JP3878982B2 - Information provision system - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an information providing system for providing various types of information to each user from a server placed on a communication network such as the Internet or an intranet.
[0002]
[Prior art]
With the progress of computer communication networks such as the Internet and personal computers, users can typically acquire various types of information from the network via information browsing software such as web browsers. became. The user can greatly improve the productivity of intellectual labor by effectively using various kinds of knowledge information accumulated on the network. Further, not only knowledge information but also an electronic commerce system (EC) allows the user to purchase various tickets such as air tickets online or move bank account deposits, for example. .
[0003]
By the way, under the multitasking OS, a plurality of application programs such as a web browser, a mail client, and an electronic commerce system can be started (although there are restrictions on computer resources available on each client machine). For this reason, the user activates a plurality of application programs and performs a predetermined operation in each application in order to obtain necessary information or perform necessary transactions.
[0004]
The more the user performs a plurality of tasks in parallel, the more user interfaces of application programs open on the display of the client machine used by the user. Since each application runs independently of each other, each user interface is also developed on the display independently of each other. The user has to find out and operate necessary items from the user interface that is randomly deployed, and productivity of intellectual labor is reduced.
[0005]
Furthermore, in a distributed network environment, various pieces of knowledge information are produced every moment and accumulated in various places, so that the knowledge information is dispersed and flows in various places. Especially in the rapidly changing field, there is no guarantee that sites that were useful sources until yesterday will continue to be useful in the future. Therefore, a user who requests the latest useful information needs to constantly evaluate the usefulness of the information source and update the site address (URL: Uniform Resource Locator) or the like.
[0006]
In this way, the development of the distributed network environment and personal computer technology has contributed to the production and distribution of information, but at the same time it has created a chaotic information overload, and each user needs the information he wants. It became difficult to obtain.
[0007]
Therefore, a so-called “Internet portal” service was born. In general, an Internet portal is understood as a website that provides a variety of pre-genre information such as sports, performing arts, science, etc., with a search engine at the core. Early Internet portals offered the same services to all users, but the improved Internet portals provided services suitable for each user (for example, sports-related information for users who prefer sports). Etc.) is being made to provide each.
[0008]
In recent years, an information integration service called an Enterprise Information Portal (EIP) has also been provided. In general, a company information portal integrates information existing inside and outside a company or organization and provides it in an optimized organization for each member.
[0009]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
As described above, improved Internet portals and corporate information portals can provide information that is prepared for each user and organized for each person. Therefore, it is necessary to manage information in an information-rich environment. It provides users with one useful means.
[0010]
However, although it is organized for each user, if the information selected by the administrator according to each user's preference or attribute is provided, the intellectual curiosity of each user It is not easy for the user to follow the change in the speed. For example, providing horticulture-related information to users who are interested in horticulture, or providing sales trend graphs, supplier lists, customer lists, new product news, etc. to sales department employees. A fixed and mechanical uniform service according to user attributes and the like is beneficial for sharing information assets and purposes as an organization, but is far from effective use of information based on the initiative of each user.
[0011]
Also, even if the information to be displayed by each user can be freely selected, if the layout for displaying each information is fixed, or if each user cannot change the layout freely and smoothly according to his / her preference, The information display is not optimal for each user.
[0012]
In other words, for users belonging to a certain organization or group, information in line with the purpose and significance of the activity of the organization or group is useful and important, but depending on the current situation of each user, The importance is different. Even personal information may be the most important information in some cases. And it is preferable that the more important information is located at the center of the screen or the like and can be easily accessed. Thus, since the information required by each user varies depending on the circumstances, a flexible layout according to the importance of the information is desired.
[0013]
However, according to the prior art, it is not easy to change the layout, and it is difficult to change the layout promptly according to the needs of each user. For example, if the layout is changed using a special program or tool, the change work becomes complicated and the burden on the user is great. Or even if a screen for layout editing is prepared, changing the display method from the normal screen (normal mode) to the special screen for layout editing (layout editing mode) After all it is unusable. For example, if you had to bother to interrupt the current display and switch to layout editing mode just to reposition the content displayed on the right to the center, Will endure the inconvenience and accept the current layout.
[0014]
The user's desire to change the layout can be broadly divided into two types. One is when the new layout is used for a relatively long time. The other is when a new layout is used for a short period of time. If a new layout is required over a long period of time, the user will change the layout even if it is a cumbersome task. However, if the new layout is only used for a short period of time, the user will continue to use the existing layout as it is with inconvenience. In the latter case, the conventional one cannot balance the effort required for the change with the effect of the change, and cannot satisfy the short-term layout change desire. Unsatisfied desires stress users and affect the productivity of intellectual labor.
[0015]
The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an information providing system that can display information suitable for each user in a layout desired by each user. . Another object of the present invention is to provide an information providing system that can change the layout seamlessly and easily without interrupting information provision. The further objective of this invention will become clear from embodiment mentioned later.
[0016]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above problems, the information providing system according to the present invention includes means for changing the layout for each component for displaying information.
[0017]
That is, the information providing system according to the present invention integrates a plurality of pieces of information selected by the user and provides them to the user, each of which is obtained with a plurality of information acquisition units that respectively acquire information from information sources. A plurality of information providing units that respectively provide information, and an integrated management unit that integrates and displays each information providing unit. Furthermore, each information providing unit is provided with a layout operation unit for operating the display layout of each information providing unit. The integrated management unit detects each layout operation unit operation and provides each information. The layout of the part can be changed.
[0018]
Here, “integrating a plurality of information” does not display information using a separate user interface for each application program, but provides various types of information in a single user interface. Means that. Examples of the “information source” include a World-Wide Web (WWW) server that provides text, images, and the like. The information acquisition unit includes a protocol or the like necessary for acquiring information from an information source, and the acquired information is passed to the information providing unit and displayed. The information acquisition unit and the information providing unit do not need to correspond one-on-one. The integrated management means manages the display of each information providing unit in an integrated manner. That is, the entire layout is adjusted so that the information providing units existing on the same screen do not interfere with each other or overlap each other. Since each information providing unit is provided with a layout operation unit, the user can easily change the display layout of each information providing unit by operating the layout operation unit. “Layout” means, for example, the display position, size, color, and the like of the information providing unit, but all of these need not be changeable by the layout operation unit.
[0019]
For example, each layout operation unit includes a movement operation unit for moving the display position of the information providing unit, an editing operation unit for editing the information display content of the information providing unit, and an extinction that extinguishes the display of the information providing unit. It is sufficient that at least one operation unit is included among the operation units, and each layout operation unit is configured according to the characteristics of information displayed by each information providing unit related to each layout operation unit. Is preferred.
[0020]
“Configure the layout operation unit according to the characteristics of the information”, for example, display shared information so that each user does not delete the shared information for which only the administrator is authorized The information providing unit that does not have an erasure operation unit, or the information providing unit that displays information that cannot be processed by the user, such as a ticket reservation system, does not have an editing operation unit. .
[0021]
By providing the layout operation unit in each information providing unit, the user can freely and smoothly change the layout without interrupting the currently used information display.
[0022]
In a preferred embodiment, there is further provided an arrangement frame management means for managing an arrangement frame that can be arranged by arranging a plurality of information providing units in a predetermined direction, and the layout of each information providing unit arranged in the arrangement frame is an arrangement frame. Each can be changed within.
[0023]
The layout frame does not need to be displayed on the screen. A plurality of information providing units can be arranged in a predetermined direction (for example, a vertical direction or a horizontal direction) in the arrangement frame, and the layout change by the layout operation unit is effective in the arrangement frame. That is, when the position of the information providing unit is changed, the information providing unit cannot be moved beyond the arrangement frame.
[0024]
The arrangement frame can be provided with a frame layout operation unit for operating the display layout of the arrangement frame, and can further be provided with a switching unit for switching display / non-display of the frame layout operation unit.
[0025]
The layout of the arrangement frame can be changed by the frame layout operation unit, and a more flexible screen configuration can be easily obtained. In addition, by making it possible to switch between display / non-display of the frame layout operation unit, a limited screen space can be used effectively.
[0026]
In addition, an arrangement area management unit is provided to manage the arrangement area that can be arranged in a plurality of arrangement frames in a direction different from the predetermined direction, and the layout of each arrangement frame arranged in the arrangement area can be changed within the arrangement area. It can also be.
[0027]
By introducing an arrangement area for managing a plurality of arrangement frames side by side, the layout can be changed more finely.
[0028]
Similarly to the above, the arrangement area can be provided with an area layout operation section for operating the display layout of the arrangement area, and further provided with a switching section for switching display / non-display of the area layout operation section. You can also.
[0029]
Each information providing unit in the placement frame follows the layout change of the placement frame, and each placement frame in the placement region follows the layout change of the placement region. That is, when the placement frame moves, the information providing unit in the placement frame also moves together. When the placement region moves, the placement frame (including the information providing unit in the placement frame) also moves together. Move to. Since the arrangement frame arranges the information providing units in a predetermined direction and the arrangement area arranges the arrangement frames in a direction different from the predetermined direction, the information is arranged for each information providing unit, in units of arrangement frames, or in units of arrangement regions. Can be changed respectively.
[0030]
Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment, page management means for displaying each information providing unit in units of pages is further provided, and a page moving operation unit for changing the order of the pages is provided on the page.
[0031]
In a preferred embodiment, the integrated management means sets a personal mode for providing each user with an information providing unit set for each user among the information providing units, and sets for each group among the information providing units. A group mode that provides the information providing unit to the users constituting each group, and further includes a selection unit for selecting either the personal mode or the group mode.
[0032]
For example, it is possible to generate a group mode for each department or to like each other and share information. By preparing two modes, personal mode and group mode, personal information can be collected in the personal mode, while information to be shared can be collected in the group mode, and information can be collected more efficiently. .
[0033]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 1 to 12 are drawings according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a configuration explanatory diagram showing an overall outline of the information providing system according to the present embodiment.
[0034]
The information providing server 1 that provides a plurality of different information in an integrated manner is a WWW server that presents individualized information for each user in response to a request from a client program 21 running on the client machine 20.
[0035]
Here, examples of the client machine 20 include a personal computer, a workstation, a portable information terminal (including a mobile phone), and the like. As the client program 21, for example, a web browser that transmits and receives information using the HTTP (Hyper Text Transfer Protocol) protocol or the like is preferably used (hereinafter, the client program is referred to as a web browser). However, the HTTP protocol and the web browser are examples, and the present invention is not limited to this.
[0036]
Each user can obtain all necessary information only by accessing the information providing server 1, and there is no need to open the web browser 21 for each WWW server as in the prior art. The information providing server 1 realizes a so-called single access point that provides all necessary information for access to one place. Information provided from the information providing server 1 is displayed on the web browser 21 as an information providing screen 30. The configuration of the information providing screen 30 will be described later.
[0037]
The information providing server 1 can be configured to include a general management unit 2, a page management unit 3, an area management unit 4, a controller management unit 5, a content adapter 6, and a management database (abbreviated as DB) 7.
[0038]
The overall management unit 2 corresponds to “integrated management unit” and can manage a plurality of page management units 3. The page management unit 3 corresponds to “page management means” and is for displaying a plurality of pages on the information providing screen 30. A plurality of areas can be set for each page. The area management unit 4 corresponds to “arrangement area management means”, and is for managing the layout in area units. A plurality of controllers can be set in each area. The controller management unit 5 corresponds to “arrangement frame management means”. Each controller can manage a plurality of content adapters 6. The content adapter 6 corresponds to an “information acquisition unit” and acquires information from various information sources 10 on behalf of the web browser 21.
[0039]
Examples of the information source 10 include a web page (a page provided by a WWW server), various application programs on the website (such as a ticket and a reservation system for accommodation), a database, and the like. Further, the information source 10 does not have to exist outside the information providing server 1 and can be provided in the information providing server 1. Examples of the information source in the server include an in-house database and an in-house document. An example of a specific configuration of the content adapter 6 and the like will be further described later.
[0040]
Next, FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the information providing screen 30 displayed on the web browser 21.
[0041]
The information provision screen 30 is roughly divided into a part (public area) provided in common to each user and a page. The public area presents unchanging information that is uniformly provided to all users regardless of the attribute of each user, and is a common header portion (also referred to as a top area) 31 displayed at the top of the web browser. The menu area 32 is displayed at the end of the web browser. In the top area 31, for example, a content display unit 70 such as a service name of the information providing server 1 and a global link can be arranged. By displaying the service name or the like unchanged, it is possible to give the user a sense of security that the user is working in the information providing server 1 even when the user moves following the link.
[0042]
In the menu area 32, a content display unit 33 for displaying user information, a guidance display unit 34 for guiding page switching, and the like can be arranged. The guidance display unit 34 corresponds to a “selection unit” and is used to switch between different types of pages. As the page type, a public page (public P), a user page (user P), and a group page (group P) can be set. Here, the public page is a page provided to all persons who have accessed the information providing server 1 regardless of whether they are registered users or guests. The user page is a private page provided to a user (logged-in user) authenticated by a user name, a password, or the like. A group page is a page provided only to a specific group consisting of one or more users. Only users belonging to the group can refer to the group page. Each of the public page, user page, and group page can be composed of a plurality of pages. In this sense, a public page can be called a public corner, a user page can be called a user corner, and a group page can be called a group corner.
[0043]
A page is displayed in the approximate center of the web browser 21. For example, a plurality of pages such as a home page 41 and a second page 42 can be set. When a new page 43 is added, a new page tab is added at the end of the existing page. The addition of pages will be described later.
[0044]
In each page, a plurality of areas extending in the horizontal direction (lateral direction) of the page can be arranged in the vertical direction (vertical direction). The area corresponds to an “arrangement area”. In the figure, two areas 51 and 52 are shown. In each area, a plurality of controllers extending in the vertical direction of the page can be arranged in the horizontal direction. The controller corresponds to an “arrangement frame”. In the drawing, two controllers 61 and 62 are arranged in the upper area 51, and one controller 63 is arranged in the lower area 52.
[0045]
Furthermore, one or a plurality of content display units 70 can be arranged in each controller. The content display unit 70 corresponds to an “information providing unit” and includes a title display area 71 and a content display area 72. The controller can arrange a plurality of content display units 70 side by side in the vertical direction. The arrangement direction described above is an example, and the present invention is not limited to this. The areas may be arranged in the horizontal direction, and the controllers may be arranged in the vertical direction in the area.
[0046]
The important points are that the arrangement direction of the controller in the area is different from the arrangement direction of the content display unit in the controller, and that the movement of the upper structure is followed. To follow the movement of the upper structure means that when the area is moved, all the controllers in the area and all the content display units 70 in the controller move together with the movement of the area. If the controller is moved, it is included in the controller. This means that all the content display units 70 also move together. Conversely, the movement of the lower structure does not affect the position of the upper structure. That is, even if the controller is moved, the position of the area to which the controller belongs does not change. By changing the arrangement direction and allowing the lower structure to be moved together, a delicate and dynamic layout change is possible. In the following description, although no reference numerals are given in the drawings, pages are collectively referred to as “page 40”, areas are collectively referred to as “area 50”, and controllers are collectively referred to as “controller 60”. There is a case.
[0047]
Next, FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing details of the page. For the convenience of explanation (due to the limitation of the size of the drawing), the display of FIG. 3 is slightly different from the display of FIG.
[0048]
In FIG. 3, it should be noted that control buttons 81 to 87 for changing the layout and the like are integrally provided in each area 50, each controller 60, and each content display unit 70. It should be noted that “integrally” means that it is apparently integrated, and it is needless to say that each of the area 50, the controller 60, and the content display unit 70 does not need to have control button data.
[0049]
The control buttons include an extinction button 81, a downward movement button 82, an upward movement button 83, a right movement button 84, a left movement button 85, a help button 86, and an edit button 87. The annihilation button 81 is for erasing the object to which it is assigned. Here, as “annihilation”, temporary erasure on display and permanent erasure can be considered, but in this embodiment, when the extinction button 81 is operated, the object (area, controller, Permanently erase the content display). Accordingly, when the user desires to display again, it is necessary to add it again. However, in order to prevent an erroneous disappearance operation, a message for calling attention is displayed when the disappearance button 81 is operated.
[0050]
Each movement button 82-85 is for moving the object to which it was given in a predetermined direction. The movement buttons 82 to 85 are given according to the attribute of the object, that is, the direction in which the movement is possible. That is, since the content display unit 70 is arranged in the vertical direction in the controller, the content display unit 70 has only the down movement button 82 and the up movement button 83, and the right movement button 84 and the left movement button 85 are not provided. Similarly, the controller and the area are also provided with a movement button corresponding to each movable direction.
[0051]
The help button 86 is used to display a help menu prepared in advance for each application program. The edit button 87 is used to set addition of content to be displayed in the content display area 72 of the content display unit 70. As will be described later, the information providing server 1 has a novel feature that the content can be displayed partially in units of lines, not the entire content.
[0052]
Here, among the control buttons, a button set including one or more of the disappearance button 81, each of the move buttons 82 to 85, and the edit button 87 is “layout operation unit”, “frame layout operation unit”, or “region layout operation unit”. It corresponds to. The set of control buttons set for the object is determined by the attributes of the object, the characteristics of information related to the object, and the like. For example, when a certain content display unit 70 displays a web page, the control button set provided in the content display unit 70 can include an edit button 87. However, a control button set that does not include the edit button 87 is set in another content display unit 70 that displays content that cannot be edited or set.
[0053]
In addition, the content display unit 70 in the public area is not provided with any control button set, so that the uniform appearance and configuration of the public area are maintained, and common public contents are always provided to all users. Can be configured. In other words, a shared area (public area or public page) in which shared content provided in common for each user is not set, and a personal area (for groups) is provided for each user (including groups). A layout operation unit can be set only for a user page or a group page.
[0054]
Further, paying attention to FIG. 3, the page is provided with a page addition button 91, a page deletion button 92, an area addition button 93, a controller addition button 94, a content addition button 95, and a page movement button 96 at predetermined positions. I can see that Each button 91 to 96 does not need to be displayed as an icon, and may be displayed like a text link button.
[0055]
The page addition button 91 is for adding a new page. The page deletion button 92 is for deleting a page. Page deletion is not allowed for all pages. Deletion of shared pages such as public pages and group pages is allowed only to those who have administrator rights. Further, even if it is a user's personal page, the home page of the first page can be set so as not to be deleted.
[0056]
The area addition button 93 is for adding a new area in the page. The new area is added to a predetermined position such as the bottom of the page, for example. The controller addition button 94 is for adding a new controller in the area. Therefore, a controller addition button 94 is provided for each area. However, as will be described later with reference to FIG. 9, it is also possible to hide the area and controller in the normal state and display the presence of the area and controller when the layout editing mode is entered.
[0057]
The content addition button 95 is used to add new content in the controller, and is provided in each controller. The page movement button 96 moves the page, and includes a right movement button 84 and a left movement button 85. A portion denoted by reference numeral 96 is a portion that displays “page move”, but is a page move button 96 for convenience of explanation. Rather than operating the reference numeral 96, the page order is actually changed back and forth by the left and right movement buttons 85 and 84.
[0058]
Next, the structure of each data table managed by the management database 7 will be described based on the explanatory diagrams of FIGS.
[0059]
FIG. 4A is a table for managing user information. The user information table holds, for example, each user name and a page identification number (hereinafter referred to as ID) that identifies a page held by each user in association with each other. Here, in addition to being given to each individual, the user name is also given to each group. A guest user name is also set to manage a public page that can be referred to by the guest. A page held by a user means a page provided to the user. “PID1, 3, 6” means that each page specified by PID1, PID3, PID6 is provided to the user U1.
[0060]
FIG. 4B is a table for managing the configuration data in the page. The page data table holds, for example, a page ID, a user name, a page title, and area data in association with each other. Area data is data indicating the area and controller set in the page. For example, in the area data of PID1, “A1 [1,2], A2 [3]” is described. This is because two pages of area A1 and area A2 are included in the page specified by PID1. The area A1 has a controller CID1 and a controller CID2, and the area A2 has a controller CID3. Therefore, by referring to the page data table, the general layout (area and controller) of the page can be known.
[0061]
FIG. 4C is a table for managing the controllers. The controller data table holds, for example, a controller ID (CID), a user name, a belonging page, and an object ID list in association with each other. The object ID list is a list for specifying the content display unit 70 displayed in the controller (more precisely, a list for specifying the content to be displayed).
[0062]
FIG. 4D is a table for managing object data. The object data table holds, for example, an object ID (OID), a user name, a belonging page, a belonging controller ID, and an object type in association with each other.
[0063]
FIG. 5A is a table for managing authentication data. In the authentication data table, data required for content use, for example, a user name and a password are stored in association with each other. The authentication data table can be expressed as “authentication information management means”.
[0064]
The content adapter 6 refers to the authentication data table, generates a request (for example, an HTTP request) including authentication information (user name or password), and transmits the request to the information source 10 (web site) that requests authentication. From the viewpoint of the information source 10, it cannot be distinguished whether the user's client machine 20 is accessing or the information providing server 1 is accessing on behalf of the user. When the information source 10 determines that the user is an authorized user after completing the authentication process, the information source 10 distributes the information in response to a request from the user (content adapter). Here, it should be noted that authentication proxy is performed by the content adapter 6 generating a request including authentication information. The conventionally known single sign-on technology uses a so-called cookie technology, which is different from this. The cookie technology is for the server to identify each client, and in response to a request from the server, the client returns a file (ticket) in which authentication information is written. In order to introduce the cookie technology to the client / server system, it is necessary to configure the server side program to inquire about the existence of the cookie, and the client side must be set to accept and hold the cookie. is there. On the contrary, in the present invention, since the content adapter 6 generates a request including authentication information each time, it is not necessary to hold a cookie, and the server side program of each information source 10 does not support the cookie. Even in this case, authentication can be performed.
[0065]
Here, a method for providing information customized for each user using each table will be briefly described. When the user U1 accesses, this user is determined as a guest at the time before login and a public page is provided. When the user logs in, the overall management unit 2 of the information providing server 1 recognizes the user U1. According to the user information table, the pages held by the user U1 are the three pages PID1, 3, and 6. The description will be continued focusing on PID1 of the first page.
[0066]
Next, referring to the page data table, two areas A1 and A2 are set in the page of PID1. Each area A1 and A2 is associated with the ID of the controller that it holds (CID1 and 2 are assigned to area A1, and CID3 is assigned to area A2). Therefore, the controller data table is referred to. For example, CID1 has three objects OID1, 2, and 3. Each object can be drawn and displayed by referring to the object data table. In this way, by sequentially referencing each hierarchical table, a page can be rendered and provided for each user.
[0067]
Next, FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a method of partially selecting and displaying content. For example, when a new content display unit 70 is generated and a web page is partially selected and displayed on the content display unit 70, the URL of the web page is specified by operating the edit button 87 of the content display unit 70. To do. The content adapter 6 corresponding to the content display unit 70 accesses the web page page 10 of the designated site (PR1), and acquires the configuration information 10A of the designated web page (PR2). Examples of the configuration information include source code written in a page description language such as HTML and XML (eXtensible Mark-up Language), a style sheet, and the like.
[0068]
Then, the configuration information is analyzed (PR3), a line-by-line menu is generated from the web page, and presented to the user (PR4). For example, line break tags or table tags By analyzing tags such as <TD>, the entire content of the web page is decomposed into partial content in units of lines and presented to the user as a line selection screen. The user selects only a desired one from the plurality of listed rows. When the user selection is completed, the content adapter 6 draws only the content of the selected row and displays it on the content display unit 70 (PR5).
[0069]
As a result, for example, as shown in FIG. 6, only the “top news” and “stock price” selected by the user are displayed on the content display unit 70 in the entire content of the top page of “XX news site”. Note that other content linked to the displayed content can be displayed by following the link in the content display unit 70. In this way, since only desired content can be partially extracted from the content aggregate and displayed, further personalization and customization are possible, and information can be provided in an optimized organization for each user. It can be done.
[0070]
In addition, although the case where it extracted by the line unit was illustrated as an example of partial extraction of content, this invention is not limited to this. By changing the method of structural analysis, content can be partially extracted and displayed in various units and levels. For example, content can be extracted in units of headings, or can be extracted in units of subjects. Since XML and the like can be structured in more detail than HTML, it is possible to partially select and display content in units other than those listed here. Moreover, it can also comprise so that a headline etc. and a line may be extracted and combined.
[0071]
Next, an outline of layout change will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 7 shows a case where the position of the content display unit 70 is changed. FIG. 7A shows the content display unit 70 before the layout change, and FIG. 7B shows the layout display after the layout change.
[0072]
As shown in FIG. 7A, the lower content display unit 70 displays the content CB. When the user desires to place the content CB on the upper side where the user can easily view the content CB, the user operates the up movement button 83 provided on the lower content display unit 70. The operation of the up button 83 is detected as an event, whereby the layout information in the controller 61 is rewritten. As a result, as shown in FIG. 7B, the content CB is displayed on the upper side, and the content CA is displayed on the lower side. It should be noted that the content display unit 70 is replaced without moving to another page such as a page style selection menu. Each content display unit 70 is changed in arrangement while the respective contents CA and CB are displayed.
[0073]
Next, FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram for changing the layout of the controller. FIG. 8A shows before layout change, and FIG. 8B shows after layout change. As shown in FIG. 8A, for example, when the left controller 61 is moved to the right, the user only has to operate the right movement button 84 provided on the controller 61. When the operation of the right movement button 84 is detected, the layout information of the area 51 is rewritten and reflected as the right movement of the controller 61 as shown in FIG. 8B. The controller 61 moves along with all the content display units 70 belonging to the controller 61.
[0074]
FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram for changing the layout of an area. As shown in FIG. 9A, in the normal state, the presence of the area 51 is hidden from the user. That is, the line indicating the boundary of the area, the area name, and each button for operating the area are not displayed.
[0075]
A user who wishes to change the layout of the area operates the layout editing button 97 shown on the lower side in FIG. When the layout editing button 97 is operated, area names, boundary lines, and various buttons 81 to 83 are displayed as shown in FIG. 9B. The user can change the layout of the area 51 by appropriately operating the buttons 81 to 83. Here, it should be noted that the layout editing button 97 is a changeover switch for enabling detailed layout change, and is not for shifting to another page such as a layout editing screen. The layout editing button 97 according to the present embodiment ensures seamless layout change without interrupting the display of each content display unit 70.
[0076]
Next, the operation of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. Note that the flowchart shown in the drawing is an outline of the flow of processing and operation, and is different from the actual program structure in various points. Hereinafter, the step is abbreviated as “S”.
[0077]
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an outline of page display processing. When the user accesses the information providing server 1 (S1: YES), a public page is first presented to the user (S2). As described above, a public page is a page or a group of pages that displays content that is open to all. A login unit for the user to log in is provided in the public area in the public page.
[0078]
When the user logs in by entering a user name or password (S3: YES), it is determined whether or not the user is a regular registered user (S4). If the user is not a regular user, an error message is displayed (S5). However, in the login monitoring step, it may be determined whether or not the user is an authorized user. In this case, S4 and S5 are included in S3 and executed.
[0079]
If the accessed user is a regular user (S4: YES), a user page dedicated to that user is displayed (S6). As shown in FIG. 3, since a guidance display unit 34 for switching pages (page groups) is always displayed in the menu area constituting the public area, the user operates the guidance display unit. The user can move to a desired page (S7). If a public page is selected, the user returns to the public page (S8). If a user page is selected, the user page is continuously displayed (S9). If a group page is selected, one or more groups to which the user belongs. The page is moved (S10). As described above with reference to FIG. 4, each page is drawn and displayed by referring to each data table to grasp the page configuration and displaying each object (content) associated with the controller at a predetermined position. Is called.
[0080]
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing layout change processing by each button. It is determined whether or not each button has been operated (S21, S23, S25, S27, S29, S31). When the button is operated, an operation corresponding to each button is performed (S22, S24, S26, S28). , S32). In the editing mode of S32, contents can be edited (selection change of line unit contents, etc.).
[0081]
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing content addition processing. When the user wants to add new content to his / her user page or a group page having change authority, the user operates the content addition button 95 shown in FIG. 3 (S41: YES).
[0082]
When adding content, the user inputs specification information (for example, a link or path to the content, a content name, etc.) for specifying the content (S42). When the information providing server 1 acquires the content designation information on the client machine 20, the information providing server 1 generates a new content adapter 6.
[0083]
When newly added content requests basic authentication using the HTTP protocol, for example (S43: YES), for login including authentication information based on the authentication information (user name and password) entered by the user HTTP request is generated (S44). In other words, the information providing server 1 implements so-called single sign-on in place of authentication processing for each content. The user can use a plurality of contents requiring authentication only by accessing the information providing server 1 and logging in to the service of the information providing server 1 only once.
[0084]
Next, if the content is a partial displayable content such as a web page and the user desires partial display of the content (S45: YES), the content adapter 6 accesses the specified content and obtains the configuration information. Obtain (S46). The information providing server 1 generates a line selection screen based on the acquired configuration information, displays a list of partial contents in units of lines, and waits for user selection (S47). When the user selects a desired content from the partial contents in units of lines, the content of the selected line is acquired (S48) and displayed on the content display unit 70 (S49).
[0085]
On the other hand, in the case of content that cannot be partially displayed or when the user does not want partial display (S45: NO), the information providing server 1 acquires the specified content (S50), and the content display unit 70 (S51).
[0086]
Instead of acquiring the content of the selected row, it is also possible to acquire the entire content (content aggregate) and draw only the content of the selected portion (row).
[0087]
According to the present embodiment configured as described above, the following effects can be obtained.
[0088]
Since various control buttons for changing the layout are integrally provided in each content display section 70 and the like, the layout can be changed seamlessly without interrupting the content display. Usability is improved because the layout can be easily changed by an intuitive operation without using a special program or a layout editing screen of another page.
[0089]
Since an area and a controller are provided in the page and hierarchized, and the arrangement direction of the area and the controller is different, the layout can be changed in units of areas or in units of controllers. Therefore, the layout can be dynamically changed in units of areas or controllers, or delicate layout changes can be performed in units of the content display unit 70. Further, by hierarchizing the layout in the page, the program can be simplified and a high-speed layout change process can be performed. That is, if the concept of area and controller is eliminated, each content display unit 70 must be provided with a movement button in all directions, and if the movement amount is large, the movement button must be operated many times. Each time, the information providing server 1 needs to rewrite the layout information. By introducing the area and controller in the page, the operability is greatly improved.
[0090]
The area is not always displayed, and when the layout editing button 97 is operated, the existence of the area is made obvious and the layout can be changed, so that the user is not aware of the existence of the area and the screen is limited. Space can be used effectively.
[0091]
In addition to simply displaying the entire content, the content can be partially displayed, so that the user can select only the desired portion and can browse information in an organization that is optimal for the user. . Moreover, since unnecessary contents can be excluded, a limited screen space can be used effectively.
[0092]
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In the following description, the same components as those described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted. The feature of this embodiment is that information is browsed by accessing the information providing server 1 from a client whose browsing environment (screen size, data communication speed, etc.) is limited, such as a portable information terminal.
[0093]
As shown in the screen configuration 30A, the present embodiment is provided with an out-of-site content selection button 101 for selecting content desired to be viewed at an out-of-home location. The user operates the selection button 101 before going out. When the selection button 101 is operated, a selection box 101 is displayed for each content. That is, the selection box 101 is displayed for each of the content display unit 70 and the displayed partial content.
[0094]
The user selects content that he / she wants to browse on the go by operating the selection box 101. This content selection information is stored in the object data table for each content. When the user accesses the information providing site 1 from the outside with the client machine 20A such as a portable information terminal, only the preselected content is displayed.
[0095]
More specifically, when the information providing server 1 is accessed from an outside location, the content selected in advance is rewritten and provided in real time in a portable information terminal language (for example, CHTML, HDML, etc.). This content conversion is performed by a conversion program installed in the information providing server 1.
[0096]
It should be noted that there is no change in the configuration of the user page or group page itself even when the content on the go is selected, and a user page or group page for going out is prepared separately. That is not the case. For each object (content), only the attribute information for going out (for mobile) is added, and when accessed from a normal client machine 20, a normal user page or the like is displayed.
[0097]
FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the operation of the present embodiment. First, when the user operates the destination content selection button 101 (S61), a selection box (check box) 100 is displayed for each content (S62). The user selects desired content by marking the selection box 100 (S63). When the selection of content ends (S64: YES), the information providing server 1 marks the selected content and updates the contents of the object data table (S65).
[0098]
When the user accesses the information providing server 1 from outside (S66: YES), a public page is displayed (S67). Here, you can set a link to a public page for going out in the top area or menu area of a normal public page, or automatically go out public when you analyze access You can also display a page.
[0099]
If the user has logged in (S68: YES), it is determined whether the access is from an outside location (S69). As described above, when the user himself / herself operates the link to the public page for going out, it can be determined that the access is from the outside. Alternatively, it is also possible to determine the remote host name from the IP address and determine whether the access is from an outside location.
[0100]
If the access is from an outside location, the content selected in S63 is rewritten into a language that can be used by a portable information terminal such as CHTML to generate an outing page, which is provided to the user (S70). On the other hand, if the access is not from the outside, a normal page is generated and provided to the user (S71).
[0101]
Here, when rewriting content for going out, it is possible not only to rewrite the content source from HTML to CHTML (Compact HTML) or HDML (HyperText Device Markup Language), but also to perform other processes such as color reduction processing. Good.
[0102]
According to the present embodiment configured as described above, even when the information providing server 1 is accessed by the client machine 20A having a limited browsing environment such as a portable information terminal, desired information can be easily browsed. it can.
[0103]
Next, a specific example of the main part of the information providing server 1 will be briefly described with reference to FIG. The present invention is not limited to this specific example.
[0104]
FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the relationship between the objects constituting the information providing service by the information providing server 1.
[0105]
As will be described later, the objects are roughly divided into a user management object group 200, a public area management object group 210, and a page management object group 220.
[0106]
The user management object group 200 includes a guest user information object 201, a user information object 202, and a group information object 203. The guest user information object 201 manages an ID list of pages held by the guest. The user information object 202 manages an ID list of pages held by each user. The group information object 203 manages an ID list of pages held by each group. The page environment management object 204 determines and manages the page environment to be provided to the accessor based on the information passed from each object 201-203.
[0107]
The public area management object 210 includes a public area object 211, a public controller management object 212, and a public area adapter management object 213. The public area object 211 manages arrangement information (layout information) of the top area controller and the menu area controller that constitute the public area. The public controller management object 212 manages all controller objects belonging to the public area. The public area adapter management object 213 manages all the content adapters 6 (including the content display unit 70) belonging to the public area.
[0108]
The page management object group 220 includes a page object 221, a controller management object 222, and an adapter management object 223. The page object 221 manages arrangement information of all areas and controllers existing in the page. The controller management object 222 manages all controller objects in the page. The adapter management object 223 manages all the content adapters 6 (including the content display unit 70) in the page.
[0109]
When the type of page to be displayed (public page, user page, group page) and page ID are determined based on the user information, a public area object 211 and a page object 221 for managing layout information are generated. When a drawing method is executed for each of the public area object 211 and the page object 221, contents managed by the respective drawing methods are output. Actual content drawing is entrusted to the controller management object 222 and the adapter management object 223.
[0110]
In addition, this invention is not limited to each embodiment mentioned above. A person skilled in the art can make various modifications by adding, deleting, or changing components in the embodiment. For example, the flowchart shown in the drawing is merely a simple flow of processing so as not to impair understanding and implementation of the invention, and those skilled in the art can easily replace, delete, and change steps. be able to.
[0111]
Moreover, the configuration of partial selection / display of content described with reference to FIG. 6 and the like can be expressed as follows, for example, and is suitable for each user by organically coupling with the configuration related to the layout change. An information providing screen can be generated and the layout can be easily changed.
[0112]
Expression 1. In an information providing system that integrates a plurality of information selected by a user and provides the information to the user, a plurality of information acquisition units that respectively acquire information from an information source, and a plurality of information provisions that respectively provide the acquired information And an integrated management means for integrating and displaying each information providing unit, and each information providing unit is configured to be able to provide only selected partial information from among the partial information included in each information Information provision system.
[0113]
Expression 2. The information providing system according to Expression 1, wherein each of the information providing units is configured to be able to provide only selected partial information among the pieces of partial information included in the acquired information.
[0114]
Expression 3. The information providing system according to Expression 1, wherein each of the information acquisition units acquires only the selected partial information from the information source.
[0115]
Expression 4. The information providing system according to Expression 1, wherein each of the information providing units includes a partial information selection unit for selecting the provided partial information.
[0116]
Expression 5. The information provision system according to any one of Expressions 1 to 4, wherein each partial information is obtained by extracting the information in a predetermined unit.
[0117]
Expression 6. 6. The information providing system according to expression 5, wherein the predetermined unit is a line unit.
[0118]
Expression 7. Further, a predetermined browsing selection unit for selecting information and partial information for browsing in a predetermined browsing environment from among the acquired information or the selected partial information provided by each of the information providing units. Expressions 1 to 6 that are provided in each information providing unit, and each information providing unit provides the information and partial information selected by the predetermined browsing selecting unit in a form suitable for the predetermined browsing environment. An information providing system according to any one of the above.
[0119]
Expression 8. The information providing system according to Expression 7, wherein the predetermined browsing environment is a mobile communication environment in which a browsing screen size is limited.
[0120]
Expression 9. Further, an authentication information management means for managing authentication information is provided, and when the information source requests authentication, each information acquisition unit generates a request including authentication information with reference to the authentication information management means Accordingly, the information providing system according to any one of Expressions 1 to 8 for acquiring information from the information source.
[0121]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the information providing system of the present invention, the layout can be easily and smoothly changed without interrupting the display of information.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an overall configuration of an information providing system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a screen configuration on the client side.
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing details of a screen configuration.
4A and 4B are explanatory diagrams showing data tables stored in a management database, in which FIG. 4A is a user information table, FIG. 4B is a page data table, and FIG. 4C is a controller data table. FIG. 4D shows an object data table.
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of an authentication data table stored in a management database.
FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a method of partially selecting and displaying content in units of rows or the like.
7A and 7B are explanatory diagrams showing a state of layout change in the content display unit, in which FIG. 7A shows a state before the layout change, and FIG. 7B shows a state after the layout change.
8A and 8B are explanatory diagrams showing a state of layout change of the controller, in which FIG. 8A shows a state before the layout change, and FIG. 8B shows a state after the layout change.
FIGS. 9A and 9B are explanatory diagrams for changing the layout of an area, in which FIG. 9A shows the area and various buttons hidden, and FIG. 9B shows the area and various buttons displayed. Each state is shown.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing display processing.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a layout change process by a control button.
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing content addition processing.
FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a main part of an information providing system according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing processing when browsing information on a portable information terminal or the like.
FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of the configuration of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Information service server
2 General management department
3 Page Management Department
4 Area management department
5 Controller management department
6 Content adapter
7 Management database
10 Information sources
20 client machines
21 Client program
30 screen structure
31 Top area
32 Menu area
41 pages
51 areas
61 controller
70 Content display section
81 Disappear button
82 Down button
83 Up button
84 Move right button
85 Move left button
86 Help button
87 Edit button
91 Page add button
92 Page delete button
93 Area addition button
94 Controller addition button
95 Add Content button

Claims (4)

In an information providing system that integrates and provides a plurality of pieces of information selected by a user,
A plurality of information acquisition units respectively acquiring information from information sources;
A plurality of information providing units for providing each of the acquired information;
An arrangement frame managing means for managing an arrangement frame that can be arranged by arranging a plurality of the information providing units in a predetermined direction;
An arrangement area management means for managing a plurality of arrangement areas in which a plurality of the arrangement frames can be arranged in a direction orthogonal to the predetermined direction;
An integrated management means for adjusting and displaying the entire layout so that the information providing units existing on the same screen do not interfere with each other or overlap each other ,
Each information providing unit has a movement button for moving the display position of each information providing unit only in the predetermined direction within the arrangement frame without interrupting the display of each information providing unit,
Each placement frame includes a movement button for moving the display position of each placement frame only in a direction orthogonal to the predetermined direction within each placement region without interrupting display of each information providing unit, and And an add button for newly adding an information providing unit to each arrangement frame,
Each arrangement region, newly a movement button and the layout frame for moving the display position of each of the information providing unit the respective placement areas without the disrupting display on the same screen in said each arrangement region And an add button for adding
The move together even in each of the information providing unit of the respective arrangement in the frame when the display position of each arrangement frame is moved, the respective arrangement of said each placement area if the display position of each placement area is moved The frame also moves together,
The integrated management unit detects an operation of each moving button and changes a display position of each information providing unit. The information providing system according to claim 1, further comprising a switching unit for switching display / non-display of a movement button for moving the display position of each arrangement area.   The page management means for displaying each said information provision part per page is further provided, The page movement operation part for changing the order of this page was provided in the said page, The claim 1 or Claim characterized by the above-mentioned. 2. The information providing system according to any one of 2. The integrated management means is set for each group of the information providing units and the personal mode for providing each user with the information providing unit set for each user among the information providing units. A group mode for providing an information providing unit to users constituting each group;
The information providing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a selection unit for selecting either the personal mode or the group mode.

Images