GB2358497A

GB2358497A - Personalised shopping and information portal

Info

Publication number: GB2358497A
Application number: GB0018744A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Soichi Nishiyama; Koichi Murakami
Original assignee: Fujitsu Ltd
Current assignee: Fujitsu Ltd
Priority date: 1999-10-25
Filing date: 2000-07-31
Publication date: 2001-07-25
Anticipated expiration: 2020-07-31
Also published as: GB0018744D0; GB2358497B; JP2001195495A

Abstract

A method of providing a personalised shopping portal comprises allowing an identified user to create a personalised web page by manipulating icons provided by suppliers. The icons are stored on a network and have a two part structure, the first part provides information on the users products and the second a link to the supplier. The information can be provided as an image, sound, text or animation and is preferably updated regularly by the supplier. The icon can also be linked to a geographic map in order to provide a location for the shop. Preferably the system provides communication facilities between users to allow for the exchange of icons. The system may also maintain access statistics for each icon. Users may be given a discount for accessing a shop via the icon, likewise a shop may be charged a fee for the number of accesses or for registering their icon and information. In use the user creates a personalised page by selecting icons on a list screen and pasting them onto a personal page.

Description

1 2358497 METHOD FOR AGING INDIVIDUAL ON-LINE SHOPPING ENVIRONMENT AND

STORAGE MEDIUM FOR RECORDING A PROGRAM PROVIDING THE SAME The present invention relates to a method for managing an individual on- line shopping environment capable of arranging user-specific information in electronic commerce such as on-line shopping.

With the rapid widespread of computers in recent years, people have come to browse through home pages and exchange E-mail messages on the Internet at home. On-line shopping using an'electronic mall and the like has also become active, and an environment in which people can enjoy shopping on the Intemet is being established.

According to a previously-considered on-line shopping method, a shop of interest is selected by searching for goods for sale as a search key, successively searching for shops categorized based on goods for sale, selecting shops while comparing goods with each other, and the like.

On the other hand, a home page of a producer or a retailer is obtained by directly searching for goods or services on the network, and information on goods or services of interest is extracted from the home page.

However, when a'shop is searched for according to the above mentioned previously-considered method, a user cannot do shopping without dropping by at the shop. Furthermore, it is actually difficult for the user to obtain desired information from a large amount of web information.

Furthermore, when finding a favourite shop, a user is required to manage the shop by using a bookmark or the like. Because of this, when the number of favourite shops is increased, it is difficult to manage them.

Furthermore, in order to provide other users with the information on a favourite shop, the URL thereof is generally sent to them through an electric mail. This makes it more difficult for those who have received the information as the URL to manage it.

On the other hand, it is difficult for a shop included in an electronic mall to perform effective advertising activities with respect to users. For -2 example, information may be posted on a top page of an electronic mall that is most likely to be visited by users, or information may be posted on a home page that is less likely to be visited by users for the purposes other than shopping. However, simply posting information on a home page is not effective for finding potential users.

Furthermore, even if information on goods or services is obtained, it is difficult to determine where and by which method the goods or services can be obtained most effectively in terms of price or delivery, and it is not guaranteed that the obtained information on goods or services is always linked to the information provided by a shop. Accordingly, there is not sufficient information for user's determination.

Therefore, with the foregoing in mind, it is desirable to provide a method for managing an individual on-line shopping environment in which a user can easily do shopping and a shop can perform effective sales activities.

is According to an embodiment of a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for managing an individual on-line shopping environment, comprising: in an on-line shopping environment in which user information and information on goods or services in on-line shopping are managed on a network, identifying the user; separating an icon that is the information on the goods or services registered by a registrant of the goods or services from an image including animation, sound or letters, and managing a link thereof., and allowing the icon to be dynamically registered/deleted for each user, wherein the user is capable of selecting the icon, and displaying the icon selected for each user in a user's individual on line shopping environment.

Because of the above constitution, a user's individual on-line shopping environment can be provided, in which information on goods or services required for on-line shopping can be collected/obtained easily by distributing the information on a network, using an icon, and registration/deletion of an icon representing information on goods or services can be performed on a user basis, and on-line shopping can be performed more efficiently by organizing only information on goods or services required for a user.

Furthermore, it is preferable that a method for managing an individual on-line shopping environment embodying the present invention includes at least one of the icon that transmits the information on the goods or services having immediacy at all times by using the image including animation, sound or letters and the icon that allows the information on the goods or services having immediacy to be transmitted when a cursor approaches the icon. In this case, a user may obtain unexpected useful information, which is advantageous for those who provide goods or services in terms of advertisement.

Furthermore, it is preferable that a registrant of the goods or services has an edit function capable of editing new information on the goods or services having immediacy. Without such a function, information specialized on the basis of goods or services would not be displayed.

is Furthermore, it is preferable that the user previously places the icon regarding the goods or services to be recommended in the user's individual on-line shopping environment at a time of initial registration of the user. In this case, even immediately after registration, a user can use recommended goods or services, or goods or services with a high access frequency.

Furthermore, it is preferable that a user other than the user having registered the icon is capable of updating the information on the goods or services with respect to the registered icon. In this case, attachment of new useful information may enhance the quality and quantity of information distributed by an icon.

According to an embodiment of a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for managing an individual on-line shopping environment, comprising: in an on-line shopping environment in which user information and information on a shop are managed on a network, identifying the user; separating an icon that is the information on a shop registered by a registrant of the shop from an image including animation, sound or letters, and managing a link thereof; and allowing the icon to be dynamically registered/deleted for each user, wherein the user is capable of selecting the icon, and displaying the icon selected for each user in a user's individual on-line shopping environment.

Because of the above constitution, a user's individual on-line shopping environment can be provided, in which information on shops selling goods of interest required for on-line shopping can be collected/obtained easily by distributing the information on a network, using an icon, and registration/deletion of an icon representing information on a shop can be performed on a user basis, and on-line shopping can be performed more efficiently by organizing only information on shops required for a user.

Furthermore, it is preferable that a method for managing an individual on-line shopping environment embodying the present invention includes at least one of the icon that transmits the information on the shop having immediacy at all times by using the image including animation, sound or letters and the icon that allows the information on the shop having immediacy to be transmitted when a cursor approaches the icon. In this case, a user may obtain unexpected useful information, which is advantageous for shop owners in terms of advertisement.

Furthermore, it is preferable that a registrant of the shop has an edit ftmction capable of editing new information on the shop having immediacy.

Without such a function, information specialized on the basis of each shop would not be displayed.

Furthermore, it is preferable that the user previously places the icon regarding the shop to be recommended in the user's individual on-line shopping environment at a time of initial registration of the user. In this case, even immediately after registration, a user can use recommended shops, or shops with a high access frequency.

Furthermore, it is preferable that a user other than the user having registered the icon is capable of updating information on the shop with respect to the registered icon. In this case, attachment of new useful information may enhance the quality and quantity of information distributed by an icon.

Furthermore, it is preferable that linking the shop to a geographical map allows a location of the shop to be displayed. In this case, a user can virtually take a walk without actually going out in an existing street, and can obtain services and the like limited to an area.

Furthermore, it is preferable that a function of allowing the user to communicate with the registrant of an icon in the on-line shopping environment is provided in the user's individual on-line shopping environment. In this case, more attentive sales activities become possible, and a user can get a chance of obtaining useful information that has not been on public. Examples of such a communication function may include electron chatting, electron bulletin board, and the like.

Furthermore, it is preferable that a function of allowing the users to communicate with each other in the on-line shopping environment is provided in the user's individual on-line shopping environment. In this case, distribution of so-called word-or-mouth information is promoted.

Furthermore, it is preferable that, in the individual on-line shopping environment, a message and the icon are allowed to be exchanged between the users, between the user and the registrant, or between the user and a manager.

Furthermore, it is preferable that a method for managing an individual on-line shopping environment embodying the present invention includes allowing the user to browse individual on-line shopping environments of other users under a condition of not being able to update one, in addition to the user's individual on-line shopping environment, and allowing the user to register messages and icons registered by the other users in the user's individual on-line shopping environment. In this case, by distributing information on an icon basis, accurate information can be transmitted/received, and active exchange of information is promoted.

Furthermore, it is preferable that a method for managing an individual on-line shopping environment embodying the present invention further includes: determining whether or not the icon registered by a registrant of the goods, services or shop includes link information identical with link information of one of the icons that have already been registered by other registrants; and when it is determined that the icon registered by the registrant includes the link information identical with the link information of one of the icons registered by the other registrants, and the registrant or manager manages the icons registered by the registrant and the other registrants as an identical icon, using one of the icons registered by the other registrants or managing a relationship between the registrant and the other registrants. In this case, by eliminating overlapping of information or utilizing overlapped information, exchange of information between registrants is promoted.

Furthermore, it is preferable that a method for managing an individual on-line shopping environment embodying the present invention flirther includes determining whether or not the icon registered in the user's individual on-line shopping environment is identical with one of the icons is registered in other user's individual on-line shopping environments, wherein, when it is determined that the icon registered in the user's individual on-line shopping environment is identical with the icon registered in the other user's individual on-line shopping environments, the icon registered in the user's individual on-line shopping environment is used as an icon that has already been registered. In this case, overlapping of information is eliminated.

Furthermore, it is preferable that at least two pieces of information linked to the icon are allowed to be displayed in a list. In this case, information which a user desires to browse can be selected by a pull-down menu or the like.

Furthermore, it is preferable that infoiTnation linked to the icon is automatically updated at a predetermined timing. In this case, a real time property of information can be obtained.

Furthermore, it is preferable that statistical data is always logged in on the on-line shopping environment, and the user displays total results or results of analysis in the user's individual on-line shopping environment, using an image. In this case, shops where people are gathering, trendy shops, and the like can be identified, or popular goods or services can be visually evaluated merely by seeing an icon, which is likely to lead to convenience of arrangement and actual purchasing motive.

Furthermore, it is preferable that a function of allowing the user to grasp and alter a delivery status of goods purchased in the on-line shopping environment is provided in the user's individual on-line shopping environment. In this case, one of the most interesting information for a user (i.e., a delivery date and time) can be obtained without negotiating directly with a home-delivery person.

Furthermore, it is preferable that specific information on the user is allowed to be recorded in the registered icon. Herein, user-specific information refers to information on a serial ID, a warranty, etc. of a user terminal, a manual link, and the like. By enabling such information to be immediately displayed by operating an icon, time required for searching can be shortened.

is Furthermore, it is preferable that a method for managing an individual on-line shopping environment embodying the present invention includes allowing the user to register/delete/autornatically detect profile information on the user in the on-line shopping environment, wherein transmittable information is varied depending upon the registered profile information on ihe user. In this case, allentive services can be provided, such as controlling information to be provided based on user-specific information such as gender, hobbies, preference, icon registration history, and goods purchasing history. Furthermore, there is an advantage that a registrant of goods, services or a shop can provide information effectively to consumers who really need information.

Furthermore, it is preferable that the user is given a predetermined discount at a time of purchasing, depending upon how often or how long the user has displayed the icon, registered in the individual on-line shopping environment, in the individual on-line shopping environment, or how many icons the user has displayed therein. In this case, user's participation in an on-line shopping environment can be promoted.

Furthermore, it is preferable that every time the registrant edits information on the goods, services or shop having immediacy, a manager of the on-line shopping environment charges the registrant a predetermined fee, depending upon the number of registered icons.

Furthermore, it is preferable that a manger of the on-line shopping environment charges the registrant a predetermined fee, depending upon when and how long the users have registered the icon and how many icons the users have registered in the on-line shopping environment, how often and when the users have displayed the icon in the individual on-line shopping environment, or how often, when, and how long the users have displayed information on the goods, services or shop having immediacy.

Furthermore, it is preferable that a background display in the individual on-line shopping environment has perspective, the user is capable of freely disposing the icon, which has been registered by the user in the individual on-line shopping environment, in the individual on-line shopping is environment, when the icon is placed on an upper side of a display screen, the icon is displayed in a small size, when the icon is placed on a lower side of the display screen, the icon is displayed in a large size, and when at least two icons are overlapped with each other in display, the icon disposed on the lower side of the display screen is displayed on a front side. In this case, information that is more important to a user can be displayed in such a manner as to be visually noticeable.

Furthermore, it is preferable that when at least two icons are overlapped with each other in display. and vertical positions of the at least two icons are identical, the icon registered later in the user's individual on line shopping environment is displayed on a front side. In this case, decrease in visibility due to overlapped display is avoided.

Furthermore, it is preferable that, in a background display in the individual on-line shopping environment, light and shade of the background display change in accordance with a standard time specified by the user, and a background image changes in accordance with weather information of a region to which the user has logged in. In this case, visibility regarding shops, goods or services depending upon time is enhanced.

-g- Furthermore, it is preferable that, in the individual on-line shopping environment, an advertisement icon for advertising the registered goods, services or shop is provided, and the advertisement icon is managed by a manger of the on-line shopping environment. In this case, a provider of an on-line shopping environment can exactly transmit information (which the provider desires to transmit to users), depending upon provider's decision.

Furthermore, it is preferable that, in the individual on-line shopping environment, the icon includes a trigger function of activating a new event, and the user is capable of activating the new event by operating the icon. An icon is not necessarily linked to only information on goods, services or a shop. An icon may be linked to a home page on the Internet; another user's individual on-line shopping environment; another page on an on-line shopping environment such as a shop list, a search page, and a CM page where icons are collected; another application other than an on-line shopping is environment. In the above-mentioned case, such applications and the like are allowed to be activated.

Furthermore, it is preferable that, in the individual on-line shopping environment, an event is allowed to be activated depending upon a time.

Furthermore, it is preferable that, in the individual on-line shopping environment, an individual clip box is provided in which icons are to be placed, and the icons placed in the clip box have the function identical with the function in the case where the icons are placed in the individual on- line shopping environment. In this case, by using a clip box as a kind of buffer for distributing an icon with another user or as a buffer for another function such as a shop list and searching, more efficient on-line shopping can be performed.

Furthermore, it is preferable that the icons managed by a manager of the on-line shopping environment are allowed to be registered in the individual on-line shopping environment or in the clip box. In this case, a manager can directly provide information by registering an icon in an individual on-line shopping environment, and an icon can be distributed between users by registering an icon in a clip box.

According to an embodiment of a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for generating an individual on- line shopping environment, comprising: in an on-line shopping system in which user information and information on goods, services or a shop is managed on a network, and electronic commerce is allowed to be performed on a user's terminal screen, displaying icons, which respectively represent a plurality of pieces of information on goods, services or shops registered in the on- line shopping system, on the user's terminal screen in a predetermined arrangement form; and arbitrarily selecting a plurality of icons displayed in arrangement to re-arrange them in an individual on-line shopping environment on the user's terminal screen.

Because of the above constitution, a user's individual on-line shopping environment can be generated, in which information on shops selling goods of interest required for on-line shopping can be is collected/obtained easily by distributing the information on a network, using an icon, and registration/deletion of an icon representing information on goods, services or a shop can be performed on a user basis, and on-line shopping can be performed more efficiently by organizing only information on shops required for a user.

Furthermore, it is preferable that a manger of the on-line shopping environment charges the registrant of the icon a predetermined fee, depending upon when and how long the user has registered the icon and how many the user has registered in the on-line shopping environment, how often and when the user has displayed the icon in the individual on-line shopping environment, or how often, when, and how long the user has displayed information on the goods, services or shop having immediacy.

Furthermore, the present invention may be embodied by software that is executed as a processing step of a computer so as to realize the above mentioned method for managing an individual on-line shopping environment embodying the first aspect of the present invention.

According to an embodiment of a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer-readable recording medium for recording a program that is executed by a computer, comprising program portions for: identifying the user in an on-line shopping environment in which user information and information on goods or services are managed on a network; separating an icon that is the information on the goods or services registered by a registrant of the goods or services from an image including animation, sound or letters, and managing a link of the icon; allowing the icon to be dynamically registered/deleted for each user; and allowing the user to select the icon and to display the icon selected for each user in a user's individual on-line shopping environment.

Because of the above constitution, by loading the program onto a computer for execution, a user's individual on-line shopping environment can be provided, in which information on goods or services of interest required for on-line shopping can be collected/obtained easily by distributing the information on a network, using an icon, and registration/deletion of an icon representing information on goods or services can be performed on a user basis, and on-line shopping can be performed more efficiently by organizing only information on goods or services required for a user.

Furthermore, the present invention may be embodied by software that is executed as a processing step of a computer so as to realize the above mentioned method for managing an individual on-line shopping environment embodying the second aspect of the present invention.

According to an embodiment of a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer-readable recording medium for recording a program that is executed by a computer, comprising program portions for: identifying the user in an on-line shopping environment in which user information and information on a shop are managed on a network; separating an icon that is the information on the shop registered by a registrant of the shop from an image including animation, sound or letters, and managing a link of the icon; allowing the icon to be dynamically registered/deleted for each user; and allowing the user to select the icon and to display the icon selected for each user in a user's individual on-line shopping environment.

Because of the above constitution, by loading the program onto a computer for execution, a user's individual on-line shopping environment can be provided, in which information on shops selling goods of interest required for on-line shopping can be collected/obtained easily by distributing the information on a network, using an icon, and registration/deletion of an icon representing information on shops can be performed on a user basis, and on-line shopping can be performed more efficiently by organizing only information on shops required for a user.

According to an embodiment of a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for constructing an individual on line shopping environment, comprising: in an on-line shopping environment in which user information and information on goods or services are managed on a network, a user management part for identifying the user; an icon link management part for separating an icon that is the information on the goods or services registered by a registrant of the goods or services from an image including animation, sound or letters, and managing a link thereof; and an icon management part capable of dynamically performing registration/deletion of the icon for each user; wherein the user is capable of selecting the icon, and displaying the icon selected for each user in a user's individual on-line shopping environment.

Because of the above constitution, a user's individual on-line shopping environment can be provided, in which information on goods or services of interest required for on-line shopping can be collectedlobtained easily by distributing the information on a network, using an icon, and registration/deletion of an icon representing information on goods or services can be performed on a user basis, and on-line shopping can be performed more efficiently by organizing only information on goods or services required for a user.

According to an embodiment of a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for constructing an individual on line shopping environment, comprising: in an on-line shopping environment in which user information and information on a shop are managed on a network, a user management part for identifying the user; an icon link management part for separating an icon that is the information on the shop registered by a registrant of the shop from an image including animation, sound or letters, and managing a link thereof; and an icon management part capable of dynamically performing registration/deletion of the icon for each user, wherein the user is capable of selecting the icon, and displaying the icon selected for each user in a user's individual on-line shopping environment.

Because of the above constitution, a user's individual on-line shopping environment can be provided, in which information on shops selling goods of interest required for on-line shopping can be collectedlobtained easily by distributing the information on a network, using an icon, and registration/deletion of an icon representing information on shops can be performed on a user basis, and on-line shopping can be performed more efficiently by organizing only information on shops required for a user.

According to an embodiment of an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for operating an icon, wherein an icon is linked to storage information representing contents of the icon, and when the icon is pointed to by a predetermined method, the storage information linked to the icon is displayed.

According to an embodiment of a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a recording medium for recording a program that is executed by a computer realizing a method for operating an icon, in which the icon is linked to storage information representing contents of the icon, the method comprising: pointing to the icon by a predetermined method; displaying the storage information linked to the icon; and when the icon is pointed to, displaying the storage information.

Because of the above constitution, by loading the program onto a computer for execution, storage information linked to an icon can be appropriatelydisplayed by predetermined operation of the icon; therefore, linked information can be easily obtained. Herein, a predetermined pointing method of an icon refers to click or double click of a mouse, or detection Of the presence of a pointer for at least a predetermined period of time.

Furthermore, it is preferable that the icon is converted to an icon for movement during movement or an image representing movement, and when the movement is completed, the icon before the movement is displayed again. In this case, movement of an icon is clarified, and by using an icon for movement in a relatively small or semi-transparent state, an icon with a movement mark, and the like, operation is rendered smooth.

Furthermore, it is preferable that the storage information comprises only detailed information, or the detailed information and abstract information that is an abstract of the detailed information, and when the icon is pointed to by a predetermined method, it is switched whether the abstract information is displayed as the storage information to be displayed or the detailed information is displayed as the storage information to be displayed, is depending upon a predetermined condition. This is because, in most cases, it suffices for a user to confirm a summary of storage information.

Furthermore, it is preferable that, in a case where a movement operation is performed with respect to the icon, during movement of the icon, irrespective of a diplay status of the storage information before the movement, the storage information is not displayed, and after completion of the movement, the display status of the storage information before the movement is reconstructed. This is because there is a limit to a display region and to a range in which an icon is moved.

Furthermore, it is preferable that the icon and a second icon included in the storage information are provided, and when the second icon that is displayed as a part of the storage information of the icon is pointed to by the predetermined method, storage information of the second icon is displayed.

Because of the above-mentioned structure, storage information and the like can be provided to a user in a hierarchical manner.

Furthermore, it is preferable that the storage information of the icon is an activation procedure of a browser and a predetermined URL, when the icon is pointed to by a predetermined method, the LTRI, is set in a browser to -15 activate the browser, and a screen of the URL is obtained. In this case, further information can be obtained from a home page.

Furthermore, it is preferable that the icon is linked to the storage information or information on an image including animation, sound or colour, information linked to the icon has been prepared on a network by a service manager, and information linked to the icon in a user's environment is read at a user's desired timing via the network to be updated to latest information, or given to the user's environment from the service manager at a predetermined timing to be automatically updated. In this case, distribution of storage information and the like is promoted.

Furthermore, it is preferable that, when information linked to the icon is updated, it is checked if the information is identical with information linked to the icon which has already existed, and only when they are different, the updated information is given to a user by an icon, using an is image including animation, sound or colour. In this case, it is guaranteed to a user that the user obtains the latest storage information.

Furthermore, it is preferable that the user is allowed to release a first user"s individual environment to other users and place a link icon linked to an individual environment of each of the other users in the user's individual environment, and the user is allowed to browse the individual environment of one of the other users by operating the link icon. In this case, information distribution is promoted between users.

According to an embodiment of a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for operating an icon in which the icon is linked to storage information representing contents of the icon, the apparatus includes: an icon pointing part for pointing to the icon by a predetermined method; and a storage information display part for displaying the storage information linked to the icon; and when the icon is pointed to, the apparatus displays the storage information.

Because of the above-mentioned structure, storage information linked to an icon can be appropriately displayed by predetermined operation of an icon; therefore, linked information can be easily obtained.

16- Reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a view illustrating a method for managing an individual on-line shopping environment in Embodiment 1 of the present invention; Figure 2 is a flow chart showing processing in a method for managing an individual on-line shopping environment in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 is a view showing a data structure of a user registration database; Figure 4 is a view showing a data structure of a user information database; Figure 5 is a view showing a data structure of a shop information database; Figure 6 is a view illustrating processing of configuration of a customized page; Figure 7 is a view illustrating processing of configuration of a customized page; Figure 8 is a view illustrating a registration/browsing screen in a user specific on-line shopping environment; Figure 9 is a view illustrating an edit operation on a registration/browsing screen in a user-specific on-line shopping environment; Figure 10 is a view illustrating a display on a screen in a user-specific on-line shopping environment; Figure 11 is a view illustrating a display on a screen in a user-specific on-line shopping environment; Figure 12 is a view illustrating a configuration of a server part of a management device in an individual on-line shopping environment in Embodiment 1 of the present invention; Figure 13 is a view illustrating tables in a management device in an individual on-line shopping environment in Embodiment 1 of the present invention; Figure 14 is a view illustrating a method for operating an icon in Embodiment 2 of the present invention; Figure 15 is a view illustrating a method for operating an icon in Embodiment 2 of the present invention; Figure 16 is a view illustrating a method for operating an icon in Embodiment 2 of the present invention; Figure 17 is a view illustrating a method for operating an icon in Embodiment 2 of the present invention; Figure 18 is a view illustrating a method for operating an icon in Embodiment 2 of the present invention; Figure 19 is a view illustrating a method for operating an icon in Embodiment 2 of the present invention; Figure 20 is a view illustrating a method for operating an icon in Embodiment 2 of the present invention; Figure 21 is a view illustrating a method for operating an icon in Embodiment 2 of the present invention; Figure 22 is a view illustrating a method for operating an icon in Embodiment 2 of the present invention; Figure 23 is a view illustrating a method for operating an icon in Embodiment 2 of the present invention; Figure 24 is a view showing a schematic structure of an icon operation device in Embodiment 2 of the present invention; Figure 25 is a schematic flow chart illustrating processing that realizes a method for operating an icon in Embodiment 2 of the present invention; and Figure 26 is a view illustrating a recording medium.

Embodiment I Hereinafter, a method for managing an individual on-line shopping environment in Embodiment I of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure I is a view schematically showing a configuration of a system that realizes a method for managing an individual -18 on-line shopping environment in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

Embodiment 1 is the case where on-line shopping or the like is performed on the Internet or the like, and information distributed by using an icon is related to a shop. In Embodiment 1, information linked to an icon is related to a shop; however, the present invention is not limited thereto.

Information and the like related to goods or services may be linked to an icon or may be a trigger capable of starting another application or activating a new event.

In Figure 1, reference numeral 11 denotes a browser that is a client use environment, 12 denotes a WWW (World Wide Web) server that manages required information collectively, 13 denotes a user registration database in which user recognition information such as user IDs is registered, 14 denotes a user information database in which registered shop information and the like are registered on a user basis, 15 denotes a shop is information database in which information on shops to be registered individually on a user basis is registered, and 16 denotes an access log database in which an access frequency to a shop and the like is recorded.

In Embodiment 1, as a GUI (Graphical User Interface) in the case of using the browser 11, D-HTML is used. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, it is also possible to provide a more graphical and convenient GUI, for example, by using "Flash 4" or the like produced by Micromedia.(cm) The V server 12 has a function of supporting the owner of the server (e.g., a fimction of managing users and registrants of shops, etc. ), as well as a user management function, and flinctions of controlling a client environment (e.g., a display function and an edit function regarding a user specific home page), and provides user-specific on-line shopping sites and the like where shops can be registered/managed.

Furthermore, user- and shop-specific information can be managed by the user registration database 13, the user information database 14, and the shop information database 15, and an access history and the like to each shop can be managed by the access log database 16.

As described above, in Embodiment 1, a system configuration using a browser has been described. However, another system configuration may be used, in which shop information and the like are downloaded to a client terminal using a program. In this case, it is possible to enhance an offline information browsing property.

When information on goods or services is used in place of information on shops, a goods/services information database 15' is used in place of the shop information database 15. Accordingly, in the user information database 14, information and the like on goods or services registered in an individual on-line shopping environment are registered on a user basis.

In the above-mentioned case, there is an advantage that a user can easily handle matters that have been troublesome in previously-considered electronic commerce, such as grasping information on delivery of goods and adjusting a date and a time when services are actually available, through a user's individual on-line shopping envirom-nent.

Figure 2 shows a flow chart of processing in on-line shopping as an example of a method for managing an individual on-line shopping environment in EmbodiTent 1 of the present invention.

In Figure 2, a user is initially registered so as to keep an individual storage region. When a user ID and a password are input (Operation 20 1), it is confirmed whether or not the user has already been registered by consulting the user registration database 13 (Operation 202). In the case where the user has not been registered (Operation 202: No), the user is registered as a new one in the user registration database 13. In the case where the user is identified as the one who has already been registered (Operation 202: Yes), the user information database 14 and the shop information database 15 are consulted (Operation 204), and a userspecific registration/browsing screen is displayed on the browser 11 (Operation 205).

When a new user is registered, a serial number is assigned to a registrant, and the serial number is registered in the user registration database 13 together with a user ID and a password, in the form of a data -20 structure shown in Figure 3. The purpose of this is to allow a registered user to be identified based on a serial number, and a serial number is used as a search key of the user information database 14.

As shown in Figure 4, in the user information database 14, user specific information (e.g., an E-mail address, shop identification numbers of shops registered as "favourites" on a user-specific home page) is registered, with a serial number in the user registration database 13 as a search key.

When a new user is registered, a user-specific shop is not registered.

However, for user's convenience, for example, sponsor shops providing on line shopping sites may be initially registered by a system as recommended shops. Alternatively, it may be possible that shops are initially registered by a system in a particular kind of pattern (in the order from newest to oldest, in the decreasing order of popularity, on the basis of fields, etc.) in accordance with user's preference so that a user can select shops therefrom. It may also be possible to construct a system in which, when a new user is registered, the user can immediately move to a shop registration screen.

In the case where a user-specific registration/browsing screen is displayed on the browser 11, a shop identification number of a shop registered by a user is obtained from the user information database 14, and information i ortant for shopping (such as an icon, a link, cut-price Mp information, cut-price display, and the number of current potential customers) of the registered shop is obtained from the shop information database 15, based on the shop identification number.

Figure 5 shows a registration example of the shop information database 15. In Figure 5, a shop name, a password, an icon, and the like are registered on the basis of shop identification numbers. The number of potential customers and the like grasped by the access log database 16 is also automatically updated in the shop information database 15.

When a user obtains information on a user's desired shop, processing of configuring a customized page is performed so as to configure a user specific registration/browsing screen. Such processing is varied depending upon configuration of a system problem provided by a user.

In the case where a user uses a V0XV browser, processing as shown in Figure 6 is performed. In this case, it is required for a user to transmit/receive data in an HTML format or the like; therefore, a customized page is configured in a W-WW server 62 by HTNE conversion processing using dynamic HTML or the like.

On the other hand, when a user uses a program, processing as shown in Figure 7 is performed. In this case, a user can transmit/receive data as the database configuration using XML or the like through a user program 7 1.

Therefore, a customized page is configured by display processing in the user program 7 1.

Next, a display example of a user-specific individual on-line shopping enviromnent to be displayed will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 8 is a view illustrating a display on a screen in an individual on-line shopping environment using the method for managing an is on-line shopping envirom-nent in an embodiment of the present invention.

In Figure 8, reference numeral 81 denotes a section in which weather forecast, advertisements, and the like are displayed, and 82 denotes a basic section that can be edited by a user. Reference numeral 83 denotes an icon displaying a shop. The icon is linked to information on the shop, and processing sucli as display of the information, a home page of the shop, and the like can be basically performed on an icon basis.

Although it is appreciated that registered information linked to a shop icon can be freely updated by a registrant of the icon, the registered information may be updated, for example, by a third party for the purpose of collecting word-of-mouth information and the like. However, all the registered information cannot be updated. This is because the fairness and correctness of information cannot be kept if all the registered information is allowed to be updated. Thus, it is required for a registrant to specify a portion that can be updated by a third party.

It is also conceivable that information is updated periodically on a shop side. This is because the user-specific individual on-line shopping environment may be used for representing information dependent upon the -22 time. For example, the case is conceivable where time service information and the like are provided.

Furthermore, registered information linked to a shop icon is not limited to one. A plurality of pieces of information may be linked to a shop icon simultaneously. In this case, for convenience of user's selection, information may be displayed, for example, in a pull-down menu display so that a user can more easily select information.

Finally, when a user customizes (edits) a shop (Operation 206), the user selects a shop icon on a registration/browsing screen in a user- specific individual on-line shopping environment, and registers the selected shop icon in a place specified by the user or deletes the selected shop icon.

In Figure 9, reference numeral 91 denotes a shop list displaying shop icons registered in the WVW server, 92 denotes a basic screen displaying a site in a map manner, and 93 denotes an icon exchange section for exchanging icons with a third party.

In actual operation, for example referring to Figure 9, when a user desires to display a favourite shop on a user's screen from the shop list 9 1, the user may simply copy an icon 94 to a predetermined position 95 on the basic screen 92 by drag-nd-drop, etc. Exchange of shop information with a third party A can also be performed by the similar processing on an icon basis.

More specifically, a shop edit screen as shown in Figure 9 is prepared, and shops registered in a shop database provided by a system are displayed as a shop list on a user-specific registration/browsing screen, or registration is performed by using a list for exchanging a shop icon with a registered user.

Furthermore, when it is desired that information linked to a shop icon is updated to the latest shop information (Operation 208), the shop information database 15 is consulted (Operation 209), and the latest shop information is displayed on the browser 11 on request.

The method for managing an individual on-line shopping environment in Embodiment 1 is strictly limited to providing a method for managing an'icon. Therefore, processing after a user selects a shop itself is dependent upon the previously-considered application. That is, when a user selects a desired shop (Operation 210), the user obtains means for moving to the home page of the shop (Operation 211), and the processing after movement is not controlled by this embodiment of the present invention.

The method for managing an individual on-line shopping environment in Embodiment 1 of the present invention is characterized in its large scope of application. For convenience of a system user, it is conceivable to add the following ftmctions to the method.

A search may be conducted using a shop name as a search key.

Even when a shop name is not clear, a desired shop may be searched for by using a wildcard or the like. Alternatively, a list of registered shops displayed in the alphabetical order may assist in searching for a shop.

Furthermore, it is also useful for user's selection of a shop to display a list in is which shops are arranged on a category basis.

Next, in order to promote distribution of a shop icon, a registered screen of a registered third party may be browsed. In this case, it is desirable that users can browse through registered screens without the authority to update them so that an individual on-line shopping environment will not be altered by a third party.

On the other hand, it is also conceivable that, in an on-line shopping environment of a third party which a user has browsed, there exists an icon which the user desires to copy to a user's individual on-line shopping environment. In this case, an individual clip box 102 may be provided as shown in Figure 10. In Figure 10, reference numeral 10 1 denotes a basic section that is editable by a user, and 103 denotes a balloon for displaying information by user's operation.

The clip box 102 is a kind of a buffer region. By copying an icon to the clip box 102, it is possible for a third party as well as the owner of an individual on-line shopping environment to copy the icon to their own individual on-line shopping environments.

The icon copied to the clip box 102 has the same function as that of -24 an icon functioning in an individual on-line shopping environment. Thus, it is possible to perform the above-mentioned operation regarding an icon in the clip box 102 without copying the icon to an individual on-line shopping environment.

In the case where the icon copied to a user's individual on-line shopping environment has already been there, an icon that has already been registered is used without newly registering the copied icon. Thus, when an icon is copied to a user's individual on-line shopping environment, it is required to determine the identity of the copied icon with an icon that has already been registered.

Furthermore, it is also conceivable that a provider of an on-line shopping environment registers an icon regarding recommended information in the clip box 102. In this manner, a user becomes more likely to browse through unknown shops, and the effect of promoting electronic commerce is can be expected.

As a method for obtaining the same effect, it is conceivable to provide a screen that displays shop ranking based on sales, access, and the like by a provider of the WVW server. This facilitates browsing of popular shops that are often visited by other users. It is also conceivable to display shops selected by a famous columnist on a screen. Due to the addition of such functions, it becomes possible to promote active distribution of shop icons in an on-line shopping site.

On the other hand, registered information linked to a shop icon may be profile information regarding a user who has registered the shop icon.

For example, the registered information may be overall information including a hobby and preference, as well as a user ID number, a serial number and a product number of a terminal used by the user, and the like. If such information can easily be browsed through, communication can be established without obtaining a wrong destination, and desired information can be obtained without fail.

It is also possible to provide difference in intensity of information to be transmitted to a general user based on the above-mentioned profile information. More specifically, by transmitting more detailed information to users having similar profiles such as gender, hobbies, preference, registration history of an icon, and purchase history of goods, and transmitting introductory information to users having different profiles, more efficient sales activities become possible.

Furthermore, by adding the following function to a method for displaying information on the browser, a user environment can be provided, in which a user can visually recognize information.

For example, it is conceivable to change an image of a shop icon based on the frequency of user's access to the shop from a user's screen.

More specifically, regarding a shop that is frequently visited by a user, its icon is enlarged, lightened, etc., whereby the icon is changed so as to be conspicuous compared with other icons. In contrast, regarding a shop that is hardly visited by a user, its icon is decreased in size or changed to an icon is with a run-down building image, moved to an end of a screen in an individual on-line shopping environment, or the like. FurtherTnore, it is conceivable to display crowdedness of a shop by monitoring access to the shop at all times. For example, it is possible to visually grasp crowdedness based on a display of a humanoid image 87 in Figure 8.

It is also conceivable to construct a user screen with an image of one city, and add a function of constructing roads between shops and the like.

By disposing a group of shops belonging to a particular category in a particular section, selection of a shop becomes easy in terms of operation.

Furthermore, it is also conceivable to add a function of a tag icon for managing a shop icon. The tag icon may be the one which is previously linked to an image, sound, and a text, or the one to which a user can add an image, sound, and a text. Because of this, it becomes possible to easily manage an icon layout in accordance with preference of a user.

Furthermore, by setting a shop icon so that information is displayed in a balloon or a voice message is given when a pointer of a cursor approaches the icon, it becomes possible that a user obtains messages (e. g., "bargain information% "time service information% etc.) from a shop in such -26 a manner that a user walks in the street.

More specifically, as shown in Figure 8, when a pointer of a mouse or the like approaches an icon 86 on a screen, a balloon is displayed in a pop-up manner, and a message from a shop is displayed. For example, as in Figure 10, when a pointer overlaps a shop icon for at least a predetermined period of time, information linked to the balloon 103 is displayed.

Furthermore, an example of important information which a user wants in such on-line shopping includes a delivery schedule of ordered goods. In order for a user to obtain such information, a delivery icon 88 is prepared on a user-specific registration/browsing screen as shown in Figure 8. By selecting the delivery icon 88, a user can grasp a delivery status of ordered goods. It is also conceivable that convenience is enhanced if a user can specify a date and a time for delivery using the icon.

Furthermore, by linking an actual geographical map to a user screen, a user can grasp a user's activity territory, or can obtain regionally common service based on the location of a shop (e.g., information such as possibility of common packaging delivery in delivery service).

It is also conceivable to provide a display on a screen with perspective. That is, an icon showing information that is determined to be more important to a user is enlarged and displayed on a front side, and an icon showing information that is determined to be less important is moved to the back for display. More specifically, as shown in the basic section 10 1 in Figure 10, a background display is provided with perspective, an icon disposed on a lower side of a screen is displayed with an increased size, and an icon disposed on an upper side of a screen is displayed with a decreased size, whereby a screen can be displayed in such a manner that an icon which is more important to a user in the entire screen is disposed on a front side.

In the case of such a display method, there is a possibility that icons at the same position in the vertical direction on a screen may be overlapped with each other. In this case, an icon registered earlier in an individual on line shopping environment may be displayed on a front side. The purpose of this is to highly evaluate information that has been maintained with high importance for a long period of time. The latest information may be displayed on a front side. In this case, freshness of information is highly evaluated.

A background display may be converted in accordance with a time and weather. For example, regarding information on a night club or the like that is open only at night, attention to such information is enhanced by displaying its icon only in the case of display at night. Alternatively, a shop can perform more efficient sales activities by enhancing attention to information on taxi allocation in the event of rain. Furthennore, a usercan enjoy benefits of easily obtaining useful information in accordance with a situation.

Next, it is also conceivable to add a function of enhancing communication between the user and the shopkeeper. For example, by providing a chat channel with respect to a shop or a message board 84 or the like in a shop icon in Figure 8, various communications can be conducted between the user and the shopkeeper.

More specifically, a shopkeeper writes information such as "bargain information" and "time service" on a billboard displayed as a message board from the shopkeeper, or the conversation between the customer and the shop, and between the customers are rendered possible by a user-shop community management tool such as chatting, whereby goods or services can be provided, which further satisfy the needs of users. Since the message board 84 on an icon is displayed at all times, information on it is updated per predetermined period without an instruction by a pointer.

Furthermore, for example, as shown in Figure 11, information that is desired to be transmitted to a general user at any time is displayed under the supervision of a provider of an on-line shopping environment, by using an advertisement icon such as an airship icon I I I that is always moving on a screen.

Furthermore, by allowing an operation from a mobile terminal using i-Mode (provided by NTT DoCoMo) or the like to be performed, a user who actually goes out in the street can obtain shop information at real time and -28 perform efficient shopping activities. More specifically, it is expected that the present invention is applied to various situations in which a shop selling desired goods is confirmed, price negotiation is performed, etc. in a region where a user is actually present.

It is also possible that typical questions such as "holiday?", "business hours?", and "when does a bargain sale start?" are automatically answered.

Similar communication means may be provided between the users.

In this case, pure consumer information can be obtained not via a shop or the like, and distribution of so-called word-of-mouth information between the users is promoted.

Furthermore, similar communication means may be provided between the user and the provider of an on-line shopping environment. This is because a request for additional registration of a shop to information on recommended shops, transmission of a recommendation message by the provider of an on-line shopping environment, and the like are also useful for arousing a shopping desire of consumers.

In any of the above cases, communication by distribution of an icon as well as communication via a message and the like become possible. More specifically, a clip box is provided as a buffer region that is mutually accessible, and,n icon is copied or the like to the clip box, whereby information on shops is easily exchanged between the users, and a recommended shop can be introduced and the like by the provider of an on line shopping environment.

The communication as described above can also be utilized for active sales strategy on a shop side. For example, a shopkeeper can effectively select users to whom direct mail should be sent, by obtaining the results of analysis of user's preference from an access log on a user basis, and can perform active sales development, in which push-type information is provided from a shop.

Furthermore, various services may be provided additionally for promoting participation in an on-line shopping site provided by the WWW server. For example, a discount service may be provided for each user in accordance with a registration period in the on-line shopping site, and a discount service may be provided based on the number of registered shop icons, a browsing frequency/time of advertisement information from a shop, and the like.

In contrast, by collecting a registration fee from an icon registrant in accordance with the number of registration icons, administration of an on line shopping site itself is stabilized, and it is expected that a user will be free of charge.

By adding the above-mentioned functions as services, a user finds a new shopping purpose with respect to a registered shop, starts newly accessing a shop that is accessed frequently, or starts newly accessing a shop by recommendation of an acquaintance; thus, it is possible to arouse user's various shopping motives.

Figure 12 shows a configuration of a management device that realizes an on-line shopping environment in Embodiment I of the present invention.

Figure 12 is a view illustrating a configuration of a server part of the management device in an on-line shopping environment in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

In Figure 12, reference numeral 121 denotes a user management part, 122 denotes an icon link management part, 123 denotes an icon management part, and 124 denotes a registrant management part. In the user management part 12 1, authentification. of a user who is using a user terminal 120 is performed, and in the icon link management part 122, information linked to an icon is managed.

In the icon management part 123, registration/deletion of an icon with respect to an individual on-line shopping environment is managed, and in the registrant management part 124, information registered in an on-line shopping environment and its registrant are managed. Such a function is basically provided in a server device 125. More specifically, such a function is provided in an application server device in a client/server system, and is provided in the server device 125 in the case of using a web and the like.

The present invention is not limited thereto. Depending upon a network structure, a system can be flexibly constructed.

Figure 13 is a view illustrating a registration content of each table in the management device in an individual on-line shopping environment in Embodiment 1 of the present invention. In Figure 13, reference numeral 131 denotes a content of a shop table, which is used for authentification of a registrant of goods, services, or a shop. Reference numeral 132 denotes a content of a user table, which is used for authentification of a user in an individual on-line shopping environment.

Furthermore, reference numeral 133 denotes a content of a transmission information table, which manages detailed data of the shop table 131 or the user table 132. Reference numeral 137 denotes a content of an icon table, which manages a storage place of icon data of a registrant to be registered in the shop table 131 or the user table 132.

Furthermore, reference numeral 134 denotes a user icon table, which is manages information such as a shop name and a registration coordinate when an icon is registered in an individual on-line shopping environment of a registrant of the user table 132. Reference numeral 135 denotes a map table, which manages a background, weather, and the like of an individual on-line shopping environment of a registrant of the user table 132.

Reference numeral 136 denotes an individual information table, which manages the operation settin g in an individual on-line shopping environment of a registrant of the user table 132.

Furthermore, reference numeral 13 8 denotes an event table, which is used for a registrant in the shop table 131 to manage an event to be registered for transmitting information to a shop icon in individual on- line shopping environments of a plurality of users in which the shop of the registrant has been registered. Reference numeral 139 denotes a page jump table, which manages history storage in the case of movement from shop icons in a plurality of individual on-line shopping environments to a shop page.

Because of the above-mentioned table structure, an individual on-line shopping environment can be managed on a user basis in on-line shopping, and information to be provided to a user can be managed on a shop basis.

Furthermore, since a management operation of a manager such as statistical processing of favourite shops and execution of a time event of a shop can be dynamically managed, information can be dynamically distributed in online shopping.

As described above, in Embodiment 1 of the present invention, environment that is easily utilized on a user basis can be dynamically generated in on-line shopping, and information on shops can be distributed on an icon basis, so that information can be easily and accurately exchanged.

Embodiment 2 Hereinafter, a method for operating an icon in Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. A schematic configuration of a user environment used in a method for is operating an icon in Embodiment 2 of the present invention is the same as that shown in Figure 12.

In Figure 12, a user terminal 120 is a client use environment used by a user. A browser is mostly used as the user terminal 120 for the purpose of keeping real time property of information. D-HTML and JAVA are often used for a GUI mi the case of using a browser as the user terminal 120.

However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, a GIA that is more graphical and convenient may be provided by using "Flash 4" and the like produced by Macromedia.91" A server device 125 manages required information collectively, and includes a user management part 12 1, an icon link management part 122, an icon management part 123, and a registrant management part 124. The server device 125 has a user management function, and functions of controlling a client use environment, such as a display function and an edit function regarding a user-specific home page. Furthermore, the server device 125 has a function of supporting the owner of a server such as a function of managing users and registrants of shops, goods and the like, and provides an individual user environment and the like in which management -32 such as registration of icons regarding user-specific shops and goods can be managed.

More specifically, in the user management part 121, authentification of a user who is using the user terminal 120 is performed. The icon link management part 122 has a function of managing which storage information is linked to an icon. Furthermore, in the icon management part 123, registration/deletion of an icon with respect to an individual user environment are managed, and in the registrant management part 124, storage information registered in a user environment and its registrant are managed. Such a function is basically provided in the server device 125.

More specifically, such a function is provided in an application server device in a client/server system, and is provided in a WVW server device in the case of using a web and the like. The present invention is not limited thereto. Depending upon a network structure, a system can be flexibly constructed.

User recognition information such as a user ID is registered in a user registration database 13, which is used for confirming use authority of a user who logs in from the user terminal 120.

In a user information database 14, information on shop icons, goods icons, and the li ke registered in an individual user environment on a user basis is registered. The user information database 14 is used for managing a registration status in an individual user environment.

Furthermore, in a storage information database 15, entities of storage information such as information on shops and goods to be individually registered on a user basis are registered. A content of information to be provided to a user is updated by updating the storage information database 15.

In an access log database 16, an access frequency to shop icons and goods icons is recorded. The access log database 16 is used for calculating the popularity and attraction of shops, goods, and the like.

A method for operating an icon in such an environment will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 14 is a view illustrating an individual icon registration/display screen in a user environment. In Figure 14, reference numeral 21 denotes a basic section in an icon registration/display screen in an individual user environment. In the basic section 2 1, icons from which a user desires to collect information, highly important icons, and the like can be disposed in a free layout.

Reference numeral 22 denotes a clip box, which is a kind of buffer for distributing an icon between users. Reference numeral 23 is an icon linked to information, which is an image of a shop, an image of goods, or the like capable of expressing the kind of information of interest immediately.

Reference numeral 24 denotes a tag that is used for moving from a user environment to an information transmission screen provided by the provider of the user environment, an introduction screen of recommended shops or recommended goods. In a screen obtained by using the tag 24, an icon 23 moved to the clip box 22 and information linked to the icon 23 can is be shared between the screens without changing a content of the clip box 22.

Reference numeral 25 denotes a trashcan for deleting an unwanted icon 23 in an individual user environment. More specifically, an unwanted icon 23 is dragged and dropped into the trashcan 25.

Reference numerl 26 denotes a link icon for moving to another user enviromnent. In a screen obtained by using the link icon 26, an icon 23 moved to the clip box 22 and information linked to the icon 23 can be shared between screens without updating a content of the clip box 22. Thus, information can be shared between the users.

First, an operation will be described in which the icon 23 is taken in the basic section 2 1. For example, the case will be described where a favourite shop icon is moved to a user environment from a shop introduction screen as shown in Figure 15. A shop icon is selected, which a user desires to move from the basic section 31 in the shop introduction screen.

Then, as shown in Figure 16, the selected shop icon is dragged and moved to the clip box 22. The clip box 22 can be used as a common buffer region whether or not a screen is changed by the tag 24 or the link icon 26.

A user environment is displayed by using the tag 24, and the shop icon that has been moved to the clip box 22 as shown in Figure 16 is dragged to the basic section 21 as shown in Figure 17. Then, the shop icon is dropped at any position as shown in Figure 18. Accordingly, the desired shop icon can be disposed in the user environment.

There are a number of methods for determining the size of an icon to be displayed. For example, it is conceivable that an icon on the front side (i.e., on the lower side) of the screen is set to be larger, and an icon on the back side (i.e., on the upper side) of the screen is set to be smaller. In this case, a position pointed to by a pointer is not detected while an icon is being dragged, and another icon for movement may be displayed during dragging.

It is appreciated that an icon for movement may be changed in size in accordance with the position during movement. When the icon for movement is dropped, it is converted to an icon with a size in accordance with the position and displayed.

The size of an icon may be changed in accordance with a distance from an arbitrary original point on a screen, instead of using the upper and lower positional relationship on a screen. A method for determining the size of an icon is not limited thereto.

Furthermore, the provider of a user environment may distribute automatically updated storage information to each individual user envirom-nent without user's recognition. In this case, if an icon is used, the icon may simply be moved to the clip box 22. For example, an icon is prepared, which is dedicated to a manager of a user environment such as that representing an "airship" displayed in the vicinity of the centre of Figure 14, whereby storage information distributed to the icon dedicated to the manager is displayed.

Next, an operation method in the basic section 21 will be described.

In order to obtain information from the icon 23, a pointer is overlapped with the icon 23, and when it is detected that the pointer has been overlapped with the icon 23 for a predetermined period of time, information is displayed in a balloon 191 as shown in Figure 19. The content in the balloon may be single information or information including buttons and the like. Alternatively, when the icon 23 is linked to a plurality of pieces of information, it is preferable that information is displayed by a pull-down menu so as to be selected easily.

Regarding information to be displayed, it is preferable that abstract information for grasping the summary of storage information is prepared in addition to storage information, in accordance with the amount and quality of the information to be displayed. It may depend upon the arrangement of an icon in an individual user environment whether storage information or abstract information is displayed. More specifically, regarding an icon positioned on the lower side of the screen, storage information is displayed as in the previously-considered example, and regarding an icon positioned on the upper side of the screen, such an icon is determined to be less important, and abstract information is displayed.

Furthermore, it is conceivable that abstract informa tion, if any, is is basically displayed irrespective of the size of an icon, and only detailed information is displayed in the absence of abstract information. The purpose of this is to prevent the display on the screen from becoming complicated.

However, the present invention is not limited to a method for switching a display as described above. It may be possible that a mode of an information display is switched, or abstract information is basically displayed and the entire storage information is displayed by user's instruction.

The balloon 191 is not displayed while an icon is being moved. This is because the purpose of dragging is to move an icon, and a balloon is not particularly required. More specifically, while an icon is being moved, the icon is converted into an icon for movement, and when the icon for movement is dropped, it is converted to an icon with a size in accordance with a position.

In the case where storage information and the like are displayed in the balloon 191 before an icon is moved by dragging, neither the balloon 191 nor storage information and the like are displayed while the icon is being moved, since the icon is converted to an icon for movement. When the icon has been moved to and dropped in the basic section 2 1, the balloon 191 and storage information and the like are displayed.

Whether the information to be displayed again in the balloon 191 is set to be storage information or abstract information is determined in accordance with a display rule in the basic section 2 1. Thus, when the content of display information is controlled in accordance with the size of an icon, the content of information to be displayed again may be varied depending upon the position where the icon is dropped.

Furthermore, in the case where storage information and the like are not displayed in the balloon 191 before an icon is moved by dragging, the storage information and the like are not displayed again even when the icon has moved to and dropped in the basic section 2 1.

The case is conceivable where storage information has qualities that should be displayed at all times; therefore, storage information can also be moved while being displayed.

In the case where a second icon such as a button is included in the balloon 191, a new event can be activated by selecting the second icon.

Examples of events include movement to another individual user environment, as well as gpening of a new home page, start-up of a new application such as a communication application, and the like.

For example, more detailed information can be obtained by selecting a button on the balloon 191 of a shop icon to open a home page thereof. In this case, the URL and the like of a home page are stored as the second storage information linked to the second icon. It is appreciated that the URL of a home page is not limited to the second icon, and may be linked to a shop icon and the like.

Furthermore, it may also be possible that the second icon is displayed in the balloon 191 of a shop icon, and a similar operation is conducted with respect to the second icon, whereby another storage information or abstract information may be displayed. Furthermore, a third icon may be displayed in the storage information in the second icon. In this manner, a separate icon can be displayed in storage information over a number of stages.

The trashcan 25 is used for deleting an icon present in the basic section 2 1, the clip box 22, and the like. As shown in Figure 20, an icon determined to be unwanted in an individual user environment is dragged and dropped on the trashcan 25, whereby the icon is deleted from the screen.

This applies to all the icons that can be disposed in an individual user environment, and a link icon and the like, as well as a shop icon and a goods icon can be similarly deleted.

The link icon 26 is the one which provides a trigger for moving to another user-specific individual user environment. The link icon 26 is registered in a basic section 212 together with an icon representing a user in a user selection screen as shown in Figure 2 1.

In Figure 21, marks represented in the column "Icon" refer to icons representing other users. In the case where another user performs an operation with respect to an arbitrary shop icon in one's own user environment, the icon representing the user is displayed in the vicinity of the shop icon, registered in an individual user environment. Thus, it can be visually determined how many users are accessing to a predetermined shop icon or the like at the same time or to identify users, which will provide an index for determining popularity and attention with respect to the shop or the like.

By moving the link icon 26 shown in Figure 21 to the clip box 22 and dropped thereon, the link icon 26 can be moved to an individual user environment in a similar manner to that of an ordinary shop icon or the like.

With respect to the link icon 26 moved to an individual user environment, the following operation may be performed. If a pointer is overlapped with the link icon 26 for at least a predetermined period of time, another user name to be moved and a trigger for movement are displayed in a balloon 221 (in Figure 22, a button functions as a trigger.) By performing an operation with respect to the trigger, the screen can be moved to an individual user environment of another user as shown in Figure 23.

In the case of updating storage information and the like displayed in -38 the balloon 191 to the latest information, the provider may simply update the content stored in the storage information database 15. More specifically, since storage information and the like to be displayed by a user is stored in the storage information database 15, the display information is always updated simply by updating the content of the storage information database 15.

It is also conceivable that the provider of a shop icon and the like distributes automatically updated storage information to each individual user environment without user's recognition. In this case, a shop icon and the like may simply be moved to the clip box 22. For example, it may be possible to notify a user that the storage information has been updated, by changing the display of the shop icon and the like. In this case, it is possible to notify a user as such by using animation or sound, changing a colour in the shop icon, and the like.

Furthermore, in the case where storage information and the like are downloaded to a user tem-iinal 11, not to a server device 12, it is required to compare the updated information in the storage information database 15 with that downloaded to the user terminal 11, and prevent a display change of a shop icon and the like as. described above, if the updated information is identical with the downloaded information. The purpose of this is to prevent the storage information and the like from being grasped as updated information although the content thereof is not changed.

In mounting, an operation device as shown in Figure 24 is constructed on the user terminal 11. More specifically, an icon selection part I I I is used for selecting a shop icon and the like to be operated by a pointer of a mouse or the like.

In a communication part 112, communication with a server device 12 is conducted, and storage information and the like linked to the selected icon 23 is extracted and obtained from a storage information database 15. In an icon display part 113, the obtained storage information and the like are displayed in the balloon 191.

A buffer part 114 is provided for processing during movement of an icon. The content of storage information and the like displayed at a time when the icon 23 is dragged is temporarily stored in the buffer part 114.

Next, a flow of processing of a program will be described, which realizes a method for operating an icon in a user environment in the present embodiment of the present invention. Figure 25 is a schematic flow chart showing processing of a program that realizes a method for operating an icon in a user environment in the present embodiment of the present invention.

In Figure 25, a shop icon or the like is disposed in an individual user environment, and a coordinate where the shop icon is disposed is obtained (Operation 250). A coordinate of a pointer is input by using an input medium such as a mouse (Operation 25 1).

If the shop icon or the like is compared with the pointer to find that they are overlapped with each other (Operation 252: Yes), the following is conducted. When the shop icon or the like is not being dragged, it is determined that the shop icon is not being moved (Operation 253: No).

When the pointer is overlapped with the shop icon or the like for at least a predetermined period of time (e.g., two seconds or longer) (Operation 254:

Yes), the server device 12 is notified of selection of the shop icon or the like, and storage information 5xtracted from the storage information database 15 is obtained in the server device 12. When the storage information is obtained, it is displayed in the balloon 191 (Operation 255).

When the shop icon is being dragged, it is determined that the shop icon is being moved (Operation 253: Yes). Then, the display content in the balloon 191 is temporarily stored in a buffer in the user terminal 11 and display is suspended (Operation 256), and an icon for movement is displayed instead of a shop icon or the like (Operation 257).

When the icon for movement has been moved and dropped at a predetermined position (Operation S258: Yes), the icon for movement is converted to a shop icon or the like before being dragged, and the temporarily stored display content in the balloon 191 is displayed in the balloon 191 (Operation 259).

As described above, in Embodiment 2 of the present invention, information can be exchanged smoothly by using an icon, and natural operation feelings that match human visual feelings can be provided.

Examples of a recording medium for storing a program that realizes a method for managing an individual on-line shopping environment in the present embodiment of the present invention include a portable recording medium 262 such as a CD-ROM 262-1 and a floppy disk 262-2, a separate storage device 261 provided at the end of a communication line, and a storage device 264 such as a hard disk or a RAM of a computer 263. The program is loaded for execution on a main memory, as shown in Figure 26.

Examples of a recording medium for recording a shop information database generated by using the method for managing an individual on-line shopping in the present embodiment of the present invention include a portable recording medium 262 such as a CD-ROM 262-1 and a floppy disk 262-2, aseparate storage device 261 provided at the end of a communication line, and a storage device 264 such as a hard disk or a RAM of a computer 263. The information in the recording medium is read out by the computer 263 when a method for managing an individual on-line shopping environment embodying the present invention is performed.

As described above, according to a method for managing an individual on-line shopping environment embodying the present invention, a user-specific access environment can be provided, in which information on shops selling goods of interest required in virtual environment (particularly in the case of doing on-line shopping) is distributed on the network by using an icon, whereby the information can be easily collected and obtained, and an icon representing the information on shops can be registered or deleted on a user basis. Thus, only information on shops required for a user are collected, which allows on-line shopping to be conducted more efficiently.

Although the above description has referred to a program stored on a computer-readable medium, it will be appreciated that a computer program embodying the present invention need not be stored on a computer-readable medium and could, for example, be embodied in a signal such as a downloadable data signal provided from an Internet website. The appended claims are to be interpreted as covering a computer program by itself, or as a record on a carrier, or as a signal, or in any other form.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A method for managing an individual on-line shopping environment, comprising: in an on-line shopping environment in which user information and information on goods or services in on-line shopping are managed on a network, identifying the user; separating an icon that is the information on the goods or services registered by a registrant of the goods or services from an image including animation, sound or letters, and managing a link thereof., and allowing the icon to be dynamically registered/deleted for each user, wherein the user is capable of selecting the icon, and displaying the icon selected for each user in a user's individual on-line shopping envirorunent.

2. A method for managing an individual on-line shopping environment according to claim 1, comprising at least one of the icon that transmits the information on the goods or services having immediacy at all times by using the image including animation, sound or letters and the icon that allows the information on the goods or services having immediacy to be transmitted when a cursor approaches the icon.

3. A method for managing an individual on-line shopping environment according to claim 2, wherein a registrant of the goods or services has an edit function capable of editing new information on the goods or services having immediacy.

4. A method for managing an individual on-line shopping environment according to claim 1, wherein the user previously places the icon regarding the goods or services to be recommended in the user's individual on-line shopping environment at a time of initial registration of the user.

5. A method for managing an individual on-line shopping environment according to claim 1, wherein a user other than the user having registered the icon is capable of updating the information on the goods or services with respect to the registered icon.

-5 6. A method for managing an individual on-line shopping environment, comprising: in an on-line shopping environment in which user information and information on a shop are managed on a network, identifying the user; separating an icon that is the information on the shop registered by a registrant of the shop from an image including animation, sound or letters, and managing a link thereof, and allowing the icon to be dynamically registered/deleted for each user, wherein the user is capable of selecting the icon, and displaying the is icon selected for each user in a user's individual on-line shopping environment.

7. A method for managing an individual on-line shopping environment according to claim 6, comprising at least one of the icon that transmits the information on the shop having immediacy at all times by using the image including animation, sound or letters and the icon that allows the information on the shop having immediacy to be transmitted when a cursor approaches the icon.

8. A method for managing an individual on-line shopping environment according to claim 7, wherein a registrant of the shop has an edit function capable of editing new information on the shop having immediacy.

9. A method for managing an individual on-line shopping environment according to claim 6, wherein the user previously places the icon regarding the shop to be recommended in the user's individual on-line shopping environment at a time of initial registration of the user.

10. A method for managing an individual on-line shopping environment according to claim 6, wherein a user other than the user having registered the icon is capable of updating information on the shop with respect to the registered icon.

11. A method for managing an individual on-line shopping environment according to claim 6, wherein linking the shop to a geographical map allows a location of the shop to be displayed.

12. A method for managing an individual on-line shopping environment according to claim 6, wherein a function of allowing the user to communicate with the registrant in the on-line shopping environment is provided in the user's individual on-line shopping environment. is 13. A method for managing an individual on-line shopping environment according to claim 1 or 6, wherein a fimction of allowing the users to communicate with each other in the on-line shopping environment is provided in the user's individual on-line shopping environment. 20 14-A method for managing an individual on-line shopping environment according to claim 1 or 6, wherein, in the individual on-line shopping environment, a message and the icon are allowed to be exchanged between the users, between the user and the registrant, or between the user and a manager. 25 15. A method for managing an individual on-line shopping environment according to claim 1 or 6, comprising allowing the user to browse some individual on-line shopping environments of other users under a condition of not being able to update one, in addition to the user's individual on-line 30 shopping environment, and allowing the user to register some icons registered by the other users in the user's individual on-line shopping environment.

16. A method for managing an individual on-line shopping environment according to claim 1 or 6, comprising:

determining whether or not the icon registered by the registrant of the goods, services or shop includes link information identical with link information of one of the icons that have already been registered by other registrants, and when it is determined that the icon registered by the registrant includes the link information identical with the link information of one of the icons registered by the other registrants, and the registrant or manager manages the icons registered by the registrant and the other registrants as an identical icon, using one of the icons registered by the other registrants or managing a relationship between the registrant and the other registrants.

17. A method for managing an individual on-line shopping environment is according to claim 1 or 6, further comprising determining whether or not the icon registered in the user's individual on-line shopping environment is identical with one of the icons registered in the other user's individual on line shopping environments, wherein, when it i.S determined that the icon registered in the user's individual on-IMe shopping environment is identical with the icon registered in the other user's individual on-line shopping environments, the icon registered in the user's individual on-line shopping environment is used as an icon that has already been registered.

18. A method for managing an individual on-line shopping environment according to claim 1 or 6, wherein at least two pieces of information linked to the icon are allowed to be displayed in a list.

19. A method for managing an individual on-line shopping environment according to claim 1 or 6, wherein information linked to the icon is automatically updated at a predetermined timing.

-46 20. A method for managing an individual on-line shopping environment according to claim 1 or 6, wherein statistical data is always logged in on the on-line shopping environment, and the user displays total results or results of analysis in the user's individual on-line shopping environment, using an image.

2 1. A method for managing an individual on-line shopping environment according to claim 1 or 6, wherein a function of allowing the user to grasp and alter a delivery status of goods purchased in the on-line shopping environment is provided in the user's individual on-line shopping environment.

22. A method for managing an individual on-line shopping environment according to claim 1 or 6, wherein specific information on the user is allowed to be recorded in the registered icon.

23. A method for managing an individual on-line shopping environment according claim 1 or 6, comprising allowing the user to register/delete/automatically detect profile information on the user in the on line shopping environment, wherein transmittable information is varied depending upon the registered profile information on the user.

24. A method for managing an individual on-line shopping environment according to claim 1 or 6, wherein the user is given a predetermined discount at a time of purchasing, depending upon how often or how long the user has displayed the icon, registered in the individual on-line shopping environment, in the individual on-line shopping environment, or how many icons the user has displayed therein.

25. A method for managing an individual on-line shopping environment according to claim 1 or 6, wherein, every time the registrant edits.

information on the goods, services or shop having immediacy, a manager of the on-line shopping environment charges the registrant a predetermined fee, depending upon the number of registered icons.

26. A method for managing an individual on-line shopping environment according to claim 1 or 6, wherein a manger of the on-line shopping environment charges the registrant a predetermined fee, depending upon when and how long the users have registered the icon and how many icons the users have registered in the on-line shopping environment, how often and when the users have displayed the icon in the individual on-line shopping environment, or how often, when, and how long the users have displayed information on the goods, services or shop having immediacy.

27. A method for managing an individual on-line shopping environment according to claim 1 or 6, wherein a background display in the individual on is line shopping environment has perspective, the user is capable of freely disposing the icon, which has been registered by the user in the individual on-line shopping environment, in the individual on-line shopping environment, when the icon is placed on an upper side of a display screen, the icon is displayed in a small size, when the icon is placed on a lower side of the display screen, the icon is displayed in a large size, and when at least two icons are overlapped with each other in display, the icon disposed on the lower side of the display screen is displayed on a front side.

28. A method for managing an individual on-line shopping environment according to claim 27, wherein, when at least two icons are overlapped with each other in display, and vertical positions of the at least two icons are identical, the icon registered later in the user's individual on-line shopping environment is displayed on a front side.

29. A method for managing an individual on-line shopping environment according to claim 1 or 6, wherein, in a background display in the individual on-line shopping environment, light and shade of the background display change in accordance with a standard time specified by the user, and a background image changes in accordance with weather information of a region to which the user has logged in.

30. A method for managing an individual on-line shopping environment according to claim 1 or 6, wherein, in the individual on-line shopping environment, an advertisement icon for advertising the registered goods, services or shop is provided, and the advertisement icon is managed by a manger of the on-line shopping environment.

3 1. A method for managing an individual on-line shopping environment is according to claim 1 or 6, wherein, in the individual on-line shopping environment, the icon includes a trigger function of activating a new event, and the user is capable of activating the new event by operating the icon.

32. A method for managing an individual on-line shopping environment according to claim 1 or 6, wherein, in the individual on-line shopping environment, an event is allowed to be activated depending upon a time.

33. A method for managing an individual on-line shopping environment according to claim 1 or 6, wherein, in the individual on-line shopping environment, an individual clip box is provided in which some icons are to be placed, and the some icons placed in the clip box have the function identical with the function in the case where the some icons are placed in the individual on-line shopping environment.

34. A method for managing an individual on-line shopping enviromnent according to claim 33, wherein the some icons managed by a manager of the on-line shopping environment are allowed to be registered in the individual 49 on-line shopping environment or in the clip box.

35. A method for generating an individual on-line shopping environment, comprising: in an on-line shopping system in which user information and information on goods, services or a shop is managed on a network, and electronic commerce is allowed to be performed on a user's terminal screen, displaying icons, which respectively represent a plurality of pieces of information on goods, services or shops registered in the on-line shopping system, on the user's terminal screen in a predetermined arrangement form; and arbitrarily selecting a plurality of icons displayed in arrangement to re-arrange them in an individual on-line shopping environment on the user's terminal screen.

36. A method for generating an individual on-line shopping environment according to claim 3 5, wherein, a manger of the on-line shopping environment charges the registrant of the icon a predetermined fee, depending upon when and how long the user has registered the icon and how many icons the user has egistered in the on-line shopping environment, how often and when the user has displayed the icon in the individual on-line shopping environment, or how often, when, and how long the user has displayed information on the goods, services or shop having immediacy,.

37. A computer-readable recording medium for recording a program that is executed by a computer, comprising; in an on-line shopping environment in which user information and information on goods or services are managed on a network, identifying the user; separating an icon that is the information on the goods or services registered by a registrant of the goods or services from an image including animation, sound or letters, and managing a link thereof; allowing the icon to be dynamically registered/deleted for each user; and allowing the user to select the icon and to display the icon selected for each user in a user's individual on-line shopping environment.

3 8. A computer-readable recording medium for recording a program that is executed by a computer, comprising; in an on-line shopping environment in which user information and information on a shop are managed on a network, identifying the user; separating an icon that is the information on the shop registered by a registrant of the shop from an image including animation, sound or letters, and managing a link of the icon; allowing the icon to be dynamically registered/deleted for each user; and is allowing the user to select the icon and to display the icon selected for each user in a user's individual on-line shopping environment.

39. An apparatus for constructing an individual on-line shopping environment, comprising: in an on-line shopping environment in which user information and information on goods or services are managed on a network, a user management part for identifyLng the user; an icon link management part for separating an icon that is the information on the goods or services registered by a registrant of the goods or services from an image including animation, sound or letters, and managing a link thereof, and managing a link thereof, and an icon management part capable of dynamically performing registration/deletion of the icon for each user; wherein the user is capable of selecting the icon, and displaying the icon selected for each user in a user's individual on-line shopping environment.

40. An apparatus for constructing an individual on-line shopping environment, comprising: in an on-line shopping environment in which user information and information on a shop are managed on a network, a user management part for identifying the user; an icon link management part for separating an icon that is the information on the shop registered by a registrant of the shop from an image including animation, sound or letters, and managing a link thereof, and an icon management part capable of dynamically performing registration/deletion of the icon for each user, wherein the user is capable of selecting the icon, and displaying the icon selected for each user in a user's individual on-line shopping environment.

4 1. A method for operating an icon, wherein an icon is linked to storage information representing contents of the icon, and when the icon is pointed to by a predetermined method, the storage information linked to the icon is displayed.

42. A method for operating an icon according to claim 41, wherein the icon is converted to an icon for movement during movement or an image representing movement, and when the movement is completed, the icon before the movement is displayed again.

43. A method for operating an icon according to claim 41, wherein the storage information comprises only detailed information, or the detailed information and abstract information that is an abstract of the detailed information, and when the icon is pointed to by a predetermined method, it is switched whether the abstract information is displayed as the storage information to be displayed or the detailed information is displayed as the storage information to be displayed, depending upon a predetermined condition.

44. A method for operating an icon according to claim 41, whereiri in a case -52 where a movement operation is performed with respect to the icon, during movement of the icon, irrespective of a display status of the storage information before the movement, the storage information is not displayed, and after completion of the movement, the display status of the storage information before the movement is reconstructed.

45. A method for operating an icon according to claim 41, wherein the icon and a second icon included in the storage information are provided, and when the second icon that is displayed as a part of the storage information of the icon is pointed to by the predetermined method, storage information of the second icon is displayed.

46. A method for operating an icon according to claim 41, wherein the storage information of the icon is an activation procedure of a browser and a predetermined URL, when the icon is pointed to by a predetermined method, the URL is set in a browser to activate the browser, and a screen of the URL is obtained.

47. A method for operating an icon according to claim 41, wherein the icon is linked to the storage information or information on an image including animation, sound or colour, information linked to the icon has been prepared on a network by a service manager, and information linked to the icon in a user's environment is read at a user's desired timing via the network to be updated to latest information, or given to the user's environment from the service manager at a predetermined timing to be automatically updated.

48. A method for operating an icon according to claim 47, wherein, when information linked to the icon is updated, it is checked if the information is identical with information linked to the icon which has already existed, and only when they are different, the updated information is given to a user by an icon, using an image including animation, sound or colour.

49. A method for operating an icon according to claim 41, wherein the user is allowed to release the user's individual environment to other users and place a link icon linked to an individual environment of one of the other users in the user's individual environment, and the user is allowed to browse the individual environment of one of the other users by operating the link icon.

5 0. A recording medium for recording a program that is executed by a computer realizing a method for operating an icon, in which the icon is linked to storage information representing contents of the icon, the method comprising: pointing to the icon by a predetermined method; displaying the storage information linked to the icon; and when the icon is pointed to, is displaying the storage information.

1. An apparatus for operating an icon in which the icon is linked to storage information representing contents of the icon, comprising:

an icon pointingpart for pointing to the icon by a predetermined method; a storage information display part for displaying the storage information linked to the icon; and when the icon is pointed to, displaying the storage information.

52. A computer program which, when run on a computer, causes the computer to carry out a method of claims 1 to 36, and 41 to 49.

53. A computer program which, when run on a computer, causes the computer to become an apparatus of any one of claims 39, 40, and 5 1.

54. A method for managing an individual on-line shopping environment substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

55. A method for generating an individual on-line shopping environment substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

56. A computer-readable recording medium substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

57. An apparatus for constructing an individual on-line shopping environment substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. 58. A method for operating an icon substantially as hereinbefore 15 described with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

59. A computer program substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.