JP2006059372A - Server - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To handle a plurality of information pieces associated with one another by connecting them as a single information group. <P>SOLUTION: This server for delivering, to a user terminal, an information content provided from an information provider as an element information group formed by connecting one or more element information pieces with one another is provided with: a means for adding reference information of a relevant image to the element information pieces; a means for forming a hierarchical structure formed by interposing the image between the element information pieces; a means for receiving access to a first image related to a first element information piece; a means for retrieving the first element information piece and a second element information piece for forming the hierarchical structure through the first image; and a means for arranging the second element information piece in the first image to deliver it to the user terminal. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an information providing technique.

  With the development of information communication technology, various information can be obtained through networks such as the Internet. On the other hand, an information provider who wants to send information, for example, an advertiser of a product or service, can easily send his / her advertising information.

In addition to characters, such information includes images, moving images, and in some cases sounds, and effectively expresses the intention of the caller. Therefore, the viewer can select various information through visual and auditory senses and collect necessary information.

Such information is often expressed as a web page by HTML (HyperText Markup Language). A web page can be freely linked to another web page by a URL (Uniform Resource Locator). Therefore, the web page has an advantage that related information can be flexibly combined. However, on the other hand, on a web page, consideration is not sufficient when it is desired to handle highly relevant information as a group.

In particular, the increase in network communication capacity is not sufficient for the increase in data capacity required to express such information. Therefore, when the viewer obtains information, inconvenience arises due to the imbalance between the data capacity and the communication capacity.

For example, when searching for information on a store or products handled by the store on the Internet, it is necessary to first access the top page of the store and display the entire top page.

In that case, in downloading the web page, the viewer must wait for the download of the HTML file describing the entire top page (one page) to be completed before proceeding to the next step. When the top page is displayed, the viewer follows the link displayed on the page and moves to the next page. Again, the viewer must wait for the entire page to be displayed before following the next link.

In some cases, a web page including a large amount of content such as an image needs time that cannot be used. Furthermore, the communication cost for such display is increased. Further, a terminal with a small memory capacity may not be able to display such a web page itself.

Also, such a web page is generally created assuming display on a personal computer having a display device using VGA (Video Graphics Array). For this reason, it is difficult to display a general web page on a terminal having only a small screen display device such as an in-vehicle device for car navigation, a PDA (Personal Digital (Data) Assistants), a mobile phone, or a PHS (Personal Handyphone System). It is.

For such a countermeasure, for example, for a web page including a large-capacity image or the like, only the URL is described in an electronic mail and distributed to an information user.

In addition to the above-described web pages, for example, directories and folders are known as methods for expressing information for handling relevant information. A directory or folder is a mechanism for storing related information in a branch (or leaf) portion of a tree structure.

However, a directory or folder does not have a function for further identifying information included in one branch or less. For example, when information included in one branch or less is to be extracted, all information below the branch is captured regardless of the intention of the operating user.

In addition, in a directory or folder, when information included in one or less branches is extracted, no consideration is given to the function of maintaining the relevance to a tree above that branch. For example, when information included in one branch is copied to another area, the hierarchical relationship with the upper information associated before copying disappears.

The present invention has been made in view of such problems of the conventional technology. That is, an object of the present invention is to provide a technology for handling a plurality of pieces of information related to each other as a group of information.

The present invention employs the following means in order to solve the above problems. That is, the present invention is a server for distributing information content provided by an information provider to a user terminal, the means for accepting access to the information content from the user terminal, and the accessed information content as general information. And means for separating the mobile information, and mobile information providing means for downloading the mobile information to the accessed user terminal.

Here, portable information refers to information downloaded to a user terminal, stored in the user terminal, and carried by the user together with the user terminal. The general information is information that is held on the server and is not stored in the user terminal. According to the present invention, information content can be freely separated into portable information and general information.

Preferably, the server may further include means for causing the information provider to set the information content to be provided.

Preferably, the server may include a related information combining unit that combines a plurality of pieces of portable information based on geographical position information and accumulates the pieces of portable information in a user terminal as a portable information group.

Preferably, the mobile information group includes parent information having geographical location information and a plurality of pieces of child information related to the geographical location, and the mobile information providing unit is configured to download the parent information when the child information is downloaded. The information may be linked and downloaded to the user terminal.

According to the present invention, when the user downloads the child information, the parent information having the geographical position information associated with the child information is also downloaded. Therefore, a plurality of pieces of geographically related information can be associated and provided to the user.

Preferably, the server may further include means for causing the terminal to display user setting means for converting the general information into portable information.

Preferably, the mobile information includes a keyword, and the server may further include an information search unit that searches the mobile information based on the keyword.

The present invention also provides a server for distributing information content provided by an information provider to a user terminal as an element information group in which one or more element information is combined, and the related image reference information is used as the element information. Means for adding, means for forming a hierarchical structure via the image between the element information, means for receiving access from a user terminal to the first image related to the first element information, and the first image Means for retrieving the second element information forming a hierarchical structure with the first element information via the first means, and means for arranging the second element information in the first image and distributing it to the user terminal It may be provided.

According to the present invention, the first element information is added with reference information to the first image, and the first element information and the second element information form a hierarchical structure via the first image. To do. When the first image is accessed, the server retrieves the second element information that forms a hierarchical structure with the first element information, and can arrange the first element information in the first image and provide it to the user.

Preferably, the server includes means for adding geographical position information to the highest element information of the hierarchical structure, means for receiving input of information relating to the geographical position from a user terminal, and a map including the geographical position Means for retrieving element information located in the range of information, and means for arranging the retrieved element information in the map information and distributing it to the user terminal may be provided.

According to the present invention, it is possible to search for map information upon receiving input of geographical location information, search for element information located in the range of the map information, and provide it to the user.

The present invention also provides a server that delivers information content provided by an information provider to a user terminal as an element information group in which one or more element information is combined, and includes reference information for a plurality of related images as described above. A means for adding information, a means for selecting an image to be accessed from a user terminal among the plurality of images, a means for adding such selection information to the element information, and a hierarchical structure via the images between the element information And means for presenting the reference information in accordance with the hierarchical structure may be provided.

According to the present invention, since the element information group is distributed to the user terminal, when selecting an image to be accessed on the user terminal, the selection information for selecting the image is displayed in accordance with the hierarchical structure between the element information. The Therefore, even when element information is referenced across multiple hierarchies via an image, only selection information can be traced across multiple hierarchies without referring to the image.

Further, the present invention may be a method for causing a computer to execute any one of the processes described above. Further, the present invention may be a program that causes a computer to realize any of the functions described above. The present invention may also be a computer-readable recording medium that records such a program.

Here, the computer-readable recording medium refers to a recording medium that accumulates information such as data and programs by electrical, magnetic, optical, mechanical, or chemical action and can be read from the computer. . Examples of such recording media that can be removed from the computer include a floppy (registered trademark) disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, a CD-R / W, a DVD, a DAT, an 8 mm tape, and a memory card. .

Further, there are a hard disk, a ROM (read only memory), and the like as a recording medium fixed to the computer.

As described above, according to the present invention, a plurality of pieces of related information can be combined and handled as a group of information.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

<< First Embodiment >> An information system according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram of the entire information system according to the first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is an overlay image diagram of map data and information capsules, and FIG. 3 is an image diagram of store capsules. 4 is an image diagram of an image link composed of a plurality of information capsules, FIG. 5 is a data structure diagram of an icon information database, FIG. 6 is a data structure diagram of an attribute information database, and FIG. Is a data structure diagram of a menu / link information database, FIG. 8 is a data structure diagram of a position information database, FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a processing flow of map data acquisition processing, and FIG. FIG. 11 is a diagram (1) showing a processing flow of an information capsule having no link, and FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a processing flow of an information capsule having an image link ( FIG. 12 is a diagram (2) showing a processing flow of an information capsule having no image link, and FIG. 13 is a diagram (2) showing a processing flow of an information capsule having an image link. 14 is a flowchart showing an information capsule download process in the server 1, and FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an information capsule edit process.

<System Configuration> FIG. 1 shows a system configuration diagram of the information system. This system includes a server 1 operated by a service provider such as a cable TV company or a business planning company, a map information server 3 operated by an information provider that provides map information and content information, a cable TV network, the Internet, etc. It comprises an information user terminal 2 that accesses the server 1 from the network.

Here, the network means, for example, the Internet, a cable TV network, a wired, wireless, or an optical communication network.

The server 1 executes various information processing programs and provides various services to users (including both information providers and information users) through the Internet, cable television networks, and the like. The server 1 is classified as a WWW (World Wide Web) server, an application server, or a database server depending on the functions provided. In the present embodiment, such various servers are collectively referred to as a server 1.

One server 1 may provide such a function, or a different server 1 may be provided for each function. The server 1 is a general computer having a CPU, a memory, a hard disk, a communication interface, and the like. Since such components and functions are widely known, description thereof will be omitted.

In this information system, the server 1 provides information users with information called information capsules (corresponding to element information). The server 1 which is a database server includes an information capsule database 11 for storing such information capsules, an information capsule owner database for recording the owner of each information capsule, and a subscriber information database for recording users of services such as cable television. (In FIG. 1, for example, a CATV subscriber DB which is a cable TV network subscriber database is shown), a private database 16 which is a private storage area for each subscriber, and images of facilities and stores corresponding to information capsules There are various databases such as an image database 20 for storing image data. However, these databases may be managed by a single server 1 or may be managed in a distributed manner by a plurality of servers 1.

The map information server 3 has a map information database 10 and provides map information of a point requested by a request from the server 1. The map information is, for example, raster data developed in a rectangular area, and is identified by the latitude and longitude of the diagonal position. As an information system using such map information, GIS (Geographical Information System) is widely known. The components of the map information server 3 are the same as those of the server 1.

The terminal 2 used by the information user includes a CPU, a memory, a hard disk, a display device, an operation unit (a keyboard, a pointing device, a remote controller, etc.), a communication unit, and the like.

This terminal 2 is a device having a communication function through any of the above networks and capable of digital data processing by a CPU or the like. For example, a personal computer, a PDA (Personal Digital (Data) Assistants), a car navigation system (on-vehicle) Equipment), cable television and satellite broadcasting receivers (set-top boxes), digital television receivers, things called information appliances, mobile phones, PHS (Personal Handyphone System), and the like.

An information user uses such a terminal 2 to access the server 1 via the network and requests download of a desired information capsule.

The server 1 edits the information capsule requested from the terminal 2 and downloads it to the terminal 2. The downloaded information capsule is displayed on the display device of the terminal 2.

The information capsule of this embodiment has a link to another related information capsule. Therefore, the information user can follow a link to a related information capsule based on the displayed information capsule.

<Concept of Information Capsule> FIG. 2 shows an image in which information capsules are superimposed on map data. The appearance of the information capsule includes an icon displayed on the background image and a menu (typically a pull-down menu or a pop-up menu) displayed near the icon.

The information capsule has position information in the background image and information for displaying a menu. In FIG. 2, a map is used as background image data. An information capsule icon (for example, XX hotel icon 30) located in the map range is displayed.

When the information user uses an operation unit (not shown) and moves the cursor on the screen to this icon, the information capsule is specified by the icon. Then, a menu provided in the information capsule is displayed. In this way, the operation of placing the cursor on an object such as an icon or menu is called “focus” or “focus”. Further, when an information user focuses on an item on the menu, a lower menu attached to the item is displayed.

In addition, the information system provides filtering means called search procedure information along with the display of information capsules. As shown in FIG. 2, information capsule classification items and check boxes are displayed in the search procedure information area for displaying search procedure information. This classification item is referred to as search procedure information.

This search procedure information is, for example, information for designating the name of a facility such as a bus stop, a building, a condominium, a hotel, a bank, or a point or area such as a chome, a street address, or a road name. The information system selects information capsules belonging to the classification designated by such search procedure information information and displays them to the information user.

FIG. 3 shows an image of a store capsule that is an example of an information capsule. As shown in FIG. 3, the information capsule has icon information, attribute information, menu information, link information, and position information.

The icon information is information constituting a mark (icon 30 in FIG. 3) for displaying the information capsule on the screen. The icon information is composed of images, characters, character strings, and the like. In this embodiment, this icon information is described in the SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics) format, and can also express an animation.

The attribute information includes, for example, information capsule type, expiration date, and link information with other information capsules.

The menu information is data for displaying a menu of the information capsule (the menu information corresponds to selection information). The link information is stored inside the menu information, and jump destination information when the menu is selected is set (link information corresponds to reference information).

In this information system, the jump destination is a program for executing processing called image linking or a normal web page. In the image link, the server 1 searches for an image specified by the parameter of image No. and other information capsules arranged in the image, and displays them on the terminal 2 of the information user. This image link is realized by, for example, CGI (Common Gateway Interface) or JSP (Java (registered trademark) Server Pages).

For example, according to JSP, a script that executes an image link in Java language is embedded in an XML file that describes a web page, and the script is executed and specified in response to a request from the client (menu selection). Search for the selected image and selection of information capsules arranged on the image.

Further, when the jump destination is a normal web page, the web page is displayed on the terminal 2. The menu information and the link information are also collectively referred to as menu / link information.

The position information defines the position of the information capsule in the background image. For example, if the background image is a map, the position information stores the latitude and longitude included in the map. When the background image is other than a map, for example, an image such as a building layout, the position information stores an image number for identifying the image and coordinates indicating the position in the image.

As described above, the information capsule is formed by a map (background image), an icon, an attribute, menu link information, and a position, and is handled separately from a general web page.

FIG. 4 shows an image link image composed of a plurality of information capsules. In the map 90 at the upper left of FIG. 4, station building capsules indicated by the character string “station building” are displayed. This station building is composed of, for example, A building and B building. Accordingly, the station building capsule has menu selection items (station building cross section, building A, and building B) corresponding to the structure of the station building. When the information user focuses on the station building icon on the map, the station building capsule menu is displayed.

Now, when the information user selects a station building sectional view from the menu of the station building capsule, the information user's terminal 2 has a sectional view 91 of the station building and an information capsule (for example, A building) included in the sectional view. 1st floor capsule to A building 9th floor capsule, B building 1st floor capsule to B building 9th floor capsule, etc.) are displayed. As described above, a data structure for searching for information capsules arranged in a map, a building, and an image of a part of the building through the image is called an image link.

In this case, an icon of an information capsule corresponding to the A building (for example, the A building capsule) corresponding to the building A may be arranged in the cross section of the station building. The A building icon has menu selection items (for example, a cross section of the A building and each floor of the A building) corresponding to the structure of the A building. Similarly, an information capsule (which is referred to as, for example, a B building capsule) icon (which is referred to as, for example, a B building icon) corresponding to the B building may be disposed in the cross section of the station building. The B building icon has menu selection items (for example, a sectional view of the B building and each floor of the B building) corresponding to the structure of the B building.

In addition, when the information user selects, for example, building B in the station building menu, a cross-sectional view of building B 92 and an information capsule included in the cross-sectional view of building B (e.g., building B 1st floor capsule to building B) 9th floor capsule etc.) is displayed.

When an information user focuses on the 7th floor capsule of the station building B building (indicated by the 7th floor icon in FIG. 4), the menu (B building 7th floor floor diagram, area 1 (store 1) to Area 8 (store 8) etc.) is displayed.

When the information user selects, for example, the 7th floor floor map of building B from these menus, the floor map of the 7th floor is displayed, and the information capsules (for example, area 1 to area 8) included in the floor map are displayed. The Each area has a store. Accordingly, the 7th floor capsule of the station building B building is linked to a store capsule corresponding to each area, for example, an information capsule of a beauty salon.

When the information user selects area 5 from the menu of the B building 7th floor capsule, the floor plan of area 5 and the information capsule of the beauty salon operating in area 5 are displayed. Note that a link from the menu may be set so that a web page is displayed instead of displaying an image and an information capsule by selecting the menu.

Furthermore, an information capsule that holds information for each product in the store may be linked to the information capsule of the store. The manufacturer's information capsule may be linked to the product information capsule. As a result, manufacturers can use information capsules as a means of monitoring consumer responses to goods and the manufacturers themselves.

Such an image link or a link to a web page forms a hierarchical structure of geographical location, building, floor, area, and store. This hierarchical structure is called a semantic network.

In this information system, the process of following this image link and searching for a lower information capsule is configured by CGI or JSP, for example. Further, the process of following the link of the lower information capsule or web page from the menu is the same as the process of a normal web server by HTTP.

<Data Structure> As described with reference to FIG. 3, the information capsule is composed of icon information, attribute information, menu link information, and position information. These pieces of information are stored in the icon information database 12, the attribute information database 13, the menu / link information database 14 and the position information database 15 of the server 1, respectively. These databases are collectively referred to as an information capsule database 11. The structure of these databases is shown below.

FIG. 5 is a data structure diagram of the icon information database 12. The icon information database 12 is a database that manages image information that is icon shapes. The icon visually determines the contents of the information capsule. The icon information database 12 includes a column of information capsule IDs and one or more icon file names.

The information capsule ID is information for uniquely identifying the information capsule. The information capsule ID includes, for example, a business code that provides a business such as CATV or ASP, a subscriber code to the business, and a serial number.

The icon file name is a file name of a file that stores an icon image. However, the icon image may include a character string. The record of the icon information database 12 holds one or more icon file names corresponding to icon types. For example, the first icon file name is for standard icons, the second icon file name is for small icons, the third icon file name is for medium icons, and the like.

Here, the icon type is a type of icon included in one information capsule. For example, a standard icon, a small icon, a medium icon, a large icon, a banner type, a list format, and the like are prepared.

FIG. 6 shows a data structure diagram of the attribute information database 13. The attribute information database 13 is a database that defines various attributes of the information capsule. The table shown in FIG. 6R> 6 corresponds to one record of the attribute information database 13. This record has fields of an information capsule ID, an information capsule name, an attribute, an expiration date, and capsule link information.

The information capsule ID is the same as that described in the icon information database 12. In the information capsule name, the name of this information capsule is defined. As this information capsule name, a different name is prepared for each of a plurality of Internet access devices used by an information user. For example, the name length is defined according to the resource of each information device, such as “Station Bilding for PC” for personal computers and “Station building” for mobile phones or PHS. Which information device corresponds to each name is managed by the storage position. For example, the first name is for a personal computer and the second name is for a mobile phone.

An attribute is a code that defines the type of each information capsule. As the attribute, the type of building or store corresponding to the information capsule is set. The attribute code is defined by the system, for example, 1: individual practitioner, 2: hospital, 3: restaurant, 4: convenience store.

The expiration date is the expiration date of the information capsule. As the expiration date, it has an effective start date and an effective end date. After the information capsule is created, the information capsule can be accessed on the server 1 between the effective start date and the effective end date.

However, in this information system, the setting of the expiration date may be omitted. An information capsule for which an expiration date is not set is valid on the server 1 indefinitely unless explicitly deleted.

The capsule link information is an information capsule ID of an information capsule one level higher than each information capsule. The capsule link information defines a hierarchical relationship with the upper information capsule for the capsule.

FIG. 7 shows a data structure diagram of the menu / link information database 14. The menu / link information database 14 defines menus belonging to each information capsule and link destinations linked from the menus. In the information capsule, similarly to a general pull-down menu or pop-up menu, a menu having a plurality of layers (for example, a maximum of three layers) can be defined.

The menu / link information database 14 includes an information capsule ID, menu hierarchy information, first hierarchy information, second hierarchy information, and third hierarchy information. The menu hierarchy information is the number of menu hierarchies.

In the first layer information, menu items in the first layer are defined. The first hierarchy information includes the number of menus, menu text, link information by menu text, and pointers to second hierarchy information. The number of menus is the number of menu items.

The menu text is a character string that displays each menu item. In this embodiment, the menu text prepares a different name for each of a plurality of Internet access devices used by the information user. This is the same as the icon file name of the icon information database and the information capsule name of the attribute information database. Then, for each menu text for each application, link information indicating the link destination is held as link information for each menu text.

Two types of information are selectively stored in the menu text link information. The first type of information is a URL indicating a web page that is a link destination. The second type of information is a URL to an application program that executes an image link and a parameter delivered to the application program.

Processing when a URL to a web page is selected from the menu is the same as processing (HTTP, HyperText Transfer Protocol) executed between a normal browser and a web server.

When an image link is selected from the menu, information (image No) for specifying an image used for the image link is delivered to the application program. The application program searches for an image file based on the delivered image No, and further searches for information capsules included in the image. Then, the application program superimposes and edits the information capsule included in the image, and sends it back to the terminal 2.

The pointer to the second hierarchy information designates the address of the second hierarchy information defining the menu of the second hierarchy belonging to the lower level for each menu item defined by the first hierarchy information.

Next to the first layer information, second layer information is defined. The second hierarchy information is linked by a pointer from each menu item of the first hierarchy information to the second hierarchy information. Further, third layer information is defined for the second layer information.

FIG. 8 shows a data structure diagram of the position information database 15. The position information database 15 defines the position of the information capsule with respect to the background image. The table shown in FIG. 8 corresponds to one record in the position information database 15. This record is an information capsule I
Each field includes D, position type, and position information.

The information capsule ID is the same as that of the icon information database 12. In the position type, the type of information for specifying the position is recorded. For example, when the position type is 1, the map is specified, when the position type is 2, the image is specified, when the position type is 3, it is not specified, and so forth.

The position information includes information indicating latitude and longitude when the position type is a map. When the position type is an image, the position information specifies an image No for designating a background image and a position in the background image by the number of relative dots.

The image No. is information serving as a key for searching for an image in the image database 20. In the coordinate system, for example, the upper left of the background image is the origin, the X axis is the right direction, and the Y axis is the lower direction.

When the position type is none, the position information is blank.

<Operation> Hereinafter, processing realized by an application program executed by the CPU of the server 1 and a browser (hereinafter simply referred to as a browser) on the terminal 2 of the information user will be described. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a processing flow of map data acquisition processing.

In this process, first, the information user inputs information such as the address, postal code, and station name of the area where the information user wants to obtain information and a search condition for specifying the information on the input screen of the website displayed on the terminal 2. (S1). Here, the search condition is, for example, the type of service or product. The browser of the terminal 2 transmits the input information to the server 1.

The server 1 searches the map database 10 for map data based on the transmitted information such as address, postal code, or station name, and obtains the search result (S2). This map data is composed of an image in a bitmap format, a map data size indicating the vertical and horizontal distances of the image, and latitude / longitude information of two diagonal positions (for example, upper left point and lower right point).

Next, the server 1 searches the information capsule database 11 for information capsules that are included in the map and meet the search conditions, based on the latitude and longitude information of the two diagonal positions (S3). That is, the server 1 searches the position information database 8 to obtain an information capsule whose latitude and longitude are included in the map range.

Next, the server 1 superimposes and edits the map data and the retrieved information capsule, and transmits it to the terminal 2 (client) (S4). The edited data is described in, for example, XML (eXtensible Markup Language). The terminal 2 displays the information capsule on the received map (S5).

FIG. 10 and FIG. 12 are diagrams showing a processing flow of an information capsule having no image link. 11 and 13 are diagrams showing a processing flow of an information capsule having an image link. Hereinafter, processing for the information capsule displayed on the terminal 2 as a result of the operation shown in FIG. 9 will be described.

In this process, for example, the information user operates the operation unit of the terminal 2 to focus the cursor on the information capsule on the map (S6). For example, the information user focuses on the information capsule of the station building.

Then, the browser determines whether there is an image link in the focused information capsule (S7). When there is no image link, the browser displays a pop-up menu in accordance with the information capsule definition information (S8).

As shown in FIG. 11, when there is an image link in the focused information capsule (S11), the browser requests a link image from the server 1 (S12). Here, requesting a link image means requesting a background image and lower information capsules arranged in the image. In response to this request, the image number of the background image is transmitted to the application program of the server 1.

Then, the server 1 starts a designated application program (JSP, CGI, etc.) and delivers the image number as a parameter. The application program on the server 1 searches the image database 20 for a background image (for example, a sectional view of a station building) of the requested information capsule (S13). The image database 20 is a database for managing background images for information capsules, and holds image data using an image No as a key.

Next, the server 1 searches the information capsule database 11 for information capsules included in the requested background image (cross-sectional view of the station building) (S14). That is, the server 1 searches the position information database 15 for information capsules having the image No as the background image.

Then, the server 1 superimposes and edits the image data of the background image and the retrieved information capsule, and transmits it to the terminal 2 (client). Thereby, the terminal 2 displays the information capsule superimposed on the background image.

12 and 13 show the processing of the information system when the information user follows the image link. These processes are the same as the processes in FIGS. 10 and 11 except that the background image is not a map but a normal image file.

That is, the information user operates the operation unit of the terminal 2 to focus the cursor on the information capsule in the background image (S6). For example, the information user focuses on the information capsule on the 7th floor of Building B in the sectional view of the station building.

Then, the browser determines whether there is an image link in the focused information capsule (S7). When there is no image link, the browser displays a pop-up menu in accordance with the information capsule definition information (S8).

As shown in FIG. 13, when there is an image link in the focused information capsule (S11), the browser requests the link image from the server 1 (S12). In response to this request, the image number of the background image is transmitted to the application program of the server 1.

Then, the server 1 starts a designated application program (JSP, CGI, etc.) and delivers the image number as a parameter. The application program on the server 1 searches the image database 20 for a background image of the requested information capsule (for example, a floor diagram of the 7th floor of the station building) (S13).

Next, the server 1 searches the information capsule database 11 for information capsules included in the requested background image (floor diagram on the seventh floor of the station building) (S14). Then, the server 1 superimposes and edits the image data of the background image and the retrieved information capsule, and transmits it to the terminal 2 (client). Thereby, the terminal 2 displays the information capsule superimposed on the background image.

FIG. 14 shows information capsule download processing in the server 1. In this process, first, the server 1 receives an information display data creation request (including information indicating a point and a search condition) from the terminal 2 (client) (S21).

Then, the server 1 acquires map data from the map information database 10 of the map information server 3 connected via the Internet (S21).

Next, the server 1 searches the position information database 15 for information capsules (information capsules are also referred to as icon information) corresponding to the ranges from the range information (longitude and latitude ranges) of the map data (S22).

Next, the server 1 extracts (filters) the corresponding information capsule from the search conditions designated by the terminal 2, for example, the type of information capsule, the expiration date, etc. (S23).

Next, the server 1 generates information capsule data from the menu link information (S24). Further, SVG data of the information capsule is extracted from the icon information database (S25).

Next, the server 1 superimposes the information capsule on the map information. Then, the superimposed map information and information capsule are transmitted to the terminal 2 (client) (S27).

FIG. 15 shows information capsule editing processing. This process supports creation of an information capsule by an information provider who wants to transmit information using an information capsule, for example, an advertiser of a product or a creator who creates an advertisement. This process is realized as a program of the application server or as a program executed locally on the terminal 2. Such a program is hereinafter referred to as an editing program (the editing program is also referred to as an authoring tool).

In this process, first, the editing program generates an information capsule ID (S30). Next, the editing program causes the information provider to specify whether or not the information capsule is the top capsule. Then, the editing program determines the designation result (S31).

If the information capsule is the highest capsule, the editing program proceeds to S33. On the other hand, when the information capsule is not the highest-order capsule, the editing program registers the higher-order information capsule ID in the capsule link information (see FIG. 6R> 6) (S32).

Next, the editing program causes the information provider to register the information capsule icon (S33). Further, the editing program causes the information provider to register the name of the information capsule (S34). Also, the editing program causes the information provider to register the information capsule attribute (S35). Further, the editing program causes the information provider to register the expiration date of the information capsule (S36).

Further, the editing program causes the information provider to register the number of menu layers of the information capsule (S37). Then, the editing program causes the information provider to register the information capsule menu and the corresponding link destination for the number of menu layers (S38).

Next, the editing program determines whether or not the background image is a map (S40). The background image is a map when the information capsule is the highest information capsule (see the determination in S31). When the background image is a map, the editing program waits for the information provider to input a search condition for map data (S41).

When the information provider inputs map data search conditions, the server 1 requests the map information server 2 to acquire map data (S42). Then, the server 1 acquires the map data (S43). Then, the editing program displays the map data on the screen.

Next, the editing program prompts the information provider to input the map data position (S44). The map data position refers to the position where the information capsule is placed on the map. When the information provider inputs the map data position, the editing program registers the map data position in the position information database 15 (S45).

On the other hand, if it is determined in S40 that the background image is not a map, the editing program waits for the information provider to input an image search condition (S46). Then, the editing program acquires the image from the image database 20 (S47). Further, the editing program displays the image on the screen.

Next, the editing program prompts the information provider to input the image data position (S48). The image data position is a position where the information capsule is arranged on the background image. When the information provider inputs the image data position, the server 1 registers the image data position in the position information database 15 (S49). Thereafter, the editing program ends the process.

<Effect of Embodiment> As described above, according to this information system, an advertiser can define an object that he / she wants to advertise, such as a store or a product, as an information capsule, and can easily transmit information. In that case, by specifying the image No. of the image to be image-linked and the position in the image in the created information capsule, it can be incorporated into the menu link information of the upper information capsule via the image link.

For example, for a store located in the area 5 on the 7th floor of the station building B building, if the image number of the station building B building 7th floor and the display position of the icon in the image are designated in the position information database 15, the station building A capsule can be incorporated into a link of capsule => B building 7th floor capsule => area 5.

<Modification> In the above embodiment, a map of an area is specified based on geographical information such as an address, a postal code, and a station, and an information capsule included in the map is downloaded. However, the implementation of the present invention is not limited to such a procedure. A keyword search may be performed based on the terms of the information capsule, for example, the information capsule name and attributes (see FIG. 6). That is, an information capsule including a specific term in the information capsule name or attribute may be searched and downloaded to the terminal 2.

Second Embodiment Hereinafter, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing the relationship between information capsules according to the present embodiment, FIG. 1717 is a diagram showing the relationship between information capsules and menus, and FIG. 18 shows menu items for information capsules linked to multiple layers. 19 to FIG. 21 are flowcharts of processing for displaying menu items for information capsules linked to a plurality of layers.

In the first embodiment, the process of downloading the information capsule registered on the server 1 to the information user terminal 2 and displaying it and the process of editing the information capsule have been described.

In the present embodiment, when one information capsule is downloaded with respect to information capsules forming a plurality of layers, menu link information is collectively downloaded from the information capsule linked to the lower level of the information capsule, and a plurality of information capsules are downloaded at the terminal 2. An information system for displaying a menu of information capsules across the hierarchy will be described. Other configurations and operations of the information system are the same as those of the first embodiment. Therefore, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted. Moreover, the drawings of FIGS. 1 to 15 are referred to as necessary.

<Concept of Information System in Second Embodiment> FIG. 16 is a related diagram of information capsules according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 16, the information capsule is represented by an image diagram of screens 200 to 203. In the first embodiment, the procedure of sequentially tracing the image link to the target information (information capsule or web page) is shown. In this procedure, for example, the map of the screen 200 is downloaded, the sectional view of the station building B is downloaded, the information capsule of the building B 7th floor is selected, and the floor map of the building B 7th floor of the screen 202 is downloaded. Finally, the information capsule of the target store was downloaded.

In this embodiment, an information system for downloading a store information capsule directly from a map information page near a station will be described. As such a method, in a conventional browser, for example, a store web page is registered in a bookmark, and a procedure for selecting from a bookmark list is adopted.

However, in the bookmark, first, it is necessary to access the web page of the store once in advance, and further, the map of the vicinity of the station => station building B building => 7th floor => information such as store There are problems such as inability to maintain the connection.

In this information system, when an information user downloads a map page around a station, menus and links are arranged in multiple layers from a plurality of information capsules linked to the map and information capsules further linked to the information capsules. Provides the ability to navigate and go directly to the desired information capsule or web page.

FIG. 17 shows the relationship between information capsules and menus. As described in the first embodiment, each information capsule has menu link information. For example, a station building information capsule (indicated by a station building icon) displayed on the screen 200 has a cross-sectional view of the station building and a menu 101 of A building and B building. An information capsule (indicated by a B building icon) called station building B building shown on the screen 201 has a sectional view of B building and a menu 102 from 1F to 9F. Further, an information capsule (indicated by a 7th floor icon) called station building B building 7th floor shown on the screen 202 has a 7th floor map and a menu 103 from area 1 to area 8. And the area 5 is linked with the information capsule of the store called the floor plan of the area 5, and the beauty salon, for example.

FIG. 18 shows a concept of processing for displaying menu items for information capsules linked to a plurality of layers. For example, when the information user focuses on the information capsule of the station building on the screen 200, the station building capsule menu 101 (with selection items of station building cross section, building A and building B) is displayed.

Then, for example, when the information user focuses on the selection item of the building B, the menu 102 of the station building B building capsule (with selection items from 1F to 9F) is displayed without downloading the image of the station building B building. The

Further, when the information user focuses on the selection items on the 7th floor of the B building, the menu 103 of the capsule on the 7th floor of the station building B (with selection items from the area 1 to the area 8) downloads the image of the 7th floor of the station building B. Without being displayed.

On the other hand, for example, when the information user selects a station building sectional view in the menu 101, an image No. of the station building sectional view is transmitted from the browser of the terminal 2 to the server 1, and an image link is downloaded by the station building sectional image. Required.

The server 1 receives the request and searches the image database 20 based on the received image No to obtain the designated image. Furthermore, the server 1 refers to the information capsule included in the range of the image. Then, the information capsule included in the range of the referenced image is referenced and arranged in the image. These processes are the same as those in the first embodiment.

Further, when the information user selects an item such as A building or B building in the menu 101, the processing of the terminal 2 and the server 1 is the same as described above. Also, when the information user selects items such as the menus 102 and 103, the processing of the terminal 2 and the server 1 is the same as described above.

For example, when the information user selects area 5 in menu 103 (for example, clicks with a pointing device), the floor map corresponding to area 5 and the information capsule of the store are downloaded.

In this way, the information system provides a function of directly accessing a desired information capsule by following the menu of each information capsule without repeatedly downloading an image for information capsules linked across a plurality of layers. .

In the above description, the procedure for tracing the hierarchy of the highest information capsule using the map page of the screen 200 as the background image has been described. However, such a procedure may be executed from a capsule other than the top information capsule.

For example, on the map page of the screen 200, the information user selects a station building cross-sectional view. Then, the server 1 performs the same procedure as in the first embodiment, the background image of the station building capsule (for example, a sectional view of the station building), and the information capsule (for example, the station building A building capsule and the station) included in the background image. (Bill B building capsule) and menu link information included in information capsules of a predetermined hierarchy belonging to each information capsule are searched, edited as station building A building capsule and station building B building capsule, and downloaded.

How far to download such a hierarchy may be defined as a system parameter of the server 1 or a user parameter that the server 1 holds for each information user. For example, if three layers are defined as system parameters, when each information user downloads an information capsule, a menu of information capsules for three layers below that information capsule is added to the information capsule to be downloaded. If a specific information user defines this parameter as a user parameter, the user parameter may be given priority.

Further, by selecting the 7th floor of the station building B building, the background image of the 7th floor of the station building B building, the information capsules (for example, area 1 to area 8) included in the background image, and the lower level of each information capsule The menu link information included in the information capsule of the predetermined hierarchy to which it belongs is searched, edited as information capsules in area 1 to area 8, and downloaded.

<Operation> FIGS. 19 to 21 are flowcharts of processing for displaying menu items for information capsules linked to a plurality of layers. FIG. 19 shows a procedure for searching and downloading the highest-level information capsule from information specifying an address, postal code, station, or other address. Among these procedures, the procedures from S1 to S3 are the same as the procedures from S1 to S3 in FIG.

The server 1 searches the map database 10 for map data based on the transmitted information such as address, postal code, or station name, and obtains the search result (S2).

Next, the server 1 searches the information capsule database 11 for information capsules that are included in the map and meet the search conditions, based on the latitude and longitude information of the two diagonal positions (S3). That is, the server 1 searches the position information database 8 to obtain an information capsule whose latitude and longitude are included in the map range.

Next, the server 1 determines whether or not the information capsule has link information (image link) to the image information page. If the information capsule has an image link, the information link in the predetermined hierarchy is referred to from the information capsule linked to the image link (link to one or more layers), and the menu link information Is read. Then, the read menu link information is added to the menu link information of the information capsule searched in S3, and the information capsule is edited (S3A). By this process, the menu link information is read out from the information capsule over one or more predetermined layers in the lower direction of the information capsule searched in the process of S3 (hereinafter referred to as the target capsule) and added to the target capsule. .

Next, the server 1 superimposes and edits the map data and the retrieved information capsule (target capsule), and transmits it to the terminal 2 (client) (S4). The terminal 2 displays the information capsule on the received map (S5A). However, unlike the case of the first embodiment, in the information capsule of this embodiment, the menu link information of the lower information capsule is captured. Therefore, when the information user focuses each information capsule on the map, a menu of lower information capsules is displayed. When the menu item is focused, a lower information capsule menu is displayed.

In this way, in the information system of the present embodiment, the information user can sequentially display menus without downloading images one by one for information capsules linked over a plurality of hierarchies. Can be displayed directly.

20 and 21 are diagrams showing a processing flow of an information capsule having an image link. Hereinafter, processing for the information capsule displayed on the terminal 2 as a result of the operation shown in FIG. 19 will be described. Among these procedures, procedures other than S6A and S14A are the same as the procedures shown in FIG. 11, and thus the same reference numerals are given and description thereof is omitted.

After the information capsule included in the map range of FIG. 19 and matching the search condition of the information user is downloaded, the information user selects, for example, the information capsule of the station building (S6A).

Then, the server 1 determines whether or not the information capsule has link information (image link) to the image information page. If the information capsule has an image link, the background image and the information capsule included in the background image are searched in the same procedure as in the first embodiment (S13, S14).

In this information system, the server 1 searches the image link of the information capsule searched in S14 further in the lower direction. If the information capsule has an image link, the menu / menu link information included in the information capsule in the predetermined range on the lower side is searched, added to the information capsule searched in S14, and the information capsule is edited (S14A). . The processing after this processing is the same as the processing after S3A in FIG. Thereby, for example, information capsules corresponding to the respective floors of the A building and the B building are arranged in the image of the cross section of the station building, and the menu link information of the lower information capsule is further added to each information capsule. To be downloaded.

When the information user focuses on the information capsule corresponding to each floor in the image of the station building cross section, the menu of the lower information capsule is sequentially displayed as shown in FIG. 18R> 8 (S16). On the other hand, when the information user selects a specific menu item, an image link or a web page corresponding to the menu item is downloaded.

FIG. 21 shows the processing when the menu for the B building information capsule included in the station building cross-section image is selected. The object of this process is the same as that of FIG. 20 except that the background image is an image of a cross section of the station building from the map.

<Effect of Embodiment> As described above, the information system (server 1) adds the menu link information of information capsules over a plurality of layers to the upper information capsule and downloads it to the terminal 2. Therefore, the information user can directly select the menu of the lower information capsule without repeating the downloading of images over a plurality of layers.

Also, in that case, instead of registering the URL of the page once accessed as in the conventional bookmark, information representing a hierarchical structure such as a map => building section => floor diagram => store => product is maintained. Therefore, the information user can search for information linked to the menu of the lower information capsule while maintaining the logical relationship between the information capsule and the information capsule.

<< Third Embodiment >> A third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In the first embodiment and the second embodiment described above, an information system in which information (address, zip code, station name) specifying a region and a search condition are specified and the corresponding information capsule is displayed on the information user terminal 2 is described. did.

In this embodiment, an information system that stores such information capsules in a private area for each information user and provides a function for improving the convenience of the information user will be described. Other configurations and operations of the information system are the same as those of the first embodiment or the second embodiment. Therefore, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted. Further, the drawings in FIGS. 1 to 2121 are referred to as necessary.

This private area is secured for each information user in the private database 16 (see FIG. 1) on the hard disk of the server 1, and is managed by the information user ID (subscriber code to the information system). The information user accesses the private area as a website on the network. This website is called My Site. FIG. 22 is a diagram showing registration processing of an information capsule in a private area.

Usually, an information user accesses My Site from various Internet connection devices (hereinafter simply referred to as clients) (S120). Here, various Internet connection devices include, for example, a PDA, a mobile phone, a PHS, a television with a communication line connection function such as a telephone, a personal computer, and a set top box.

Next, the information user requests the server 1 to register a favorite information capsule in the private area (S121). This is due to, for example, selection of the menu “Register to My Site” from the pop-up menu of the information capsule.

By selecting this “Register to My Site” menu, the subscriber code to the provider of the information user (for example, the subscriber code to the cable TV company) and the information capsule ID of the information capsule are stored in the server 1. Sent.

The server 1 receives the registration request (including the subscriber code and information capsule ID) from the client (S122). Then, the server 1 registers the information capsule in the private area identified by the subscriber code of the information user (S123). At this time, the information capsule ID of the information capsule is stored in the private database 16 (see FIG. 1).

Next, the server 1 transmits completion of registration of the information capsule in the private area (S124). Accordingly, a message indicating that the information capsule has been registered is displayed on the client (S125).

FIG. 23 shows information capsule reference processing from the private area. In this process, the information user accesses My Site from various Internet connection devices (clients) (S130).

At this time, the client requests the server 1 to search for a registered information capsule (S131). At this time, the subscriber code of the information user is transmitted. This request is received by the server 1 (S132). Based on the subscriber code of the information user, the server 1 searches for information capsules registered in the private area of the corresponding information user and edits the list (S133). Then, the information capsule list is transmitted to the client (S134).

Thereby, the client receives the information capsule list from the server 1 (S135). At this time, the information user selects an information capsule to be referred to from the information capsule list (S136).

Then, the information capsule ID of the information capsule is transmitted to the server 1. The server receives the information capsule reference request together with the information capsule ID (S137).

The server 1 searches for the corresponding information capsule and edits it for the client (S138). Then, the information capsule that has received the reference request is transmitted to the client (S139). Accordingly, the client receives the information capsule selected in S136 from the server 1 (S140).

As described above, according to the information system of this embodiment, the information user can register desired information in a private area for each information user managed by the server 1. Therefore, for example, an information capsule can be registered in a private area by operating a mobile phone, and can be referred to later by another information device such as a personal computer or PDS. That is, an information capsule can be shared between information devices via a private area.

<< Fourth Embodiment >> A fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 24 is a conceptual diagram showing an information capsule update process, 25 is a diagram showing an information capsule update state, FIG. 26 is a diagram showing an example of data in an information capsule management table, and FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the update process of an information capsule.

In the first embodiment and the second embodiment described above, an information system in which information (address, zip code, station name) specifying a region and a search condition are specified and the corresponding information capsule is displayed on the information user terminal 2 is described. did.

In the present embodiment, in addition to such a function, a function of an information system that clearly indicates that a plurality of information capsules having a hierarchical relationship have been updated in a higher-level information capsule will be described. Other configurations and operations of the information system are the same as those of the first embodiment, the second embodiment, or the third embodiment. Therefore, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted. Further, the drawings in FIGS. 1 to 2424 are referred to as necessary.

FIG. 24 shows the concept of information capsule update processing. As described in the first embodiment or the second embodiment, in this information system, the information user selects a menu from an icon of an information capsule (for example, a station building) displayed on a map (S140). ), And the link image (station building image) of the information capsule can be displayed. Further, by selecting the seventh floor from the station building B in the station building image (S141), a link image corresponding to the seventh floor can be displayed. By such a procedure, for example, the information user can obtain an information capsule of a store of interest (for example, a store shown as a beauty salon in FIG. 24).

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 6, the information capsule has a link in the upper direction based on the capsule link information. Therefore, when the lower information capsule is updated, the update can be easily transmitted to the upper information capsule.

For example, when an information capsule of a store called beauty salon (hereinafter referred to as beauty salon capsule) is updated, the server 1 follows the parent capsule of the beauty salon capsule by capsule link information.

For example, when this beauty salon capsule is linked to the information capsule of the 7th floor of the station building B building (hereinafter referred to as the 7th floor capsule of the station building B building), the server 1 is based on the update of the beauty salon capsule, Station building B building 7th floor capsule is updated (S150). For example, the portion of the area 5 to which the beauty salon capsule belongs in the image of the capsule on the 7th floor of the station building B building is displayed in black and white.

Furthermore, when the station building B building 7th floor capsule is in an updated state, the server 1 follows the parent capsule of the station building B building 7th floor capsule by the capsule link information. When the station building B building 7th floor capsule is linked to the information building B building capsule (hereinafter referred to as the station building B building capsule), the server 1 updates the 7th floor capsule of the station building B building. Based on this, the capsule in the building B station building is updated (S151).

By repeating such processing, the server 1 updates the capsules existing in the hierarchical structure from the beauty salon capsule to the highest station building capsule. As a result, when the information user displays a map around the station building, for example, the server 1 makes the information user recognize that any information capsule below the station building capsule has been updated. The information user can obtain the latest information by paying attention to the updated information capsule.

FIG. 25 illustrates an updated state of the information capsule. As shown in FIG. 25, the top information capsule with the background image as a map is A (A is an information capsule ID, the same applies hereinafter), and information capsules linked to this information capsule A include B1 to B5. Suppose C1 to C5 are information capsules linked to the information capsule B4, and D1 to D3 are information capsules linked to the information capsule C2.

Now, for example, assume that the information capsule D3 has been updated. In the information system of this embodiment, the information indicating the update of D3 is sequentially transmitted to the upper capsules C2, B4, and A. When the information user accesses the information capsule A, B4, C2, or D3, it is clearly indicated that these information capsules or information capsules belonging to the information capsules have been updated. Therefore, the information user can follow the hierarchical structure of the updated information capsule.

FIG. 26 shows an example of data in an information capsule management table that manages the hierarchical structure of information capsules. Each row of the information capsule management table holds the state of one information capsule. Each row of the information capsule management table has fields of information capsule ID, upper capsule ID, and capsule state.

The information capsule ID of the information capsule managed by the row is stored in the information capsule ID field. In the upper capsule ID, the ID of the information capsule linked to the upper layer of each information capsule is recorded. In the update state, it is recorded whether or not the content of the information capsule has been updated within a predetermined period (for example, within 2 days).

In this information system, when one information capsule is updated, all the information capsules positioned higher than the information capsule are updated. For example, when the information capsule D3 is updated, the update occurrence is recorded for the upper capsule C2 of D3, the upper capsule B4 of C2, and the upper capsule A of B4. With this management, the information system clearly indicates the updated information capsule to the information user.

FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing information capsule update processing. In this process, the server 1 first receives the updated information capsule, for example, the update information of the information capsule D3 (S160).

Then, the server 1 changes the capsule update state of the information capsule D3 to “update occurrence” in the information capsule management table (S161).

Next, the server 1 sets the information capsule D3 as the capsule check work (S162). The capsule check work is an information capsule to be checked by this processing.

Then, the server 1 determines whether or not there is an upper capsule in the capsule check work (S163). When there is an upper capsule in the capsule check work, the update state of the upper capsule is changed to “update occurrence” (S164).

Next, the server 1 sets the upper capsule in the capsule check work (S165). Then, the server 1 returns the control to S163. If it is determined in step S163 that there is no upper capsule in the capsule check work, the server 1 ends the information capsule state update process.

As described above, according to the information system of the present embodiment, even when any one of a plurality of information capsules having a hierarchical relationship is updated, an update is generated for a capsule above the updated information capsule. Can be specified. Therefore, when the information user follows the hierarchy of information capsules from the upper level to the lower level, the information user can follow the updated information capsule and obtain the latest information.

<< Fifth Embodiment >> A fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 28 is an example of information capsule data according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 29 is a diagram showing an outline of information system processing by mutual conversion between RDB and XML, and FIG. 30 is a capsule management table. 31 is an example of a my capsule management table, FIG. 32 is an example of a template generated as a standard capsule, FIG. 33 is an example of a my capsule management screen, and FIG. 35 is an example of a store capsule management screen, FIG. 35 is an example of a store database collective management screen, FIG. 36 is a diagram showing a processing overview when referring to a database regarding buildings, stores, and products, and FIG. It is a figure which shows the process outline at the time of capsule acquisition regarding a building, a store, and goods, and FIG. 38 is a display example of the information capsule by my basket.

In the first to fourth embodiments, an example of an information system in which a plurality of information capsules are associated by image links and processed as hierarchical information has been shown. In these embodiments, the data held by the server 1 has been described assuming a so-called RDB (relational database) in a tabular format.

In the present embodiment, a process of extracting data stored in the RDB and configuring the information capsule described in XML will be described.

Other configurations and operations are the same as those in the first to fourth embodiments. Therefore, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted. Further, the drawings in FIGS. 1 to 27 are referred to as necessary.

<Example of Database Description in XML> FIG. 2828 shows an example in which hierarchical data composed of a plurality of information capsules is described in XML. In FIG. 28, a tag in which a capsule ID is defined, such as capsule ID = XXX, defines an information capsule.

For example, the definition of a building capsule starts with <building capsule capsule ID = OOXXX>
End with </ building capsule>. However, in FIG. 28, all the information capsules linked to the higher-order information capsules with the menu link information are expanded and displayed inline.

For example, a building capsule has latitude, longitude, large icon, medium icon, small icon, icon banner (definition of icon file name in banner format), information such as icon text, event capsule, link URL, and floor capsule. ing.

Here, the event capsule is an information capsule having no lower information capsule. On the other hand, the floor capsule included in the building capsule has a lower information structure. That is, a hierarchical structure such as floor capsule => store capsule => product capsule is formed.

As described above, the hierarchical structure of the information capsule is simply expressed by the nested structure of XML tags.

<Mutual conversion between RDB and XML> Data to be processed by this information system is stored in the RDB, converted into XML format data, and an application program (for example, a server program that downloads information capsules to information users) To be handed over. FIG. 29 shows a processing outline of the information system by such mutual conversion between RDB and XML.

As an interface program that mutually converts RDB data and XML data, for example, DataSpider (trademark of Apresso Co., Ltd.) is known. DataSpider is combined with a package program Yggdrasill (trademark of Media Fusion Co., Ltd.) that processes XML. With this combination, the data stored in the RDB is converted to X
Both companies have made proposals for processing according to ML.

The information system of this embodiment also extracts data to be configured as an information capsule from various data stored in the RDB, and configures it as an information capsule by XML. In this embodiment, the data stored in this RDB is called main body data.

At this time, in this information system, an element (this is called a data item) constituting an RDB record (each row of the table) is referred to as an DOM (Document Object Model) tree.
Correspond to the tag of L. In that case, what is to be configured as an information capsule among the data items of RDB records is specified in the DOM tree.

As shown in FIG. 29, each record in the RDB is uniquely identified by a data item called ID. When each record is extracted as an information capsule, each information capsule holds this ID as an information capsule ID, and an association with an RDB record is indicated.

As described above, in this information system, the hierarchical structure of data items extracted from the RDB is described in the DOM tree. In FIG. 29, for example, a building capsule is defined to have information such as longitude and latitude, icon 1 and the like, and a lower store capsule.

The entity of the building capsule is stored in the record specified by ID1001. Further, information in the building capsule, for example, longitude and latitude, icon 1 and the like are stored in each data item of the record specified by the ID 1001. Similarly, the actual data of the store capsule is stored in the record identified by ID = 2001.

In this way, the application program that processes the information capsule accesses the RDB using the information capsule ID as a key and inputs / outputs data via the DOM tree.

FIG. 30 shows an example of a capsule management table for managing data items included in individual information capsules (FIG. 30 shows an example of a capsule management table for managing information capsules called store capsules). The capsule management table is a table for designating whether each information capsule has each data item of the corresponding RDB. In FIG. 30, the capsule management table is displayed on the capsule management screen 40 which is a tool for editing information capsules.

The capsule management data in FIG. 30 is an example for a store capsule. In FIG. 30, a data item included in the store capsule (in this way, a data item included in the information capsule is referred to as a capsule item), while a data item not included in the store capsule is indicated with a cross. It is shown. Therefore, the capsule management table has the same items as the data items in the RDB record. However, each item in the capsule management table only needs to be able to hold 1-bit information such as ◯ or ×.

For example, it can be seen that an information capsule whose information capsule ID is ID1001 has <attribute>, <longitude / latitude>, <icon 1>, and the like.

The capsule management table also defines data items of capsules belonging to the upper hierarchy of each information capsule. The upper capsule is defined by a data item called upper capsule ID. Therefore, for example, in the example of the capsule management table in FIG. 30, it is defined that ID2001 (store capsule) is above ID3001 (product capsule), and ID1001 (building capsule) is further above.

Since the hierarchical structure of the information capsule is defined in the DOM tree, the definition of the hierarchical structure (upper capsule ID) of the capsule management table is not necessarily required. However, by holding the upper capsule ID in the capsule management table, the information capsule search performance can be improved.

Such a capsule management table is edited when an information provider (for example, a store manager or an advertiser) uses the editing program (also referred to as an authoring tool) to define the structure of the main body data (RDB). Generated by the program. This editing program has a capsule management screen 40 corresponding to the capsule management table, and the information provider can freely add or delete capsule items.

In FIG. 31, my capsule (information capsule registered in my site described in the third embodiment) is managed by the owner of the capsule (information user who registered the information capsule in my site). An example of a table is shown. Also in FIG. 31, the capsule management table is displayed on the capsule management screen 40.

The my capsule management table is different from the normal capsule management table in that the management target is an individual information capsule registered in My Site. However, the function for defining the hierarchical relationship between the capsule item and the upper capsule is the same as the normal capsule management table.

An information user who has registered a capsule in My Site as a My Capsule can freely edit his own capsule, and the editing result is stored in the capsule management table.

That is, the capsule item of My Capsule is added or deleted at the discretion of its owner (information user who registered My Capsule on My Site). In addition, for example, when an information user acquires an information capsule of a product as a my capsule, in a standard operation, information such as a higher information capsule of the product, for example, a store where the product is sold, a building to which the store belongs, etc. Capsules are acquired and registered on My Site.

FIG. 32 is an example of a template for the information provider to generate RDB main body data. In the present embodiment, the template is “software with a framework” provided in order for an information provider to easily create main data stored in the RDB.

Information providers can simplify the main unit data by entering characters and numbers into items specified in this framework, or pasting images, photos, etc. (known as processing procedures such as copy and paste, drag and drop, etc.) Can be created.

Moreover, it is possible to provide a sales promotion effect by setting, as selection items, a customer store attraction tool such as a coupon, a standard catchphrase for appealing merchandise, an appeal mark, and an image as a selection item.

Here, the appeal mark is a mark that expresses the attractiveness of a product or a store in an image. For example, a mark that means “fresh” is given to a store that handles groceries, and a mark that gives an image of “luxury”, “cheap”, etc. to a restaurant.

Among the data items defined by this template, specific data items are designed in conjunction with the XML database. When data is input to such a specific data item, an XML tag is assigned and stored in a predetermined item on the RDB via the DOM tree. Of these templates, one used for creating a store capsule is called a store template.

When a manager (information provider) of a store inputs the main data of the store, (1) the ID number and password of the store are obtained from a management company (or provider, etc.) such as CATV, and (2) an icon In accordance with the instructions on the store template screen, such as the store name, address, and telephone number, they are entered in a predetermined field. The input data is stored in the RDB as body data.
(3) Also, among the input data, the data item corresponding to the information capsule is given an XML tag embedded in advance in the store template and stored in the RDB according to the store ID and the DOM tree.
(4) Furthermore, when an information provider inputs event information, sales floor information, or product information, a template (event, sales floor, product, etc.) that is a lower order on the store template (or a screen that can identify the store ID) is displayed. ) And enter its ID and name. And if it inputs into the designated item in the procedure similar to the case with respect to the said store template, it will be stored in RDB as main body data.

A standard pattern is set in advance on the template as to which item is to be treated as a capsule item for the data body input in the above procedure.

For this purpose, for example, an on or off flag may be provided for each data item of the template. The editing program creates a store capsule table according to the flag. Normally, an ID (body data ID and host data ID), icon, position information, display text, link destination URL, and the like are set as capsule items.

Such a standard data nesting structure, XML tag, and capsule item are woven into the template, and the creator does not need to be aware of it. However, for example, if there is data such as coupons or specific product information that you want to carry to the information user at the store side (want to be taken into My Site), display the registration item of your store on the capsule management screen of the editing program, It can be individually placed in an information capsule (defined as a capsule item) or removed from the capsule. Such an operation may be performed by an operation such as drag and drop, for example.

An expiration date is usually set for input information (input items) from the template. An input item whose validity period has expired is excluded from the display target. However, the information itself is separately stored by the server 1.

The information capsule registered in My Site as My Capsule is not excluded from the display target even if the expiration date expires. However, when the terminal 2 accesses such an expired My Capsule, a message “Capsule has expired” is displayed.

Further, in the hierarchical structure including a plurality of capsule items, when the expiration date of the lower capsule item is updated, the upper capsule item is also modified in accordance with the lower capsule item. As a result, of the capsule items, as long as the lower item is modified and effective, the upper item is not peripheralized.

However, in the items in the capsule, the expiration date is not an essential item, and the setting thereof may be omitted.

FIG. 33 shows an example of a capsule management screen (hereinafter referred to as “my capsule management screen 40”) for designating addition / deletion of data items to / from my capsule.

When an information user inputs an ID and password to the server 1, connects to the My Site, and opens the My Capsule management screen, a list of currently held information capsules is displayed in a tree structure ("Current My Capsule" Is displayed in the my capsule area 300).

When the information user clicks on a capsule item (for example, a store capsule “XX store”), a lower information capsule (for example, a product capsule such as a ΔΔ product) is displayed.

Capsules that have expired at the time of reference (information on capsule items that have expired in the database of the main data of the reference source) are displayed in the capsule deletion item area 302.

A capsule item that is within the expiration date but is no longer needed can be instructed to be deleted by moving from the my capsule area 300 to the capsule deletion item area 302. In editing the capsule item of the information capsule, the information user can arbitrarily delete the information. On the other hand, for the addition of capsule items to the information capsule, items that the information provider (for example, the owner of the store) recognizes as information to be edited by the information user are displayed, and can be added according to the intention of the information user.

When the information user presses the delete button 303 to execute an instruction that has been moved to the capsule deletion item area 302, all items on the capsule management table of the my capsule including the target capsule ID number are deleted. The

When the information capsule is retained in the hope of a future revival, which is currently invalid, the information user may return the information capsule to the my capsule area 300 before deletion.

In addition, an information user who wants to permanently retain the main body data may download the main body data itself from the database instead of the information capsule.

FIG. 34 shows an example of a capsule management screen (hereinafter referred to as store capsule management screen 41) for the information provider to manage store capsules.

First, the information provider inputs its own store ID and password to the server 1 so that the information capsule information held by the store (with creation and editing rights) is stored in the store capsule area 310 in a tree structure. Is displayed.

When the information provider clicks a capsule item (for example, a sales floor capsule indicated by “◯ Δ sales floor”), a lower-order capsule (for example, a commercial capsule such as “ΔΔ sales”) is displayed.

When an information provider clicks a certain capsule item (for example, a sales floor capsule indicated by “XX sales floor”), the server 1 refers to the database storing the main body data, and inputs the level below the clicked item (sales floor). A list of completed data (for example, a list of items handled at the sales floor) is displayed in the central window 311.

The addition of the capsule item is instructed by selecting the target item on this window 311 and moving (dragging and dropping, etc.) to the store capsule area 310. In addition, deletion of a capsule item is instructed by selecting a target item on this window 311 and moving it to the capsule deletion item area 312 (drag and drop, etc.).

Based on this operation, the server 1 rewrites the status of the capsule management table (for example, ◯, × shown in FIG. 30).

FIG. 35 shows an example of the store database collective management screen. In the above template, information for each store and each product is input individually. On the other hand, the store database batch management screen provides a function of collectively managing information items such as tenant information in a building, department store sales floor management, management of merchandise handled at a store, and the like based on a list.

After the information provider accesses the server 1 and inputs the store ID and password, the collective management screen is opened. On this screen, the information provider can perform batch processing of batch input of items, correction, and encapsulation specification of input items. When inputting from the store database collective management screen, the DOM tree may be managed by being embedded in a table or may be defined separately.

FIG. 36 shows an outline of processing when referring to a database regarding buildings, stores, and products. In this process, a reference command indicating a capsule ID (for example, a building capsule) and the number of layers is issued from an application program (for example, a server program). Then, the database management program reads the data item data corresponding to the capsule tag from the RDB record corresponding to the specified capsule ID and its lower information capsule with reference to the DOM tree.

The database management program incorporates the read data into the hierarchical structure of the information capsule according to the DOM tree, and returns it to the application program together with the capsule management table of the information capsule. At this time, a hierarchical structure designated by the application program, for example, three hierarchical levels (building, store, and product) is generated.

The application program may download the generated information capsule hierarchical structure and capsule management table to the information user in the same procedure as in the first and second embodiments. In this way, this information system operates as an XMLDB by combining the RDB and the DOM tree.

FIG. 37 is an outline of processing at the time of capsule acquisition regarding a building, a store, and a product. This process is started by an acquisition command (for example, a registration request as a my capsule) instructing a capsule ID (for example, a product capsule) from an application program (for example, a server program).

In response to this acquisition command, the database management program refers to the DOM tree, and the information capsule (for example, product capsule) and its upper product capsule, information on the building capsule including the geographical position (latitude and longitude), and the information capsule Obtain the capsule management table. The acquired information capsule and capsule management table are transferred to the application program and registered as a my capsule. Further, the acquired information capsule may be downloaded to the viewer's terminal 2 in the same procedure as in the first embodiment or the second embodiment. An information user can freely edit and use such an information capsule on the capsule management screen 40 (see FIG. 33).

FIG. 38 shows a display example of information capsules by My Basket. My Basket is a function for comparing and displaying specific data items for My Capsule (information capsule registered in My Site).

In this function, the information user selects a plurality of information capsules (my capsules) registered in My Site and puts them in My Basket. Then, the server 1 displays corresponding data in a list regardless of the hierarchy to which those information capsules belong.

For example, if the product name, price, and store name are indicated as display items, a list of product names, prices, and store names that contain the product are stored in each information capsule based on the information capsule data that has been placed in My Basket. Is displayed. Therefore, the information user can obtain information such as a list of items to be purchased that day, a list of shops to visit, and a total budget required for shopping.

In addition, the information user can compare prices by putting information capsules of the same item from different stores into my basket and displaying unit quantities, prices, and the like.

Here, the procedure for putting the my capsule into the my basket has been described, but the store capsule may be put into the my basket.

The capsule item once put in the my basket is registered as a my capsule by moving to the my capsule area 300. In addition, the information on My Basket can be deleted at once by pressing the clear button.

<Effect of Embodiment> As described above, according to this information system, various types of information stored in the RDB can be handled as information capsules. That is, conversion from RDB to information capsule can be smoothly performed by the DOM tree and the capsule management table. With such a function, the function of the information capsule described in the first to fourth embodiments can be used in an information system using RDB.

Moreover, according to this information system, an information capsule can be configured by combining data items desired by the information provider from data items stored in the RDB. Furthermore, by registering an information capsule configured by an information provider (for example, an advertiser) as a my capsule or downloading it to the terminal 2, an information user (the owner of the my capsule or the terminal 2) You can add and delete capsule items as you like. As a result, the information user can acquire an information capsule including necessary data items.

<Other Application Examples and Effects> In addition to the above embodiment, the following applications are possible using information capsules. For example, when providing information through a network, an item to be created and provided by an information (an information provider) is set in advance as an item to be preferentially viewed by an information user as a capsule item (a group of information is formed). ), When sending the information, it is possible to preferentially send the group of information. This collection of information is a portion corresponding to a title and a table of contents in a book. Thereby, the summarized information can be formed from various information.

The information user can select information items that meet his needs and interests from the summarized information and request more detailed information related to the summarized information. Currently, hypertext links have such a function for searching for related information. However, acquisition of related information is performed in units of pages, and is redundant and takes time.

In addition, if an information capsule is used, distribution and browsing of information that is not of interest can be greatly reduced. Furthermore, when the received information is stored and managed, the information user does not need to be aware of the information capsule classification, and the information (information as a capsule item or a group thereof) is arranged according to the original hierarchical structure set by the provider. Capsules) are automatically classified and managed.

Even when information (capsule items or information capsules as a group thereof) is additionally acquired at a later date, the information is automatically stored at an appropriate position in the hierarchical structure (tree structure) prepared by the provider. In addition, information that is no longer necessary after obtaining the information capsule can be arbitrarily deleted.

If the information capsule is used, the latest information is displayed to the information user when the main data indicated by the information capsule is updated.

In addition, by setting a posting deadline (expiration date) on the information, the information can be peripherally obtained without individually obtaining the consent of the creator (owner, information provider).

In addition, a template according to the service content and content content of a typical information provider can be created, and standard capsule item settings can be incorporated and provided to the information provider.

The meaning of information grouping differs depending on the position of the group that has value for the providing side and the group that has value for the side that receives and uses the information. However, if an information capsule is used, it is possible to easily edit a group of valuable information according to each need.

The spread of the Internet has made it possible to instantly collect necessary information from around the world, but the more information, the more difficult it is to use. By using information capsules, it is possible to provide a mechanism for compactly collecting clues for arriving at the information required by information users, using them in close proximity, and managing them without taking time and effort.

<< Others >> This embodiment discloses the following invention.
(Aspect 1) A server for distributing information content provided by an information provider to a user terminal,
Means for accepting access to the information content from a user terminal; means for separating the accessed information content into general information and portable information; and portable information giving means for downloading portable information to the accessed user terminal; A server comprising
(Aspect 2) Aspect 1 further comprising means for causing an information provider to set the information content to be provided.
Server described in.
(Aspect 3) The server according to aspect 1 or 2, further comprising related information combining means for combining a plurality of portable information by geographical position information and storing the information in a user terminal as a portable information group.
(Aspect 4) The mobile information group includes parent information having geographical position information and a plurality of pieces of child information related to the geographical position, and the mobile information providing unit is configured to download the child information. The server according to aspect 3, wherein the parent information is linked and downloaded to the user terminal.
(Aspect 5) The server according to any one of aspects 1 to 4, further comprising means for causing the terminal to display user setting means for converting the general information into portable information.
(Aspect 6) The server according to any one of aspects 1 to 5, wherein the mobile information has a keyword, and further includes information search means for searching the mobile information based on the keyword. (Aspect 7) A server that distributes information content provided from an information provider to a user terminal as an element information group in which one or more element information is combined, and adds related image reference information to the element information. Means for forming a hierarchical structure via the image between the element information, means for accepting access from the user terminal to the first image related to the first element information, and via the first image. A server that retrieves second element information that forms a hierarchical structure with the first element information, and a means that arranges the second element information in the first image and distributes the second element information to the user terminal. .
(Aspect 8) Means for adding geographical position information to the highest element information of the hierarchical structure, means for receiving input of information relating to the geographical position from the user terminal, and range of map information including the geographical position The server according to aspect 7, comprising means for searching for element information located at the position, and means for arranging the searched element information in the map information and distributing it to the user terminal.
(Aspect 9) A server that distributes information content provided by an information provider to a user terminal as an element information group in which one or more element information is combined, and includes reference information of a plurality of related images as the element information. A means for adding, a means for selecting an image to be accessed from a user terminal among the plurality of images, a means for adding such selection information to the element information, and a hierarchical structure via the images formed between the element information And a means for presenting the selection information in accordance with the hierarchical structure.
(Aspect 10) An information providing method in which a computer distributes information content provided by an information provider to a user terminal, the step of accepting access to the information content from the user terminal, and the accessed information An information provision method comprising: a step of separating contents into general information and portable information; and a portable information providing step of downloading portable information to an accessed user terminal.
(Aspect 11) The information provision method according to aspect 10, further comprising the step of causing an information provider to set the information content to be provided.
(Aspect 12) The information providing method according to aspect 10 or 11, further comprising a related information combining step of combining a plurality of portable information by geographical position information and storing the information in a user terminal as a portable information group.
(Aspect 13) The mobile information group includes parent information having geographical location information and a plurality of pieces of child information related to the geographical location, and the mobile information provision step is performed when the child information is downloaded. 13. The information providing method according to aspect 12, further comprising a step of downloading parent information to a user terminal in conjunction with the parent information.
(Aspect 14) The information providing method according to any one of aspects 10 to 13, further comprising a step of causing the terminal to display user setting means for converting the general information into portable information.
(Aspect 15) The information providing method according to any one of aspects 10 to 14, wherein the mobile information includes a keyword, and further includes an information search step of searching the mobile information based on the keyword.
(Aspect 16) An information providing method in which a computer distributes information content provided from an information provider to a user terminal as an element information group in which one or more element information is combined, and the reference information of related images Adding to the element information, forming a hierarchical structure via the image between the element information, accepting access from a user terminal to the first image related to the first element information, A step of searching for second element information forming a hierarchical structure with the first element information via the first image; and disposing the second element information in the first image and distributing the second element information to the user terminal An information providing method comprising steps.
(Aspect 17) A step of adding geographical position information to the highest element information of the hierarchical structure, a step of accepting input of information relating to the geographical position from a user terminal, and a range of map information including the geographical position The information provision method of Claim 16 which has the step which searches the element information located in, and arrange | positions the searched element information to the said map information, and distributes it to the said user terminal.
(Aspect 18) An information providing method in which a computer distributes information content provided from an information provider to a user terminal as an element information group in which one or more element information is combined, and includes reference information for a plurality of related images Are added to the element information, an image to be accessed from a user terminal among the plurality of images is selected, such selection information is added to the element information, and the image is interposed between the element information. Forming a hierarchical structure, and presenting the selection information in accordance with the hierarchical structure.
(Aspect 19) A program for causing a computer to distribute information content provided by an information provider to a user terminal, the step of accepting access to the information content from the user terminal, and the accessed information content The program which has the step which isolate | separates into general information and portable information, and the portable information provision step which downloads portable information to the accessed user terminal.
(Aspect 20) The program according to aspect 19, further comprising the step of causing the information provider to set the information content to be provided.
(Aspect 21) The program according to aspect 19 or 20, comprising a related information combining step of combining a plurality of portable information by geographical location information and storing the information in a user terminal as a portable information group.
(Aspect 22) The mobile information group includes parent information having geographical location information and a plurality of pieces of child information related to the geographical location, and the mobile information provision step is performed when the child information is downloaded. The program according to aspect 21, including a step of downloading parent information to a user terminal in conjunction with the parent information.
(Aspect 23) The program according to any one of aspects 19 to 22, further comprising a step of causing the terminal to display user setting means for converting the general information into portable information.
(Aspect 24) The program according to any one of aspects 19 to 23, wherein the mobile information includes a keyword, and further includes an information search step of searching the mobile information based on the keyword.
(Aspect 25) A program for causing a computer to distribute information content provided by an information provider to a user terminal as an element information group in which one or more element information is combined, and the reference information of related images is the element information. A step of forming a hierarchical structure via the image between the element information, a step of accepting an access to a first image related to the first element information from a user terminal, and the first Searching for second element information that forms a hierarchical structure with the first element information via an image; and disposing the second element information in the first image and distributing the second element information to the user terminal; A program with
(Aspect 26) A step of adding geographical position information to the highest element information of the hierarchical structure, a step of accepting input of information relating to the geographical position from a user terminal, and a range of map information including the geographical position The program of the aspect 25 which has the step which searches the element information located in, and the step which arrange | positions the searched element information to the said map information, and delivers to the said user terminal.
(Aspect 27) A program that causes a computer to distribute information content provided by an information provider to a user terminal as an element information group in which one or more element information is combined, and includes reference information for a plurality of related images. A step of adding to element information; a step of selecting an image to be accessed from a user terminal among the plurality of images; a step of adding such selection information to the element information; and a hierarchy via the image between the element information A program comprising a step of forming a structure and a step of presenting the selection information according to the hierarchical structure.

The system configuration figure of the whole information system concerning a 1st embodiment of the present invention. Overlay image of map data and information capsule Image of store capsule Image diagram of image link composed of multiple information capsules Data structure diagram of icon information database Data structure diagram of attribute information database Data structure diagram of menu link information database Data structure diagram of position information database The figure which shows the processing flow of map data acquisition processing Diagram showing the processing flow of an information capsule without an image link (1) A diagram showing a processing flow of an information capsule having an image link (1) Diagram showing the processing flow of an information capsule without an image link (2) Diagram showing the processing flow of an information capsule having an image link (2) The flowchart which shows the download process of the information capsule in the server 1 Flow chart showing information capsule editing process The related figure of the information capsule which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention Diagram showing the relationship between information capsules and menus Conceptual diagram of processing to display menu items for information capsules linked to multiple layers Flow chart of processing for displaying menu items for information capsules linked to multiple layers (1) Flow chart of processing for displaying menu items for information capsules linked to multiple layers (2) Flow chart of processing for displaying menu items for information capsules linked to multiple layers (3) The flowchart which shows the registration process of the information capsule to a private area in 3rd Embodiment of this invention The flowchart which shows the reference process of the information capsule from a private area | region in 3rd Embodiment of this invention. The conceptual diagram which shows the update process of an information capsule in 4th Embodiment of this invention The figure which shows the update state of the information capsule The figure which shows the data example of the information capsule management table in 4th Embodiment of this invention. Flow chart showing information capsule update processing Data example of information capsule according to fifth embodiment of the present invention Overview of information system processing by mutual conversion between RDB and XML Example of capsule management table My capsule management table example Example of a template generated as a standard capsule My capsule management screen example Store capsule management screen example Example of store database batch management screen Overview of processing when referring to databases on buildings, stores, and products Outline of processing when acquiring capsules for buildings, stores, and products Display example of information capsule by My Basket

Explanation of symbols

1 server 2 terminal 3 map information server 10 map information database 11 information capsule database 12 icon information database 13 attribute information database 14 menu link information database 15 position information database 16 private database 20 image database 30 icon

Claims (1)

A server for delivering information content provided from an information provider to a user terminal as an element information group in which one or more element information is combined, and means for adding reference information of related images to the element information; Means for forming a hierarchical structure via the image between element information, means for accepting access to a first image related to first element information from a user terminal, and the first via the first image. A server comprising: means for retrieving second element information that forms a hierarchical structure with the element information; and means for disposing the second element information in the first image and distributing the second element information to the user terminal.

Images