JP2002051322A - Utilization system, processing device, generating device, providing device of information image and program recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent unnecessary traffic by giving expiration date to an information image. SOLUTION: This utilization system of information images is based on making an information provider (112) register an information image, into which the information image and the relevant information that leads an operator to cause a prescribed behavior, based on the information image, are formed as a unit for processing, to an information disclosing server (114) and to guide a client (120) connected via a network (130) based on the information image. According to such a constitution, giving expiration date to information image enables control of the expired information images and prevent unnecessary traffic.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to information operations performed between information processing apparatuses such as computers interconnected via a network such as the Internet. More specifically, the present invention relates to an information image utilization system performed through an "information image" in which image information and related information that causes an operator to perform a predetermined operation based on the image information are handled as one handling unit. Etc.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, the amount of information provided from an unspecified number of information disclosure servers connected via the Internet has become enormous. A user can access a desired information disclosure server by operating an information terminal device such as a personal computer connected to the Internet, and obtain desired information. The so-called WWW (World W
In the ide Web environment, it is a problem for the server side as an information provider how to efficiently guide as many users to the information provided by the server side.

[0003] As a method for guiding a user on the Internet, a button in which an address of an information disclosure server is associated with an image file or the like, for example, a banner advertisement is known. The user can easily be guided to predetermined information by performing a specific operation such as clicking on the banner advertisement without a complicated operation such as inputting a character string such as a URL. However, these banner ads can only guide users to individual information destinations associated with the buttons, and it is difficult to manage the buttons.
As a method for guiding the user more effectively, a method using a so-called “information image” in which image information and related information that causes an operator to perform a predetermined operation based on the image information are processed as one handling unit. Has been proposed (for example, Japanese Patent Application No. 2000-083291).

[0004] This information image can be collectively handled by representing a plurality of operations with one image, and can guide the user to a plurality of pieces of information cyclically or manage a plurality of pieces of information as a group. Since the user can be guided to that group, the information provider can be a very effective user guiding means. In addition, since the information image does not have the image information alone as the image file but has the image information and the related information as one handling unit, it is easy to manage the image information. It is also possible to track usage.

[0005] By using such an information image, an information provider can guide more users to his / her information. For example, if the information provider is a seller of a certain product, the information image can be used to appeal to the user who is a consumer by using various information on the product to differentiate it from competitor products. It is possible to advance the sales strategy of the product in an advantageous manner. further,
By using the tracking management of the use status of the image information as described above, it becomes possible for the information provider to acquire valuable marketing information reflecting the trend of the customer.

[0006] As described above, since the information image has a high economic added value, even if the information provider is charged, the information image is used to guide the user to desired information. ， There is a need to develop one's own business in an advantageous manner.

[0007]

However, the content of the information provided by the information provider via the information image is changed as appropriate. Therefore, if the operation based on the related information attached to the information image is allowed forever, there is a risk that the information provider may guide the user to information that is not intended.

[0008] In some systems, when an information image is operated on the client side, the operation log is sometimes managed on the management server side. However,
In the case where an operation log related to an information image that is no longer required to be managed is notified to the management server, useless traffic is generated, which may cause an excessive load on the system, which is a problem.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems of an environment using an information image, and provides a time limit information to an information image to guide a user to unnecessary information or to use unnecessary information. It is an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved information image utilization system or the like that does not generate any traffic.

[0010]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, an information provider is provided with an image information and an operator to perform a predetermined operation based on the image information. Information use system that registers an information image in which an associated information that causes the information as one handling unit is registered in an information disclosure server, and guides a client connected via a network to information desired by the information provider according to the information image. Wherein the information image is provided with time limit information.

According to this configuration, it is possible to restrict and control the operation of the information image beyond the time limit intended by the information provider. For example, if the expiration information is configured to prohibit the operation of the expiration information image, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the user is guided against the intention of the information provider.
Further, for example, if the expiration information is configured to prohibit reporting of the information related to the operation of the expiration information image to the management server of the information image, it is possible to avoid generating unnecessary traffic.

[0012] Here, the "information provider" generates an information image so as to guide the user to desired information, and registers the information image in the information disclosure server via a network or other means. An information terminal such as a possible computer. For example, an information terminal or the like owned by a merchandise seller who intends to sell merchandise by providing information on the merchandise via the Internet corresponds to this.

The "image information" can be specified based on image specifying information such as a file name or identification information embedded therein, and is displayed as an image on an information display device as a client. It acts on.

[0014] An "information image" is a handling unit of image information and related information that causes an operator to perform a predetermined operation based on the image information. This can be realized by a single handling process. The "operator" is a person who operates image information on the terminal, and may be the registered user who uses the information image processing means or another person. In addition, the “predetermined operation” includes all information processing that can be realized in the terminal. For example, the terminal is guided cyclically to a plurality of pieces of information, or the terminal is connected in parallel to information managed as one group. It also includes the action of inducing the target. In the “related information”, in addition to the programmatic description of these operations, various information such as information about the information provider who provided the information image and information about the user of the information image that can be added later can be included. included.

The "information disclosure server" is, for example, a site from which a registered information image can be browsed, and acts so as to provide the terminal accessing the site via the network with the information image and other information. Things.

The "client" is a so-called information terminal device, an information display device, or simply a terminal, and includes, for example, a personal computer, a portable information terminal, and a home appliance having an information terminal function. It has a function of displaying and operating an information image by incorporating processing means.

The "expiration date information" functions to give an expiration date to the information image. After the expiration of the expiration date, it is possible to cause the information image to perform a certain operation or not to perform a certain operation. Of course, it may be simply recorded as a description about the time limit. Note that the term information may be configured to be incorporated integrally with the related information of the information image, or may be incorporated as a separate configuration from the image information and the related information, or may be associated with the information. Further, the term information may be configured to be incorporated into the information image when the information image is generated by the information image generating apparatus, as described later, or when the information image providing apparatus provides the client with the information image. It may be configured to incorporate an information image.

The "management server" is a server device such as a computer connected to a terminal via a network, and has a function of managing information relating to operation of an information image transmitted from a client. This management server may be configured as the same as the information disclosure server,
You may comprise as another thing.

In order to further solve the above problem, according to a second aspect of the present invention, when an information image has the above-mentioned time limit information, a process instructed in the time limit information at the client is performed. There is provided an information image processing apparatus capable of performing the following.

Here, in addition to the configuration described in the invention according to the first aspect, the "information image processing means" includes:
For example, an information image support program having a function of enabling an information image to be displayed and operated on the terminal when the user installs the information image on the terminal. The dedicated information image window is displayed on a web page to display and operate the information image. Or an information image may be displayed and operated on the web browsing software window as a plug-in software of the web browsing software, or may be operated in the background to operate the desktop. You may comprise so that an information image may be displayed and operated on a screen.

Further, according to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information image generating apparatus for generating an information image including the above-mentioned time limit information.

Here, in addition to the configuration already described above, the "information image generating apparatus" is used in an information processing apparatus such as a computer to execute a predetermined operation based on image information and an operator's operation based on the image information. It has a function of synthesizing the relevant information to be caused and compiling it as one handling unit. An information image generating device according to the present invention comprises:
The expiration date information may be configured to be integrated into the related information, or may be configured to be incorporated as separate information from the related information.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a function for adding time limit information to an information image when providing the information image to the client in response to a request from the client. Is provided.

Here, in addition to the configuration already described above, the "information image providing device" provides an information image to a client in an information processing device such as a computer, for example, in response to a request from the client. The information image publishing server and the like can be integrally configured. The information image providing apparatus according to the present invention may be configured such that when providing the information image to the client, the term information is integrally incorporated into the related information, or may be incorporated as information separate from the related information. May be configured.

Further, according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the information image processing apparatus according to the second aspect is realized in a client, or the information image generating apparatus according to the third aspect is realized in a computer. Further, there is provided a program recording medium holding a program for realizing the information image providing apparatus according to the fourth aspect in a computer.

Regarding other configurations and features of the present invention,
The embodiments will be described below and the accompanying drawings will be apparent.

[0027]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of an information image utilization system and the like according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description and the accompanying drawings, components having substantially the same function and configuration will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

(System Configuration of Information Image Utilization System)
First, the system configuration of the information image utilization system according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in the figure, the information image utilization system 100 includes an information image generation server 112 as an information provider, an information image providing server 114 as an information image publishing server, an information image management server 116, and an information image management server 116. The client 120 (120-120) capable of displaying the first management area 122 and the second management area 124 by incorporating the information image processing apparatus.
1, 120-2,..., 122-n) via a network 130 such as the Internet capable of two-way communication.

The information exchanged via the network 130 is mainly an information image, various types of information guided through the information image, and an information image processing apparatus for making the information image available on the client side. , And time limit information attached to the information image and operation information of the information image in the client, which will be described later in detail.

The information image generation server 112 is an information processing apparatus such as a computer, and, as described later, synthesizes image information and related information that causes an operator to perform a predetermined operation based on the image information. Then, it has a function to combine them as one handling unit. According to one embodiment, the expiration information is incorporated into the information image by the information image provider when the information image is created in the information image generation server 112.

The information image providing server 113 is also an information processing device such as a computer, and is configured as, for example, an information image publishing server configured so that registered information images can be browsed. The information image and other information are provided to the client 120 that has accessed the information image providing server 113 via the network 130. According to an embodiment, when the client 120 does not have an information image support program as an information image processing device necessary for displaying and operating an information image, the information image providing server 113 executes the information image processing server. It also functions as a device providing server. Further, according to an embodiment, when the information image is transmitted from the information image providing server 113 to the client 120, it is possible to incorporate the term information into the information image.

The information image management server 116 is a server device such as a computer connected to a terminal via a network, and has a function of managing information relating to a user of the information image processing device, information information operation information of each client, and the like. have. Further, some embodiments have a function of providing an information image processing apparatus in response to a request from a client, and managing information about a user transmitted from the client as a price for providing the information image processing apparatus. Further, some embodiments have a function of managing user information and operation information of an information image and performing a predetermined accounting process.

In the illustrated example, the information image generation server 112, the image information providing server 114, and the information image management server 116 are each configured as separate hardware. It is also possible to configure a combination as common hardware.

The client 120 (120-1 to 120)
-N) is a so-called information terminal device having a function of displaying and operating an information image by incorporating at least an information image processing means. More specifically, the client includes, for example, a personal computer, a portable information terminal, and a home appliance having an information terminal function.

The network 130 is configured such that information data formatted according to a predetermined protocol can be distributed bidirectionally, as represented by the Internet. In the present embodiment, the network 130 is the Internet that is open to the public. However, depending on the system configuration, a closed environment such as a LAN or WAN may be used.

(2. Structure of Information Image) Next, the structure of an information image that plays a central role in the information image utilization system shown in FIG. 1 will be described in detail.

The "information image" handled in the present embodiment is one in which the image information and related information which causes the operator to perform a predetermined operation based on the image information are treated as one handling unit. Work such as transmission in a single handling process.

As described above, the information image is characterized by (1) image information and related information, and (2) image information and related information can be processed as one handling unit. And

(2.1. Image Information) “Image information” is information that can be specified based on image specification information such as a file name and identification information embedded therein.
The data stream acts to be displayed as an image on an information display device as a client, and more specifically, is a data stream relating to an image in various formats such as a GIF format, a JPG format, and a PCX format.

(2.2. Related Information) “Related information” means
This is basic information when the operator of the terminal wants to perform a specific operation using the image information as a clue. That is, the related information is information associated with the information image or the image information. For example, when the operator of the terminal wants to refer to information on a specific server, the information (URL or IP Address). When a specific program is to be operated, the program name or the program itself may be used. For example, it can be used as instruction information for acquiring new image information from a server.

According to the present embodiment, in order to process the image information and the related information having the above configuration as one handling unit, the image information and the related information are identified by using a method described below. Related information and other information can be embedded in the image information.

(2.3. Structure of Image Information Including Information) Regarding the structure of an information image in which related information is included, FIG.
This will be described with reference to FIG. The information included in the image information may be, for example, related information or an identifier for specifying the image.

FIG. 2 is a diagram exemplifying a format of an information image in which related information is embedded.

Here, the image information is an image in the GIF format as an example. The format of the image data does not need to be in the GIF format, but may be in the JPG format or the PCX format.

The start section 201 is a field provided for identifying that this information is GIF format image information, and is assigned a character string "GIF" and its version.

The color arrangement table image data 203 is image data in which predetermined pixels are arranged in order from left to right and from top to bottom. Here, in the case of GIF, encoding is performed using the LZW algorithm of a variable length code.

The comment extension unit 205 includes text information that does not form graphic information in the GIF data stream. It can include all information such as graphics, annotations related to the names of production persons and descriptions, or other control information and information that is not graphic data.

The end unit 206 indicates that a series of data streams started from the start unit 201 has ended, and means that other parameter information and the like do not follow.

Start unit 201 and color scheme table image data 203
The information 202 other than the above information can be included in the interval 202 and the interval 204 between the color scheme table image data 203 and the annotation extension unit 205. For example, it is possible to assign information including parameters defining a region of the display device necessary for an image to be drawn, such as a screen width, a screen height, and a color resolution.

The related information 207 is stored in the comment extension
Are arranged as they are or after performing a process such as encryption, and are combined as one piece of image information.
As a result, as a result, the image information as a data stream can include related information and an identifier therein.

The expiration date information 208 is information that defines the expiration date of this information image, as described later. After the expiration of the expiration date, the operation of the information image is not permitted, or the information image operation log management server Can be invalidated, or it can be specified that a predetermined operation can be performed only after the expiration of the deadline. This term information 208 is also the same as the related information 207, and
05 as it is, or after being subjected to processing such as encryption, and is arranged as one piece of image information. As a result, as a result, the image information as a data stream can include related information and an identifier therein.

Although all of the above description has been made in the GIF format, an image format of another format may be recorded in an area separated from the image information.

Next, another form of embedding in image information will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram exemplifying another format of image information in which related information is embedded.

Also in this case, the image information is an example of a GIF format image. Also in this example, the format may not be GIF format, but may be JPG format, PCX format, or the like.

The start unit 301 is a field provided for identifying that this information is image information in the GIF format, as described above, and is assigned a character string “GIF” and its version. is there.

In the color scheme table image data 303, pixels are arranged image data arranged in order from left to right and from top to bottom. Here, image information 307, related information 308, and time limit information 309 are stored. By mixing them in the form of a watermark, the related information is visually invisible as it is, and the image information is mixed 310 so as to be visually recognizable as it is. Here, the information mixed 310 in this way is encoded using the LZW algorithm of a variable length code.

The expiration date information 309 is information specifying the expiration date of this information image, as in the embodiment shown in FIG. 2. After the expiration of the expiration date, the operation of the information image is not permitted, or the information image is invalidated. It is possible to invalidate the report of the operation log to the management server, or to specify that a predetermined operation can be performed only after the expiration of the time limit.

The comment extension unit 305 includes text information that does not become graphic information in the GIF data stream. Although this field is not particularly required in this example, if necessary, the information provider can use the field freely.

The end unit 306 indicates that this data stream has ended, and means that other parameter information or the like does not follow.

In this image example as well, all the processing was performed in the GIF format. However, the image format in another format may be recorded in an area separated from the image information.

(3. Relationship between use of information image between server and client) Next, in the information image use system according to the present embodiment, a server (information disclosure server, management The relationship between the server and the client (information terminal device) will be described with reference to FIG.

The server 401 is a device such as a computer that provides corresponding image information in response to an information image information request of the client 403 functioning as an information display device. The server 401 is, for example, a site from which a registered information image can be browsed, and acts to provide the information image and other information to a terminal accessing the site via a network. Information disclosure server 114 in the information image utilization system 100 shown in FIG.
It corresponds to.

The client 403 communicates with the server 401
Information display device, or information terminal device, or simply a terminal connected to a computer via a network, and capable of displaying and operating an information image by incorporating at least an information image processing means described later. It has. More specifically, the client 403
For example, the first management area 404 and the second management area 405 having different functions can be operated therein. Note that the client 403 corresponds to the client 120 (120-1 to 120-n) in the information image using system 100 shown in FIG.

The first management area 404 displays an image obtained from the server 401. In the case of a graphic image described later, the information provision window 50 is used.
2, 605 and an information providing frame 803.

The second management area 405 is displayed by incorporating an information image processing device to be described later.
When a specific image is designated in the management area 404, the content is registered, and the content is displayed.
When the operator of the terminal specifies an image to be displayed here by operating means (not shown), at least one related information is displayed based on the operation, and some processing based on the information is started. Is controlled to select these and activate some processing based on the information. Speaking of the graphic images described later, the one-touch windows 504, 605,
And the one-touch frame 802.

The server 402 is connected to the client 403 via a network, and provides an information image processing apparatus under the control of the second management area 405, and registers and manages user information provided from the client 403. Or an information processing device such as a computer that performs a billing process. Therefore, the server 402
Corresponds to the information image management server 116 in the information image utilization system 100 shown in FIG.

Here, the server 401 and the server 40
2 are described as being different from each other, but needless to say, they may be the same depending on the nature of the information to be supplied or the server construction specifications.

The second management area 405 and the first management area 404 in the client 403 are controlled by programs. That is, among the information images related to the image information displayed in the second management area 405, the related information included therein is interpreted by a program constituting the image information processing apparatus that controls the second management area 405, and the operation is performed. The user can execute an operation corresponding to the related information specified by the user.

As will be described later, communication of related information and the like is performed between the first management area 404 and the second management area 405. In general, for the communication between processes and between threads, various realization methods can be selected. For example, a control unit that controls two areas can communicate using a common memory space. It is also possible to perform data communication between the first management area 404 and the second management area 405 by creating another new process and communicating with this process.

In particular, Microsoft's wi
When using Internet Explorer and using Internet Explorer to control the first management area, it is easy to use COM (Component Object Model). The details of communication using COM are described in Japanese Patent Application No. 2000-083291.

(4. Display Example of Information Image Processing Apparatus)
An example of a graphic image displayed by incorporating the information image processing device into the client (information terminal device) according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

(4.1 Example of Graphic Image Suitable for Computer) First, as an information terminal device, Wind
ows (registered trademark) 9x, Windows NT
(Registered trademark), Windows 2000, Linux
When a computer that supports an OS capable of graphic display, such as x, is used, it is preferable to adopt a look and feel as shown in FIG.

The display screen 501 is, for example, a CRT display screen, a TFT liquid crystal screen, or a screen of a display device incorporated in eyeglasses worn on the human body. The display screen 501 is provided so that humans can visually grasp information from the information terminal device. Works. In this drawing, the boundary portion of the display screen 501 is the outermost frame of the display device, but the frame may be displayed on the display device.

The one-touch window 504 is a window for displaying at least images (or image information such as photographs, the same applies hereinafter) 505 and 506 under the management of the information image processing device incorporated in the information terminal device. The one-touch window 504 displays at least one piece of related information when the operator of the information terminal device specifies the image 505 by operating means (not shown), activates some processing based on the information, and displays a plurality of pieces of information. Can select them and activate some processing based on the information.

That is, on the display screen 501, this one-touch window 504 is a special management area for guiding a specific operation using the images 505 and 506 as clues (ie, a second management area 405 shown in FIG. 4). The terminal operator can implement a new operation by using the image displayed in this area as a clue. If a mouse is provided as an operation means, a popup menu appears by right-clicking the mouse.
It is preferable that the related information is displayed here and one of the plurality of related information is specified by left-clicking.

The information providing window 502 is a frame for displaying at least the image 503 and the like. When the operator of the terminal of the information display device specifies an image to be displayed in this frame by operating means (not shown), A new image is displayed on the one-touch window 5 based on this operation.
04 is additionally registered.

At this time, the one-touch window 50
The image added to 4 is specified and the information provision window 5
The image displayed in 02 may be displayed as it is, or may be replaced with another image as needed. In the information providing window 502, in addition to the image, the character information 50 is displayed.
7. Expiration date information 509 may be displayed.

That is, on the display screen 501, the information providing window 502 displays an image or the like to interest the operator of the terminal, and operates the terminal operator to specify the image. One-touch window 50
4 is acting as a management area that leads to registration.

When a pointing device such as a mouse is provided in the operation means for a specific operation by the operator of the display / operation terminal, an image for which a pointer is to be registered is designated, and the pointer is moved to the one-touch frame 502 to be displayed. A so-called drag-and-drop user interface technique, as schematically shown by an arrow 508 in the figure, may be used.

Using this user interface is advantageous, for example, when using browser software such as Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator as the information providing window 502.

(4.2. Another Graphic Image Example Suitable for Computer) As another interface example, a window as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 can be used.

The display screen 601 acts so that humans can visually recognize information from the display device such as a cathode ray tube display surface, a TFT liquid crystal screen, and a screen of a display device incorporated in eyeglasses worn on the human body.

The information display registration window 602 functions as an interface that allows the operator to perform operations of displaying and registering images obtained from the information provider.

The information provision tab 603 is an interface element for selecting a management area provided in the area of the information display registration window 602. When this is activated, the image 609 sent from the information provider is displayed when the information provision tab 603 is activated. It can be displayed in one management area 605. When the operator of the information terminal device specifies the image 609 displayed here by an operation means (not shown), a new image 608 is displayed based on this operation when the one-touch tab 604 is activated. This is added to the second management area 606 to be executed. The first management area 605 may display character information 610, expiration date information 611, and the like, in addition to the image 609.

The one-touch tab 604 is an interface element for selecting a management area provided in the area of the information display registration window 602, and when activated, causes the second management area 606 to be displayed and the first management area 606 to be displayed. With respect to the image 609 for which registration has been instructed in the area 605, a new image 608 relating to the image 609 can be displayed in the second management area 606. When the operator of the information terminal device specifies an image to be displayed here by operating means (not shown), at least one related information is displayed based on the operation, and some processing based on the information is started. In the case where there are a plurality of items, they can be selected and some processing based on the information can be started.

That is, the information display registration window 602
Above, the second management area 606 includes the images 607 and 608
Is used as a management area for guiding a specific operation, and the terminal operator can realize a new operation using the image displayed in this area as a clue. In the second management area 606, the term information 61 relating to the images 607 and 608, respectively.
2,613 can be displayed.

The use of this user interface is advantageous because the information display registration operation can be completed in a small display area when the area of the display screen 601 is small or the screen resolution is low.

(4.3. Another Graphic Image Example Suitable for Digital Television or PDA) Next, the present invention will be described with reference to a digital television or a PDA (Personal Data As).
In the case where the present invention is applied to a portable terminal such as a “sistence”, it is preferable to adopt a look and feel as shown in FIG.

The display screen 801 acts so that humans can visually recognize information from the display device such as a cathode ray tube display surface, a TFT liquid crystal screen, and a screen of a display device incorporated in eyeglasses worn on a human body. Although the boundary portion of the display screen 801 is the outermost frame of the display device in this drawing, the frame may be displayed on the display device to be implemented.

The one-touch frame 802 functions similarly to the above-mentioned one-touch window, and is a frame for displaying at least an image (image information such as pictograms or photographs, the same applies hereinafter) 808. When the user designates the image 808 by operating means (not shown), at least one piece of related information is displayed, and some processing based on the information is activated. Can be started. The one-touch frame 802 includes an image 8
It is also possible to display the expiration date 809 related to 08 as well.

That is, on the display screen 801, the one-touch frame 802 functions as a special management area for guiding a specific operation using the image 808 as a clue, and the image displayed in this area is displayed. As a clue, the operator of the terminal can realize a new operation.

The information providing frame 803 functions in the same manner as the information providing window, and displays at least images 805, 806, etc., and is operated by operating means (not shown) by the operator of the information display device terminal. When an image displayed in this frame is specified, a new image is added to the one-touch frame 802 based on this operation.

The image added at this time may be the image specified and displayed in the information providing frame 803 as it is, or may be replaced with another image as needed. The information providing frame 803 includes an image 8
05, 806, character information 807, images 805, 80
6, the expiration dates 810, 811 and the like corresponding to the respective items may be displayed.

That is, on the display screen 801, the information providing frame 803 displays an image or the like to interest the operator of the terminal, and the terminal operator performs an operation for specifying the image. This serves as a special management area that leads to registration in the one-touch frame 802.

[0095] Regarding the specific operation by the operator of the display / operation terminal and the registration in the second management area 802, when a pointing device such as a mouse is provided in the operation means, an image for which a pointer is to be registered is designated, and this is designated. A so-called drag-and-drop user interface technique of moving and dropping on the one-touch frame 802 may be used.

The content display surface 804 is a frame for displaying a content such as a movie in a digital broadcast, for example, and is an area used for displaying information desired by an operator of the terminal. Note that this content is not limited to a moving image and the like, and includes all information such as a still image and text broadcast information that stimulates and transmits human vision.

(5. Configuration and Operation of Client) Next, the configuration and operation of the client according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. Image display unit 90
Reference numeral 1 denotes, for example, an Internet Explorer made by Microsoft. When an operator instructs to download information of a specific server, the information is logically connected to the server 910 via a network based on the instruction, and the information is acquired. The information is displayed in the first management area.

The second management area includes, for example, a recorded information acquisition unit 904, an information image recording unit 905, a related information acquisition unit 906, an image display configuration unit 907, an image identification unit 908,
The term information acquiring unit 909, the operation determining unit 910, and the like can be configured and implemented.

The communication COM 902 is a component object model (Component) which is a function of the OS.
Object Model) is a means for realizing communication between processes (or threads, hereinafter the same) using a user interface operation such as drag-and-drop, for example, information from a dragged process to a dropped process. Transmission is realized.

The recording information acquisition unit 904 is connected to a network, receives an information image from the server 910, and transfers the information image to the next information image recording unit 905.

The information image recording unit 905 has a communication COM 90
2 or an information image notified from the recording information acquisition unit 904, in which image information and related information are collected as one handling unit. Here, instead of being recorded as the information image, the image information and the related information may be recorded in another memory while being associated with each other. The information image recording unit 905 also transmits the information image to a specific server via the related information acquisition unit 906 when an information image registration operation is performed by a drag-and-drop operation from the first management area to the second management area. Is notified that the information has been registered in the second management area.

The related information acquisition unit 906 is connected to the information image recording unit 905, and acquires only the relevant information part from the information image recorded in the information image recording unit 905. The term information acquisition unit 909 is also connected to the information image recording unit 905, and acquires only the term information part from the information image recorded in the information image recording unit 905.

The image display configuration unit 907 is connected to the information image recording unit 905, and displays all or selected information images recorded in the information image recording unit 905 as a display from the second management area. Has become. That is, the operator can perceive an image related to the information image through the one-touch frame (one-touch window).

When the operator specifies an image displayed in the second management area by the function of the OS interface 903, the image specifying unit 908 specifies an information image corresponding to the image. .

The operation determining unit 910 is connected to the image specifying unit 908, the related information obtaining unit 906, and the term information obtaining unit 909, and executes an operation based on the relevant information in the information image specified by the operator. It has become. For example,
If it is determined from the time limit information obtained by the time limit information obtaining unit 909 that the information image has expired, a predetermined operation written in the time limit information is performed as described later.

Next, the operation of the client configured as described above will be described. First, the client operator operates a predetermined information disclosure server (information image providing server) 9.
11, a desired information image is obtained and displayed on the image display unit 901. At this time, if Internet Explorer is used for the image display unit 901, h
Web of the auction site by the http protocol
The operation of displaying the page is performed.

When the operator of the client specifies the information image whose information is desired to be obtained by viewing the displayed image, the information image is moved to the second management area by an interface operation such as drag and drop. Perform the operation. At this time, since the image to be dragged and dropped is an information image, it is recorded in the information image recording unit 905 via the communication COM 902. At the same time, the information image publishing server 911 and / or the management server 912 are operated through the operation determining unit 910 by the operation of the related information acquiring unit 906 and the term information acquiring unit 909.
That the information image has been registered in the second management area.

Here, when the term information acquiring unit 909 determines that the information image specified by the client operator has expired, it notifies the operation determining unit 910 of that fact. According to an embodiment, when the expiration date has expired, the operation determining unit 910 does not notify the information image disclosure server 911 and / or the management server 912 of the operation log of the information image. Further, according to an embodiment, when the expiration date has expired, the operation determining unit 9
10 prohibits the operation of the information image itself. In the above example, the end of the expiration date is described in the term information. On the contrary, the start of the expiration date may be described in the term information. In such a case,
For example, it is of course possible to configure such that a specific operation on the information image is permitted only after the expiration date determined by the expiration date information acquisition unit 909.

On the other hand, the information image recorded in the information image recording unit 905 relating to the second management area is displayed to the operator of the client via the OS interface 903 by the operation of the image display configuration unit 907. become. Then, when the operator of the bidding client performs an operation based on the related information recorded in the displayed information image, the operator of the bid client performs an operation related to the related information by the operation of the image specifying unit 908 and the operation determining unit 909. Will be.

(6. Description example of term information by information image generation server) Next, an example of description of term information in the information image generation server will be described with reference to FIG. This is an example in which an information image can be easily created on a screen 1000 such as Windows by modifying the graphical interface. Since the information image is basically composed of image information and related information, the information image creator specifies the image information in the image file specification frame 1010 and sets the related information in the related information description frame 1020. Describe information.

In the related information description frame 1020, operations that are sequentially performed when an operator operates an information image on the client are described. The example shown in the figure is an advertisement screen of a certain game software. First, a home page is displayed on a browser (1022), then a demo video is reproduced (1024), then a story is displayed as a telop (1026), and the theme music is reproduced. (102
As described in 8), the related information is described.

Further, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to describe the term information in the term information description frame 1030. In the illustrated example, the time limit is set in two stages. First, in the first time limit, the operation log of the information image is set not to be notified to the management server (1032), and in the second time limit, The operation of the information image itself is prohibited (1034). The term information described here can be set in various ways. In the illustrated example, the description about the end of the expiration date is given, but the description about the beginning of the expiration date may be given here. Needless to say.

Further, when it is desired to display a telop for an item whose term has expired, the telop display frame 103 is displayed.
In step 6, it is possible to describe a telop character to be displayed on the client screen.

In each frame described above, when the creation of the information image intended by the information image creator is completed, the registration button 1040 is pressed to combine the image information, the related information and the term information, and Is generated.
The generated information image is registered at a predetermined location of an information image publishing server (not shown) as necessary. On the other hand, when a correction or the like is desired, the content described on the screen 1000 is reset by pressing the reset button 1042.

In the example shown in FIG. 10, the time limit information is added to the information image in the information image generation server, but the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, when an information image publication server (information image providing server) sends an information image to a client,
It goes without saying that a configuration in which time limit information is added may be used.

(7. Example of Operation of Period Information) Next, an example of operation of period information in the client will be described with reference to FIGS.

First, the example shown in FIG. 11 is configured to prohibit the notification of the operation log from the client to the management server based on the term information, thereby alleviating the traffic to the management server. First, the information image processing apparatus of the client determines whether or not the information image has been operated on the client (S1101). When the information image is operated, the term information is confirmed (S1102). As a result of checking the period information, if the operated information image is within the valid period, a predetermined operation described in the related information is performed (S1103), and an operation log is notified to the management server (S1104). . On the other hand, when the operated information image has expired, a telop for calling the operator's attention is displayed on the screen of the client (S1105), and then the related information is displayed. The specified operation described is performed (S1106). However, since the operated information image has expired, the operation log is not notified to the management server (S1107).

Next, the example shown in FIG. 12 is configured to prohibit not only the notification of the operation log from the client to the management server based on the term information, but also the operation of the information image itself on the client. First, the information image processing apparatus of the client determines whether or not an operation of the information image has been performed on the client (S1201). When the information image is operated, the term information is confirmed (S1202). As a result of checking the time limit information, if the operated information image is within the validity period, a predetermined operation described in the related information is performed (S1203), and an operation log is notified to the management server (S1204). . On the other hand, if the operated information image has expired, a telop for calling the operator's attention is displayed on the client screen (S1205), and further described in the related information. The predetermined operation is prohibited (S11
06). Since the operated information image has expired, the operation log is not notified to the management server (S1107).

(8. Example of billing system using time limit information)
As described above, by using the term information according to the present embodiment, the billing system can be optimized. For example, an example will be described in which an information image is registered in an information image disclosure server and a fee is charged to an information provider who intends to guide a user to desired information. If the billing system is set to pay-as-you-go according to the number of clicks on the client's information image, the information provider is charged even if the information image becomes old and does not work effectively for marketing. Would. However, if the term information according to the present embodiment is used, it is possible to eliminate the charge based on the information image that has passed the expiration date and becomes old, so that the information provider accepts the charge without stress. be able to.

Further, if the time limit information is used, it is possible to construct a system for charging for the operation of the information image only during a specific time period. It is possible to construct a billing system that is particularly effective when, for example, a product is developed with an information image.

In addition, various types of charging processes can be assumed according to the business model. However, as long as the charging process is performed using the term information, any business model can be used. Anyway, it is understood that it belongs to the technical scope of the present invention.

(9. Distribution of Program) The functions of the server and client (including the information terminal device and the like) realized in the above embodiments can all be realized by software. Therefore, the necessary software is a CD-ROM or DVD-R on which the program is recorded.
It can be distributed by a recording medium such as OM.

Although the preferred embodiments of the information image utilization system and the like according to the present embodiment have been described with reference to the accompanying drawings, the present invention is not limited to such examples.
It is clear that a person skilled in the art can conceive various changes or modifications within the scope of the technical idea described in the claims, and those modifications naturally fall within the technical scope of the present invention. It is understood to belong.

[0124]

As described above, according to the present invention,
Since the operation of the information image on the client side can be controlled based on the time limit information, when the information attached to the information image becomes old, the client can determine the information provider's intention based on the old information image. It is possible to eliminate a problem that is induced by incorrect information.

Further, for example, in the case of a system using information images for a limited time, a large number of operation logs of information images whose expiration date has expired are notified to the management server, and traffic in the management server is congested. Can be avoided.

[Brief description of the drawings]

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

FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram schematically showing an information image according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is another configuration diagram schematically showing an information image according to the embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a schematic explanatory diagram of a management area realized in the client according to the embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a drag-and-drop operation for registering an information image from a first management area to a second management area, which is realized in the client according to the embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing another example for registering an information image from a first management area to a second management area realized in the client according to the embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing still another example for registering an information image from a first management area to a second management area realized in the client according to the embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing still another example for registering an information image from a first management area to a second management area realized in the client according to the embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a system configuration diagram showing a client structure according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an input screen of the information image generating device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart related to the operation of the client according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart related to the operation of the client according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 100 information image utilization system 112 information image generation server 114 information image providing server 116 information image management server 120 client 130 network

Continued on front page F-term (reference) 5B050 CA01 FA02 FA13 FA19 GA08 5B075 KK07 KK13 KK33 ND03 ND06 PQ02 PQ29 PQ32 PQ46 QP05 UU40 5B082 EA10 GC05 5C064 BA01 BC06 BC18 BC23 BD09 BD14

Claims (18)

[Claims] An information provider registers an information image in an information disclosure server, in which an image information and related information that causes an operator to perform a predetermined operation based on the image information as one handling unit are provided by an information provider. An information image utilizing system for guiding a client connected via a network to information desired by the information provider according to the information image, wherein the information image includes time limit information. 2. The information image utilizing system according to claim 1, wherein the time limit information prohibits an operation of the time limit information image. 3. The information image using system according to claim 1, wherein the time limit information prohibits reporting of information on an operation of the time limit information image to a management server of the information image. 4. An information image processing apparatus for displaying and operating on a client an information image in which a piece of image information and related information that causes an operator to perform a predetermined operation based on the image information is one handling unit. An information image processing apparatus for prohibiting the operation of an expired information image when the information image has time limit information; 5. An information image processing apparatus for displaying and operating on a client an information image in which image information and related information which causes an operator to perform a predetermined operation based on the image information as one handling unit is provided. An information image processing apparatus, wherein when the information image includes expiration information, reporting of information on the operation of the expired information image to a management server of the information image is prohibited. 6. An information image generating apparatus for generating an information image in which image information and related information which causes an operator to perform a predetermined operation based on the image information as one handling unit, wherein the information image An information image generating apparatus characterized in that time limit information can be incorporated into the information image. 7. The information image generating apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the time limit information prohibits the operation of the time limit information image. 8. The information image generation apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the time limit information prohibits reporting of information on an operation of the time limit information image to a management server of the information image. 9. Information for providing an information image to a client in which, in response to a request from the client, image information and related information that causes an operator to perform a predetermined operation based on the image information are handled as one handling unit. An image providing apparatus, wherein when providing the information image to a client, term information is added to the information image. 10. The method according to claim 9, wherein the time limit information prohibits the operation of the time-out information image.
An information image providing device according to claim 1. 11. The information processing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the expiration information prohibits reporting of information relating to the operation of the expiration information image to a management server of the information image.
An information image providing device according to claim 1. 12. A program recording medium storing a program for causing a client to function as the information image processing device according to claim 4. 13. A program recording medium storing a program for causing a client to function as the information image processing apparatus according to claim 5. 14. A program recording medium storing a program for causing a computer to function as the information image generating device according to claim 6. 15. A program recording medium storing a program for causing a computer to function as the information image generating device according to claim 7. 16. A program recording medium storing a program for causing a computer to function as the information image generating device according to claim 8. 17. A program recording medium storing a program for causing a computer to function as the information image providing device according to claim 9. 18. A program recording medium holding a program for causing a computer to function as the information image generating device according to claim 10.