JP2010072764A - Program creation device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a program creation device for more easily creating digital content with a good appearance. <P>SOLUTION: Two corresponding images (main image 100B and a sub-image 100A) similar in drawing content are selected. A function implementation area 102B is specified by a user on a main image. The image of the area 102B is segmented as a display image 100BX of a function implementation area. When the main image 100B and the sub-image 100A overlap, an image positioned in the same coordinate area as the display image 100BX of the function performance area is segmented as an image 100AX. At the same time, a program for superimposing the display image 100BX and the image 100AX on the coordinate area where the main image 100B has been segmented so that only the display image 100BX can be viewed, is automatically written, and a program for switching the image to be viewed from the display image 100BX to the image 100AX when a browser performs a mouse over operation to the coordinate area, is automatically written. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a program creation device and method for creating a program for displaying and executing a display image on a terminal device image, which provides a predetermined display effect in accordance with a user operation, software for realizing the program, Further, the present invention relates to a storage medium for storing this.

JP 2003-167721 A

  Using a personal computer or a mobile phone, it is possible to browse various types of digital content such as homepages and digital catalogs using a browser. Such digital contents are created in a predetermined programming language, but it is difficult for general users to create contents from these languages. In recent years, software that supports the creation of such digital contents has been provided, and if these are installed on a personal computer, it is possible to easily create digital contents even for general users who do not have exceptional knowledge. It became.

  Such general digital content creation support software adopts a so-called WYSIWYG format that is created in the form of image editing, unlike a method of directly describing a program language. For example, it is a method of creating a viewing page in the form of visual editing such as displaying a page area constituting digital content and placing a background image, button image, text, etc. on the area. The description is automatically generated according to these arrangement operations, and at the same time as the image is finished, the language description for displaying the image is completed. In other words, even if the user has no knowledge about the program document, a user can easily create a file such as a homepage if he / she has enough knowledge to handle general drawing software.

  Also, many digital contents are seen in which a predetermined display effect is executed in accordance with a user operation. For example, it is a display effect such as reversing the image when the pointer is pointed on the operation button. Such display effects can also be easily realized by digital content creation support software.

  In such digital content creation support software, it is desired that digital content can be created in a simpler and more attractive manner. However, in the conventional digital content creation support software, the page design itself is left to the user (the content creator), so background image creation or selection, display document creation, button image creation or selection, Furthermore, since a huge amount of time is spent in determining the position of the arrangement, it cannot be completed without considerable effort. In particular, in order to perform the display effects as described above for each button image, it is necessary to prepare one or more images for the effects for each button, which takes a lot of time and effort. It was.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a program creation device that can create digital content more easily and more attractively.

Means for Solving the Problems and Effects of the Invention

In order to solve the above problems, the first of the program creation device of the present invention is:
A program creation device having a support function for supporting the description of a program for generating a browsing page for digital content,
A background image selection means for selecting an image as a background of the browsing page based on a predetermined image selection operation by a digital content production user;
First program description means for automatically describing a background image display program for displaying a selected image as a background image of a browsing page;
The image selected by the background image selection means is displayed to set a function execution area in which a predetermined function is executed by a browsing operation performed by a content browsing user at least with a position instruction on the browsing page. A function execution area designation means for designating an image area to be a function execution area on the image based on a predetermined area range designation operation on the image performed by the production user in a state;
On the viewing page, the designated image area is set as a function execution area, and the image (drawing contents) displayed in the image area on the background image is displayed as it is as the display image of the function execution area. A second program description means for automatically describing a function execution area setting program for setting a function execution area;
It is characterized by providing.

  According to the first configuration of the present invention, for example, when creating a home page, operation buttons (various operation buttons for page movement, video playback, etc.) can be obtained simply by specifying an area for the background image selected by the production user. It is possible to set function execution areas that can be used for general homepages such as list boxes and bulletin boards. Further, according to the configuration of the present invention, as the image displayed in the function execution area, the image displayed in the function execution area on the background image is used as it is. In other words, a digital content production user can create a digital content having a function execution area simply by designating the function execution area on the background image, and the created digital content can be used without changing the background image. It will be displayed. If a specialist designer is requested to design a background image, the created digital content can be displayed as it is as a background image finished by a specialist designer. As a result, the page design of the digital content and the program description of the digital content can be completely divided, and the latter program description is an extremely simple operation by simply specifying the function execution area on the background image. So even those without specialized knowledge can easily create them.

  Moreover, in the first of the present invention, based on a predetermined function selection operation by the production user, provided with a function selection means for selecting a function executed by a browsing operation to the function execution area from a plurality of functions, The second program description means sets the image area designated by the function execution area designation means as a function execution area on the background image of the browsing page, and also selects the function selected by the function selection means. A function execution area setting program for setting as a function executed by a browsing operation to the function execution area can be described. Thereby, the user can select and decide the function to be assigned to the function execution area.

  Further, in the first aspect of the present invention, the browsing operation is a position designation for designating a position designated by a position pointing image that can be moved on the browsing page by a position pointing operation by a content browsing user. It can be defined as a position specifying operation for inputting. Thereby, for example, a predetermined position specifying operation such as a click operation or a double click operation with a pointing device such as a mouse is performed, and a corresponding function is executed.

In the first aspect of the present invention, the background image is the main image, the background image selection means is the main image selection means, and the browsing operation is the second browsing operation.
Sub-image selection means for selecting a sub-image that is used to produce a display effect on the browsing page based on a predetermined image selection operation by the production user;
Effect execution area specifying means for specifying an image area specified as a function execution area by the function execution area specifying means as an effect execution area to be a display effect effect on the main image;
Effect image area designating means for designating an image area on the sub image that overlaps with the image area designated by the function execution area designating means as the effect image area when the selected main image and the sub image are overlaid. When,
The first image displayed in the predetermined production execution area when a predetermined first browsing operation is performed in a form accompanied by a position instruction with respect to the predetermined production execution area set in the browsing page. The function execution area on the main image designated by the function execution area designating means, with the display effect presentation program for producing the display effect based on the second image different from the first image as an effect execution area. The image displayed in the effect execution area is specified as the first image, and the image displayed in the effect image area specified by the effect image area specifying means is specified as the second image. A third program description means for automatically describing in a form;
It can be set as the structure provided with.

Furthermore, the second of the program creation device of the present invention similar to the above configuration is as follows.
A program creation device having a support function for supporting the description of a program for generating a browsing page for digital content,
A main image selection means for selecting a main image as a background of the browsing page based on a predetermined image selection operation by a digital content production user;
First program description means for automatically describing a background image display program for displaying the selected main image as a background image of the browsing page;
Sub-image selection means for selecting a sub-image that is used to produce a display effect on the browsing page based on a predetermined image selection operation by the production user;
An effect execution area specifying means for specifying an image area as a display effect effect on the main image as an effect execution area based on a predetermined area range specifying operation by the production user;
When the selected main image and the sub image are overlapped, the effect image area designation that designates the image area on the sub image that overlaps with the image area designated by the effect execution area designation accepting means as the effect image area Means,
When a predetermined first browsing operation performed in a form accompanied by a position instruction is performed on a predetermined area set on the browsing page, the first image displayed on the predetermined area is displayed on the first image. The display effect production program for producing the display effect based on the second image different from the one image is designated as the predetermined area, the production execution area on the main image designated by the production execution area designation means is designated, and the first image The third image is automatically described in such a manner that the image displayed in the effect execution area is designated, and the image displayed in the effect image area designated by the effect image area designation means is designated as the second image. Program description means,
It is characterized by providing.

  According to these configurations, for example, when creating a homepage, the creator prepares two images, a main image that is mainly displayed and a sub-image that is used for display effect presentation, in advance. By designating the same area of two images, it is possible to set an area for performing a display effect on the main image. At the same time, an image used for the display effect is designated on the sub-image, and a program for the effect of the effect is created. For this reason, the display area and the image used for the display effect are determined and the display effect program is automatically generated by a single region range specification operation by the user (content creator). Digital contents with effects can be created easily.

  In addition, when creating a homepage or the like more beautifully, there is a limit to how the content creator (production user) thinks about the design, and it is desirable to use a design designed by a professional designer. However, since the designer only designs the entire image of each page, it is the user's job to assign an effect execution area such as an operation button to the designed image as a background. Of course, the user's job is also to create a production image for producing a display effect, so that a large burden still remains just by requesting the designer to design the page. Even if you have designers individually design images to produce display effects, save each image with a predetermined naming method and associate them individually with the production execution area. Adding display effects and functions is a time-consuming work. On the other hand, it is hard work for designers to individually design presentation images to produce display effects, and all these presentation images are combined into a single whole image including the background. As a result, it is easier to design if created in association with the design image used for the background.

  In view of these circumstances, as in the present invention described above, a region for performing a display effect and an image used for the display effect are determined by a single region range designation operation, and a program for the effect of the effect is based on this determination. Is automatically created. For this reason, there are advantages on both the creator side and the designer side of digital contents and the like. The designer only needs to design two images, a main image used for the background and a sub image for the production corresponding to the main image, while the creator side has an area for performing the display effect on the main image. Since the program of the production effect is automatically created only by the designated operation, even a person who has no specialized knowledge can easily create digital contents having the production effect.

  In the present invention in which selection of the main image and the sub image is essential, the drawing contents of these images may correspond to each other. For example, when the display effect execution prospect area is drawn in the main image, the effect image may be drawn in the same position in the sub image as well. In other words, in the main image and the sub-image, a plurality of display effect implementation prospect areas are drawn in advance in a form that is visually apparent on each image, and a plurality of display effect implementations are drawn on both images. The prospective regions may be drawn so as to overlap when the main image and the sub-image are overlapped. As a result, the display effect can be implemented with a sense of unity before and after the production, which is more excellent in design.

  Further, in this case, it is preferable that the drawing contents except the display effect execution expected area in the main image and the sub image are the same. This eliminates the need to exactly specify the boundary of the display effect implementation expected region in the region range specifying operation by the user (content creator). Even if it is specified slightly differently, the protruding area is drawn in the same way in the other image, so even if you perform a display effect that switches images, the design is designed so that the difference is recognized before and after switching There is no loss of sex.

  Also, if the main image and the sub image are only different in the painting effect such as the difference in color, color, hatching, etc., the same is applied to the sub image regardless of which area is specified on the main image. Therefore, for example, even if a display effect for switching images is provided, there is no sense of incongruity and design is not impaired.

  In the present invention, the effect execution area specifying means and the effect image area specifying means arrange the main image and the sub image on a common plane coordinate system, and specify the common coordinate area, An effect image area can be designated. This makes it easier to specify the same position and the same region for the main image and the sub image.

  In the second aspect of the present invention, the third program description means provides the first image displayed in the effect execution area when the first browsing operation is performed on the effect execution area of the browse page displayed on the screen. The display effect production program can be written so that the display effect of switching to the second image different from the first image is produced. In the second case of the present invention, the image area having the same shape is designated as the effect execution area and the effect image area, which is suitable for the switching display effect.

  In the present invention, the image (second image) in the effect image area designated by the effect image area designating unit is set as the post-switching image, and the post-switching image is stored as an image file different from the image file of the sub-image. An image storage means after switching can be provided. In this case, when the first browsing operation is performed on the effect execution area of the browse page displayed on the screen, the third program description unit reads the image file of the post-switching image corresponding to the effect execution area, Based on the read image file, the post-switching image is arranged in a transparent state with respect to the effect execution area, and when the browsing operation is performed on the effect execution area, the transparent state of the post-switching image is canceled. In this form, the display effect production program can be automatically described so that a display effect of producing the display image by switching the first image in the production execution area to the post-switching image is produced. In this case, a display effect can be produced only by switching the transmission state. Further, in the image designated as the effect image area in the sub image, only the designated area is copied or cut out and saved as an image file different from the sub image. As a result, it is not necessary to use the entire sub-image, and only the effect image area image that is part of the sub-image needs to be extracted and stored separately, thereby reducing the overall capacity of the produced product. . Since the remainder of the sub-image is not necessary, it should not be included in the created product.

  In the present invention, similarly to the above, the image (second image) in the effect image area designated by the effect image area designating unit is set as the post-switching image, and the post-switching image is an image different from the image file of the sub-image. A post-switching image storage means for storing as a file can be provided. Further, the pre-switching image storage stores the pre-switching image as the pre-switching image (first image) designated by the rendering execution region designating means, and stores the pre-switching image as an image file different from the image file of the main image. Means may be provided. In this case, the third program description means reads the pre-switching image file and the post-switching image file corresponding to the rendering execution area as the browsing page is displayed on the screen, and executes the rendering based on these image files. When the pre-switching image and the post-switching image are overlaid on the area so that only the pre-switching image is visually recognized, and the first viewing operation is performed on the presentation execution area, the presentation execution area The display effect presentation program can be automatically described so as to produce a display effect of switching and displaying the image visually recognized in the image from the pre-switching image to the post-switching image. When performing the switching display, it is sufficient that there are two images, the main image and the effect image area image in the sub image. However, by separately preparing the image of the effect execution area in the main image, It becomes easier to respond to design changes. In other words, if there are only two images, the main image and the effect image area image in the sub image, if the design change of the effect execution area image in the main image is attempted, the entire main image must be corrected. Whereas it takes time, if an image of the effect execution area in the main image is prepared separately as described above, it is only necessary to add a hand to the image.

  The present invention further includes function specifying means for specifying a function to be executed when a predetermined position specifying operation is performed on an effect execution area on the background image or an image displayed in the effect execution area. Can do. As a result, an area (function execution area) in which a predetermined function (for example, various operation buttons such as page movement and video playback, a bulletin board, a list box, etc.) can be executed by a position designation operation to the effect execution area of the main image is created. it can.

  In this case, the program description means automatically describes the program so that the corresponding function is executed when a position designation operation is performed on the effect execution area on the background image or an image displayed in the effect execution area. The second program description means can be configured as described above. Thereby, for example, when a predetermined position specifying operation such as a click operation or a double click operation with a mouse is performed and a corresponding function is executed, a display effect is produced in the production execution area, and thus the function has been executed. It is possible to inform the viewer that it is.

  Further, in this case, function selection means for selecting one function from a plurality of predetermined functions is provided, and the program description means is displayed on the effect execution area of the browse page displayed on the screen or on the effect execution area. When a predetermined position specifying operation is performed on the image to be performed, the program can be automatically described so that the function selected by the function selecting unit is executed. As a result, operation images with display effect effects (for example, various operation buttons such as page movement and video playback, bulletin board, list box, etc.) can be added to the operation for describing the display effect effect program. ) Can be created easily.

  By the way, the program description means can set a plurality of types of operations as the first browsing operation for the first image. Thereby, the display effect presentation according to various browsing operation is attained.

  Further, in this case, the sub image selecting means selects a corresponding sub image for each of the plurality of types of first browsing operations, and the effect image area specifying means for each of the plurality of types of first browsing operations. The effect image area can be designated from the corresponding sub-image. Then, the third program description means in this case, when the first browsing operation is performed on the effect execution area or the image displayed on the effect execution area, the first browsing as the second image The display effect production program can be automatically described so as to designate an image in the production image area corresponding to the type of operation. That is, display effect effects can be used properly according to the type of browsing operation performed. Thereby, it is possible to grasp from the display effect effect what browsing operation has been performed or has been performed.

  Further, the first browsing operation in the present invention is a position pointing operation in which a position browsing image that can be moved on a browsing page by a content browsing user is moved, and the position pointing image is positioned on the browsing page by the position pointing image. A position designation operation for designating a position designated by the operation, a position designation holding operation for designating and holding the position designated by the position designation operation, a position designation holding release operation for releasing the position designation holding operation, and the position designation In the case where there are a plurality of types of operations, the position designation holding operation, and the position designation holding release operation and the re-browsing operation for re-browsing the position designated by the position designation holding release operation. Can be defined as two or more of these operations. More specifically, the first browsing operation can be performed by a predetermined pointing device having a push switch in an apparatus that displays digital content on a screen. For example, an operation of pressing and holding a push switch, an operation of releasing and holding the push switch after pressing and holding, and an operation of releasing the press and holding after pressing and holding the push switch a plurality of times within a predetermined time. If there are a plurality of types, two or more of these operations can be determined.

  An area designation shape setting means for setting the size and shape of the image area designated by the area range designation operation can be provided. Furthermore, it is possible to provide the same shape region continuous setting means for fixing the size and shape of the set image region and repeatedly setting regions of the same size and shape. Generally, a plurality of areas where display effect effects are made, for example, operation buttons, are often formed in the same shape. According to the above configuration, once the area shape for designating the effect execution area is set once, it can be used repeatedly thereafter, so that the effect execution area can be easily specified.

  Further, the region range designation operation may designate a polygonal (for example, quadrangular) region as an image region to be designated on the main image. In this case, the respective sides of the polygonal shape of the effect execution area specified by the effect execution area specifying means are extended, and the main image is partitioned by the extension line, and the main image is divided for each partitioned area. Main image dividing means for dividing the image, and main image division storing means for storing each divided main image as a divided image file. The program description means designates the main image as a background image and arranges the background image so that the divided main image divided by the main image dividing means is restored to the original main image. The program can be written so as to be displayed, and the program can be written so that, among the divided main images, the polygon-shaped divided main image designated by the effect execution area designating unit is designated as the first image. According to this configuration, the image of the effect execution area specified as the first image can be used as a part of the background image, and the capacity of the entire viewing page can be reduced, and only the image of the effect execution area can be reduced. It is also possible to modify the design.

  In the present invention, the area range designation operation by the production user (content producer) is to display a frame image for area designation on the main image displayed on the screen when the image area is designated, Can be specified. Thereby, the user can designate the effect execution area while visually recognizing the area. Further, the area range designation operation may be such that an area can be designated by inputting numerical values of coordinates when designating an image area. As a result, it is possible to finely adjust the position of the designated area.

  Further, a post-switching image changing unit that adds an arrangement to the post-switching image may be provided. Thereby, the image used for producing the display effect can be used not only for preparing the sub-image but also for arranging the display effect after arranging the prepared image. As a result, it is possible to produce a display effect with a better design.

  Similarly, pre-switching image changing means for arranging the pre-switching image may be provided. As a result, the effect execution area may be used so as to function as an operation button on the browse page, and in this case, there may be a desire to change the design only to the operation button area. According to this configuration, it is possible to meet the demand.

  Furthermore, the present invention may be software (program) that causes a computer to execute the above-described means.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the program creation device 1 of the present invention. The program creation device 1 is a well-known personal computer, and includes a CPU 11, a ROM 12, a RAM 13, a storage device 20 composed of a hard disk drive (HDD), an input unit 16 composed of a keyboard, a mouse, other pointing devices, and a liquid crystal display. The display unit 17 (page display means) 17 and the printer 18 are connected via the bus 14, the I / O port 15, the interface 19 and the like.

  The CPU 11 executes various programs stored in the ROM 12, the storage device 20, and the like, and is a main body of various controls. In the RAM 13, various data memory (including cache memory) areas used when executing various programs executed by the CPU 11 are formed.

  The storage device 20 is installed with various programs executed by the CPU 11 and stores various data necessary for the execution of these programs. As an example, software (digital content creation software) 21 for creating digital content and a product (project folder) 22 created thereby are stored. The digital content creation software 21 includes a program (function execution area setting program) 21a for facilitating setting of function execution areas (for example, setting of operation button areas and creation of button images). It has a function to support content creation in various ways.

  The input unit 16 is a known input device such as a mouse or a keyboard. However, it is assumed that a pointing device (for example, a mouse or the like) is always provided for indicating the position by moving the position indicating image while displaying the position indicating image on the screen of the display unit 47.

  It can be said that the digital content creation software 21 is a so-called WYSIWYG authoring tool having a function capable of creating digital content in the form of image editing without directly describing a program language. A product produced by the digital content creation software 21 is described in a predetermined program language and can be browsed by predetermined browser software. For example, it is created using a markup language such as HTML (HyperText Markup Language) or XML (eXtensible Markup Language), which is a hypertext description language, and can be viewed with a well-known web browser. The product here is described in XML, and is digital content uploaded to a Web server (not shown) using a file transfer program (not shown), a so-called home page. Therefore, it can be said that the program creation device 1 of this embodiment is a digital content creation device, a homepage creation device, and a hypertext description device.

  HTML and XML are document formats used in, for example, the WWW (World Wide Web). WWW is a hypertext system provided on the Internet, and homepages that are mutually accessible are browsed by, for example, an existing web browser. The home page is described in HTML or XML, can be viewed as an image or text, and further includes a hyperlink (hereinafter abbreviated as a link) in the description sentence. This hyperlink sets link information on an image or text in a document, and based on this link information, a document on another site of a specified URL (Uniform Resource Locator) on the web, or other documents in the same directory Links to a page or a specific location on the same page. Accordingly, in the case of digital content (homepage, digital book, etc.) consisting of a plurality of pages, it is possible to move to another page.

  FIG. 2 shows a file structure in the project folder 22 relating to one product created by the digital content creation software 21 and is named “specified name”. The project folder 22 is completed with folders 221 to 225 for storing various files used by the project file 230 as well as a project file 230 for executing the editing of the product, which is referred to and produced when the product is created. And a folder 226 in which a group of files directly related to the product is stored. The image folder 221 is an image file such as an image of a function execution area or an effect execution area generated by the execution of the project file 230 (for example, an image file generated by cutting from a sub-image 100A, which will be described later, such as a button image). ). The original folder 222 stores an image file (image file) of a main image 100B that is a background image described later and a sub image 100A that is also described later. The script folder 223 stores a file describing a script language (for example, Javascript: registered trademark). The template folder 224 stores various files of the product used from the folders 221 to 223 and 225 when the test build (product test display) is performed. The XML folder 225 stores various XML data (various setting information) produced and edited by executing the project file 230. The folder 226 of “designated name” is not a test build (product test display), but folders 221 to 223, 225 when officially building (when a test built is officially determined as a finished product). Stores various files of the product used from the list.

  The digital content in the present invention is not limited to a homepage, but may be a book-type digital content or the like such as a digital catalog or a digital book, which can be browsed on the screen of the terminal device, and is a predetermined program. Anything can be used as long as it is created by the syntax. Also, the programming language for creating this may be other than those described above.

  FIG. 3 is a view showing an example of a browsing page 100 of a product (digital content) created by the software 21 displayed in a predetermined area (here, a predetermined window: user browsing area) on the screen of the terminal device. It is. The browsing page 100 in FIG. 3 is created as a homepage of a certain company. This browsing page 100 has predetermined functions (functions corresponding to the position-indicated areas) in various areas on the background image 100B by a user browsing operation performed at least with a position instruction to those areas. The function execution area to be executed is set. Furthermore, the viewing page 100 includes various areas on the background image 100 </ b> B that are effect execution areas that are to be rendered with a predetermined display effect by a user browsing operation performed at least with a position instruction to those areas. Is set.

  However, in the present embodiment, the function execution area and the effect execution area are the same area. In the function execution area, a display image (for example, a visual image clearly drawn on the viewing page 100) While button images 100Ba to 100Bi are displayed in an overlapping manner, display effect effects images 100Aa to 100Ai are arranged in a transparent state on the display images 100Ba to 100Bi. That is, the browsing page 100 reads each image file of the background image 100B, the function execution area display images 100Ba to 100Bi, and the display effect presentation images 100Aa to 100Ai, and arranges them so as to satisfy the above overlapping relationship and transparency state. Is displayed. Then, when a pointing device such as a mouse is operated by the browsing user, as shown in FIG. 4, a display image 100Ba˜ of the function execution area is displayed by a position indication image (hereinafter referred to as a pointer) P on the display area of the digital content 100. When the position of the placement area of 100Bi is pointed, the non-transparent state when the transparent state of the display effect effect images 100Aa to 100Ai overlapping the display images 100Ba to 100Bi of the function execution area pointed to is canceled. Become. As a result, a display effect in which images are switched on the function execution area is produced. Contrary to this, the display effect presentation images 100Aa to 100Ai are arranged in various areas on the background image 100B, and the corresponding function execution area display images 100Ba to 100Bi are further arranged on the various areas. In this case, as the placement area of the function execution area display images 100Ba to 100Bi is instructed by the position instruction image (hereinafter referred to as a pointer) P, the display images 100Ba to 100Bi of the function execution area indicated by the position are transmitted. The display effect effect images 100Aa to 100Ai that are set in the state and are positioned below the state can be visually recognized.

  The present invention enables this to be easily performed when a program is described so that the display effect as described above can be executed. Moreover, in carrying out it, a plurality of images having a correspondence relationship with each other's drawing contents are used. Here, the main image 100B specified as the background of the browsing page and the sub image 100A used for the effect produced on the browsing page are used, and both have the same shape and the same size as each other. When they are overlapped, there is a correspondence relationship between the drawing contents such that the display positions of the drawing contents having similarities match each other. The coincidence of the display positions means that the main image 100B and the sub-image 100A are positioned on the same coordinate area when the main image 100B and the sub-image 100A are arranged with the same shape and orientation on the same plane coordinate.

  In addition, the main image 100B and the sub image 100A in the present embodiment are each designed by a designer, and the display effect execution expected areas 101Ba to 101Bi are drawn in the main image 100B, and the other sub image 100A is drawn. Also, the display effect implementation prospective areas 101Aa to 101Ai are drawn at the same position, and both areas are visually apparent and visible. FIGS. 10 and 11 are examples.

  FIG. 10 shows a main image 100B, in which areas 101Ba to 101Bi in which setting of function execution areas such as operation buttons are expected are drawn in advance so that these areas can be visually recognized. In the present embodiment, the function execution area setting expected area 101Ba to 101Bi is set as the display effect execution expected area. On the other hand, FIG. 11 shows a sub-image 100A, and regions 101Aa to 101Ai that coincide with the function execution region setting expected regions 101Ba to 101Bi of the main image 100B are assumed to be display effect implementation potential regions, which are also visually those regions. Is drawn so that can be recognized. And the drawing content of the said display effect implementation prospect | forecast area | region 101Aa-101Ai is utilized as a display effect presentation image.

  Further, in the main image 100B and the sub image 100A in the present embodiment, the regions other than the regions 101Ba to 101Bi and 101Aa to 101Ai have the same drawing content. Here, in the main image 100B and the sub-image 100A, only the above-described areas 101Ba to 101Bi and 101Aa to 101Ai are different in the painting effect such as color and hatching, and in the case of characters, the difference in character size, font, and typeface. The other areas have exactly the same drawing content. Further, in the above-described regions 101Ba to 101Bi and 101Aa to 101Ai, although there is a difference in the drawing contents as described above, the corresponding ones are similar to each other in the drawing contents (in this case, the figure shape) Or character content).

  Here, the flow (procedure) of creating digital contents will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, a new project file is created in S1. The software 21 is created by an operation of starting the software 21 and creating a new product (digital content such as a home page here).

  In S2, a design is set. In this embodiment, when a background image is selected, the background image is directly used as the design of the browsing page. Accordingly, here, an image selection operation is performed by the content production user in order to select the background image. However, in this embodiment, another image for producing a display effect is also selected at this stage.

  In S3, a function execution area (an effect execution area where a display effect is produced) is set on the selected background image. In the present embodiment, since the drawing content of the background image directly becomes the design of the browsing page of the digital content, a display form in which an image separately prepared as the function execution area is overlaid on the background image is not obtained. That is, the operation performed by the content production user here is not an operation of preparing or creating such another image, but simply specifying the range of the function execution area or the display effect effect area on the background image. Area range designation operation to be performed. More specifically, here, the selected background image is displayed, an area range specifying operation for specifying the area range to be the function execution area on the displayed background image, and setting to the specified area range is performed. A function selection operation for designating a function to be performed is performed.

  In S4, when a material such as an image or text that is changed by the operation of the content browsing user is necessary on the selected background image, these are set. For example, when the digital content to be produced is a book-type content that allows a plurality of pages to be viewed in a page turning format, each page image for displaying the plurality of pages is set.

  In S5, in order to confirm the completed state of the product (digital content) manufactured in the above-mentioned form, the product at the current stage is temporarily confirmed as the completed state, and the test display is performed (test). Build). Here, the browsing page of the product is displayed so that it can be actually browsed. For example, if an effect of a predetermined display effect is set, it is displayed in the same manner as in actual browsing, and if a predetermined browsing operation is performed on the function execution area, the function set in the area is displayed. Is executed. At this time, the template folder 224 stores various files of the product used from the folders 221 to 223 and 225 during the test build.

  In S6, when it is determined that the test-built product (digital content) is completed, it is determined. This completes the product. At this time, the folder 226 stores various files of the products used in the folders 221 to 223 and 225 at this time.

  Note that FIG. 5 is only a procedure for creating digital contents, and S2 to S6 are repeatedly performed while changing the order.

  Next, as a part of the processes performed in the above-described S2 and S3, a process for setting a function execution area in which the above-described display effect is realized will be described.

  First, the outline of the process will be briefly described. A user who is a content creator first performs two operations (image 100B and sub-image 100A) having similarities in correspondence with each other's drawing contents on a predetermined operation (images) on the input unit 16. Select by selecting operation). More specifically, a folder having those images is selected, and an image file is designated from the selected folder. By this user operation, a program sentence for setting the main image 100B as the background image of the two images is automatically described in the XML file (text file). Further, the user designates a function execution area (for example, a button area) 102B on the main image 100B. By this user operation (region range specifying operation), the image of the region 102B is cut out as a display image (for example, a button image) 100BX of the function execution region, and further, the function is executed when the main image 100B and the sub image 100A are overlapped. An image located in the same coordinate area as the area display 100BX is cut out as a display effect effect image 100AX, and the images 100BX and 100AX are stored in predetermined storage areas (here, folders 221). At the same time, the display image 100BX in the function execution area and the display effect effect image 100AX are overlaid on the coordinate area in which the main image 100B has been cut out, and only the display image 100BX in the function execution area is displayed. When the viewer performs a predetermined browsing operation with a position instruction in the coordinate area, an image visually recognized in the coordinate area is displayed in the function execution area. A program sentence that switches from the image 100BX to the display effect effect image 100A is automatically described in the XML file.

  It should be noted that the description relating to the technology already implemented in the well-known Web authoring software is omitted. For example, in response to a user operation (content creator operation) such as a background image selection / designation operation or an arrangement operation of a display image (such as a button image) of a function execution area, a program corresponding to the operation content is described in a hypertext description. Since it is well-known that it is automatically generated in the above, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

  In the present embodiment, a function execution area such as an operation button is provided as an area where the display effect is produced as described above, and a display image of the function execution area such as a button image is generated at the same time. Program description is made. Below, the detail is demonstrated using the flowchart of FIG.6 and FIG.7.

  FIG. 6 shows a first process of the function execution area setting program 21a that can be executed when the execution of the digital content creation software 21 of FIG. 1 is started. Since this process is mainly a process of selecting a background image of a page in digital content, it can be said to be a design setting process (S2 in FIG. 5).

  In S11, a main image to be a background image is selected (main image selection means). In subsequent S12, a sub image for display effect production is selected (sub image selection means). These are image selection operations to be selected from the image selection screen 201 as shown in FIG. 8, and the image files to be the main image 100B and the sub image 100A are stored in the terminal device or in a storage medium connected in the terminal device. In step S13, an image file to be finally determined is determined in the form of designating an image file while visually checking the drawing contents each time. When there is a change, the process returns to S11 and the selection is performed again. When the OK button 201a is operated and the main image 100B and the sub image 100A are determined, a predetermined value is applied to the main image 100B designated in S11. An image file name is determined according to a naming rule and stored in a predetermined storage area (here, the original folder 222 in FIG. 2) (background image storage means).

  In S14, a program description relating to the background image is made based on the contents of the operations performed so far (first program description means). This program is described according to a predetermined program syntax for displaying a background image in a predetermined window (user browsing area: see FIGS. 3 and 4), and is selected as a background image in S11. The main image 100B is described. That is, the description is made in association with image file information (image file name, etc.) for reading the stored main image 100B. Specifically, a predetermined program syntax for designating the background image is described, and information obtained based on the contents of user operations performed so far in the processing of FIG. It is created in the form to input to. Information obtained in the user operations so far includes image file information (image file name) of the main image 100B and image file information (image file name) of the sub-image 100A, of which the image file of the main image 100B. A program statement is generated in a form in which information is embedded in a necessary part of the syntax.

Here, the program description is made as a tag description by hypertext (here, XML). That is, tags (XML tags) for causing various functions in XML to be performed by browser software are described according to the structure of XML, and the described program sentence is stored as an XML file in the XML file 225 of FIG. Here, a tag for setting a background image is described in a form according to a predetermined syntax. Specifically, the body tag is described in such a manner that the location of the image file of the main image 100B designated in S11 is designated by an absolute path or a relative path. The following is an example.
<body background = "* Specify the file location (./***.jpg etc.)"></body>

  FIG. 7 is a process that can be executed when the execution of the digital content creation software of FIG. 1 is started, and is a second process of the function execution area setting program 21a. In this process, a function is assigned to a designated area on the background image 100B, and the area is used as a function execution area such as an operation button. Further, a predetermined area using the sub-image 100A is used for the designated area. The main process is to set the display effect.

  However, since it is premised that the main image (background image) and the sub-image are determined, if these are not yet determined, the processing in FIG. 6 may be forcibly performed. In addition, at the start, the main image displayed in the background is displayed in the form as shown in FIG.

  In S101, a function designation waiting state for selecting one function from a plurality of predetermined functions is entered (function selection means). The function is specified by selecting from a plurality of predetermined functions. Here, in the homepage creation screen 202 shown in FIG. 9, it is desired to set from the operation images 202a to 202f in the function list area 204. The operation image (icon) corresponding to the function is selected. This function designation waiting state continues until it is determined in S102 that the function selection has been completed. However, if an operation for canceling or terminating the function selection (for example, an operation to reference numerals 202y and 202z) is performed in S110, S109 is performed. Proceed to If it is determined in S102 that the function selection has been completed, the process proceeds to S103. Here, it is assumed that the link function is designated.

  In addition to the link function, functions that can be set include an enlarged display function, a reduced display function, a page reload function, a print execution function, a sticky note pasting function, a help display function, a page closing function, a pen tool function, and a notepad function. Etc.

  In S103, the operation enters a standby state for a predetermined area range designation operation by the user (content creator). Based on this region range designation operation, both a region to be a function execution region and an image region to be a display effect effect are designated on the main image 100B (effect execution region designation means).

  The effect execution area here is the function execution area 102B. Since the main image 100B is preliminarily provided with display effect execution potential areas 101Ba to 101Bi, when it is desired to create the function execution area 102B in these areas 101Ba to 101Bi, the user (content creator) can select these areas 101Ba to 101Ba. An area range specifying operation for specifying one of the 101Bi as the function execution area 102B is performed. Note that it is not always necessary to set the function execution area 102B in the display effect execution prospect areas 101Ba to 101Bi. The function execution area 102B may not be created in the areas 101Ba to 101Bi, or may be created in another area. However, the display effect execution expected areas 101Ba to 101Bi in the present embodiment are also function execution area setting expected areas drawn to be the function execution area 102B, and thus functions from the design viewpoint to the areas 101Ba to 101Bi. It is better to create the execution area 102B.

  As a specific area range designation method here, a predetermined area range designation operation (here, a pointing device such as a mouse forming the input unit 16 is displayed on the main image 100B displayed in the content creation area 203 of FIG. Then, as shown in FIG. 10, an area designation frame image W is formed by a mouse drag-and-drop operation), and an area in the frame image W is designated as the function execution area 102B. This function execution area designation waiting state continues until it is determined that the area selection is completed in S104, but when an operation for stopping or ending the area selection is performed in S111 (for example, an operation to the reference numeral 202y or 202z). , The process proceeds to S107, and the setting process of the function execution area 102B is terminated. If it is determined in S104 that the function selection has been completed, the process proceeds to S105.

  In S103, when the function execution area 102B is designated on the main image 100B, the same area 102A is designated on the sub-image 100A as shown in FIG. 11 (effect image area designation means). That is, as shown in FIG. 13, when the main image 100B and the sub-image 100A are overlapped, they coincide with the function execution area 102B (effect execution area) designated on the main image 100B (overlapping at the same position). An image area 102A (effect image area) on the position sub-image 100A is designated. Specifically, when the main image 100B and the sub image 100A are arranged in the same plane coordinates (initialization processing) and the function execution area 102B is designated on the main image 100B, the sub image The same coordinate area 102A is designated on the image 100A, and the image in this area 102A is used as an image for display effect presentation. However, the alignment process (initialization process) between the main image 100B and the sub-image 100A is performed by aligning the predetermined angular positions of the two images rather than specifying the area of the function execution area 102B on the main image 100A. Made in the previous stage.

  In the present embodiment, in the main image 100B and the sub-image 100A, the areas other than the areas 101Ba to 101Bi and 101Aa to 101Ai have the same drawing content. Therefore, the specification of the function execution area 102B in the present embodiment has no problem even if it is specified including some other areas as long as at least the function execution area setting expected areas 101Ba to 101Bi are included. . Here, it is assumed that an area that includes the function execution area setting expected area 101Bf and a part of its periphery is designated as the function execution area 102B. However, due to the above alignment processing, the same drawing contents in the main image 100B and the sub-image 100A overlap without shifting, and corresponding ones of the function execution area setting expected areas 101Ba to 101Bi are also in the same plane. It is necessary to overlap at the same position in the coordinate system.

  In S105, final setting conditions for the function execution area are determined. Here, detailed area conditions and detailed function conditions of the function execution area are set. Specifically, the detailed condition setting screen 205 as shown in FIG. 12 is displayed. In the preview area 206 in FIG. 12, a function execution area 102B designated on the main image 100B and an area on the sub-image 100A corresponding to the function execution area 102B are displayed. In 207, the position or size of both is specifically changed in a form of numerical designation. When a part of the function execution area setting expected area 101B is missing and not included or many other areas are included, fine adjustment is performed with this. On the other hand, since the link function is designated as the function of the function execution area 102B in S101 and S102, an address or a target (link destination display method) can be designated as a specific link destination. When completed, the OK button 205a is operated. Thereby, it progresses to S106.

  In S105, when display images 100Ba to 100Bi (100BX: pre-switching image) and display effect presentation images 100Aa to 100Ai (100AX: post-switching image) in the function execution area 102B are determined, these images are the main images. The image 100B and the sub-image 100A are stored as different image files (for example, GIF (Graphic Interchange Format), JPEG (Joint Photographic Expert Group), etc.) in a predetermined storage area (here, the image folder 221 in FIG. 2). (Image storage means before switching, image storage means after switching). At that time, an image file name is set according to a predetermined naming rule.

  The naming convention for the display image (pre-switching image) 100BX in the function execution area 102B is character information (for example, function name) that can specify the function in the function execution area 102B, such as “link_00001”, and creation The number indicating the order in which the display effect is made is added, and on the other hand, the display effect presentation image (post-switching image) 100AX has a naming rule such as “mouseover_00001” that can specify the display effect. For example, the same number as the display image 100BX of the function execution area 102B corresponding to (for example, the display effect name) can be used. This makes it easier to understand the source and facilitate later editing. Here, the naming rule is defined by “display effect name or function name + number of predetermined number of digits”.

  Subsequently, in S106, a program description for setting the function execution area is performed based on the contents of the operation performed so far. The description of the program is made in a form according to a predetermined program syntax, and in the process of FIG. 7, the information obtained based on the contents of the user operation performed so far is created in a form in which the information is inputted to a predetermined place in the syntax. . As information obtained in the user operations performed so far, the position information (region range information) of the regions on the main image (background image) 100B and the sub image 100A specified by the predetermined region range specifying operation in S103 and S104. , Image file information (image file name) for reading out the display image (pre-switching image) 100BX of the function execution area 102B cut out from the main image 100B by the area range specifying operation, and the display effect effect cut out from the sub-image 100A Image file information (image file name) of the image for switching (image file name) 100AX, and function information for specifying the function assigned to the function execution area 102B, and the program is generated by embedding these in the required part in the syntax (Second and third program description means).

  Thereby, on the produced browsing page, a predetermined function corresponding to the function execution area is executed in accordance with a predetermined browsing operation performed with a position instruction for the function execution area, and an effect execution area In accordance with a predetermined browsing operation performed in a form with a position instruction to the image, the image in the effect execution area is switched from the first image to a second image different from the first image, and the image in the predetermined area is released with the cancellation of the browsing operation. A program for producing a display effect for returning to the first image is described.

  The operation for executing the function among the browsing operations is a position specifying operation for specifying the function execution area. In the present embodiment, the input unit of the terminal device for browsing the product (digital content) is used. An operation (for example, a mouse click operation) for releasing the pressing after the predetermined push switch is pressed and held in a state where the position indication image displayed on the screen is positioned on the effect execution area by the pointing device to be formed is fixedly determined. It has been. Further, among the browsing operations, the operation for producing the display effect is a position pointing operation for pointing the function execution area, and by a pointing device that forms an input unit of the terminal device for browsing the product (digital content), An operation (here, a mouse over operation) for positioning the position indication image displayed on the screen on the effect execution area is fixedly determined.

An example of the contents of the program described here will be specifically described. Here, hypertext (here, XML) is described as in S14 of FIG. First, an image tag is used to display the image 100BX. The image 100BX is stored as an image file different from the XML file in S105, and an attribute "src =""" that instructs to read the stored image file from the outside is added to specify the storage location of the image. specify. On the other hand, to set a link, use the link tag <A>. Further, an attribute "href =""" is added to specify the link destination, and the destination address (file name) is specified as a relative link (relative path) or an absolute link (absolute path). In addition, display effects are described in a form that can be processed by browser software. The following is an example.
<a href="*Link URL"><img id = "introduction" src = "Image file name (image storage location: (./***.gif etc.))" alt = "introduction" onMouseover = " ImgChange ('introduction') "onMouseOut =" ImgBack ('introduction') "></a>

  In subsequent S107, it is determined whether or not to save the product manufactured as described above. If yes, the process proceeds to S108, and if not, the process proceeds to S109.

  In S108, the XML file in which the program description is made is stored in the XML folder 225.

  In S109, it is determined whether or not the setting of the function execution area is to be ended. If it is to be ended, this process is ended. If not, the process returns to S102 to set another function execution area.

  The completed product (digital content) in this way includes a main image 100B as a background image, a display image 100BX in various function execution areas 102B, and an image file 100AX for various display effect effects, and It has the program file described above (here, an XML file). Note that the sub image 200A is an image necessary as a display effect presentation image, so the remaining images cut out as the display effect presentation image are obtained from the components of the completed product (digital content). Is naturally excluded.

  In the present embodiment, an image designation operation (image selection operation) for designating the main image 100B and the sub image 100A by the user, an area range designation operation for the main image 100B, and a function designation operation (function selection operation) With only these three operations, it is possible to set the function execution area and set the display effect.

  When a product (digital content) is completed to some extent by such processing, a test build is performed (S5). As a result, based on the XML file and various image data associated therewith (image files in the folders 221 and 222), a test display can be performed in a form in which a product up to the present production can be browsed in a predetermined manner. Is done. At this time, the XML file and various image data associated thereby are stored and saved in the template folder 224. That is, S108 is a step that functions as a temporary product storage unit, and a program file described in a predetermined program language (here, an XML file) and a related file (image file or the like) associated therewith are the same. Store / save in the folder. When it is determined that the test build is officially completed, the product is completed (S6).

  As mentioned above, although one Embodiment of this invention was described, these are only illustrations to the last, and this invention is not limited to these, A various change is possible unless it deviates from the meaning of a claim. is there.

  In the embodiment described above, the effect of the display effect in the predetermined area on the background area is set for the function execution area (operation button or the like), but the area may not be the area where the function execution area is created. For example, in a region that does not have a function as a function execution region, a display effect effect region that performs the above display effect may be provided. FIG. 14 is a process for setting such a display effect, and S101, 102, and 110 in the process of FIG. 7 are omitted, and in S204, the program description related to the function execution area in S106 is omitted. Yes.

  In the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, when setting the function execution area, the function execution area is set in such a manner that the function given to the function execution area is specified and the area to be the function execution area is specified. However, it is also possible to specify the function assigned to the function execution area after setting the function execution area.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, as shown in FIG.3 and FIG.4, the display effect provided to the function execution area switches the image displayed on the said function execution area at the time of mouse-over and mouse-out. However, not only such simple switching, but also the addition of displaying the pre-switching image in the initial state before switching and interposing the predetermined animation before switching to the post-switching image The display effect may be set. In addition, the predetermined browsing operation by the user for expressing the display effect is not limited to the above-described position instruction operation (mouse-over operation), and other operations may be used as long as the predetermined browsing operation is accompanied by a position instruction by the user. Alternatively, it may be arbitrarily selected from a plurality of types of operations corresponding to the browsing operation. For example, an operation of pressing a push switch (for example, a push switch on a mouse) during a position pointing operation with a pointing device, an operation of pressing and holding the push switch for a predetermined time, or after pressing and holding the push switch for a predetermined time or more An operation of releasing the pressing hold, an operation of releasing the press holding after pressing and holding the push switch a plurality of times within a predetermined time (double click operation), and the like may be set.

  In addition, display effects may be individually set for these various operations. In this case, the same number of sub-images 100A as the types of operations for which display effects are to be set are required, and an effect image area is specified for each sub-image 100A (effect image area specifying means). In short, the same number of sub-images as the number of operations are selected in the process of S12 in FIG. 6, and the main image 100B and the sub-image 100A overlap each other in S103 and S104 of FIG. In the form of designating the coordinate area, the effect image area is designated from all the sub-images 100A. In S106 of FIG. 7, a program description (here, a hypertext description) in which the effect image area and the display effect are associated with each operation is made. Thereby, according to the kind of browsing operation performed by the browsing user, a display effect production can be used properly.

  FIG. 15 is an example in which display effects are set for two types of user browsing operations involving position instructions. Here, the image is switched to the image 100AX when a mouse-over operation is performed on the region 102B displaying the image 100BX (which is not limited to the function execution region as long as it is a region set as a display effect effect region). In addition, when a position instruction selection operation (in this case, a mouse click operation) has already been performed in the area, the image is switched to an image 100CX different from the mouse over operation.

  In the above embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, when specifying one image area 102 </ b> B to be a function execution area or a display effect production area, the size and shape of the area specifying frame image W are determined. However, as shown in FIG. 16, it is possible to fix the frame image W once set to the size and shape as it is (region designation shape setting means), and continue to designate the region 102B as it is. (Same shape area continuous setting means). Note that the symbol W ′ in FIG. 16 is the already-designated region 102B. Since function execution areas such as operation buttons and the like are often arranged with the same size and the same shape, this makes it easier to specify the function execution area and the display effect production execution area.

  In the above embodiment, both the image 100BX and the image 100AX acquired from the same area of both the main image 100B and the sub image 100A are used as they are for the effect of the display effect. Good. For example, as shown in FIG. 17, an arrangement can be applied to both the acquired image 100BX and the image 100AX by using means (transparency, shadowing, stereoscopic effect, etc.) in the areas 209B and 209A. In this case, by operating the OK button 205a, the image with the arrangement added is stored in the predetermined storage area. In addition, when adding arrangement to the image 100BX in the effect execution area in the main image 100B, the image 100BX needs to be stored as an image file different from the main image 100B.

  In the embodiment described above, the display image 100BX in the effect execution area (which may be a function execution area) of the main image 100B is stored as an image file different from the main image, and is used for display effect effects of the sub image 100A. The image 100AX is also stored as an image file different from the sub image 100A. However, in the present invention, at least the display effect effect image 100AX may be stored as an image file different from the sub image 100A. The display image 100BX in the function execution area in the main image 100B is preferably stored as a separate image file in order to make arrangements and changes as described above. There is no need to store it as an image file. In this case, when the effect execution area 100B2 is designated on the main image 100B, the display effect effect image 100AX is arranged in a transparent state on the area 100B2, and a predetermined user browsing operation for pointing the area 102B is performed. The image 100AX is displayed in the form of switching to the non-transparent state.

  In the above-described embodiment, the product produced by the digital content creation program 21 is a homepage, but other products may be used as long as they are displayed in a window displayed on the screen. Book-type digital content as shown in FIG. The book-type digital content 300 of FIG. 18 displays an operation button area (function execution area) 310 provided with a plurality of operation buttons for browsing operation, a page display area 320 that can be viewed in a page opening format, and a table of contents of the book. In the same manner as the above-described embodiment of the home page, a predetermined browsing operation (here, a mouse over) with a position instruction by the pointing device of the input unit 16 is performed on the predetermined area, as in the embodiment of the home page described above. When the operation is performed, the image in the area is switched to another image.

  19 and 20 are a main image 300B and a sub-image 300A prepared for creating a book-type digital content, and display effect implementation potential areas 301Ba to 301Bj and 301Aa to 301Aj are previously drawn on both. The book-type digital content of the present embodiment is also created by the processing of FIGS. 6 and 7 as in the case of the above-described home page, and an area showing a function list on the digital book creation screen 202 shown in FIG. 204 operation images 402a, 402b, 402c, 402d,... (However, some display effects are not performed and only function designation for a region is performed), the operation image corresponding to the function to be set is selected. A function is selected by selection (function designating means: S101, S102), and then a pointing device such as a mouse that forms the input unit 16 is operated on the main image 300B displayed in the content creation area 203 ( By drag and drop operation), an area designation frame image W is formed as shown in FIG. 21, and the frame image is displayed. Designating an area of the inner as a button area (function execution region) 302B (demonstration execution area designating means: function execution area designating means). Furthermore, the sub image 300A region (effect image region) 302A located at the same position as the button region 302B is also designated (S103, S104). Further, as shown in FIG. 22, the button area 302B can be finely adjusted (S105). The program description for the button creation and display effect presentation and the storage and storage of the product can be performed in the same manner as in the above embodiment (S106 to S108).

  In book-type digital content, an operation for designating a relatively wide area is included in an area range designation operation by a user (content creator). For example, an area range specifying operation for specifying the page display area 320 or the like. In this case, since another image is displayed over the wide area, it is not a good idea from the viewpoint of content capacity to display this area as an image. Therefore, in S103 and 104 of FIG. 7, when the user (content creator) designates a polygonal (for example, quadrangular) area by the area range designation operation, the designation is made as shown in FIG. Each side forming a straight line in the polygonal area is extended, and the main image 200B is partitioned by the extended line. As shown in FIG. 23B, each partitioned area (including the specified polygonal area is included). ) Are divided into individual divided main images 303B1 to 303B9 (main image division storage means), and the divided main images 303B1 to 303B9 are stored as different image files (main image division storage means). However, in this case, the program description in S14 of FIG. 6 is omitted, and the program description related to the background image described in S14 of FIG. 6 is made in S106 of FIG. 7 or S203 of FIG.

  Specifically, the image files of the divided main images 303B1 to 303B9 are read, and the read divided main images 303B1 to 303B9 are arranged so that the original main image before the division is restored. Then, a program description for displaying the background image 300B is made. That is, a program sentence for setting a background area and arranging (displaying) each divided main image 303B1 to 303B9 on the background area is described according to a predetermined syntax, and each divided main image 303B1 to 303B9 is displayed. The syntax to be described is described in an associated form with its arrangement area and image file information for reading the image itself (location where the image file is located: specified by an absolute path or a relative path). This eliminates the waste of overlapping the same drawing content.

  In the above-described embodiment in which the main image is divided, if the region designation designates an effect execution region for performing the display effect effect as described above, not only in the main image 300B but also in the sub image 300A. It is necessary to create similar divided images (divided sub-images: reference numerals 303A1 to 303A9 in FIG. 23). Of these, the image in the sub-image area 302A (here 303A5) corresponding to the effect execution area 302B (here 303B5) designated in the main image 300B is set as a display effect effect image, and is another image. Stored as a file.

  The area designation on the main image accompanied by the division is not limited to the function execution area designation or the effect execution area designation, and can be used when image display in a certain area is desired to be omitted. In the area designation according to the present invention, a rectangular area can be designated most easily. When the above-described division is performed, the division process can be facilitated. Further, the above-described embodiment for dividing the main image is not limited to the book-type digital content, and may be applied to, for example, a homepage or other digital content.

  Further, in the embodiments described so far, the digital content is constituted by the main image and the sub-image (one or more), but the present invention is not necessarily limited to these embodiments. For example, as shown in FIG. 24, one image 400B as a background image is selected and the background image 400B is displayed. As shown in FIG. 25, the function execution area and the background image 400B are displayed on the displayed background image 400B. It is also possible to simply provide a function execution area on the browsing page by designating an area to be However, the display image displayed in the area to be the function execution area uses the drawing contents drawn in advance in the expected areas (function execution area expected areas) 400Ba to 400Be of the function execution area in the background image 400B. As a result, the browse page 400 in which the function execution area is set can be created in such a manner that the image of the designated area is used as it is as the display image of the function execution area. In this case as well, if you have an expert designer create an image that includes the design of the function execution area, you can set the function execution area such as operation buttons and list boxes just by specifying the area from there. Separately, there is no need to prepare a display image of the function execution area.

  Specifically, the process of FIG. 6 is performed in a form in which S12 is omitted, and the program description relating to the display effect is omitted in S106 of the process in FIG. Note that the function selection in S101 and S102 of the processing of FIG. 7 is the operation image (icon) corresponding to the function to be set from the operation images 402a to 402f in the area 404 showing the function list on the homepage creation screen 202 shown in FIG. Is made in the form of selecting. In addition to the link function, the functions that can be set here include an enlarged display function, a reduced display function, a page reload function, a print execution function, a sticky note pasting function, a help display function, a page closing function, and a list. There are a box function, a bulletin board function, a text box function, a label function, a notepad function, a pen tool, and the like.

The block diagram which shows an example of the program creation apparatus of this invention. The figure which shows the structure of the project folder created by the program creation apparatus. The 1st figure which shows the product (homepage) in a browsing state. The 2nd figure which shows the product (homepage) in a browsing state. The flowchart which shows the flow of creation of digital content (homepage). The flowchart of the design selection process. The flowchart which shows the flow of a function execution area | region setting process. The figure which shows the selection screen which selects a main image and a sub image. The figure which shows a function execution area | region setting screen. The figure explaining the area range designation | designated operation to a main image. The figure explaining the area designation of the sub image by the area range designation operation for the main image. The figure which shows the screen which determines the detailed conditions of the function execution area | region to set. The figure explaining cutting out the same area | region from a main image and a sub image, and using these for the production of a display effect. The flowchart which shows the flow of a display effect setting process. The figure explaining cutting out the same area | region from a main image and a some sub image, and using these for the production of a display effect. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining an area range designation operation for a main image performed in a form different from that in FIG. The figure which shows the screen which determines the detailed conditions of the function execution area | region to set in a form different from FIG. The 1st figure which shows the product (book type digital content) in a browsing state. The figure which shows the main image for creating the production of FIG. The figure which shows the sub image for producing the production of FIG. The figure which shows the function execution area | region setting different from FIG. The figure which shows the screen which determines the detailed conditions of the function execution area | region to set. The figure explaining dividing a main image into a background image. The figure which shows the function execution area | region setting screen of embodiment different from FIG. FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining an area range designation operation for a main image performed in an embodiment different from that in FIGS. 10 and 16.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Program creation apparatus 16 Input part 17 Display part 20 Storage apparatus 21 Digital content creation software 21a Function execution area setting program 100 Production (digital content)
100B main image 100BX (100Ba to 100Bi) Display image of function execution area (image before switching)
101Ba to 101Bi Display effect implementation expected area 100A Sub image 100AX (100Aa to 100Ai) Display effect effect image (image after switching)
101Aa to 101Ai Display effect execution expected area 102B Function execution area (effect execution area)
102A Production image area

Claims (16)

A program creation device having a support function for supporting the description of a program for generating a browsing page for digital content,
Background image selection means for selecting an image as a background of the browsing page based on a predetermined image selection operation by a user of the digital content;
First program description means for automatically describing a background image display program for displaying the selected image as a background image of the browsing page;
The image selected by the background image selecting means for setting a function execution area in which a predetermined function is executed by a browsing operation performed by a content browsing user at least with a position instruction on the browsing page A function execution area designating unit for designating an image area to be the function execution area on the image based on a predetermined area range designating operation for the image performed by the production user in a state of displaying
The designated image area is set as the function execution area, and the image displayed in the image area on the background image is displayed as the display image of the function execution area as it is on the browsing page. A second program description means for automatically describing a function execution area setting program for setting the function execution area;
A program creation device comprising: Based on a predetermined function selection operation by the production user, comprising a function selection means for selecting the function executed by the browsing operation to the function execution area from a plurality of functions,
The second program description means sets the image area designated by the function execution area designation means as the function execution area on the background image of the browsing page and is selected by the function selection means. The program creation device according to claim 1, wherein the function execution area setting program for setting the function as a function executed by the browsing operation to the set function execution area is described.   The browsing operation includes a position specifying operation for performing a position specifying input for specifying the position with respect to a position indicated by a position indicating image movable on the browsing page by a position specifying operation by the content browsing user. The program creation device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the program creation device is defined. The image to be the background image is a main image, the background image selection means is a main image selection means, and the browsing operation is a second browsing operation,
Sub-image selection means for selecting a sub-image that is used to produce a display effect on the browsing page based on a predetermined image selection operation by the production user;
Effect execution area specifying means for specifying an image area specified as the function execution area by the function execution area specifying means as an effect execution area to be a display effect effect on the main image;
When the selected main image and the sub-image are overlapped, an effect that specifies an image area on the sub-image that overlaps with the image area specified by the function execution area specifying means as an effect image area Image area specifying means;
On the first image displayed in the production execution area when a predetermined first viewing operation is performed in a form accompanied by a position instruction with respect to the predetermined production execution area set in the viewing page On the main image designated by the function execution area designating means, a display effect production program for producing a display effect based on a second image different from the first image is used as the predetermined production execution area. The function execution area is designated, the image displayed in the effect execution area is designated as the first image, and the effect image area designated by the effect image area designation means is designated as the second image. A third program description means for automatically describing the image displayed in
The program creation device according to any one of claims 1 to 3. A program creation device having a support function for supporting the description of a program for generating a browsing page for digital content,
A main image selection means for selecting a main image as a background of the browsing page based on a predetermined image selection operation by the digital content production user;
First program description means for automatically describing a background image display program for displaying the selected main image as a background image of the browsing page;
Sub-image selection means for selecting a sub-image that is used to produce a display effect on the browsing page based on a predetermined image selection operation by the production user;
An effect execution area specifying means for specifying an image area as a display effect effect on the main image as an effect execution area based on a predetermined area range specifying operation by the production user;
When the selected main image and the sub-image are overlapped, the image area on the sub-image that overlaps at the same position as the image area designated by the effect execution area designation accepting unit is designated as the effect image area. Production image area designation means,
When a predetermined first browsing operation performed in a form accompanied by a position instruction is performed on the predetermined area set in the browsing page, the first image displayed in the predetermined area A display effect production program for producing a display effect based on a second image different from the first image is designated as the predetermined area, and the production execution area on the main image designated by the production execution area designation means is designated. Then, an image displayed in the effect execution area is designated as the first image, and an image displayed in the effect image area designated by the effect image area designating means is designated as the second image. A third program description means for automatically describing in a specified form;
A program creation device comprising:   The effect execution area designating means and the effect image area designating means arrange the main image and the sub image on a common plane coordinate system, and designate the common coordinate area in the form of the effect execution area. The program creation device according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the program image area is designated.   When the first browsing operation is performed on the effect execution area of the browse page displayed on the screen, the third program description unit displays the first image displayed in the effect execution area, The display effect effect program according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the display effect effect program is described so that a display effect of switching to the second image different from the first image is produced. Program creation device. An after-switching image storage means for storing the image of the effect image area designated by the effect image area designating means as an image file after switching as an image file different from the image file of the sub-image,
The third program description means, when the first browsing operation is performed on the effect execution area of the browsing page displayed on the screen, the image file of the post-switching image corresponding to the effect execution area. Based on the read-out image file, the post-switching image is arranged in a transparent state with respect to the effect execution area, and when the first viewing operation is performed on the effect execution area, the switching is performed. The display effect production program is described so that a display effect is produced in which the first image in the production execution area is switched to the post-switching image and displayed in the form of releasing the transparent state of the rear image. The program creation device according to claim 7. Pre-switch image storage means for storing the first image in the effect execution area designated by the effect execution area designating means as an image file before switching as an image file different from the image file of the main image;
An after-switching image storage unit that stores the second image of the rendering image region designated by the rendering image region designating unit as an after-switching image and as an image file different from the image file of the sub-image,
The program description means reads the image file of the pre-switching image and the post-switching image corresponding to the effect execution area as the browsing page is displayed on the screen, and the effect execution area based on the image files. In addition, when the pre-switching image and the post-switching image are overlaid so that only the pre-switching image is visible, and the first viewing operation is performed on the effect execution area, 8. The program creation device according to claim 7, wherein the display effect production program is described so as to produce a display effect in which an image visually recognized in the production execution area is displayed by switching from the pre-switching image to the post-switching image. .   The first browsing operation is performed by a position pointing operation in which a position pointing image that can be moved on the browsing page by the content browsing user is moved and the position pointing image is pointed to by the position pointing image. A position designation operation for designating the designated position, a position designation holding operation for designating and holding the position designated by the position designation operation, a position designation holding release operation for releasing the position designation holding operation, the position designation operation, 5. The operation of any one or more of the position designation holding operation and the re-browsing operation for re-browsing the position designated by one or more of the position designation holding release operations. The program creation device according to claim 9. The sub-image selection means is for selecting a corresponding sub-image for each of the plurality of types of the first browsing operation,
The effect image area designating unit designates an effect image area from the corresponding sub image for each of the plurality of types of the first browsing operations.
When the first browsing operation is performed on the effect execution area or an image displayed on the effect execution area, the third program description unit uses the first browsing operation as the second image. The program creation device according to any one of claims 4 to 10, wherein the display effect production program is described so as to designate an image in the production image area corresponding to the type of the display image. Comprising the requirements of claim 10;
12. The first browsing operation includes two or more types of operations among the position instruction operation, the position designation operation, the position designation holding operation, the position designation holding release operation, and the rebrowsing operation. The program creation device described.   The program creation according to any one of claims 4 to 12, wherein the first browsing operation is performed by a predetermined pointing device having a push switch in an apparatus for displaying the digital content on a screen. apparatus.   While the area designation shape setting means for setting the size and shape of the image area designated by the area range designation operation is provided, the size and shape of the set image area are fixedly set and repeatedly the same size. 14. The program creation device according to claim 1, further comprising a same-shaped region continuous setting unit that sets an image region having a shape.   The program creation device according to any one of claims 4 to 13, wherein the area range designation operation designates a rectangular area as the image area to be designated on the main image.   In the main image and the sub-image, a plurality of display effects are drawn in advance in such a manner that a plurality of display effect execution prospect areas are visually apparent on each image, and drawn on both images. The program creation device according to any one of claims 4 to 15, wherein expected execution areas are drawn so as to overlap each other when the main image and the sub image are overlapped.

Images