JP2002366581A - Bookmark management system and portable communication terminal - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a bookmark management system and a portable communication terminal capable of saving memory capacity and reducing a load for a processing in use of a bookmark in the portable communication terminal such as a cellular telephone with small memory capacity. SOLUTION: This system is provided with a bookmark storage means (2) to receive, store a bookmark file in which information including address information of a reference destination to be used in a browser mounted on the Internet connectable portable communication terminal is recorded via a communication line and to return the bookmark file according to a request from the portable communication terminal and a bookmark managing means (3) to confirm whether or not resources to be specified by the address information set in the bookmark file stored in the bookmark storage means exist, to set information to indicate presence/absence of the resources in the bookmark file and to update it.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to a system for managing a bookmark file used by a browser mounted on a portable communication terminal connectable to the Internet.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as a means for accessing resources on the Internet, for example, there is a browser such as Internet Explorer (registered trademark) manufactured by Microsoft (registered trademark). In such a browser, address information (URL: Uniform ResourceL) of a reference destination site to be browsed from this browser is referred to.
ocator) is made available so that a bookmark which records information including the occupied information is available.

For example, in the case of Internet Explorer (registered trademark), a bookmark is displayed by selecting [favorite (A)]-> [add to favorite (A)] from the menu bar of Internet Explorer (registered trademark). HTML (Hyper
The URL of a Text Markup Language page can be saved (registered). The user
In this way, the HTML page registered as a favorite can be browsed again at any time.

As a method of managing such a bookmark in an Internet browser, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-2001
There is an invention disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 14353. In the present invention, a bookmark is placed on a remote server on the Internet. In this way, a plurality of users can share the same bookmark. Also, the bookmark used by each user can be updated only by changing the bookmark on the remote server.

[0005]

In the case of Internet Explorer (registered trademark), the user can always refer to the "favorite", that is, the HTML page registered in the bookmark, but the referenced HTML page is different depending on the provider. Is changed to the address of
The TML page itself may be deleted. In such a case, an error message such as the file not being displayed is displayed from the browser. However, unless the bookmark is selected and the relevant page is accessed, the reference HTM
I do not know if there is an L page.

[0006] Therefore, when the browser is started, U
By adding the RL confirmation processing, it is possible to present to the user whether or not the URL is valid. However, in this case, as the number of URLs in the bookmark increases, the number of processes to check increases accordingly, and there is a problem that the browser startup processing time becomes longer.

On the other hand, in the invention of the method of managing a bookmark in an Internet browser disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-14353, the bookmark is stored on a local PC.
And holds on both on the remote server. When the browser is started, the bookmark updating process is performed by comparing the bookmark stored in the local PC with the bookmark loaded from the remote server. Also, by performing URL confirmation processing on a bookmark on a remote server as in the case of Internet Explorer (registered trademark) described above, only the URL update processing is performed on the local PC side. Little effect. However, in the present invention, since the bookmark exists in both the remote server and the local PC serving as the client, in the case of a mobile communication terminal such as a mobile phone, the memory of the client has a smaller memory capacity than a PC or the like. This is a factor that puts pressure on the available memory space.

[0008] The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and the use of the bookmark in a portable communication terminal such as a portable telephone having a small memory capacity can save the memory capacity and reduce the processing load. The present invention provides a bookmark management system and a portable communication terminal that can perform the above-mentioned operations.

[0009]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A bookmark management system according to the present invention stores information including address information of a reference destination used in a browser for browsing resources on the Internet mounted on a portable communication terminal connectable to the Internet. A bookmark storage unit for receiving and storing the recorded bookmark file via a communication line, and returning the bookmark file in response to a request from the mobile communication terminal; and a bookmark storage unit for storing the bookmark file stored in the bookmark storage unit. A bookmark management unit that checks whether a resource specified by the address information set in the file exists, and sets and updates information indicating the presence or absence of the resource in the bookmark file.

Further, according to the present invention, in the bookmark management system according to the first aspect, when confirming whether a resource specified by the address information set in the bookmark file exists, the presence or absence of the resource is determined. ,
The determination is made based on whether the access to the reference destination specified by the address information ends normally or abnormally.

Further, the portable communication terminal of the present invention is characterized in that
Or a portable communication terminal connected to the bookmark management system according to claim 2 via a communication line, capable of connecting to the Internet, and a browser for browsing resources on the Internet;
Obtaining means for obtaining from the bookmark storage means a bookmark file recording information including address information of a reference destination used by the browser; memory for temporarily storing the obtained bookmark file; When displaying the contents, display means for further displaying information indicating the presence or absence of resources set in the bookmark file, and editing means for performing editing processing such as addition or deletion on the contents of the bookmark file, At the end of the browser, the bookmark
Transmitting means for transmitting a file to the bookmark storing means and storing the file.

[0012]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a system configuration including a remote server and a bookmark management server as an embodiment of a bookmark management system according to the present invention, and a mobile phone as an embodiment of a mobile communication terminal. The remote server 2, the bookmark management server 3, and the mobile phone 1 are connected via a communication line including the Internet, as shown in FIG. The mobile phone 1 is connected to a base station connected to the Internet by wireless communication. Also, a WML (Wireless Markup Langu) shown in FIG.
age), the Compact-HTML server provides a Web page browsed from the mobile phone 1.

Here, in FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a mobile telephone which is connectable to the Internet and has a browser for browsing resources (Web pages and the like) on the Internet. This browser enables access to a reference destination using a bookmark file in which information including a URL (address information) of a resource (a Web page or the like) of the reference destination to be browsed is recorded. Also,
This browser accepts a user operation for editing (adding, deleting, etc.) the contents of the bookmark file, and executes the editing process of the contents. With this function, the user may edit (add, delete, etc.) the contents of the bookmark file while using the browser.

When the browser is activated, the mobile phone 1 acquires a bookmark file from the following remote server 2 and temporarily stores it in a built-in local memory. Then, when the browser ends, the bookmark file is transferred to the remote server 2 and stored. In this way, when the browser is not running, the mobile phone 1 releases the local memory without storing the bookmark file in the local memory (not shown) of the mobile phone 1.

The mobile phone 1 is connected to a remote server 2
If the bookmark file can be normally acquired from the, the bookmark valid mode is set. If the bookmark file cannot be normally acquired, the bookmark invalid mode is set. The setting of the bookmark valid mode and the bookmark invalid mode is performed, for example, by using flags corresponding to these modes. FIG. 6 shows an example of the content configuration of the bookmark file. The example shown in this figure is composed of an item indicating the presence or absence of a resource on the Internet, an item of a name given to the resource, and an item of a URL as address information of the resource.

Next, in FIG. 1, reference numeral 2 denotes a remote server. The remote server 2 receives and saves a bookmark file used by a browser mounted on the mobile phone 1 from the mobile phone 1, and returns the bookmark file in response to a request from the mobile phone 1.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 3 denotes a bookmark management server that manages the bookmark file. The bookmark management server 3 acquires a bookmark file from the remote server 2 and checks whether or not the resource indicated by each URL recorded in the bookmark file actually exists. This is http (HyperText Tran)
sport Protocol) or ftp (File
A file transfer program such as Transfer Protocol (Transfer Protocol) is executed, and when the file transfer program ends normally, the existence of the resource is confirmed.

When the existence of the resource is confirmed in this way, "Yes" is set in the item of the presence or absence of the resource indicated by reference numeral 61 in FIG. On the other hand, if this file transfer program terminates abnormally, "No"
Set. In addition, the frequency of this confirmation is one a day,
This is about twice, and this confirmation cycle is set separately in the bookmark management server 3. In this manner, the presence / absence of the resource is confirmed, and the bookmark file in which the presence / absence of the resource is set is stored in the bookmark management server 3.
By using a file transfer program, one day a day
It is transferred to the remote server 2 about twice, and the bookmark is updated.

In the present embodiment, the portable communication terminal of the present invention is described as the portable telephone 1, but the portable communication terminal of the present invention is a PDA (Personal D).
It also includes portable terminals called digital assistants (personal portable information devices). Here, in the case of a PDA, in addition to the one having a built-in communication means, the one including an externally connected communication means is also included. Further, as the mobile phone 1, a so-called CDMA
(Code division multiple access) system or PDC (Personal
Digital Cellular System)
Mobile phones and PHS (Personal H
A portable telephone such as an andyphone system can be used.

The remote server 2 and the bookmark management server 3 each include a non-volatile recording device such as a hard disk or a magneto-optical disk, and store or temporarily store a bookmark file. Also, the mobile phone 1, the remote server 2, and the bookmark management server 3
Includes a processing unit (not shown) including a memory and a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The processing unit loads a program for realizing each of the functions into the memory and executes the program. It is assumed that the function is realized. It is assumed that an input device, a display device, and the like (neither is shown) are connected as peripheral devices to the remote server 2 and the bookmark management server 3. Here, the input device refers to an input device such as a keyboard and a mouse. A display device is a CRT (Cathode)
(Ray Tube) or a liquid crystal display device.

Next, the operation of the portable telephone 1, the remote server 2, and the bookmark management server 3 of the present embodiment configured as described above will be described focusing on the operation of the portable telephone 1. FIG. 2 shows a process when the mobile phone 1 having the browser function starts the browser.
FIG. 3 shows a process for displaying a bookmark, and FIG.
Shows a process for newly adding a bookmark, and FIG. 5 shows a process for closing the browser.

[Browser Activation Process] In FIG. 2, when the activation of the browser is started, the mobile phone 1 transmits a request for acquiring a bookmark file to the remote server 2 (step S21). Thus, the remote server 2 that has received the bookmark file acquisition request via the communication line transmits the bookmark file corresponding to the mobile phone 1 stored in the remote server 2 to the mobile phone 1. The bookmark file transmitted at this time is periodically updated by the bookmark management server 3 as described above, and the latest file is transmitted.

Next, as a result of the bookmark file acquisition request, the portable telephone 1 successfully acquires the bookmark file (Yes in the judgment of step S22).
), The runtime memory (local memory, volatile memory such as RAM, etc.) provided in the mobile phone 1
Load the bookmark file (step S2)
3). Then, a bookmark valid mode is set (step S24).

On the other hand, if the bookmark cannot be normally acquired as a result of the previous acquisition request (No in the determination of step S22), the bookmark is set to the bookmark invalid mode (step S25).

[Bookmark Display Processing] The processing shown in FIG. 3 is started by, for example, selecting “Bookmark Display” from the menu of the browser. At this time, if the mode is the bookmark valid mode (when the determination in step S31 is Yes), the contents of the acquired bookmark file are displayed (step S3).
2).

On the other hand, when the mode is the bookmark invalid mode (when judged No in the judgment of step S31), a warning message such as "Bookmark could not be obtained" is displayed (step S33).

FIG. 7 shows a display example of a bookmark in the bookmark valid mode. Those with an X mark at the beginning of the line are registered in the bookmark, but are referenced for some reason (WML or Compact-
HTML document) cannot be read. The user can see that the resource cannot be accessed by seeing the X mark, and can prevent useless access.

[Bookmark Addition Processing] The processing shown in FIG. 4 is started by, for example, selecting “add bookmark” from the menu of the browser. At this time, if the mode is the bookmark valid mode (when the determination in step S41 is Yes), the URL of the currently displayed document (contents of the Web page) and the name (or the document Bookmark the file name)
It is added to the file (step S42). If additional,
"Yes" is set in the item of the presence or absence of the resource shown in FIG.

On the other hand, if the mode is the bookmark invalid mode at this time (if the determination in step S41 is No), a warning message such as "cannot add bookmark" is displayed (step S43).

[Browser Termination Processing] The processing shown in FIG.
From the browser menu, for example, "Exit Browser"
It is started by selecting. At this time, if the mode is the bookmark valid mode (in the judgment of step S51,
If it is determined as Yes, a bookmark storage request including a bookmark file is transmitted (step S5).
2).

Then, the remote server 2 that has received the bookmark storage request stores the received bookmark file. On the other hand, for some reason,
If the saving of the file has failed (No in the judgment of step S53), a warning message such as "Bookmark could not be saved" is displayed (step S54).

On the other hand, when the mode is the bookmark invalid mode (when the determination in step S51 is No), the bookmark file does not exist in the mobile phone 1 and the process is terminated.

The embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the specific configuration is not limited to this embodiment, and a configuration or the like may be used without departing from the gist of the present invention. included.

A program for realizing some or all of the processing functions performed by the remote server 2 or the bookmark management server 3 in FIG. 1 is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and is recorded on this recording medium. The processing of each server may be performed by causing a computer system to read and execute the program. Similarly, a program for realizing a part or all of the processing functions performed by the mobile phone 1 in FIG. The processing executed by the mobile phone 1 may be performed by causing the computer system to read and execute the processing. Here, the “computer system” includes an OS and hardware such as peripheral devices.

The "computer system" is a WW
If the W system is used, a homepage providing environment (or display environment) is also included. The “computer-readable recording medium” is a flexible disk, a magneto-optical disk, a ROM, a CD-ROM, or the like.
It refers to a portable medium such as a ROM or a storage device such as a hard disk built in a computer system. Further, a “computer-readable recording medium” refers to a volatile memory (R) in a computer system that serves as a server or a client when a program is transmitted via a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line.
AM), for example, those holding a program for a certain period of time.

The above program may be transmitted from a computer system storing the program in a storage device or the like to another computer system via a transmission medium or by a transmission wave in the transmission medium. Here, the "transmission medium" for transmitting a program refers to a medium having a function of transmitting information, such as a network (communication network) such as the Internet or a communication line (communication line) such as a telephone line. Further, the program may be for realizing a part of the functions described above. further,
What can realize the above-mentioned function in combination with a program already recorded in the computer system, that is, a so-called difference file (difference program) may be used.

[0037]

As described in detail above, according to the present invention, the bookmark storage means is used in a browser for browsing resources on the Internet mounted on a mobile communication terminal capable of connecting to the Internet. A bookmark file recording information including the previous address information is received and stored via a communication line, and the bookmark management means is specified by the address information set in the bookmark file stored in the bookmark storage means. And confirms whether or not a resource exists, sets information indicating the presence or absence of the resource in the bookmark file, updates the bookmark file, and returns the bookmark file in response to a request from the mobile communication terminal. As a result, the user of the mobile communication terminal can access the resources included in the bookmark file. Over vinegar can be used whether or not the most up-to-date information or available.

Further, on the portable communication terminal side, the bookmark file is stored in the bookmark storage means, and the bookmark file is acquired and temporarily stored in the memory only when the browser is started, so that the memory capacity is saved. be able to. Further, since information indicating the presence / absence of a resource is further displayed, it is possible to know the latest information on whether or not the resource included in the bookmark file is available. Then, since the latest information as to whether or not the resource is available can be known, useless access can be prevented.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overall configuration of a bookmark management system and a mobile communication terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a browser activation process.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a bookmark display process.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a bookmark adding process.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a browser termination process.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a content configuration of a bookmark file.

FIG. 7 is a display example of the contents of a bookmark file.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1. Mobile phone (mobile communication terminal) 2. Remote server (bookmark storage unit) 3. Bookmark management server (bookmark management unit)

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. A bookmark file storing information including address information of a reference destination used by a browser for browsing resources on the Internet mounted on a mobile communication terminal connectable to the Internet, via a communication line. A bookmark storage unit that receives and stores the bookmark file in response to a request from the mobile communication terminal; and a bookmark that is stored in the bookmark storage unit.
Bookmark management means for checking whether a resource specified by the address information set in the file exists, and setting and updating information indicating the presence or absence of the resource in the bookmark file. Management system. 2. When checking whether a resource specified by the address information set in the bookmark file exists, the presence or absence of the resource is determined by checking whether the access to the reference destination specified by the address information is normal. The bookmark management system according to claim 1, wherein the determination is made based on whether the process ends or ends abnormally. 3. A mobile communication terminal connectable to the bookmark management system according to claim 1 or 2 via a communication line, the mobile communication terminal being capable of connecting to the Internet, and a browser for browsing resources on the Internet. When starting the browser, a bookmark that records information including address information of a reference destination used by the browser.
Obtaining means for obtaining a file from the bookmark storage means; memory for temporarily storing the obtained bookmark file; and displaying the contents of the obtained bookmark file.
Display means for further displaying information indicating the presence / absence of resources set in the bookmark file; editing means for performing editing processing such as addition / deletion on the contents of the bookmark file; and A transmitting unit for transmitting the bookmark file to the bookmark storing unit and storing the bookmark file.