JP2003331004A - Device and program for providing product-related information - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable a user to obtain a desired piece of product-related information with less labor and less time. <P>SOLUTION: The respective information terminals such as a scientific electronic calculator 100, an instruction manual display device 200, a server 300 are connected with one another so as to enable data transmission/reception by a data cable 4 and a communication line 6 as communication media. When the scientific electronic calculator 100 is connected, the instruction manual display device 200 reads model identification information from the scientific electronic calculator 100. Then, the instruction manual display device 200 is connected with the communication line 6, accesses the server 300 and the model identification information is transmitted to the server 300. The server 300 stores/ manages only pieces of instruction manual information for a plurality of models. The server 300 retrieves a piece of instruction manual information corresponding to the model identification information among a plurality of pieces of the instruction manual information and transmits it to the instruction manual display device 200. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a product-related information providing device for providing product-related information.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Product-related information is, for example, handling instruction information (information described in so-called manuals or manuals called instruction manuals), service information such as version upgrades of programs and data, and hints for usage. Information that is provided to users by manufacturers for each type of product, such as not-known convenient usage.

Conventionally, a method of providing product-related information to a user from a maker includes a manual, a cautionary note, a method of packing a product such as a CD-ROM in which these are converted into electronic information and stored, or electronic information of the manual (for example, , PDF files, etc.) are published on the Internet website.
The method of delivery has been taken.

Information terminal devices (eg,
Multi-function mobile phone, scientific calculator, notebook computer, PDA
Etc.), there is a lot of information that is added or changed after the product is shipped, such as program update information, and the latter providing method is popular because of its responsiveness and easy information management. The user can always obtain new information by accessing the manufacturer's website and browsing the electronic information of the manual, or by downloading the corresponding PDF file.

[0005]

However, the addition of new functions and the speed of product development are remarkable, and the models to be handled and the product-related information associated therewith are swelling. Therefore, even when the user obtains the manual from the website, the user has to repeatedly enter and select the product-related information corresponding to the model owned by the user, which is troublesome. Has become. In addition, when electronic information of a manual is downloaded, an increase in download time and memory consumption become problems as the product-related information increases.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to allow a user to obtain desired product-related information with less labor and time.

[0007]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the invention described in claim 1 is a terminal device (for example, FIG. 1) to which an information terminal device (for example, the scientific calculator 100 of FIG. 1) is communicatively connected. In the product-related information providing device (for example, the server 300 in FIG. 1) connected via a predetermined communication means (for example, the communication line 6 in FIG. 1) to the instruction display device 200). Related information storage means (for example, in FIG. 2) that stores the identification information of the information terminal device (for example, model identification information 161 in FIG. 2) and the product related information (for example, handling instruction information 384 in FIG. 2) in association with each other. External storage device 380, model-specific table-of-contents correspondence information 3 of the external storage device 380
Model-specific table-of-contents information storage area storing 81, table-of-contents information storage area of external storage device 380 storing table-of-contents information 382, table-of-contents item correspondence information 383 of external storage device 380
And a receiving unit (for example, the communication control unit 340 of FIG. 2) for receiving the identification information of the information terminal device sent from the terminal device via the communication unit. 7, step S204), and the product-related information corresponding to the identification information received by the receiving device is read from the related-information storing device, and the read-out product-related information is transmitted to the terminal device. For example, the CPU 310 and the communication control unit 340 of FIG.
7 are included in steps S208 and S214).

Further, in the invention described in claim 4, a terminal device to which an information terminal device is communicatively connected is connected to a computer (for example, the server 300 in FIG. 2) connected via a predetermined communication means. , A related information storage function for storing the identification information of the information terminal device and product-related information in association with each other, and receiving the identification information of the information terminal device sent from the terminal device via the communication means. A receiving function and product-related information corresponding to the identification information received by this receiving function are read from the related-information storing function,
It is a program (for example, an instruction manual providing program 361 in FIG. 2) for realizing a transmission function of transmitting the read product-related information to the terminal device.

The identification information is information for identifying the model or individual of the information terminal device, and corresponds to, for example, the model number, serial number, firmware version information and the like. According to the invention described in claim 1 or 4, the product-related information providing device acquires the identification information of the information terminal device from the terminal device, reads the product-related information corresponding to the identification information, and provides it to the terminal device. Therefore, the user can obtain the product-related information corresponding to the model of the information terminal device without the trouble of inputting the identification information.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the product-related information providing device, wherein the information terminal device is connected through communication with a terminal device to which the information terminal device is communicatively connected, Operation procedure information (for example, FIG.
Operation procedure TBL387, detailed operation candidate TBL389)
Related information storage means that stores the related information and the product-related information in association with each other (for example, the external storage device 380 in FIG. 15, the operation procedure TBL storage area for storing the operation procedure TBL387 of the external storage device 380, the details of the external storage device 380). Detailed operation candidate TBL storage area for storing the operation candidate TBL389) and processing history information of the information terminal device sent from the terminal device via the communication means (for example, FIG. 1).
5 based on the receiving means for receiving the processing history information 162), the processing history information received by the receiving means, and the operation procedure information stored in the related information storing means,
Estimating means for estimating a desired operation procedure (for example, C in FIG. 15).
PU310, steps T606 to T610 in FIG. 21)
And transmitting means for extracting the product-related information related to the desired operation procedure estimated by the estimating means from the product-related information stored in the related-information storage means and transmitting it to the terminal device (for example, FIG. 15). CPU 310, communication control unit 340, steps T612, T614, T61 of FIG.
8) and are provided.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the operating procedure information of the information terminal device is provided to a terminal device to which the information terminal device is communicatively connected and a computer connected through a predetermined communication means. Related information storage function of storing the product related information and the product related information in association with each other, a reception function of receiving processing history information of the information terminal device sent from the terminal device via the communication means, and reception by this reception function. Based on the processed process history information and the operation procedure information stored in the related information storage function, a guess function for guessing a desired operation procedure, and product related information related to the desired operation procedure estimated by the guess function. A program for realizing a transmission function of extracting the product-related information stored in the related-information storage function and transmitting the product-related information to the terminal device (for example, FIG. 1). Which is the instruction manual providing program 361).

The operation procedure information is information in which highly probable operations related to various operations of the information terminal device are associated with each other. According to the invention described in claim 2 or 5, the product-related information providing device acquires the processing history information of the information terminal device from the terminal device, and the user is the information terminal device based on the processing history information and the operation procedure information. A desired operation procedure desired to be operated is estimated, product-related information related to the desired operation is read and provided to the terminal device. Therefore, the user can easily obtain highly probable product-related information related to the desired operation.

The invention according to claim 3 is the product-related information providing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the operation procedure information is operation input procedure information (for example, the standard operation procedure 38 in FIG. 19).
7b) and display screen information (for example, screen-function correspondence TBL 386 in FIG. 18), the processing history information includes operation input history information (for example, operation history 164 in FIG. 16) and display screen history information (for example, FIG. 16 screen histories 165), the guessing unit guesses the desired operation procedure based on the correspondence between the operation input history information and the operation input procedure information and the correspondence between the display screen history information and the display screen information. It is characterized by doing.

According to the invention of claim 3, claim 2
While exhibiting the same effect as the invention described in the above, by comparing the display screen history information and the display screen information of the operation procedure information, the function used by the user is specified, and the operation input history information and the operation procedure information are identified. By comparing with the operation input procedure information, the processing stage in the specified function is specified. That is, the function is specified by utilizing the fact that the display screen has characteristics peculiar to the function (for example, a graph display unit is provided, a spreadsheet data input field is provided, etc.), and operation input is performed. To identify the processing stage. Therefore, the desired operation procedure can be more appropriately estimated.

[0015]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [First Embodiment] FIG.
~ With reference to FIG. 11, a first embodiment to which the present invention is applied will be described. In the present embodiment, a product-related information providing device (hereinafter, referred to as a device for displaying instructional information of the scientific calculator).
The "manual display device" will be described as an example. Note that the instruction manual information is information described in a so-called manual or instruction manual, for example, sentences and drawings regarding operation methods and how to read the display, various data, addresses and telephone numbers of manufacturer service bases, Q & A. , Notes, etc. are included as appropriate.

[Description of Configuration] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration according to the first embodiment. As shown in the figure,
In the present embodiment, the scientific calculator 100 and the instruction manual display device 2 are used.
00 and the server 300 are included. The scientific calculator 100 and the instruction manual display device 200 are connected by a data cable 4, and the instruction manual display device 200 and the server 300 are connected by a communication line 6 so that data can be transmitted and received. Further, a display example 200a on the manual display device 200 is shown.

The scientific calculator 100 is a multifunctional scientific calculator having a graph display function and a data communication function. The scientific calculator 100 is connected to the instruction manual display device 200 via the data cable 4 so that data can be transmitted and received. The scientific calculator 100 may be another information terminal device having a data communication function, such as a multifunctional mobile phone, a PDA, or a notebook computer.

The data cable 4 is, for example, IEEE1.
394 (Institute of Electronic and Electronic Engi
neers 1394) cable and USB (Universal Serial Bu)
s) It is realized by a cable or the like, but may be realized by short-range wireless communication, LAN (Local Area Network), or the like.

The instruction manual display device 200 is, for example, an information terminal device such as a personal computer, a workstation, or a kiosk terminal. The instruction manual display device 200 has a data communication function, and can connect to the scientific electronic calculator 100 via the data cable 4 to send and receive data. In addition, it is possible to connect to the communication line 6 and send / receive data to / from a predetermined server 300.

The communication line 6 is a communication medium capable of transmitting / receiving data in a wired / wireless manner. For example, a LAN (Lo
cal area network), the Internet, mobile phone networks, and direct cable connections with peripheral devices.

The server 300 is a server device that provides various information to the information terminal device that is accessed through the communication line 6, and is included in, for example, the manufacturer of the scientific calculator 100. In the present embodiment, the server 300 stores and manages the instruction manual information for a plurality of types of scientific calculators, and the instruction manual display device 200 accessed through the communication line 6 corresponds to the model of the scientific calculator 100. Provide appropriate instructional information.

The user can connect the scientific electronic calculator 100 to the instruction manual display device 200, access the server 300 on the instruction manual display device 200, and obtain desired handling instruction information corresponding to the model of the scientific electronic calculator 100.

In the example of FIG. 1, the data communication form between the information terminal devices is represented by one-to-one communication, but it is not limited to this and one-to-many communication form may be used. For example, the data cable 4 may be a network terminal cable, and a plurality of scientific electronic calculators 100 may be connected to the instruction manual display device 200 via a network such as a LAN.

[Explanation of Functional Block] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration in the present embodiment.

First, the functional blocks of the scientific calculator 100 will be described. Scientific calculator 100 is a CPU (Central P
rocessing unit) 110, operation input unit 120, display unit 130, communication control unit 140, RAM (Random Unit)
AccessMemory) 150 and ROM (Read Only Memor)
y) 160, and. The respective constituent elements are connected to each other by a data bus 190 so that data can be transmitted and received between them.

The CPU 110 controls various components in an integrated manner by performing arithmetic processing according to a predetermined program or data, and controls various functions of the scientific electronic calculator 100.

The RAM 150 temporarily stores data and programs related to the arithmetic processing of the CPU 110.

The ROM 160 stores programs for implementing control of each functional block and various arithmetic processes, initial setting data, and the like. In this embodiment, the ROM 16
0 has a model identification information storage area for storing the model identification information 161.

The operation input unit 120 is means for the user to input an operation, and inputs, for example, numerical values, item selections on a selection screen, instructions for executing arithmetic processing, and the like. The operation input unit 120 is realized by, for example, a button switch, a lever, a cross key, a mouse, a tablet, or the like.

The display unit 130 is means for displaying and outputting various information such as numerical values, functional expressions, graphs and various operation screens, and is, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or E.
It is realized by a display element such as an LD (Electronic Luminescent Display) and its driver.

The communication control section 140 establishes data communication with the instruction manual display device 200 via the data cable 4, and, for example, a communication control program, control circuit and connection suitable for the standard of the data cable 4. It is realized by terminals.

Next, the structure of the functional blocks of the instruction manual display device 200 will be described. The instruction manual display device 200 includes a CPU 21.
0, an operation input unit 220, a display unit 230, a communication control unit 240, a RAM 250, a ROM 260, and a storage medium reading unit 270. These elements are connected by a data bus 290 so that data can be transmitted and received.

The CPU 210 integrally controls each component by performing arithmetic processing according to a predetermined program or data, and controls various functions as the instruction manual display device 200.

The operation input section 220 receives an operation input from the user, and is realized by, for example, a mouse, a keyboard, a pen tablet, a touch panel, or the like. The operation input is output to the CPU 210 as an operation signal.

The display unit 230 displays and outputs various information to the user. For example, a CRT (Cathode Ra
It is realized by a display device such as a y tube), an LCD, an ELD, and a driver thereof. In this embodiment, the handling instruction information provided by the server 300 is displayed on the display unit 230.

The RAM 250 temporarily stores data and programs related to the arithmetic processing of the CPU 210. In the present embodiment, a table-of-contents display information storage area for storing table-of-contents display information 251 for displaying the table-of-contents information of the instruction manual information on the display unit 230, and a result of user's selection operation by looking at the displayed table-of-contents are stored. Table of contents selection information 25
Table selection information storage area storing 2 and server 300
An instruction manual information storage area for storing the instruction manual information 253 for storing the handling instruction information acquired thereby. The model identification information 161 acquired from the scientific calculator 100 is the R
It is stored in the AM 250.

The ROM 260 stores programs and data necessary for control of the instruction manual display device 200, arithmetic processing, and transmission / reception of data to / from peripheral devices. In the present embodiment, a help program storage area is provided for storing a help program 261 that realizes a series of functions for acquiring handling instruction information from the server 300, as well as a system program and initial setting data.

The help program 261 is a scientific calculator 10.
Calculator connection program 26 that realizes data communication with 0
2, a server connection program 263 for realizing data transmission / reception with the server 300, and a table-of-contents display program 264 for hierarchically displaying and selecting the table-of-contents information of the handling instruction information acquired from the server 300. Table of contents display program 2
64 also includes graphic data necessary for hierarchical display.

The calculator connection program 262 functions, for example, as a so-called connection driver. As a result, the scientific calculator 100 is connected to the instruction manual display device 200 by the data cable 4.
When connected with, it will be automatically recognized and mounted.

The server connection program 263 is, for example,
It is realized by a known technique capable of connecting to a website on the Internet and downloading information.

Although not shown, it is assumed that the display icon when recognizing the scientific calculator 100, the graphic data necessary for displaying the table of contents, and the like are also appropriately stored in the ROM 260.

Next, the functional blocks of the server 300 will be described. The server 300 includes a CPU 310, an operation input unit 320, a display unit 330, a communication control unit 340,
RAM 350, ROM 360, and external storage device 380
Have and. These elements are connected to each other by a data bus 390 so that data can be transmitted and received.

The CPU 310 integrally controls each constituent element by performing arithmetic processing according to a predetermined program or data, and realizes various functions as the server 300.

The RAM 350 temporarily stores data and programs related to the arithmetic processing of the CPU 110. Various information received from the instruction manual display device 200 is also temporarily stored here.

The ROM 360 implements the instruction manual providing program 36 for realizing the function of transmitting and receiving the instruction manual information to and from the instruction manual display device 200 connected via the communication line 6.
An instruction manual providing program storage area for storing 1 is provided. The instruction manual providing program 361 can be realized by, for example, a known technique for managing and operating a website or an FTP site on the Internet.

The external storage device 380 stores handling instruction information, and is realized by, for example, a hard disk or a database. External storage device 380
Is a model-specific table-of-contents correspondence information storage area for storing model-specific table-of-contents correspondence information 381, a table-of-contents information storage area for storing table-of-contents information 382, a storage area for storing table-of-contents item correspondence information 383, and an instruction manual. And an instruction manual information storage area for storing the information 384.

The model-based table-of-contents correspondence information 381 is shown in FIG.
As shown in, the correspondence relationship between the model identification information 161 of the scientific calculator 100 and the table-of-contents information 382 is stored.

In the table of contents information 382, for example, as shown in FIG. 4, a table of contents item 382b corresponding to the table of contents of the instruction manual.
Are stored in a hierarchical structure together with the index item number 382n corresponding to the identification information of the index item. For example, in the example of FIG. 4, a large item representing the classification of the functions of the scientific calculator 100,
It is composed of medium items that classify more detailed functions that can be executed by the function, detailed items that belong to the medium items and that are detailed items that are operation method items. In view of the structure of the instruction manual, for example, a large item corresponds to “chapter”, a middle item corresponds to “section” included in “chapter”, and a detailed item corresponds to “section” included in “section”. In the present embodiment, the table-of-contents information 382 is provided for each model, but the models may have the same operation method and function, and may be appropriately shared.

The table-of-contents item correspondence information 383 stores the correspondence between the table-of-contents item number 382n of the table-of-contents information 382 and the handling instruction information 384, as shown in FIG. 5, for example.

The handling instruction information 384 is a file of handling instruction information provided for each detailed item of the table of contents information 382. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the information of the file number 384a, the explanation sentence 384b, and the explanation drawing 384c is stored.

[Explanation of Processing Flow] Next, with reference to FIG. 7 to FIG. 11, a processing flow in the present embodiment will be described. Here, it is assumed that the help program 261 is in the execution state in the instruction manual display device 200 and the instruction manual providing program 361 is in the execution state in the server 300, but the start timing of each program is appropriately set according to the program structure or the like. You can set it.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart for explaining the processing flow of the instruction manual display device 200 and the processing of the server 300. As shown in the figure, first, an instruction manual display device 20
When the scientific calculator 100 is connected to 0 (step S10
2), the instruction manual display device 200 is a calculator connection program 262.
Automatically recognizes and mounts scientific calculator 100 according to
The model identification information 161 is acquired from the scientific calculator 100 (step S104).

When the scientific calculator 100 is recognized and mounted, on the display unit 230 of the instruction manual display device 200, for example,
As shown in FIG. 9, the scientific calculator 100 is displayed on the desktop by the icon 10 and the model identification information display 12.

When the user selects the icon 10 of the scientific calculator 100, for example, the instruction manual display device 200 determines that a help operation has been input (step S106), and the instruction manual display device 200 connects to the communication line 6. Communication with the server 300 is established (steps S108 and S202). When the communication with the server 300 is established, the instruction manual display device 20
0 transmits a request for instruction information (hereinafter referred to as “manual instruction request signal”) and model identification information 161 to the server 300 (step S110).

When the server 300 receives the instruction request signal and the model identification information 161 (step S204),
Model identification information 16 by referring to the model-specific table of contents correspondence information 381
The table of contents information 382 corresponding to 1 is searched (step S2
06). Then, the retrieved index information 382 is transmitted to the manual display device 200 (step S208).

When the instruction manual display device 200 receives the table-of-contents information 382 (step S112), the table-of-contents information 382 is displayed.
The table of contents is displayed based on the table (step S114), and the table of contents selection process is executed (step S116).

On the display section 230, as shown in FIG. 10, for example, the table of contents display window 14 is newly displayed and the table of contents item 382b is displayed as a tree display C. In the tree display C, a table of contents item 382b corresponding to a large item is displayed at the first stage, and a table of contents item 382b corresponding to a middle item is displayed when an appropriate item is selected by the operation input unit 220. Further, when the middle-level table of contents item 382b is selected, the detailed item table of contents item 3
82b is displayed. The user has a table of contents display window 1
4, the desired index item 382b can be selected singly or plurally by selecting and clicking with a mouse or the like.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart for explaining the flow of the table of contents selection processing. When the user selects the index item 382b corresponding to the detailed item in the index display window 14 (YES in step S302), the instruction manual display device 200
Saves the index item number 382n of the designated item as the index selection information 252 (step S304).

When the user selects the index item 382b corresponding to the large item or the medium item (N in step S302)
O), the index item number 382n included in the lower hierarchy is extracted (step S308), and the extracted index item number 38 is extracted.
2n is saved as the table-of-contents selection information 252 (step S
310). Then, if the decision button 16 is selected (step S306), the table of contents selection processing is terminated, and the process shown in FIG.
Return to the flow. The instruction manual display device 200 displays the index selection information 2
52 is transmitted to the server 300 (step S118).

When the server 300 receives the table-of-contents selection information 252 (step S210), the table-of-contents item correspondence information 38 is displayed.
3, the handling instruction information 384 corresponding to the selected index item number 382n is extracted (step S21).
2). Then, the extracted instruction manual information 384 is transmitted to the instruction manual display device 200 (step S214).

The instruction manual display device 200 has the instruction manual information 38.
4 is received (step S120) and displayed on the display unit 230 (step S122). On the display unit 230, the instruction manual display window 18 is newly displayed as shown in FIG. 11, for example. In the instruction manual display window 18, the explanatory text 384b stored in the instruction manual information 384 and the explanatory diagram 38
4c is displayed. When a plurality of instruction manual information 384 is received, a scroll bar or the like is appropriately provided so that desired instruction manual information 384 can be selected and displayed in the window.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the user simply connects the scientific electronic calculator 100 to the instruction display device 200 and selects the desired model (in this case, the user owns it) from a large number of instruction manual information. It becomes possible to easily obtain the instruction manual information of the model to be used). In addition, since the necessary item is selected by referring to the table of contents information, the instruction manual information 384 is set to P.
When downloading with a DF file or the like, the minimum required download time and memory consumption are sufficient.

In the present embodiment, it goes without saying that appropriate additions and changes may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, in the instruction manual display device 200, the help program 261 is stored in the ROM 260, but it may be stored in a storage medium such as a CD-ROM and appropriately read by the storage medium reading unit 270.

Further, the scientific calculator 100 and the instruction manual display device 20
Although 0 has been described as a separate body, in the case of an information terminal device having both functions, the user is directly connected to the communication line 6 without using the instruction manual display device 200 to receive desired handling explanation information from the server 300. It may be configured to acquire.

[Second Embodiment] Next, FIG. 12 to FIG.
The second embodiment to which the present invention is applied will be described with reference to FIG. The feature of this embodiment is that the external storage device 3 of the server 300 in the first embodiment is different.
The information stored in 80 is provided to the user in the form of a storage medium such as a CD-ROM that can be read by the instruction manual display device 200, and the instruction manual display device 200 can access the storage medium without accessing the server 300. Is to read the instruction manual information as needed. The same components as those of the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[Description of Configuration] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the present embodiment. As shown in the figure,
In the present embodiment, the scientific calculator 100 and the instruction manual display device 20.
0, a data cable 4, and a CD-ROM 2. The CD-ROM 2 is a storage medium that can be read by the instruction manual display device 200, and may be another type of storage medium such as a DVD, MO, or IC memory card. A display example on the instruction manual display device 200 is shown at 200a.

[Explanation of Functional Block] FIG. 13 is a functional block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration in the present embodiment. The storage medium 280 corresponds to the CD-ROM 2.
The storage medium 280 includes a model-specific table-of-contents correspondence information storage area that stores model-specific table-of-contents correspondence information 381, a table-of-contents information storage area that stores table-of-contents information 382, and a table-of-contents item correspondence information 38.
3, a table-of-contents item correspondence information storage area for storing 3 and a handling instruction information storage area for storing handling instruction information 384. These pieces of information are read by the storage medium reading unit 270 and output to the CPU 210.

[Explanation of Processing Flow] Next, the processing flow will be described. FIG. 14 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of processing of the instruction manual display device in the present embodiment. It should be noted that, in comparison with the processing in the first embodiment, the processing that is characteristic in the present embodiment will be described as step T *** (*** is a number) using the symbol “T”.

As shown in the figure, first, an instruction manual display device 20
When the scientific calculator 100 is connected to 0 (step S10
2), the instruction manual display device 200 is a calculator connection program 262.
Automatically recognizes and mounts scientific calculator 100 according to
The model identification information 161 is acquired from the scientific calculator 100 (step S104). On the display unit 230, for example, a display as shown in FIG.

When the user selects, for example, the icon 10 of the scientific calculator 100, the instruction manual display device 200 determines that a help operation has been input (step S106), and the instruction manual display device 200 indicates the CD-ROM 2 model type. With reference to the table of contents correspondence information 381, the table of contents information 382 corresponding to the model identification information 161 is searched (step T408). The searched table of contents information 382 is displayed on the display unit 230, for example, as shown in FIG.
Is displayed (step S114).

The instruction manual display device 200 executes a table-of-contents item selection process (step S116). When the user selects one or more desired index items 382b in the index display window 14, the instruction manual display device 200 stores the index item number 382n of the selected index item 382b as the index selection information 252.

Next, the instruction manual display device 200 refers to the table-of-contents item correspondence information 383 according to the table-of-contents selection information 252, and extracts the handling explanation information 384 corresponding to the selected table-of-contents item number 382n (step T418). Then, the extracted handling explanation information 384 is displayed, for example, as shown in FIG. 11 (step S122).

As described above, by providing the user with the handling instruction information for all models of the scientific calculator 100 as the CD-ROM 2, the user can easily provide the handling instruction information of the desired model without connecting to the communication line 6. It will be possible to obtain it.

For example, a scientific calculator 1 at a school education site
In the case of using 00, even if the students use various models, it is possible to easily adapt to the model without connecting to the communication line 6 only by preparing the instruction manual display device 200 and the CD-ROM 2. It will be possible to obtain instruction information and proceed with classes smoothly.

[Third Embodiment] Next, FIGS.
A third embodiment to which the present invention is applied will be described with reference to FIG. A feature of the present embodiment is that when the scientific calculator 100 is connected to the instruction display device 200 in a state where the operation is not known, the highly probable table of contents items related to the current state are selectively displayed. . The third embodiment can be realized by the same configuration as the example shown in FIG. The same components as those in the first or second embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[Explanation of Functional Block] FIG. 15 is a functional block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration in the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, the ROM 16 of the scientific calculator 100 is used.
0 has a processing history information storage area for storing the processing history information 162 and a base screen information storage area for storing the base screen information 166. Also, the server 300
The external storage device 380 of FIG. 1 stores a screen-function corresponding TBL (table) 386 and a screen-function corresponding TBL storage area, and an operation procedure TBL storing operation procedure TBL387.
It is provided with a storage area and a detailed operation candidate TBL storage area for storing the detailed operation candidate TBL389.

The processing history information 162 of the scientific calculator 100 includes, for example, as shown in FIG. 16, time information 163 input by the user's operation, an operation history 164 for storing the types of button keys operated by the user, and a screen. A screen history 165 storing the base screen number 166n of the display base screen
And are associated and stored.

The base screen is a screen that serves as a base for menu display and graph display on the display unit 130 of the scientific electronic calculator 100. In the base screen information 166, for example, as shown in FIGS. 17-1 and 17-2, data 166 of a plurality of base screens used in the scientific calculator 100.
-N (n is an integer) is stored.

One piece of data 166-n includes a base screen number 166n and image data 166p. In the example of the base screen 166-1 for the setting screen, the setting item name 166p-1 is displayed and the setting contents 166p-2
Is a blank screen. And the setting content 1
The screen is constructed by separately displaying 66p-2 based on the result of the operation input. Further, in the case of the base screen 166-2 for displaying a graph, only the orthogonal coordinate axis A of the graph is drawn, and the graph of the designated function is drawn on the screen to form the graph display screen.

Screen of server 300-Function-compatible TBL 38
In FIG. 6, for example, as shown in FIG. 18, a base screen number 386a, a table of contents item number 386b of a table of contents that describes markings and operating methods related to the base screen, and a scientific calculator 100 that uses the base screen. Use function 386c,
Operation procedure TBL number 38 corresponding to the use function 386c
6d are stored in association with each other. Function used 386
For example, c corresponds to a major item of the table of contents information 382.

More specifically, for example, "PICT00
In the base screen of "1. Main menu", since the function to be used is not specified, the used function 386c is blank ("-" in the figure).
It is marked). It can be seen from the use function 386c that the base screen of "PICT002; COMP menu" is used by three functions of "graph function", "function calculation" and "program execution". The operation procedure TBL number 386d is associated with each of the used functions 386c. The base screen of "PICT023; orthogonal axis coordinate display" is one of the final screens of the graph function. It is understood from the use function 386c that only the "graph function" is used, and the operation procedure TBL number 386d is associated.

The operating procedure TBL387 is the scientific calculator 100.
Is provided for each function (corresponding to the used function 386c). For example, as shown in FIG. 19, the operation procedure TBL number 387n
And a table of contents items 387a of processing steps until completion of each function (in this case, “graph function”), a standard operation procedure 387b for each processing step, and a standard operation procedure 387.
Table of contents item number 387 for explaining each procedure of b
c and a detailed operation candidate TBL number 387d that stores detailed operation information that can be executed next in each processing stage are associated and stored.

The standard operation procedure 387b stores the types of operation input keys required to execute the corresponding processing steps in the order of operation. When there are a plurality of operation orders, they are stored using a logical expression description such as OR as appropriate.

The detailed operation candidate TBL389 is the operation procedure T
It is set in advance for each processing stage of BL387, and for example, detailed operation candidates for "COMP mode setting" (FIG. 20A) and detailed operation candidates for "function input" (FIG. 2).
0 (B)), and detailed operation candidates for "graph display" (Fig. 2).
0 (C)), detailed operation candidate TBL number 389
a, the detailed operation candidate table of contents item 389b, and the detailed operation candidate table of contents item number 389c are stored in association with each other.

[Explanation of Processing Flow] Next, FIGS.
4, the flow of processing in this embodiment will be described. Here, it is assumed that the help program 261 is in the execution state in the instruction manual display device 200 and the instruction manual providing program 361 is in the execution state in the server 300, but the start timing of each program is appropriately set according to the program structure or the like. You can set it. It should be noted that, as compared with the processing in the first embodiment, the processing characteristic of the present embodiment will be referred to as a step T *** (**) by using the code “T”.
* Is explained as a number).

FIG. 21 is a flow chart for explaining the processing flow of the instruction manual display device 200 and the processing of the server 300. As shown in the figure, first, when the scientific calculator 100 is connected to the instruction manual display device 200 (step S1).
02), the instruction manual display device 200 is a calculator connection program 26
According to 2, the scientific calculator 100 is automatically recognized and mounted, and the model identification information 161 and the processing history information 162 are acquired from the scientific calculator 100 (step T504). The model identification information 161 and the processing history information 162 are stored in the RAM 250.
Stored in.

FIG. 22 is an example of the screen display of the scientific calculator 100 in step S102. In the figure, the sine function B is drawn on the orthogonal coordinate axis A of the base screen 166-2 (see FIG. 17), but is not displayed correctly because the scale in the vertical direction of the screen is inappropriate (crushed up and down). State). The user does not know how to display correctly, and in this state when hesitated about the operation, the instruction manual display device 2
Connect to 00. In the following, the process flow will be described by taking this state as an example.

When the scientific calculator 100 is recognized and mounted, the display section 230 of the instruction manual display device 200 displays a screen as shown in FIG. 9, for example. When the user selects, for example, the icon 10 of the scientific calculator 100, the instruction manual display device 200 determines that a help operation has been input (step S106), the instruction manual display device 200 connects to the communication line 6, and the server 300 is operated. Establishes communication with (step S10
8, S202). When the communication with the server 300 is established, the instruction manual display device 200 transmits an instruction manual request signal, model identification information 161, and processing history information 162 to the server 300 (step T510).

When the server 300 receives the instruction request signal, the model identification information 161, and the processing history information 162 (step T604), first, the function of the scientific calculator 100 which the user wants to use and the current reach. And the processing stage of the function.

Therefore, the server 300 reads the last base screen number of the screen history 165 included in the processing history information 162, refers to the screen-function correspondence TBL 386, and specifies the currently used base screen. (Step T606). In the example of FIG. 22, the processing history information 162 is as shown in FIG. 16, for example. From the last base screen number "PICT023" of the screen history 165, it is specified that the base screen of "Cartesian display" is currently used.

Next, the server 300 retrieves the operating procedure TBL387 based on the operating procedure TBL number 386d corresponding to the specified base screen use function 386c (step T608). Then, the key type of the operation history 164 is changed to the standard operation procedure 387 of the operation procedure TBL387.
By comparing with the type of the operation input key stored in b, the processing stage reached by the scientific calculator 100 in the function to be used is specified (step T610). In the example of FIG. 22, it can be seen that the user wants to use the “graph function” and has reached the “graph display” of processing stage 5.
If a plurality of usage functions 386c are supported as shown in "PICT002; COMP menu" in FIG. 18, the operation procedure TBL387 is sequentially selected and the operation history 16 is selected.
Check with 4.

Next, the server 300 provides the instruction display device 200 with highly probable index items and handling explanation information related to the function and the processing stage.

Therefore, the server 300 sets the index item 386b of the specified base screen to the index item correspondence information 383.
The instruction manual information 384 is searched in light of, and transmitted to the instruction manual display device 200 (step T612). Next, the table of contents item 387a and the table of contents item number 387b of the specified function.
And are transmitted to the instruction manual display device 200. (Step T6
14) Further, the detailed operation candidate TBL of the specified processing stage
The detailed operation candidate TBL389 is searched based on the number 387d (step T616), and the table-of-contents item 389b and the table-of-contents item number 389c are transmitted to the instruction manual display device 200 (step T618).

The instruction manual display device 200 displays the step T61.
2, information received from the server 300 at T614 and T618 is received (step S112).
3 is displayed on the display unit 230 (step T5).
14).

FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen of the instruction manual display device 200 at step T514. An instruction manual display window 20 including an instruction manual display unit 22, a processing procedure display unit 24, and a detailed display unit 26 is displayed on the screen.

The instruction manual display section 22 displays the handling instruction information 384 transmitted in step T612 to provide the user with correct information regarding the current screen. The processing procedure display unit 24 displays the table of contents item 3 transmitted in step T614.
87a is displayed to present the order of operations required to properly use the function that the user wants to use. The detail display unit 26 displays the index item 398b of the detailed operation candidate TBL389 transmitted in step T618, and presents the user with the next operable item.

In the example shown in FIG. 22, the instruction manual display section 22 displays a "how to view the graph" for explaining the "orthogonal coordinate display" screen. The user can reconfirm the way of viewing the graph display screen and refer to the item of the processing procedure display unit 24 to remember that the range of the graph is likely to be inappropriate. Further, the graph display may be as shown in FIG. 22, and if there is a function that the user wants to use next but the operation method is unknown, the user refers to the detailed display unit 26 to display the functions available from the current state. You can know.

If any item of the processing procedure display section 24 or the detailed display section 26 is selected (step T51)
6) The instruction manual display device 200 stores the selected index item number as the index selection information 252 and transmits it to the server 300 (step S118).

When the server 300 receives the index selection information 252 (step S210), the index item correspondence information 38.
3, the handling instruction information 384 corresponding to the selected index item number 382n is extracted (step S21).
2). Then, the extracted instruction manual information 384 is transmitted to the instruction manual display device 200.

The instruction manual display device 200 displays the instruction manual information 38.
4 is received (step S120) and displayed on the display unit 230 (step S122). On the display unit 230, an instruction manual display window 28 is newly displayed as shown in FIG. 24, for example. In the example of FIG. 22, “range setting” is selected on the processing procedure display unit 24, and the instruction manual display window 28 is displayed.
Displays an explanatory text 384b of the instruction manual information 384 regarding "range setting" and an explanatory diagram 384c.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, if the user connects the scientific calculator 100 to the instruction display device 200 while he / she does not know the operation, there is a high possibility that the handling explanation information 384 related to the state is The table-of-contents item 382b is displayed on the screen, and desired instruction information can be easily obtained.

The first to third embodiments to which the present invention is applied have been described above, but the application of the present invention is not limited to these, and appropriate additions are made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Or change it.

[0103]

According to the present invention, the product-related information providing device acquires the identification information of the information terminal device from the terminal device, reads the product-related information corresponding to the identification information, and provides it to the terminal device. Therefore, the user can obtain the product-related information corresponding to the model of the information terminal device without the trouble of inputting the identification information. Alternatively, the product related information providing apparatus acquires the processing history information of the information terminal apparatus from the terminal apparatus, and infers the desired operation procedure that the user desires to operate with the information terminal apparatus from the processing history information and the operation procedure information. To do. Then, the product-related information providing device reads out the product-related information related to the desired operation based on the estimation result and provides it to the terminal device, so that the user can easily obtain the highly probable product-related information related to the desired operation. can do.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration in the first mode.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a data structure of model-based table-of-contents correspondence information.

FIG. 4 is a view for explaining the concept of the data structure of table of contents information.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a data configuration of table-of-contents item correspondence information.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a data structure of handling instruction information.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining a flow of processing of an instruction manual display device and processing of a server according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of a table of contents selection process.

FIG. 9 is a screen diagram showing an example of a display screen of the instruction manual display device in a state where the scientific calculator is recognized.

FIG. 10 is a screen diagram showing an example of a display screen of the instruction manual display device in a state where the table of contents information is displayed.

FIG. 11 is a screen diagram showing an example of a display screen of the instruction manual display device in a state where the handling instruction information is displayed.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a functional block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration in a second mode.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart for explaining the processing flow of the instruction manual display device according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a functional block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration in a third mode.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a data structure of processing history information.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of a base screen.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of a data structure of a screen-function correspondence TBL (table).

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of a data structure of an operation procedure TBL (table).

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of a data configuration of a detailed operation candidate TBL (table).

FIG. 21 is a flowchart for explaining a flow of processing of an instruction manual display device and processing of a server in the third embodiment.

FIG. 22 is a diagram showing an example of a screen display of a scientific calculator according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of a screen display of an instruction manual display device according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 24 is a diagram showing an example of a screen display of an instruction manual display device according to a third embodiment.

[Simple explanation of symbols]

2 CD-ROM 4 data cable 6 communication lines 100 scientific calculator 140 Communication control unit 160 ROM 161 model identification information 162 Processing history information 164 Operation history 165 screen history 166 Base screen information 200 Manual display 240 Communication control unit 260 ROM 261 Help Program 262 Calculator connection program 263 Server Connection Program H.264 table of contents display program 270 storage medium reader 280 storage medium 300 servers 340 Communication control unit 360 ROM 361 Manual providing program 380 External storage device 381 Table of Contents Corresponding Information by Model 382 table of contents information 383 Table of contents item correspondence information 384 Instruction Manual Information 386 screen-Function compatible TBL (table) 387 Operation procedure TBL (table) 389 Detailed operation candidate TBL (table) A Cartesian coordinate axis B sine function C-tree display

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A product-related information providing device connected to a terminal device to which an information terminal device is communicatively connected via a predetermined communication means, wherein the information terminal device has identification information and product-related information. Associated information storage means for storing the associated information, receiving means for receiving identification information of the information terminal device sent from the terminal device via the communication means, and identification information received by the receiving means. The product related information corresponding to the above is read from the related information storage unit and the read product related information is transmitted to the terminal device. 2. A product-related information providing device connected to a terminal device to which an information terminal device is communicatively connected via a predetermined communication means, wherein the operation procedure information and the product-related information of the information terminal device are provided. Associated information storage means for storing and associated with each other, receiving means for receiving processing history information of the information terminal device sent from the terminal device via the communication means, and received by the receiving device. Based on the processing history information and the operation procedure information stored in the related information storage means, the estimating means for estimating the desired operating procedure, and the product-related information related to the desired operating procedure estimated by the estimating means A product-related information providing apparatus, comprising: a transmitting unit that extracts from the product-related information stored in the information storage unit and transmits the product-related information to the terminal device. 3. The operation procedure information includes operation input procedure information and display screen information, the processing history information includes operation input history information and display screen history information, and the estimating unit includes operation input history information. The product-related information providing device according to claim 2, wherein the desired operation procedure is estimated based on a correspondence relationship between operation input procedure information and a correspondence relationship between display screen history information and display screen information. 4. The identification information of the information terminal device and the product-related information are stored in association with each other in a computer connected via a predetermined communication means to a terminal device to which the information terminal device is communicatively connected. Related information storage function, a reception function for receiving the identification information of the information terminal device sent from the terminal device via the communication means, and a product relation corresponding to the identification information received by the reception function. And a transmission function for reading information from the related information storage function and transmitting the read product related information to the terminal device. 5. A terminal device to which an information terminal device is communicatively connected, and a computer connected via a predetermined communication means, stores operation procedure information of the information terminal device and product-related information in association with each other. Related information storage function, a reception function of receiving processing history information of the information terminal device sent from the terminal device via the communication means, and processing history information received by the reception function, and A guess function for guessing a desired operation procedure based on the operation procedure information stored in the related information storage function, and product related information related to the desired operation procedure estimated by the prediction function is stored in the related information storage function. And a transmission function of extracting the product-related information from the product-related information and transmitting the extracted product-related information to the terminal device.