and selects at least one of a plurality of related information when there is a plurality of related information, The second management area control program instructs the server 1002 via the network 1001 to request information corresponding to the related information (60).
6).

Alternatively, when the related information indicates the operation of the program, the operation of the program related to the related information is performed without making an information request to the server 1002.

(3. Example in Case of Implementation in PDA Environment) In correspondence with the present embodiment, the PDA (Personal D
ata Assistance) FIG.
Shown in The flow of each information is given the same number as in FIG. 6 showing an operation example.

When an information providing window (not shown) is opened on the PDA 1100 in FIG. 11, a program (not shown) for controlling the information providing window provides information via the network 1101 to the server 1102 where information exists. Send out the command signal. Server 1
102 corresponds to this command, and the PDA 11 to which the command was sent.
00, image information (icon) 1103 is transmitted via the network 1101. Thereafter, the transmitted icon 1104 is displayed on the display screen (60).
1).

Next, when the viewer specifies the icon 1104 displayed in the information providing window by operating means such as a mouse (not shown) in FIG.
4 is passed to the second management area 1305, and the control program for controlling the second management area 1305, not shown in FIG. 11, registers this. At the same time, the icon 1104 is transferred to the second management area 1105 (603), and the second management area control program displays the transferred icon 1104 in the second management area 1105.

Further, when the viewer specifies the icon 1104 displayed in the second management area 1105 by operating means (not shown) and selects at least one of a plurality of related information when there is a plurality of related information, The second management area control program instructs the server 1102 via the network 1101 to request information corresponding to the related information (60).
6).

Alternatively, when the related information indicates the operation of the program, the operation of the program related to the related information is performed without making an information request to the server 1102.

[0109]

As described above, according to the present invention,
From the viewpoint of the viewer, various kinds of information provided by the information provider using the icons as clues can be effectively organized. Further, from the viewpoint of the information provider, effective information provision can be realized.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a graphic user interface diagram by drag and drop as an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is another graphic user interface as an embodiment of the present invention, showing a first management area.

FIG. 4 is a graphic user interface corresponding to FIG. 3, showing a second management area.

FIG. 5 is another graphic user interface diagram as an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is an information flow diagram in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a system structural diagram in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a hardware configuration diagram according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the embodiment of the present invention in a computer environment.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example in a digital television environment according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the embodiment of the present invention in a portable terminal environment.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of an information container including related information using XML (eXtended Markup Language).

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an information container including related information as a program.

[Explanation of symbols]

101, 102 server, 103 client,
104 first management area, 105 second management area, 2
01 display screen, 202, 302 information provision window, 204, 405 second management area, 205, 20
6 icon, 204 one-touch window, 5
02 One-touch frame

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuation of the front page (54) [Title of the Invention] Information system, information display device, information providing device, program to function as information display device, recording medium storing program, program to function as information providing device, A recording medium on which a program is recorded, an information providing method, and an operation method of an information providing apparatus.

Claims (40)

[Claims] 1. An information container including at least information for specifying image information and related information corresponding to the image information, and an information display for obtaining the image information from a server storing the image information and displaying them. An information system comprising: a device; a network connecting the server and the information display device; wherein the information display device includes a display unit having a display screen for displaying information in a visible state; Image display control means for interpreting and obtaining the image information from the server, and displaying the image information on the display screen; input means for detecting a pointed position on the display screen by an operator; An operation determining means for starting a process based on related information corresponding to the specified image information when the image information is specified. M 2. An information container including at least information for specifying image information and related information corresponding to the image information, and an information display for obtaining the image information from a server storing the image information and displaying them. An information system comprising: a device; and a network connecting the server and the information display device, wherein the information display device includes a display unit having a display screen for displaying information in a state visible to an operator; First image display control means for interpreting the information container to obtain the image information from the server and displaying the image information in a first management area provided on the display screen; and specifying the displayed image information. Input means for detecting an operation; and when the image information in the first management area is specified by the input means, the specified image information and the related information corresponding to the image information are displayed. Second image display control means for recording and displaying the specified image information in a second management area provided on the display screen; and the input means specifies the image information in the second management area. And an operation determining means for starting a process based on the related information corresponding to the specified image information. 3. An information container including at least information for specifying image information and related information corresponding to the image information, a first server storing the image information, and an activation specified by the related information. The second where the information is stored
An information providing device, comprising: a server for displaying information; an information display device for displaying information; and a network for connecting the first server, the second server, and the information display device, respectively. A display means having a display screen for displaying information in a state visible to an operator; connecting to the first server, interpreting the information container provided from the first server, and First image display control means for acquiring the image information from the first server and displaying the image information in a first management area provided on the display screen, and detecting an operation for specifying the displayed image information When the input means specifies the image information in the first management area, the specified image information and the related information corresponding to the image information are recorded, and the specified information is recorded. Second image display control means for displaying image information in a second management area provided on the display screen; and when the image information in the second management area is specified by the input means, the specified image information An operation determining means for starting a process of obtaining the activation information from the second server based on the related information corresponding to the information system. 4. Obtaining and displaying image information having an identifier for identification from an information source, requesting relevant information from a server using the identifier as a clue, and obtaining the image information. An information display device configured to start processing based on the related information when the information is displayed. 5. An information container containing information for specifying image information and related information corresponding to the image information is obtained from an information source and interpreted, and then the image information is obtained and displayed. An information display device configured to start processing based on the related information when is specified. 6. An information container containing information for specifying image information and related information corresponding to the image information is obtained from an information source, interpreted, and then obtained, and the image information is obtained and displayed in a first management area. When the image information displayed in the first management area is operated in a specific manner, the related information and the image information are stored, and the image information is displayed in the second management area. An information display device configured to start processing based on related information corresponding to an image when the image information displayed in an area is specified. 7. An information container containing information for specifying image information and related information corresponding to the image information is obtained from an information source and interpreted. Then, the image information is obtained and displayed by a display means. An information display device configured to, when the image information displayed on the display unit is specified, acquire the related information from the unit and start processing based on the related information; . 8. An information container containing information for specifying image information and related information corresponding to the image information is obtained from an information source and interpreted. Then, the image information is obtained and displayed by a display means. When the image information displayed from the display means is specified, the related information and the image are obtained from the unit and stored, and the image information is displayed in a management area on a display device, An information display device characterized in that when an operator specifies image information displayed in the management area, processing is started based on related information corresponding to the image information. 9. An information container including at least information for specifying image information and related information corresponding to the image information, and a server configured to store the image information so as to be connectable via a network. An information display device, comprising: display means having a display screen for displaying information in a visible state; connecting to the server; interpreting the information container provided from the server; Image display control means for acquiring image information from the server and displaying the image information on the display screen; input means for detecting an operation for specifying the displayed image information; and specifying the image information by the input means And an operation determining means for starting a process based on the related information corresponding to the specified image information. 10. An information container including at least information for specifying image information and related information corresponding to the image information.
And an information display device configured to be connectable to a server storing the image information via a network, wherein the information display device has a display screen that displays information in a visible state. Means for connecting to the server, interpreting the information container provided from the server, acquiring the image information from the server, and displaying the image information in a first management area provided on the display screen. 1 image display control means, input means for detecting an operation for specifying displayed image information, and when the image information in the first management area is specified by the input means, the specified image information and A second image display control means for holding the related information corresponding to the image information and displaying the specified image information in a second management area provided on the display screen; When the image information of the second management area is specified, the information display device characterized by comprising an operation determining means for starting the process on the basis of the relevant information corresponding to the specified image data. 11. An information container including at least information specifying image information and related information corresponding to the image information is obtained from a network, interpreted, and then the image information is obtained from the network. An information display device comprising: an operation determining unit that starts processing based on related information corresponding to the specified image information when the specific operation is performed. 12. An information providing apparatus for providing, as an information container, information for specifying image information and at least two pieces of related information for guiding an operator to a certain operation in accordance with the image information. 13. An information container including at least information for specifying image information and related information corresponding to the image information.
And an information providing device configured to be connected via a network to an information display device storing the image information and displaying information to an operator, and displaying the information based on a request from the information display device. An information providing device configured to send the information container and the image information to the device. 14. A program for causing a computer to function as the information display device according to claim 4. 15. A program for causing a computer to function as the information display device according to claim 5. 16. A program for causing a computer to function as the information display device according to claim 6. 17. A program for causing a computer to function as the information display device according to claim 7. Description: 18. A program for causing a computer to function as the information display device according to claim 8. 19. A program for causing a computer to function as the information display device according to claim 9. 20. A program for causing a computer to function as the information display device according to claim 10. 21. A program for causing a computer to function as the information display device according to claim 11. Description: A program for causing a computer to function as the information display device according to claim 12. 23. A program that causes a computer to function as the information display device according to claim 13. 24. A recording medium on which the program according to claim 14 is recorded. 25. A recording medium on which the program according to claim 15 is recorded. 26. A recording medium on which the program according to claim 16 is recorded. 27. A recording medium on which the program according to claim 17 is recorded. 28. A recording medium on which the program according to claim 18 is recorded. 29. A recording medium on which the program according to claim 19 is recorded. 30. A recording medium on which the program according to claim 20 is recorded. A recording medium on which the program according to claim 21 is recorded. 32. A recording medium on which the program according to claim 22 is recorded. 33. A recording medium on which the program according to claim 23 is recorded. 34. An information container including at least information for specifying image information and related information corresponding to the image information.
And an information display device that obtains the image information from a server in which the image information is stored and displays the image information, and a network that connects the server and the information display device. The server sends the information container to the information display device based on a request from the information display device, and the information display device interprets the information container provided from the server and sends the image information. And the server sends out the image information based on the request, the information display device displays the image information acquired from the server, and when the image information is specified by the operator, the information display device An operation method of an information system, which starts processing based on related information corresponding to the specified image information. 35. An information container including at least information for specifying image information and related information corresponding to the image information.
And an information display method for obtaining an image from a server in which the image information is stored and displaying the image, and an information providing apparatus including a network connecting the server and the information display apparatus, The server sends the information container to the information display device based on a request from the information display device, and the information display device interprets the information container provided from the server to obtain the image information. The server sends out the image information based on the request, and the information display device displays the image information acquired from the server in the first management area, and the operator displays the image information in the first management area. When the image information is specified, the specified image information and the related information corresponding to the specified image information are held, and the specified image information is displayed in the second management area. 2 Once the image information in the management area is the specific, the information display apparatus, information providing method characterized by initiating a process based on related information corresponding to the specified image data. 36. An information container including at least information for specifying image information and related information corresponding to the image information.
And a first server storing the image information, and a second server storing activation information specified by the related information.
An information providing method by an information system comprising a server, an information display device for displaying information, and a network for connecting the first server, the second server, and the information display device, respectively. The server sends the information container to the information display device based on a request from the information display device, and the information display device interprets the information container provided from the first server to generate the image. Requesting the transmission of information, the server sends out the image information based on the request, and the information display device displays the image information acquired from the first server in the first management area. When the image information in the one management area is specified, the specified image information and the related information corresponding to the image information are held, and the specified image information is displayed in the second management area. Then, when the image information in the second management area is specified by the operator, the information display device starts the second server with respect to the second server based on the relevant information corresponding to the specified image information. An information providing method, wherein a request for transmission of information is requested, and the second server transmits the activation information based on the request. 37. An information container including at least information for specifying image information and related information corresponding to the image information.
And an operation method of an information providing device configured to be connectable via a network to an information display device that stores the image information and displays information to an operator, based on a request from the information display device. An operation method of the information providing apparatus, wherein the information container and the image information are respectively transmitted to the information display apparatus. 38. An information container including at least information for specifying image information and related information corresponding to the image information.
An operation method of an information device configured to store the image information and startup information specified by the related information and connectable to an information display device that displays information to an operator via a network, An operation method of an information device, wherein the information container, the image information, and the activation information are transmitted to the information display device based on a request from the information display device. 39. The information according to claim 9, wherein a function of said operation determining means is added to a computer comprising said display means, said image display control means, and said input means according to claim 9. A program designed to function as a display device. 40. A recording medium on which the program according to claim 39 is recorded.