JP2002215551A - Data communication method, data communication management server, and data communication software - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable users who browse a web page to have various communications. SOLUTION: A client machine 16 is provided with a browser 26 which generates a browser layer image by obtaining contents by using the Internet and character layer control software 24 which generates a character layer image wherein a character as an object having the same coordinate system with the browser layer image and move as a user operates can be arranged and presents a composite image of the browser layer image and character layer image to the user. The character layer control software 24 once receiving an access destination from the browser 26 transmits data showing the access destination and the movement of the character to a data communication managing server 14 through the Internet. The data communication management server 14 finds a data area secured corresponding to the access destination, reflects the data showing the movement of the character, and transmits the data in the data area to the accessing client machine.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a data communication method between users connected to a network and a data communication control server for controlling data communication.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art With the remarkable spread of the Internet, many users can access a web server and use a browser installed on a user's client computer to browse contents (web content) of the web server. It has become. On the other hand, e-mail, BBS, chat, and the like have been put to practical use as communication between users via a network including the Internet. Here, the chat
A character string input by one user operating the client machine is transmitted to the server via the network, and the server transfers the character string to the client machine of another chat participant. Communication between users is realized.

[0003]

When browsing the Internet, basically, content is delivered in response to a URL access from a client computer, and a user browses the content using a browser of the client computer. Has become. In order to communicate with the operator of the site including these contents, e-mail had to be used separately. On the other hand, "Microsoft Agent (registered trademark)" and "ICQ (trademark)" have been proposed as technologies for realizing data communication between a user browsing a website and a site operator or between users. I have.

[0004] In the former, a character prepared by the content side can comment on a user's operation or reply to a user's question. In the latter, the server monitors the access of registered users,
When the user accesses, the other users are notified that the user is accessing the terminal, thereby realizing communication between the users. In particular, in ICQ Surf (trademark), a chat window is formed in a browser so that users who are browsing the same web page can chat with each other.

[0005] However, in the former, since the character is moved on the web server side and is programmed in advance, it cannot respond appropriately to various operations and questions of the user. There was a problem. In addition, there is another problem that the interface between the user and the website is not sufficient because the web server only facilitates the character and the user does not have his / her own identity.

[0006] In the latter case, since communication is basically performed by characters even in ICQ Surf (trademark),
There is a problem that communication between users is one-dimensional and flat. For example, when users share information on a displayed web page, it is necessary for each user to temporarily replace the graphical information with character information or the like for understanding and transmission. For example,
In order to transmit the instruction "press an icon with a certain hyperlink" to another user, it is necessary to explain the graphic of the icon in words or to explain it by coordinates on the screen. However, there is a problem that complicated operation is required.

[0007] It is an object of the present invention to provide a data communication system in which various kinds of communication can be performed between users who browse web pages.

[0008]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a client machine with a browser for acquiring contents by using a network and forming a corresponding browser layer image, Providing a character layer control software that generates a character layer image in which the characters match each other and that can be arranged with a character that is an object that operates according to the operation of the user, and presents to the user a composite image superimposed on the browser layer image; In the character layer control software, at the time of access requesting the content, receiving an access destination from the browser, and, if there is an operation of the user, the operation of the character according to the operation Identify And transmitting the data indicating the movement of the character, if any, to the data communication management server via a network. Identifying other client machines accessing the database, and if the other client machines do not exist, in the database:
Securing a predetermined data area associated with the access destination, and, if necessary, reflecting data indicating the movement of the character in the data area; and storing data contained in the data area. Transmitting the character layer image based on the transmitted data at least at the other client machine. This is achieved by a data communication method characterized in that:

According to the present invention, a character layer image to be superimposed on a browser layer image is generated, and for the character layer image, a data area shared by users who are browsing the same content is secured in the data communication management server. The character layer image is updated based on the data in the data area. Therefore, it is possible to communicate with a user who is browsing while using existing web contents.

[0010] Further, in the character layer image, a character which is an object expressing the user himself can appear, so that the user can see a composite image in which his own character or another user's character is arranged. By operating this character as desired, it is possible to clearly show the user's intention and the like to other users who are browsing the same content.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the method further comprises the step of transmitting data representing the character string to the data communication management server when a character string is input in the client machine. The data communication management server includes a step of storing data indicating the received character string in a related data area. According to this embodiment, it is possible to communicate with another user who is browsing the same content by using not only an object but also a character string (sentence).

In a more preferred embodiment, the character string included in the data in the data area transmitted from the data communication management server in the character layer image is replaced by the character layer control software of the client machine. It is arranged adjacent to the input user character. As a result, it is possible to obtain an effect as if a certain character made a statement.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, further, in the client machine, a step of specifying another client machine for which association is sought, and information indicating the specified other client machine is transmitted to the data communication management server. Transmitting, in the data communication management server, identifying and storing a client machine to be associated in response to the reception of the information; and any one of the associated client machines among the associated client machines. A step of specifying another associated client machine when another access for browsing another content is made by the browser and the other access destination is transmitted to the data communication management server. Other client machines Requesting a link to another access destination, wherein in the another client machine, the character layer control software requests a browser to link to the other access destination in response to the reception of the link request. It has. According to this embodiment, another user can automatically link according to a link by a certain user. Therefore, so-called "push browsing" can be realized for other users.

[0014] In another embodiment of the present invention, a data communication method in a data communication management server is a client machine capable of acquiring a content via a network and browsing the content with a browser. The browser layer image and the coordinate system that should be displayed superimposed on the layer image match,
And accepting, via the network, an access destination from a client machine equipped with character layer control software for generating a character layer image capable of arranging a character that is an object that operates in accordance with a user operation; Identifying another client machine accessing the access destination; and, if the other client machine does not exist, securing a predetermined data area associated with the access destination in a database; When data relating to the movement of the character is received from a client machine, a step of reflecting data indicating the movement of the character in the data area; and And, if present, characterized in that a step of communicating to the other client machines.

In a preferred embodiment, in response to a request from one of the client machines, associating the client machine with another client machine and storing information relating to the association, Among other client machines, when another access for browsing another content is made by a browser in any one of the client machines, and the other access destination is transmitted in response thereto, Identifying
Requesting another identified client machine to link to another access destination.

Further, an object of the present invention is to provide a method in which a client machine acquires a content using a network and provides a browser for forming a corresponding browser layer image, and wherein the browser layer image and the coordinate system match. Generating a character layer image capable of arranging a character that is an object that operates in accordance with a user operation, and providing character layer control software for presenting to the user a composite image superimposed on the browser layer image, In the character layer control software, at the time of access requesting the content, a step of receiving an access destination from the browser and a step of transmitting data indicating the access destination to a data communication management server via a network. Comprising, in the data communication management server, a step of specifying another client machine accessing the received access destination, and when the other client machine does not exist, the client machine A request to secure a predetermined data area associated with the access destination is transmitted, and if another client machine is present, at least the master of the other client machines that secures the data area Transmitting the information indicating the client machine; and in the client machine, when receiving the request, securing a necessary data area in response to the request; and receiving the information indicating the master client machine. In that case, it was identified according to the user's operation, Transmitting the data indicating the movement of the character to the master client machine, wherein in the master client machine, reflecting the data indicating the movement of the character in the data area; and Transmitting the data to a slave client machine other than the master client machine, and updating the character layer image based on the transmitted data in the slave client machine. Achieved by the method.

Further, an object of the present invention is to provide a step in which a client machine acquires a content using a network and provides a browser for forming a corresponding browser layer image, wherein the browser layer image and the coordinate system match. Generating a character layer image capable of arranging a character that is an object that operates in accordance with a user operation, and providing character layer control software for presenting to the user a composite image superimposed on the browser layer image, In the character layer control software, at the time of access requesting the content, a step of receiving an access destination from the browser and a step of transmitting data indicating the access destination to a data communication management server via a network. And a step of securing a data area for sharing data with another client machine, wherein the data communication management server identifies another client machine accessing the received access destination, And transmitting information indicating the other client machine when another client machine is present.If the information indicating the other client machine is received by the client machine, Therefore identified,
Transmitting the data indicating the movement of the character to the other client machines, and in each client machine, when the data indicating the movement of the character is received, the movement of the character is stored in the data area. The data communication method includes the step of reflecting the indicated data, whereby the character layer image is updated.

In a preferred embodiment, the client machine specifies and stores another client machine for which association is sought, and transmits information indicating the specified other client machine to the other client machine. Comprising, in the other client machine, in response to the reception of the information, identifying and storing a client machine to be associated, and in any one of the associated client machines, Requesting a link to another access destination to the associated other client machine when another access for browsing another content is made by a browser, wherein the other client machine comprises: Character layer control Software responds to receipt of the link request, the browser, and a step of obtaining a link to the other access.

Also, an object of the present invention is to provide a browser on a client machine for acquiring contents using a network and forming a corresponding browser layer image, wherein the browser layer image and the coordinate system match. Generating a character layer image capable of arranging a character that is an object that operates in accordance with a user operation, and providing character layer control software for presenting to the user a composite image superimposed on the browser layer image, In the character layer control software, at the time of access for requesting the content, a step of receiving an access destination from the browser; a step of securing a data area for sharing data with another client machine; Reflecting the data indicating the movement of the character specified in accordance with the operation in the data area, and transmitting the data indicating the access destination and the data in the data area to another client machine, Transmitting the data of the access destination and data area of the other client machine transmitted from the client machine to any of the other client machines, and specifying another client machine accessing the own access destination; And if there is another client machine accessing the own access destination based on the received access destination, updating the data in the own data area based on the data in the data area related to the other client machine. And the step of Year image is achieved by the data communication method characterized in that it is updated.

Another object of the present invention is to generate a character layer image on a client machine in which a character which is an object which has a coordinate system coincident with the browser layer image and operates in accordance with a user operation can be arranged. Providing character layer control software for presenting a composite image superimposed on the layer image to a user, wherein the character layer control software accepts the access destination in response to an access for requesting content by a browser. A step of, when there is an operation of the user, identifying a movement of the character in accordance with the operation; and transmitting the access destination, and data indicating the movement of the character, if any, via a network. ,data Transmitting the content to the access destination via the network, if necessary, and the other client machine accessing the received access destination. Specifying, and if the other client machine does not exist, securing a predetermined data area associated with the access destination in a database, and, if necessary, in the data area, Reflecting data indicating the movement of the character, and transmitting the data and content data contained in the data area to the client machine, and if present, to another client machine, In the client machine, the character layer Control means for transmitting data of the received content to a browser, and at least at said another client machine, updating a character layer image based on the transmitted data. Achieved by the method.

In a preferred embodiment, a step of storing the data of the content in the space or in association with the space is provided, and when it is not necessary to acquire the content from the access destination, The stored content data is transmitted to the client machine. Alternatively, when the content is to be transmitted to the client machine, the content may be acquired from the access destination, and the acquired content may be transmitted to the client machine.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a client machine capable of acquiring contents via a network and browsing the contents with a browser, and the browser layer image to be superimposed on the browser layer image by the browser. An access destination is received via the network from a client machine equipped with character layer control software for generating a character layer image capable of laying out a character layer image in which a character that is an object that operates in accordance with a user's operation can be arranged according to the user's operation. Access destination receiving means, and a client machine specifying means for specifying another client machine accessing the received access destination, and if the other client machine does not exist, in the database,
A database management means for securing a predetermined data area associated with the access destination, wherein when data relating to the movement of the character is received from the client machine, the data area is updated to update the movement of the character. And data transmission means for transmitting the data contained in the data area to the client machine and, if present, to another client machine. This is achieved by the data communication management server.

In a preferred embodiment, the database management unit associates the client machine with another client machine in response to a request from one of the client machines, stores information on the association, and stores the information on the association. Out of the client machines
In any one of the client machines, when another access for browsing another content is made by the browser and the other access destination is transmitted in response to the access, the database management unit may perform the other access. The client machine of the above, the data transmission means,
It is configured to request the identified other client machine for a link to another access destination.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a client machine capable of acquiring contents via a network and browsing the contents with a browser, and the browser layer image to be superimposed on the browser layer image by the browser. An access destination is received via the network from a client machine equipped with character layer control software for generating a character layer image capable of arranging a character which is an object that operates according to a user's operation and has a coordinate system that matches the user's operation. Access destination acceptance means, and if necessary,
Content acquisition means for acquiring content from the access destination via a network, client machine identification means for identifying another client machine accessing the received access destination, and when the other client machine does not exist, A database management unit that secures a predetermined data area associated with the access destination in a database, and updates the data area when receiving data relating to the movement of the character from the client machine. A database management unit for reflecting data indicating the character's action, and the data contained in the data area and the acquired content, the client machine,
The present invention is also achieved by a data communication management server having data transmission means for transmitting the data to another client machine when it exists.

In a preferred embodiment, further, in the space or in association with the space,
A storage unit for storing the content data is provided, and when it is not necessary to acquire the content from the access destination, the stored content data is transmitted to the client machine. Further, an object of the present invention includes a step of performing data communication with the data communication management server via a network and generating a character layer image by the data communication, whereby the composite image superimposed on the browser layer image by the browser is provided. Is also achieved by character layer control software capable of generating

In another embodiment, in the client machine, the content is acquired by using the network, and the browser layer image and the coordinate system to be displayed so as to be superimposed on the browser forming the corresponding browser layer image. Character layer control software that generates a character layer image capable of arranging a character that is an object that operates in accordance with a user operation, upon receiving the access request from the browser, Transmitting the data indicating the access destination to a data communication management server via a network;
From the data communication management server, in response to the reception of the information generated based on the access destination, if the information indicates that there is no other client machine accessing the own access destination, Securing a predetermined data area associated with the access destination;
When the information indicates that there is another client machine, at least, among the other client machines, the master client machine that has secured the data area, specified according to the user operation,
Transmitting data indicating the movement of the character; and reflecting the data indicating the movement of the character in the data area when the master client machine is a master client machine having a secured data area; and The method includes a step of transmitting the data therein to a slave client machine other than the master client machine, and a step of updating the character layer image based on the transmitted data when the client client is the slave client machine.

In still another embodiment, the character layer control software includes a step of receiving an access destination from a browser at the time of an access requesting content, and transmitting the data indicating the access destination via a network. Transmitting to the communication management server; securing a data area for sharing data with another client machine; and responding to the reception of the information generated based on the access destination from the data communication management server. In the case where the information indicates that there is another client accessing the own access destination, the data indicating the movement of the character specified according to the operation of the user is transmitted to the other client machine. Transmitting the data indicating the movement of the character. When physical, in the data area, comprising the step of reflecting the data illustrating the operation of the character, thereby being configured such character layer image is updated.

In still another embodiment, the character layer control software includes a step of receiving an access destination from a browser at the time of an access requesting content, and securing a data area for sharing data with another client machine. And reflecting the data indicating the movement of the character specified according to the operation of the user in the data area, and transmitting the data indicating the access destination and the data in the data area to another client machine. Transmitting the data of the access destination and the data area of the other client machine transmitted from the other client machine to any of the other client machines; and To identify client machines And updating the data in the own data area based on the data in the data area of the other client machine when there is another client machine accessing the own access destination. Thus, the character layer image is configured to be updated.

[0029]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the data communication system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, a data communication system 10 according to the first embodiment
In, the Internet 12 is provided with a data communication management server 14 that realizes character display and the like according to the present embodiment. The data communication management server 14 is L
It is connected to a database (DB) 15 by an AN or the like.

The Internet 12 has a number of client machines 16-1 and 16-
, 16-3,..., And many web servers 18-1, 18-2, 18-
.. Are connected. In the present embodiment, while a user is browsing a web page, characters of other users who are simultaneously browsing the web page or their own characters are displayed on the screen being viewed. To achieve this, each client machine 16
Is installed with character layer control software described later. This may be installed in advance in combination with a browser,
The program may be installed in the client machine 16 by reading the data stored in the D-ROM or by downloading the data via the Internet.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the client machine 16 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, in this embodiment, an operating system (OS) 22, a character layer control software 2
4, a browser 26, and a communication interface (I / F) 28 for controlling communication with the Internet 12 are provided.

Character layer control software 24
Is necessary in response to a data communication processing unit 30 for creating data to be transmitted to the communication I / F 28 or receiving data from the communication I / F 28 and a user operating an input device (not shown). User action processing unit 32 for executing various processing, and a character layer display unit 34 for creating an image to be displayed as a character layer described later.
And an information acquisition unit 36 for acquiring necessary information from a browser
And

FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the character layer and the browser layer according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3A, the position of the mouse pointer is detected by the operation control unit of the OS 22 by the user's operation of the mouse or the like (see reference numeral 301). This position is determined by the character layer 302 and the browser layer 303.
(Commonly referred to as reference numeral 302). That is, the character layer and the browser layer have a synchronized coordinate system. As shown in FIG. 3B, in the present embodiment, in the image that can be viewed by the user, the character layer 302 and the browser layer 303 are displayed in an overlapping manner. That is, the coordinate system of the image on the browser layer 303 and the image on the character layer 302 acquired by the browser 26 are synchronized.

As will be described later, the character layer 30
In 2, each user arranges an object expressing himself, for example, a humanoid doll (this is referred to as a “character” in the present specification), and operates the mouse or the like to move the doll into a desired one. Or required operation can be performed. This object may be two-dimensional or may be based on a three-dimensional calculation based on a combination of polygons. Also, a character string (text) entered using the keyboard
Can be displayed on the character layer.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the data communication management server 24 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, a communication interface (I / F) 40 for controlling communication via the Internet, a user / access site specifying processing unit 42 for specifying a URL of a user and a site accessed by the user, In response to the access by the user, the allocation processing unit 44 for securing a space described later, and the user
And a user / access response processing unit 46 for executing a response process based on the information transmitted by operating the device 6.

The character layer DB 15 connected to the data communication management server 24 is provided with a space (for example, reference numeral 601) allocated for a group of users accessing the same site. Each of the spaces includes information about a user accessing the same web server (viewing a web page) and a common image to be displayed on each of the character layers of the user, as described later. Is stored. The character string input by the user may be stored as an image, or may be stored in a space as a character string (text) in association with a position in the image to be displayed.

The processing procedure in the data communication system 10 configured as described above will be described with reference to FIGS. In the present embodiment, each of the client machines accessing a web page in a certain web server receives data in the space secured in the character layer DB 15, and converts an image based on the data into a character layer. It is configured to generate as an image. As described with reference to FIG. 3, the character layer 302 is displayed so as to overlap the browser layer 303. Therefore, the user can see a composite image of the image of the web content and the image of the character layer obtained by accessing the web server.

As shown in FIG. 5, the client machine 1
6 accesses a web server (in this case, web server "A" 18-1) (step 501), and in response, web content is sent from web server "A" 18-1. It is communicated (step 504). Thereby, the image of the browser layer 303 (browser layer image) is generated by the browser 26 (step 505). On the other hand, information specifying the access destination, such as the IP address accessed by the browser, is transmitted to the character layer control software 24 (step 502). The character layer control software 24 is connected to the client machine 1
Is transmitted to the data communication management server 14 (step 50).
3).

The user / access site specification processing unit 42 of the communication management server 14 specifies the client machine 16 that is the data transmission source and the IP address of the site that the client machine 16 is accessing.
The allocation processing unit 44 searches the character layer DB 15 to determine whether there is a space to which the IP address is assigned (Step 506).

FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining spaces and their allocation according to the first embodiment. FIG.
As shown in (a), the client machine "a" 16-
1 accesses the web page at the address "xx", an inquiry using the address "xx" is made to the data communication management server 14 (step 503).
reference). In the character layer DB 15, a large number of spaces can be secured. For example, it is assumed that a space 601 for the address “「 ”and a space 602 for the address“ △△ ”are secured, and the remaining areas are empty spaces 603, 604,. In this case, the assignment processing unit 44
In the search process (step 506), it is determined that the space related to the address “xx” for the inquiry is not allocated.

Therefore, in step 507 of FIG. 5, the allocation processing unit 44 determines that the allocation has not been completed (that is, No), and executes the space allocation processing (step 508). Space allocation processing refers to associating a vacant space for a specific address. As a result, as shown in FIG. 6B, a space (603 in this case) relating to the address of a certain web page (for example, the address “xx”) is secured in the character layer DB 15.

When the allocation is completed or when there is a pre-allocated space, data relating to the space is transmitted to the character layer control software 24 of the client machine 16 (step 509). Character layer control software 24
Is a character layer 30 based on the received data.
A second image (character layer image) is generated. A composite image composed of the browser layer image and the character layer image is generated, and this is
Is displayed on the screen of the display device (step 511).

For example, in the state shown in FIG. 6B, another client machine "b" 16-2 is accessing the address xx accessed by the client machine "a" 16-1.
7A, the address “xx” is sent from the client machine “b” 16-2 as shown in FIG.
The inquiry about the space is transmitted to the data communication management server 14.

The allocation processing section 44 searches the character layer DB 15 to determine whether or not a space relating to the address “xx” has already been secured. In this case, since the space 603 has already been secured, FIG.
As shown in (b), the data related to the step 603 is transmitted to the character layer control software 24 of the client machine “b” 16-2. As a result, in the client machine “b” 16-2, a composite image of the browser layer image and the character layer image is generated and displayed on the screen of the display device. In the character layer control software 24 of the client machine 16, a character can be created and the appearance of the character can be customized as desired according to the operation of the input device by the user. Also, the character can be moved by moving the mouse. The accompanying processing will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9.

In the processing procedure of FIG. 8, first, there is some operation of the user on the client machine “a” 16-1, and this operation is performed via the data communication management server 14.
Client machine "b" 16-2 of another user accessing the same web server and browsing the same web page
Required data is transmitted to the server. As shown in FIG. 8, when the user operates a mouse or the like to input any action (for example, movement or movement of a character) relating to the character layer (step 801), the user action processing unit 32 detects this. Data relating to the action (user action data) is transmitted by the communication I of the data transmission processing unit 30 and the client machine 16.
It is transmitted to the communication management server 14 via / F28 (step 802). Also, the client machine "a"
The character layer display unit 34 of 16-1 updates the character layer image to be displayed according to the user action (step 803). As a result, the updated character layer image and browser layer image are combined and displayed B on the screen of the display device.

The user / access site specification processing unit 42 of the communication management server 14 transmits the data to the client machine (in this case, the client machine “a” 16
-1) to specify the client machine “a” 16
-1 specifies the IP address being accessed, thereby specifying the space allocated in the character layer DB 15 (step 804). Next, the user / access response processing unit 46 updates the data in the related space based on the user action data (Step 805). Here, the image based on the data updated in the space is the same as the character layer image in the client machine “a” 16-1.

Next, the user / access response processing section 46
Refers to the data in the space, identifies another user accessing the same web server (viewing the same web content), and identifies the other user's client machine (eg, client machine “b”). "16
-2), data about the space is transmitted (steps 807, 808). In the character layer control software 24 of the client machine (for example, client machine "b" 16-2) that has received the data related to the space, the character layer display unit 34 updates the necessary data and the character layer image (steps 809 and 810). ). This makes it possible to display a composite image of the character layer image and the browser layer image on the screen of the display device of another client machine.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a character layer image, a browser layer image, and a composite image thereof according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 9A, in the character layer image 901, the characters (for example, see reference numerals 902 and 903) of the user who is browsing the same web content are arranged, and the user of the user corresponding to each character is displayed. The input text (character string) is arranged adjacent to the character.
When a certain user operates the mouse or the like to move the character 902, the character 902 moves in the character layer images of the user and another user according to the user's mouse operation by the processing shown in FIG. Further, if a certain user operates a keyboard and inputs a predetermined sentence (character string), a character 90 is displayed in the character layer images of the user and another user.
2 can display a sentence (character string) input adjacent to the second.

On the screen of the display device of the client machine 16, a composite image 921 composed of the character layer image 901 and the browser layer image 911 shown in FIG. 9B is displayed (see FIG. 9C). . Since the user views the composite image 921, it is as if the characters of the user and the other user who are accessing appear in the web content and move or move, or the characters have a conversation. Can be created.

The character customization and character string input will be briefly described. In the present embodiment, the user gives the character a favorite color, or
You can wear your favorite costume. This is also shown in FIG.
This can be realized by processing that is substantially equal to For example, if the user command indicates the setting of the color of the character and the setting of the costume, the data communication management server 14
In response to this, a menu for setting colors and costumes may be communicated to the client machine 16. Information for setting colors and costumes selected in the client machine 16 is transmitted to the data communication management server 14.

The data communication management server 14 updates images and the like in the space according to the information set by the client machine 16 so as to add colors and costumes to the corresponding characters. By transmitting the updated data to another user, the character layer image is updated on the client machine 16 of the other user. This allows other users to see the customized character in which the colors and costumes are set. In addition, for the user's operation, for example, what the user considers necessary, such as "pointing", "nodding", and "searching", is prepared in advance on the data communication management server 14 side, and specified by the user action. The configuration may be such that the shape or the like of the character in the character layer is changed according to the object.

According to the present embodiment, a character that can be said to be an alter ego of a user appears in a content image being browsed by a web browser, and can be operated as desired. In addition, this character
It is also possible to show the same content to other users who are browsing. That is, users browsing the same content share images in which the characters appear, and by operating the characters in these images, it becomes possible for the users to communicate with each other.

If necessary, the user can input a sentence, such as a chat, and display the sentence adjacent to the character on the browser, so that the character can make a statement. Thereby, more realistic communication between users can be achieved. Further, according to the present embodiment, in the client computer 16, the communication between the users is realized by the character layer control software cooperating with the browser. Therefore, there is no need to modify the web content itself.

Next, an example of another function in the data communication system according to the present embodiment will be described. Here, when a plurality of users are associated with each other, when a certain user links from a certain web page to another web page, the other user can also link to the other web site. . FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure when the associated user links a certain web page to another web page almost simultaneously. As shown in FIG. 10, a plurality of client machines (in this case, client machines "a"
It is assumed that the web server "A" 18-1 is accessed by the browser 16-1 and the client "b" 16-2).

Here, the client machine "b" 16-
It is assumed that the user 2 (referred to as “user b”) wants to move to the link destination of the user “a” using the user (referred to as “user a”) of the client machine “a” 16-1 as a tour conductor. . In such a case, the user b operates the input device of the client machine “b” 16-2 to input a request for association with the user a (step 1003).

The association request is transmitted from the client machine “b” to the character layer control software 24 of the client machine “a” via the data communication management server 14 (steps 1004 and 100).
5). When the user a understands that he / she will be a tour conductor, the input information indicating the approval (association acceptance information) is transmitted to the character layer control software 24 of the client machine “b” via the communication management server 14. The information is transmitted (steps 1006 to 1008).

The user / access response processing section 46 of the data communication management server 14 stores association information (information indicating a user a to be a tour conductor and a user b associated therewith) (step 1009). In addition, the user / access response processing unit 46
Then, the data in the space reserved for the web content being browsed by the user b is updated (step 1010). Data about the updated space is stored in the client machine of the user viewing the same web page (in this case, client machine "a" 16-
1 and the client machine "b" 16-2) (steps 1011 and 1012). In each of the client machines 16, the image of the character layer is updated (steps 1013 and 1015), and a composite image with the browser layer image is generated and displayed (steps 1014 and 1016).

In this embodiment, in order to indicate the above association, the characters associated in the character layer image are connected by a "string". FIG.
(A) is a figure showing an example of a synthetic picture when a plurality of characters are associated. As shown in FIG. 11A, in a composite image 1101, a character 1102 to be a tour conductor and another associated character (for example, reference numeral 1103) are like a "string" (for example, see reference numeral 1104). Are tied together. In the data update in the space in step 1010, the image to be generated in the character layer includes:
This includes a process for obtaining an image in which the associated characters are connected by a string.

In the state shown in FIG. 11A, it is assumed that the character 1102 serving as a tour conductor turns on the link 1105. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure executed when the tour conductor links to another site. FIG. 11 (a)
As shown in, the client machine “a” accessing the web server “A” by the operation of the user a
When trying to access another web server "B" (steps 1201 and 1202), an IP address or the like indicating a new access destination is transmitted from the browser 26 to the data communication management server 14 via the character layer control software 24. (Steps 1203 and 1204).

The user / access response processing section 46 of the data communication management server 14 searches the character layer DB 15 to find association information relating to the user a (step 1205). Next, another user (for example, user b) associated with the user a is identified (step 1206). As a result, the IP address of the web page linked by user a and the request to access the browser are transmitted to other users associated with user a (steps 1207 and 1208). The character layer control software 24 of the client machine of another user (for example, the client machine “b” 16-2) outputs the IP address and an access request to the IP address to the browser 26 (step 1).
209). The browser 26 responds by responding to the required UR.
An L access is executed (step 1210). In this way, the browsers 26 of the client machine "a" 16-1 (the client machine of the user a who is a tour conductor) and the associated other client machine "b" 16-2, which actually specify the link, respectively.
In step 1215, the web content is transmitted.
1217), the browser 26 generates a browser layer image (steps 1216 and 1218).

On the other hand, in the data communication management server 14, processing corresponding to steps 406 to 408 in FIG. 4 is executed (step 1211). That is, it is determined by the client machine "a" 16-1 or the like whether or not a space relating to the link destination has already been secured, and a new space is secured if necessary.

The data of the allocated space includes the client machine “a” 16-1 and the client machine “b” 1
6-2, and also transmitted to other client machines browsing the web page (step 1212).
~ 1214). Thus, the client machine "a" 16-1 and another client machine "b" 1
At 6-2, a character layer image is generated (steps 1219 and 1221), and combined with the browser layer image, and a combined image is displayed on the screen of the display device (steps 1220 and 1222).

In FIG. 11A, when the character 1102 corresponding to the tour conductor clicks on the link 1105, a character layer image including the associated character is linked to the link 1105 as shown in FIG. 11B. The composite image 1110 with the browser layer image composed of the web content is displayed on the screen of the display device. Thus, according to this function, a certain user can be a tour conductor and "take" another user to another site. On the other hand, from the viewpoint of another user, “hanging” to a user who is a tour conductor enables “push browsing” such as browsing a web page without any active operation. For example, if this is realized between a large number of users, a “tour on the web” can be realized.

The data communication system according to the present invention can be used as described below in addition to the above “tour on the web”. I. Web Browsing (1) When a certain web page is visited, a user interacts with another user who operates a character existing in the web page (actually, in a space of a character layer allocated in association with the web page). Thus, direct communication becomes possible. Since this communication is also via a visible character, it is possible to make the communication smoother. (2) For example, if one of the users who operate the character is a webmaster, the webmaster can guide the site.

II. Search / Acquisition of Information (1) In search engine websites, it is necessary for a user to select a search term by himself / herself. It is possible to obtain. (2) Regarding the content of the site other than the web site of the search engine, it is possible to have another user located there (viewing the content) explain the content of the content.

III. Online Shopping The technique of the present invention can be applied to online shopping. In this case, by accessing the web page, the clerk's character can be placed on the site. As a result, the customer can purchase a product by directly contacting the store clerk. IV. Others The present invention can also be applied to electronic conferences, games, and the like. In addition, by causing a character to appear on the web, it is possible to construct a world on the web that is substantially similar to the general society through the character.

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the first embodiment, the data communication management server 14 holds a space related to a web page accessed by a user, manages the space, and mediates data communication between users. In the second embodiment, this part is taken over by the user's client machine. The outline of the data communication system according to the second embodiment is substantially the same as that shown in FIG. However, in the second embodiment, the character layer DB is not connected to the data communication management server 14. Spaces related to web pages
It is provided in any of the client machines 16.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an outline of a data communication procedure in the data communication system according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 13A, the client machine “a” 16-1 and the client machine “b” 16
-2 is accessing the web server “A” 18-1 and the client machine “c” 16-3 is accessing the web server “C” 18-2 (reference numerals 1301 to 1303). reference). Here, the character layer control software (not shown in FIG. 13) of the client machine “a” 16-1 and the client machine “b” 16-2 is accessing the web server “A” 18-1 respectively. Is notified to the data communication management server 114 (reference numerals 1311 and 1311).
12). On the other hand, the client machine “c” 16
-3 character layer control software (not shown) notifies the data communication management server 114 that the web server "B" 18-2 is being accessed (see reference numeral 1313).

The data communication management server 114 monitors the access status of each user by the client machine 16, creates a set of users accessing the same server (browsing a web page), and creates a set of users accessing the same server. , Information indicating another user to be used for data communication is transmitted. In FIG. 13B, a request to perform communication with the client machine “b” 16-2 is transmitted from the communication management server 114 to the client machine “a” 16-1. "
16-2, the client machine "a" 16-1
A request to communicate with the user is transmitted (reference numeral 132).
1, 1322). On the other hand, for the client machine "c" 16-3 accessing a web server not accessed by another user, there is no other user who should perform data communication, that is, a single access. Is transmitted (see reference numeral 1323).

FIG. 14 and FIG. 15 are flowcharts showing the processing procedure of data communication according to the second embodiment. In FIG. 14, steps 1401 to 1404
Corresponds to steps 501 to 504 in FIG. The data communication management server 114 searches for another user accessing the web server having the IP address according to the transmitted IP address (step 1406). If there is another user (step 14
07 (Yes) will be described later. When there is no other user (No in step 1407)
In step (1408), a notification indicating a single access is transmitted to the character layer control software 24 of the client machine “a” 16-1.

The character layer control software 24 of the client machine "a" 16-1 secures a space for the character layer (step 1409) and, if necessary (for example, when a character indicating oneself is to be displayed). A character layer image is generated (step 1410). As a result, a composite image with the browser layer image is displayed on the screen of the display device (step 1411).

The processing when another user is accessing the web server having the IP address to be searched will be described with reference to FIG. 15, steps 1501 to 1507 are the same as steps 1401 to 1407 in FIG. If another user exists (Yes in step 1407), user information on the other user being accessed is generated (step 1508). These are notified to the client machine (in this case, the client machine "b" 16-2) (step 1509), and the user information is transmitted to other users accessing the web server having the IP address. (Step 1510).

The character layer control software 24 of the client machine "b" 16-2 executes transmission / reception processing based on the transmitted user information (step 1511). FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the transmission / reception processing in more detail. The character layer control software 24 first specifies another user who has secured a space based on the user information (step 1).
601), and then request the client machine of the other user to transmit data relating to the space (step 1602). By receiving data related to the space from the client machine that has secured the space (step 1603), the transmission / reception processing ends.

The client machine "b" 16-2 generates a character layer image based on the received data on the space (step 1512), and displays a composite image of the character layer image and the browser layer image on the screen of the display device (step 1512). Step 1513). 13 to 16, the specific client machine has the space, and the other client machines accessing the same web server receive the data on the space from the specific client machine. FIG. 17A is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the space and the character layer control software according to the second embodiment. In the example of FIG. 17A, the client machine "b" 16-
2 accesses the web server for the first time (that is, no other user exists at the time of access), so a space 1701 is reserved (see the processing in FIG. 14), while the client machine “a” is used. 16-1 and the client machine "n" 16-n have accessed after the access by the client machine "b" 16-2, and thus no space is secured. The space data is transmitted to the character layer control software of each client machine (reference numerals 1701 to 17).
03). This makes it possible to obtain a common character layer image in each client machine.

Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the second embodiment, the user who first accesses the web server reserves a space, but in the third embodiment, each user reserves a space and mutually exchanges data in the space. By doing so, data can be shared. FIG. 17 (b)
FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining a relationship between a space and character layer control software according to the third embodiment.

Also in this embodiment, the information (user information) regarding the user accessing the same web server is provided from the data communication management server 114, as in the second embodiment. In the third embodiment, after receiving the user information, the client machines 16-1, 16-2, and 16-n secure spaces (reference numerals 1711-1, 1711-2, and 1711-1-n), Data is exchanged between spaces (reference numeral 171).
5 to 1517). Thereby, each space 1711
The information in -1, 1711-2 and 1711-n is made to substantially match.

The information in each of the spaces 1711-1, 1711-2 and 1711-n includes the character layers of the client machine "a" 16-1, the client machine "b" 16-2 and the client machine "n" 16-n. Control software 24-1, 24-2 and 24
−n (see reference numerals 1712 to 1714). As a result, it is possible to display a common character layer image to a user browsing the same web page.

Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the second embodiment and the third embodiment, a data communication management server 114 is provided,
Although this transmits information about the user accessing the same web server (viewing the same web page) to each client machine, in the fourth embodiment, the data communication management server The character layer image is generated by communication between the client machines without providing the character layer image.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an outline of communication in the data communication system according to the fourth embodiment. In this embodiment, the client machine “a” 16
When -1 accesses the web server "A" 18-1 and browses the web content, the character layer control software 26 executes the client machine "a" 16-
1 notifies another user that it is accessing web server "A" 18-1 (its own access information) (for example, see reference numeral 1804). Similarly, a client machine “b” 16-2 accessing the web server “A” 18-1 and a web server “B” 18-3
"C" 16-3 accessing the client
Is a web server "A" 18-1,
It notifies other users that the web server “C” 18-2 is being accessed (access information) (for example, see reference numerals 1807 and 1812).

Further, the client machines 16-1, 1
Each of 6-2 and 16-3 receives the received access information from the other client machine and transfers it to the other client machine (reference numeral 18 in FIG. 18).
05, 1806, 1808-1811). As a result, it is possible for each client machine to know which client machine is accessing which web server. Therefore, client machine 1
The character layer control software 24 of No. 6 is capable of performing data communication with another client machine accessing the same web server as the web server accessed by itself. Further, in the fourth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 17B, it is desirable that each client machine holds a space. The data communication between the client machines makes it possible to substantially share the data in the space.

Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the first embodiment, the combination of the browser layer image and the character layer image is realized by accessing the web server by the web browser and accessing the data communication management server by the character layer control software. . In the fifth embodiment, the configuration is such that the data communication management server integrally realizes these.

FIG. 19 is a diagram schematically showing data communication according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 20 is a diagram schematically showing data communication according to the fifth embodiment. As shown in FIG. 19, in the first embodiment, the browser 26 of each of the client machines 16-1 and 16-2 is used.
To the web server 18 (reference numeral 1901-
1, 1901-2), the web server 18
Web content is transmitted from
-1, 1902-2).

On the other hand, the client machine 16-1,
16-2, the IP address of the web page being accessed is transmitted to the data communication management server from the character layer control software 24 (reference numeral 19).
03-1, 1903-2). Also, in response to the behavior of the character on the character layer (such as the operation of the character by the user), data indicating this is transmitted to the data communication management server 14 (reference numerals 1904-1 and 1904-1).
904-2). The data communication management server 14 finds a space based on the transmitted IP address, updates the data in the space according to the behavior of the character, and transmits the data in the space to the client machines 16-1 and 16-2. Each is transmitted (see reference numerals 1905-1 and 1905-2).

On the other hand, in the fifth embodiment, the web server 18 is accessed from the client machines 116-1 and 116-2 via the data communication management server 214. . More specifically, as shown in FIG.
1, 116-2, to the data communication management server 214,
When the IP address of the web page desired to be browsed is notified (see reference numerals 2001-1 and 2001-2), the data communication management server 214 accesses the web server (see reference numeral 2002) when necessary, and Content is acquired (step 2003). The acquired content is transmitted to the client machines 116-1 and 116-2, respectively (see reference numerals 2004-1 and 2004-2).

On the other hand, the operation relating to the character layer is substantially the same as in the first embodiment. For example, in response to the behavior of the character on the character layer (such as the operation of the character by the user), data indicating this is transmitted to the data communication management server 214 (reference numeral 200).
5-1 and 2005-2). Data communication management server 2
14 finds space based on IP address,
The data in the space is updated according to the behavior of the character, and the data in the space is transmitted to the client machines 116-1 and 116-2, respectively (see reference numerals 2006-1 and 2006-2).

In order to realize content reception through the above-described route, a configuration of the client machine 116 according to the fifth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 21, the same components as those in the first embodiment shown in FIG. 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals. Fifth
In the character layer control software 124 of the client machine 116 shown in the embodiment, instead of the information acquisition unit 36 for acquiring the IP address accessed by the browser, the above-described acquisition of the IP address and transmission of the web content to the browser 26 are performed. A data transfer interface (I / F) 136 is provided.

In the fifth embodiment, a predetermined command (eg, URL input, link, update, stop, etc.) among command inputs such as a URL in a browser is used.
Is transmitted to the data transfer I / F. Therefore, the fifth
When displaying the composite image with the character layer image according to the embodiment,
/ F28 connection to the Internet (reference numeral 210)
1) is not substantially performed, and the connection to the Internet is realized through the character layer control software 124. Therefore, the web content is once received by the character layer control software 124, and the data communication processing unit 30 and the data transfer I / F 13
6 to the browser 26.

The operation of the data communication system thus configured according to the fifth embodiment will be described in more detail. FIGS. 22 to 24 are flowcharts illustrating processing procedures in the data communication system according to the fifth embodiment. As shown in FIG. 22, when the user operates the client machine 116 to give an instruction to access a certain web server 18, the IP
The address and the access request are transmitted to the character layer control software 124 (Step 2201).
Next, the character layer control software 124
Transmits the data including the information indicating the client machine 16 and the IP address to the data communication management server 14 (step 2202).

The communication management server 214 executes an allocated space search process, and determines whether or not space has been allocated to the web page having the IP address (steps 2203 and 2204). These processes are shown in FIG.
Steps 506 and 507 of FIG. Step 220
When it is determined as No in No. 4, the space allocation processing is executed. This is also the step 50 in FIG.
Corresponds to 8. The data regarding the allocated space is transmitted to the character layer control software 124 of the client machine 116 (step 220).
6), a corresponding character layer image is generated (step 2206).

Further, the communication management server 214 accesses the web server 18 based on the received IP address and receives the content responding thereto (step 2).
208, 2209). The web content is transmitted to the browser 26 via the character layer control software 124.
(Steps 2210 and 2211), thereby generating a browser layer image (step 221).
2). In the data communication management server 214, the acquired web content is stored in the secured space (step 2213).

The browser layer image and the character layer image are combined (step 2213), and the combined image is displayed on the screen of the display device of the client machine 116. On the other hand, in step 2204, Yes
That is, the case where the space is already allocated will be described with reference to FIGS. 23, steps 2301 to 2304 are the same as steps 2201 to 2204 in FIG. Step 230
After the determination in step 4, the data communication management server 214
The data of the allocated space is transmitted to the character layer control software 124 of the client machine 116 (Step 2305). Thereby, a character layer image is generated in the character layer control software 124 (step 2306). The data of the allocated space is also transmitted to other users who are browsing the web page.

Next, in the data communication management server 214, a web server access condition determination process is executed (step 2307). In the present embodiment, when a predetermined time (for example, time t1) has elapsed since the last content acquisition from the web server and an access request has been made by a new user, access to the web server is required. Is determined to be. In addition to this, even when other predetermined time (for example, time t2 (> t1) has elapsed since the last content acquisition,
It may be determined that access to the web server is necessary.

Here, if it is determined that the content needs to be updated by accessing the web server (Yes in step 2308), FIG.
As shown in (2), the content is acquired by accessing the web server 18 according to the IP address (step 2).
401, 2402). The acquired content is sent,
It is transmitted to the browser 26 of the client machine 116 via the character layer control software 124 (steps 2403, 2404). The browser 26 combines the browser layer image with the character layer image to create a combined image (step 2).
405, 2406). Regarding step 2403, the content is also transmitted to the client machine of the user who is browsing the web page.

In the data communication management server 214, the acquired web contents are stored in the space (step 2407). Meanwhile, step 23
If it is determined No in step 08,
As shown in (b), on the data communication management server 214 side, the web content in the space of the DB 15 is read and transmitted to the browser 26 via the character layer control software 124 (see steps 2412 and 2413). ). As a result, a browser layer image is generated (step 2414), further combined with the character layer image, and displayed on the screen of the display device of the client machine 116 (step 2).
415). Regarding step 2412, the content is also transmitted to the client machine of the user who is browsing the web page.

When a certain user operates the client machine 116 and causes the character to move, processing similar to that in FIG. 8 is executed. Note that another predetermined time from the last content acquisition (for example, time t2 (> t1))
If has elapsed, the data communication management server 214 accesses the web server to acquire the content,
Web content may be sent to the client machine.

According to this embodiment, the client machine 116 receives the supply of the web content via the communication management server 214. Depending on the environment such as the connection path of the client machine to the Internet, web content that can be downloaded by one client machine may not be downloaded by another client machine. In such a case, it is not possible to know what web content is displayed between the client machines, and in this state, there is a possibility that communication in the character layer may be performed. However, according to the above embodiment, it is possible for the communication management server 214 to guarantee the identity of the content of the web content.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the invention described in the claims, and these are also included in the scope of the present invention. It goes without saying that this is done. For example, in the above embodiment, the client machine 16
Although the character layer control software 24 is provided separately from the browser 26, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration, and the function of the character layer control software may be incorporated in the browser.

Also in the second to fourth embodiments, so-called “push browsing” is possible as in the first embodiment. Further, in the fifth embodiment, the web content from the web server is held in the space of the DB 15 on the communication management server 214 side, and when necessary, the web server is accessed to update the content. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when the user requests new access to the web server, or when the user presses the "update" button on the browser, access the web server to acquire the content and temporarily store the content. Instead, the same web content may be transmitted to all browsing users.

Further, in the fifth embodiment, the data communication management server 214 is configured to acquire web contents under predetermined conditions. Not limited. For example,
(1) a method of acquiring each time a new user tries to access, (2) a method of acquiring at a fixed time interval,
(3) a combination of these, (3) a method of acquiring the update when the user requests an update, and the like.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, a configuration is adopted in which a certain user accesses using a specific client machine, but the present invention is not limited to this. It goes without saying that a plurality of client machines may be used to access the communication management server or the like. For example, a user who accesses a communication management server or the like using a certain client machine at a company or the like and operates his / her own character or the like operates another client machine at home and operates the same character or the like. It is also possible to make it.
In this specification, the function of one unit may be realized by two or more physical units, or the function of two or more units may be realized by one physical unit.

[0101]

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a data communication system in which various kinds of communication can be performed between users who browse websites.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a data communication system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a client machine according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a relationship between a character layer and a browser layer according to the embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a data communication management server according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure in the data communication system according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining spaces and their allocation according to the present embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining spaces and their allocation according to the embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure in the data communication system according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a character layer image, a browser layer image, and a composite image thereof according to the present embodiment;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure when an associated user links from one web server to another web server in the present embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a character layer image, a browser layer image, and a composite image thereof according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure executed when a link to another site is made in the present embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a diagram schematically illustrating data communication in a data communication system according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of data communication according to the second embodiment;

FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of data communication according to the second embodiment;

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the transmission / reception processing shown in FIGS. 14 and 15 in more detail.

FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the space and the character layer control software according to the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a diagram schematically illustrating data communication in a data communication system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a diagram schematically illustrating data communication according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 20 is a diagram schematically illustrating data communication according to a fifth embodiment;

FIG. 21 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a client machine according to a fifth embodiment;

FIG. 22 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure in the data communication system according to the fifth embodiment;

FIG. 23 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure in the data communication system according to the fifth embodiment;

FIG. 24 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure in the data communication system according to the fifth embodiment;

[Explanation of symbols]

 10 Data Communication System 12 Internet 14 Data Communication Management Server 15 Character Layer DB 16 Client Machine 18 Web Server 24 Character Layer Control Software 26 Browser 30 Data Communication Processing Unit 32 User Action Processing Unit 34 Character Layer Display Unit 36 Information Acquisition Unit

Claims (21)

[Claims] 1. A step of providing a browser on a client machine for acquiring content using a network and forming a corresponding browser layer image, wherein the browser layer image has a coordinate system that matches the coordinate system, and according to a user operation. Generating a character layer image capable of arranging a character that is an operating object, and providing character layer control software for presenting a user with a composite image superimposed on the browser layer image, comprising the steps of: Receiving an access destination from the browser at the time of the access requesting the content; and, when there is an operation of the user, identifying a motion of a character according to the operation; And transmitting data indicating the movement of the character, if any, to the data communication management server via the network. In the data communication management server, another client accessing the received access destination is provided. Specifying a machine, and if the other client machine does not exist, securing a predetermined data area associated with the access destination in a database; and, if necessary, in the data area. Reflecting the data indicating the movement of the character, and transmitting the data contained in the data area to the client machine and, if present, another client machine, at least the other Client machine based on the transmitted data Data communication method characterized by comprising the step of updating the character layer image. 2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of transmitting, when the client machine receives a character string, data representing the character string to the data communication management server. 2. The data communication method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of storing the data indicating the character string in an associated data area. 3. A character layer included in data in a data area transmitted from the data communication management server in a character layer image by a character layer control software of the client machine. The data communication method according to claim 2, wherein the data communication method is arranged adjacent to a character. 4. The client machine further comprising: a step of specifying another client machine for which association is sought, and a step of transmitting information indicating the specified other client machine to the data communication management server. In the data communication management server, in response to the reception of the information, identifying and storing a client machine to be associated; and, in any one of the associated client machines, another content by a browser. When another access for browsing is performed and the other access destination is transmitted to the data communication management server, a step of specifying another associated client machine; and Request a link to another destination That a step in the other client machines, the character layer control software in response to receipt of the link request,
4. The data communication method according to claim 1, further comprising a step of requesting a link to said another access destination in a browser. 5. A client machine capable of acquiring content via a network and browsing the content with a browser, wherein the browser layer image to be superimposed on the browser layer image displayed by the browser and the coordinate system match. Receiving an access destination via a network from a client machine equipped with character layer control software for generating a character layer image capable of arranging a character that is an object that operates in accordance with a user operation; Identifying another client machine accessing the accessed access destination; and, if the other client machine does not exist, securing a predetermined data area associated with the access destination in a database. When receiving data relating to the movement of the character from the client machine, in the data area, reflecting data indicating the movement of the character, and the data accommodated in the data area, the client machine, Transmitting the data to another client machine, if any, in the data communication management server. 6. Associate a client machine with another client machine in response to a request from any one of the client machines, and store information related to the association. Specifying another associated client machine when another access for browsing another content is made by the browser on the client machine and the other access destination is transmitted in response to the access. 6. The data communication method according to claim 5, further comprising: requesting another identified client machine to link to another access destination. 7. A step of providing a browser on a client machine for acquiring content using a network and forming a corresponding browser layer image, wherein the browser layer image and the coordinate system match, and the browser operates according to a user operation. Generating a character layer image capable of laying out a character that is an operating object, and providing character layer control software for presenting to the user a composite image superimposed on the browser layer image, comprising the steps of: Upon access for requesting the content, comprising: receiving an access destination from the browser; and transmitting data indicating the access destination to a data communication management server via a network. A step of specifying another client machine accessing the received access destination in the data communication management server; and if the other client machine does not exist, the client machine is associated with the access destination. The request to secure the predetermined data area is transmitted, and if another client machine exists, at least information indicating the master client machine that secures the data area among the other client machines. In the client machine, when the request is received, a step of securing a necessary data area in response to the request, and when the information indicating the master client machine is received, the user The movement of the character specified according to the operation of Transmitting the data indicating the operation to the master client machine, wherein in the master client machine, reflecting the data indicating the motion of the character in the data area; and Transmitting to a slave client machine other than the master client machine, and in the slave client machine, updating the character layer image based on the transmitted data. 8. A step of providing, on a client machine, a content using a network and forming a corresponding browser layer image, wherein the browser layer image and the coordinate system match, and the browser system operates according to a user operation. Generating a character layer image capable of laying out a character that is an operating object, and providing character layer control software for presenting to the user a composite image superimposed on the browser layer image, comprising the steps of: Receiving an access destination from the browser at the time of access for requesting the content; transmitting data indicating the access destination to a data communication management server via a network; Securing a data area for sharing data with the client machine, wherein the data communication management server specifies another client machine accessing the received access destination, and the other client machine exists Transmitting the information indicating the other client machine; and, in the client machine, receiving the information indicating the other client machine. Transmitting data indicating an action to the other client machines, in each client machine, when receiving data indicating the action of the character, in the data area,
A data communication method, comprising a step of reflecting data indicating the movement of the character, whereby the character layer image is updated. 9. A client machine, comprising the steps of identifying and storing another client machine for which association is sought, and transmitting information indicating the identified other client machine to the other client machine; In another client machine, in response to the reception of the information, identifying and storing a client machine to be associated, and in any one of the associated client machines, another If other access to view content is made,
Requesting a link to another access destination to the associated other client machine, wherein, in the other client machine, character layer control software responds to the reception of the link request,
9. The data communication method according to claim 7, further comprising a step of requesting a link to the another access destination in a browser. 10. A step of providing a browser on a client machine for acquiring content using a network and forming a corresponding browser layer image, wherein the browser layer image and the coordinate system match, and the browser operates according to a user operation. Generating a character layer image capable of arranging a character that is an operating object, and providing character layer control software for presenting a user with a composite image superimposed on the browser layer image, comprising the steps of: Upon access to request the content, receiving an access destination from the browser; securing a data area for sharing data with another client machine; And reflecting the data indicating the movement of the character in the data area, and transmitting the data indicating the access destination and the data in the data area to another client machine, and from another client machine. Transmitting the transmitted data of the access destination and the data area of the other client machine to any of the other client machines; and specifying another client machine accessing the own access destination. Based on the received access destination, if there is another client machine accessing the own access destination, updating the data in the own data area based on the data in the data area related to the other client machine; This allows the character layer image to be updated. A data communication method characterized by being updated. 11. A client machine generates a character layer image in which a coordinate system coincides with the browser layer image and in which a character that is an object that operates according to a user operation can be arranged, and is superimposed on the browser layer image. Providing character layer control software for presenting a composite image to a user, in the character layer control software, in response to an access for requesting content by a browser, receiving the access destination, When there is an operation, a step of specifying the action of the character according to the operation; and the access destination, and if present, the data indicating the action of the character to the data communication management server via the network. Biography Obtaining the content of the access destination via the network, if necessary, in the data communication management server, and identifying another client machine accessing the received access destination, If the other client machine does not exist, a step of securing a predetermined data area associated with the access destination in a database; and, if necessary, indicating the action of the character in the data area. Reflecting data, and transmitting the data and content data contained in the data area to the client machine, and, if present, to another client machine. Character layer control software But includes a step of transmitting the data of the received content to the browser, at least said other client machine, based on the transmitted data, the data communication method characterized by comprising the step of updating the character layer image. 12. The method according to claim 12, further comprising: storing the data of the content in the space or in association with the space, and when it is not necessary to acquire the content from the access destination, the stored content is 2. The data of claim 1 is transmitted to said client machine.
2. The data communication method according to 1. 13. The data communication method according to claim 11, wherein when the content is to be transmitted to the client machine, the content is acquired from the access destination. 14. A client machine capable of acquiring content via a network and browsing the content with a browser, wherein the browser layer image to be displayed by being superimposed on the browser layer image by the browser has a coordinate system that matches the coordinate system. And, from a client machine equipped with character layer control software that generates a character layer image capable of arranging a character that is an object that operates according to a user operation,
An access destination receiving unit that receives an access destination via the network; a client machine specifying unit that specifies another client machine that is accessing the received access destination; and if the other client machine does not exist, In the database, a database management means for securing a predetermined data area associated with the access destination, from the client machine, when receiving data on the movement of the character, update the data area, Database management means for reflecting data indicating the movement of the character; and data transmission means for transmitting the data contained in the data area to the client machine and, if present, to another client machine. Data communication management service characterized by . 15. The associated client machine, wherein the database management unit associates the client machine with another client machine in response to a request from one of the client machines, and stores information on the association. In any one of the client machines, when another access for browsing another content is made by a browser and the other access destination is transmitted in response thereto, the database management unit The data communication management server according to claim 11, wherein the specified other client machine is specified, and the data transmission unit requests the specified other client machine for a link to another access destination. . 16. A client machine capable of acquiring content via a network and browsing the content by a browser, wherein the browser layer image to be displayed by being superimposed on the browser layer image by the browser has the same coordinate system as the browser layer image. And, from a client machine equipped with character layer control software that generates a character layer image capable of arranging a character that is an object that operates according to a user operation,
Access destination receiving means for receiving an access destination via the network; if necessary, content obtaining means for obtaining content from the access destination via a network; and another client accessing the received access destination. Client machine specifying means for specifying a machine; and database management means for securing a predetermined data area associated with the access destination in a database when the other client machine does not exist, wherein the client machine A database management unit that updates the data area to reflect data indicating the movement of the character when receiving data related to the movement of the character; and data stored in the data area and the acquired content. The client A data communication management server, comprising: a machine; and, if present, data transmission means for transmitting the data to another client machine. 17. In the space, or
A storage unit for storing the data of the content in association with the space, wherein when there is no need to acquire the content from the access destination, the data of the stored content is transmitted to the client machine. Claim 1 characterized by the following:
7. The data communication management server according to 6. 18. A method for performing data communication with the data communication management server according to claim 14 or 15 via a network, and generating a character layer image by the data communication. Character layer control software capable of generating superimposed composite images 19. A client machine, which obtains content using a network and has a coordinate system that matches a coordinate system of the browser layer image to be displayed so as to be superimposed on a browser forming a corresponding browser layer image. Character layer control software for generating a character layer image capable of arranging a character that is an object that operates according to the operation of: receiving an access destination from the browser at the time of access requesting the content; Transmitting the data indicating the access destination to the data communication management server via the network, and receiving the information generated based on the access destination from the data communication management server, Others accessing their own access destination When indicating that there is no client machine, a step of securing a predetermined data area associated with the access destination; and When the information indicates that another client machine exists, at least, Among the other client machines, the master client machine that secured the data area was identified according to a user operation,
Transmitting the data indicating the movement of the character; and reflecting the data indicating the movement of the character in the data area when the master client machine is a master client machine having a secured data area; and Transmitting the data therein to a slave client machine other than the master client machine, and updating the character layer image based on the transmitted data when the client client is the slave client machine. Character layer control software. 20. A client machine, which obtains content using a network and has a coordinate system that matches a coordinate system of the browser layer image, which is to be displayed by being superimposed on a browser forming a corresponding browser layer image. Character layer control software for generating a character layer image capable of arranging a character that is an object that operates according to the operation of: receiving an access destination from the browser at the time of access requesting the content; Transmitting the data indicating the access destination to the data communication management server via the network; securing a data area for sharing the data with another client machine; and Based on access destination In response to receiving the generated information, if the information indicates that there is another client accessing the own access destination, the action of the character specified according to the user operation Transmitting the data indicating the character to the other client machine; and
Reflecting data indicating the movement of the character in the data area, whereby the character layer image is updated. 21. A client machine, which acquires content using a network and has a coordinate system that matches a coordinate system of the browser layer image, which is to be superimposed and displayed on a browser forming a corresponding browser layer image; Character layer control software for generating a character layer image capable of arranging a character that is an object that operates in accordance with the operation of: receiving an access destination from the browser at the time of access requesting the content; Securing a data area for sharing data with the client machine; reflecting data indicating the movement of the character specified according to a user operation in the data area; and Data and The data of the data area is transmitted to another client machine, and the data of the access destination of the other client machine and the data area transmitted from the other client machine are transmitted to any of the other client machines. Identifying the other client machine accessing the own access destination; and, if there is another client machine accessing the own access destination, data in the data area according to the other client machine. Updating the data in its own data area based on the above, whereby the character layer image is updated.