JP4847991B2 - Information processing apparatus, method, program system, and server computer - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an improvement in screen display technology when an additional program such as a browser plug-in is used on a computer.

  In recent years, on the screen display of computer programs such as applications, for example, a web browser (hereinafter also referred to as “browser”) is superimposed on the web page display window, and a warning dialog such as “Do you want to do it?” Is displayed. In many cases, a plurality of display objects are superimposed (superimposed).

  Each display object such as a superimposed window is also referred to as an object, and basic software such as an operating system (OS) manages the individual layers, that is, display layers, and controls the display order. The structure of the screen display control that controls the display order between the multilayer layers is called a multilayer layer structure.

  Such a multi-layer structure may be a simple one-layer structure called a single multi-layer structure or a single multi-layer structure, but may have a nested relationship between different programs. As an example related to such a relationship, there is a web content combining voice and animation, that is, an interactive moving image file. A typical example is a Flash (registered trademark) file of Adobe Systems, Inc., and a Flash player, which is a program for reproducing the Flash file, is incorporated in a browser and is called a so-called plug-in program (hereinafter simply referred to as “plug-in”). ).

  Here, the browser on the side that accepts the plug-in is called a receiving-side program, and the interactive moving image file and the plug-in that executes the interactive video file are collectively called an additional program. In this case, the additional program side can control the order in which multiple internal layers (hereinafter referred to as “child layers”) that constitute its display contents are managed, but these child layer groups are displayed on the browser side. For that, it is just one of the display layers that are the unit of management and control.

  In the following, the display layer that the browser uses as the unit of management and control is also called the “parent layer”, and one of the parent layers that the additional program uses as the unit of management and control is also called the “specific layer”. The parent layer is also called “normal layer”. The specific layer is internally composed of one or more child layers on the additional program side.

  In this way, a structure in which a group of child layers as a parent layer that is a management unit of the receiving program, that is, a specific layer, has a series of groups is called a double-multilayer structure. In this double multi-layer structure, the additional program can manipulate the display order, that is, the vertical relationship between the specific layer corresponding to its own child layer group and the normal layer by calling the function of the receiving program. .

Note that when there is a specific layer of the additional program and a normal layer based on the HTML of the browser in the same part on the screen, the target of the mouse operation is either one on the near side .
JP 2002-334115 A

  However, in the double multi-layer structure as described above, the child layer group on the additional program side is only an internal situation on the additional program side, and it is managed as a single parent layer from the receiving program side as a single parent layer. I can only do that. For this reason, conventionally, a plurality of child layers cannot be used in a state where they are not adjacent to each other with the parent layer in between, and there is a problem that the combination mode of the additional program and the receiving program is limited.

  In other words, even if the parent layer is on the back side, a plurality of child layer hierarchies could be stacked within the specific layer on the front side, but other parent layers based on HTML or the like before the specific layer of the additional program. When there is a layer, there is a problem that it is impossible to display another child layer by the additional program on the near side again because the parent layer is sandwiched between the child layers.

  These problems have become obstacles for realizing complex or advanced functions and expanding applications through the combined operation of the receiving side program and the additional program, and there has been a long-awaited solution.

  As a technique related to superimposition of display objects, there is a proposal for superimposing a content area for displaying a website and a navigation area for switching a display website from a plurality of candidates by making it transparent (Patent Document) 1), and was not related to the problem of the double multi-layer structure as described above.

  In addition, even if multiple plug-ins are applied to a single web browser, the layers of the individual plug-ins are independent of each other, and it is difficult and cumbersome to realize cooperative operations such as information exchange between plug-ins. It was not something that would actually improve the problem.

  The present invention solves the above-described problems of the prior art, and its purpose is to provide a specific layer so as to have a transparent portion that passes through the display object of the layer that is moved to the lower layer but is desired to be displayed on the display. By recreating the entire display, the degree of freedom of the combination mode of the screen display contents of the additional program and the receiving program is expanded, such as inserting another parent layer between the child layers.

  In order to achieve the above object, one embodiment of the present invention is an information processing apparatus in which a computer executes an additional program on a reception-side program, wherein the reception-side program controls an arithmetic control unit of the computer. Thus, a display layer control means for controlling the display order of one or two or more display layers whose management unit is a receiving unit and including a specific layer corresponding to the display content of the additional program is realized. The additional program controls generation, deletion, and display order of one or more child layers constituting the specific layer by controlling an arithmetic control unit of the computer, and a new display object. Display control means for drawing and displaying and terminating the display, and the new layer in the specific layer Concerning display of a display, by calling a function of the display layer control unit of the receiving program, an order control unit that controls the order of the vertical position of the specific layer and another display layer, an information acquisition unit, Transparency setting means, and a state in which all or a part of another display layer displaying one or more existing display objects is located above the specific layer, than the other display layer Further, when the display control means tries to display a new display object on the specific layer by the display control means so as to be further on the upper layer side, (1) the order control means is more than the other layer than the specific layer. (2) Information indicating the display range of the one or more existing display objects displayed on the other display layer by the information acquisition means. (3) Based on the information representing the display range acquired by the information acquisition unit, the transparent setting unit transmits the existing display object with respect to the display range. A part is set as an existing child layer of the specific layer, and (4) the display control means displays the new display object in a child layer further higher than the existing child layer. To do.

  The aspect captured from the viewpoint of the method is an information processing method in which a computer executes an additional program on a receiving program. The receiving program controls an arithmetic control unit of the computer, thereby Executing a display layer control processing step for controlling the display order of one or two or more display layers as a unit of management by the receiving program, including a specific layer corresponding to the display content of the additional program, The additional program controls the calculation control unit of the computer to control generation, deletion, and display order of one or more child layers constituting the specific layer, and to draw a new display object. Display control processing step for displaying and ending the display, and the specific layer. An order control processing step for controlling the order of the upper and lower positions of the specific layer and the other display layers by calling a function of the display layer control processing step of the receiving program with respect to the display of the new display object. The information acquisition processing step and the transparency setting processing step are realized, and all or a part of the other display layers displaying one or more existing display objects are positioned above the specific layer. When the display control means tries to display a new display object on the specific layer by the display control means so as to be further higher than the other display layers, (1) the order control processing step is The other display layer is positioned below the specific layer, and (2) the information acquisition processing step includes the other display layer. Information indicating the display range of the one or more existing display objects displayed on the display side is acquired from the receiving-side program, and (3) the transparency setting processing step includes the display range acquired in the information acquisition processing step. Based on the information representing the display area, a transparent portion for transmitting the existing display object is set as an existing child layer of the specific layer for the display range, and (4) the display control processing step includes the existing display layer. The new display object is displayed on a child layer further higher than the child layer.

  The aspect which caught the said aspect from the viewpoint of a computer program is a program system which combined the receiving side program and the additional program as a set, Comprising: Each said program cooperates mutually and controls the calculation control part of a computer. In the program system for executing the additional program in dependence on the execution of the receiving side program, the receiving side program controls the arithmetic control unit of the computer so that the receiving side program has a management unit. Or a display layer control processing step for controlling the display order of two or more display layers including a specific layer corresponding to the display content of the additional program, wherein the additional program is an arithmetic control unit of the computer By controlling A display control processing step for controlling generation, deletion, and display order of one or more child layers constituting the year, drawing and displaying a new display object, and ending the display; and the identification An order control processing step for controlling the order of the upper and lower positions of the specific layer and the other display layers by calling a function of the display layer control processing step of the receiving program with respect to the display of the new display object in the layer. And the information acquisition processing step and the transparency setting processing step are executed, and all or a part of the other display layers displaying one or more existing display objects are positioned above the specific layer. To the specific layer by the display control means so as to be further higher than the other display layers. When the display object is to be displayed by the display control means, (1) the sequence control processing step positions the other display layer below the specific layer, and (2) the information acquisition processing step The information representing the display range of the existing display object displayed on the other display layer is acquired from the receiving-side program, and (3) the transparency setting processing step includes the display range acquired in the information acquisition processing step. Based on the information representing the display area, a transparent portion for transmitting the existing display object is set as an existing child layer of the specific layer for the display range, and (4) the display control processing step includes the existing display layer. The new display object is displayed on a child layer further above the child layer.

  In this way, when a new display object of a specific layer is displayed in front of the existing display object of the parent layer in front of the specific layer, the parent layer of the existing display object is actually moved to a lower layer than the specific layer. On the other hand, by setting a transparent part to the specific layer in front and making it transparent, it is sandwiched according to a single-layer structure in which the display object of the parent layer is visually positioned between the display objects of the specific layer. Display contents can be realized.

  In particular, since the transparent part is dynamically set when the layer order is changed, there is no need to set it in advance at a fixed position or size, and it is not constrained by it. Flexibility can be realized.

  In addition, the sandwich state as described above is not limited to the three layers, and is a hierarchy such as an existing display item (fourth layer) of another parent layer and a new display item (fifth layer) of a specific layer. Similarly, it is possible to cope with the case where the number is increased. That is, for each of the existing display objects at the back and the front, the transparent part (actually the third layer) is set to a polygonal shape that overlaps the display range, although it moves to the lower layer side (actually the fourth and fifth layers) from the specific layer. ), The existing display object in the back floats up from the back (actually the 5th layer) and is visible on the 4th layer visually, and the transparent layer is visible on the 5th layer visually (when not conscious) including).

  In addition, the existing display object in front (actually the fourth layer) displays the display object of a specific layer in which only the display area is cut out in front (actually the second layer), so that the near side (visual 2) It seems to float up. It is the first layer in the foreground that matches the actual and visual.

  In this way, the display contents such as the above that sandwich the parent layer between the back and front child layers of the display object can be repeated in any number of layers, so the program combination and processing contents can be diversified indefinitely and complicatedly Advanced functions can be easily implemented with a simple configuration.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, in the information processing apparatus, the transparency setting unit includes a unit that converts the content displayed on the layer on which the transparent portion is to be set into a still image, and information that represents the display range. Based on the above, the means for setting the display range portion of the still image to be transparent, the means for displaying the still image with the transparent portion set (as a new layer), and the source of the still image And means for causing the display control means to erase the layer.

  The aspect captured from the viewpoint of the method is that in the information processing method, the transparency setting processing step is a processing step of converting the content displayed on the layer to which the transparent portion is to be set into a still image, Based on the information representing the display range, a processing step of setting the display range portion of the still image to be transparent, a processing step of displaying the still image with the transparent portion set, and a source of the still image And a processing step of causing the display control means to erase the layer that has become.

  The aspect which grasped the said aspect from the viewpoint of a computer program is the said program system. WHEREIN: The said additional program tries to set the said transparent part in the said transparency setting process step by controlling the calculation control part of the said computer. A processing step of converting the content displayed on the layer to be converted into a still image, a processing step of setting the display range portion of the still image to be transparent based on the information indicating the display range, and a transparent portion The program system according to claim B9, further comprising: a processing step for displaying the still image in which the image is set; and a processing step for causing the display control unit to erase the layer that is the basis of the still image. .

  In this way, as a mode of creating a transparent part in the specific layer that can be seen through the existing display object as the lower layer in the upper layer, the display content of the specific layer is converted into a still image and transparent in an arbitrary shape like a transparent GIF By using a simple image processing of creating a part, it is not necessary to recreate a specific layer that actually operates, which is useful for reducing the CPU load and for quick screen processing. This aspect is particularly suitable when it is not essential to continue the operation of animation and response due to the use and contents of the specific layer.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, in any one of the above aspects (information processing apparatus), the transparency setting unit is configured to perform the above-described processing based on information representing the display range on an empty layer whose background color is transparent. Alternatively, a plurality of rectangular ranges are arranged so as to surround the display range of two or more existing display objects, and the layer for setting the transparent portion is replaced by the layer.

  In the aspect captured from the viewpoint of the method, the transmission setting processing step represents the display range on an empty layer whose background color is transparent in any of the above-described aspects (information processing method). Based on the information, a plurality of rectangular ranges are arranged so as to surround the display range of the one or more existing display objects, and the layer intended to set the transparent portion is replaced by the layer. To do.

  The aspect which grasped the said aspect from the viewpoint of a computer program is the aspect (program system) already described, The said additional program controls the calculation control part of the said computer in the said transparency setting process step. Based on the information representing the display range, a plurality of rectangular ranges are arranged so as to surround the display range of the one or more existing display objects on an empty layer whose background color is transparent, and the layer The transparent layer is set to replace the layer to be set.

  In this way, as a mode of creating a transparent part in the specific layer that can be seen through the existing display object in the lower layer and appearing in the upper layer, by recreating the entire specific layer by combining multiple rectangles so as to leave the transparent part, Multiple existing display objects that overlap each other can be transmitted through the transparent part of the desired polygonal shape, and it is possible to easily realize screen display that sandwiches the parent layer between child layers while maintaining the animation and response operation of the specific layer Become.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, in any one of the above aspects (information processing apparatus), a web browser program and an HTML file are used as the receiving program, and an interactive moving image file is used as the additional program. And a plug-in program which is a player for operating an interactive moving image file on the web browser program.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, in any one of the above aspects (information processing method), the receiving program is a web browser program and an HTML file, and the additional program includes an interactive moving image file and the interactive moving image file. And a plug-in program which is a player for operating on the web browser program.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, in any one of the above aspects (program system), the receiving-side program is an HTML file that operates using a web browser program, and the additional program is for a web browser program It is an interactive moving image file that operates by using a plug-in program that is a player.

  In this way, the use of HTML for web browsers with excellent versatility and interactive video files that enable various expressions using plug-ins makes it the minimum in the field of client-server systems represented by Internet websites. Various information processing contents can be easily realized in a wide range by the introduction procedure.

Another aspect of the present invention, the arithmetic control unit, and a communication means for communicating via a computer communication network is a client device, comprising: a data storage means, and already the program system in any of the embodiments described A server computer provided to a client device .

Another aspect of the present invention captures the above aspect from the viewpoint of a method, and includes a calculation control unit, a communication unit that communicates with a computer that is a client device via a communication network, and a data storage unit. An information processing method for providing the client system with the program system according to any one of the above-described aspects from a computer .

As described above, by providing the computer as the client apparatus with the entire receiving-side program and the additional program from the server and executing the computer, the screen display can be dynamically performed according to the communication result with the server like Ajax. The complexity and sophistication of information processing to be changed is facilitated, and the application range of the client server system based on HTTP or the web on the Internet can be expanded.

  In addition, as another preferable additional mode that can be combined with each mode described above, the display object of the layer that is moved to the lower layer but is displayed on the front side is replaced with a simulated image in a specific layer, so that it can be replaced between child layers. An example of expanding the degree of freedom of the combination mode of the screen display contents of the additional program and the receiving program, such as sandwiching another parent layer.

  Each aspect already described and the following additional aspects are different from each other in the approach of expanding the degree of freedom of the combination aspect of the screen display content. Therefore, after combining the functions (configuration or method) of both, for example, In each aspect, (1) a means or a processing step for dynamically switching and selecting one of the functions when creating a program system provided from a server computer according to the application field or purpose of use, or (2) the acceptance Means for detecting the type or function of the side program or the additional program, or detecting the magnitude of the CPU capability in the computer serving as the execution environment, and dynamically switching and selecting one of the functions based on the detection result; Providing a processing step, (3) accepting a setting operation by the user, and based on the setting content, By providing a means or process steps for dynamically switching selecting the displacement or the other function, application target and effectiveness of the present invention is expandable.

  That is, as an additional aspect, according to one aspect of the present invention, in the information processing apparatus in which the computer executes the additional program on the reception-side program, the reception-side program controls the arithmetic control unit of the computer. Realizing a display layer control means for controlling the display order of one or two or more display layers whose reception side program is a unit of management and including a specific layer corresponding to the display content of the additional program, The additional program controls a calculation control unit of the computer to set a transparent part for setting at least a part of the other display layer in the specific layer, and the specific layer. Control the generation, deletion, and display order of one or more child layers The display control means for drawing and displaying the new display object on the child layer that is a relative upper layer in the specific layer, and displaying the new display object in the specific layer, By invoking the function of the display layer control means of the receiving side program, an order control means for controlling the order of the vertical positions of the specific layer and the other display layers is realized, and the order control means is (1 ) When the display control means displays a new display object on the specific layer, a display layer other than the specific layer is positioned below, and (2) while the new display object is displayed, When the display layer of a part is set as the operation target, the display layer as the operation target is positioned on the upper layer side with respect to the specific layer, and (3) the new display object When the display control means ends the display, the display layer other than the specific layer is returned to the upper layer position, and the additional program controls the calculation control unit of the computer to control the specific In a state where the layer has the transparent portion, the first display layer is positioned below the specific layer, and the second display layer to be operated is positioned above the specific layer. When a new display object is to be displayed on the child layer of the specific layer by the display control means so as to be further above the display layer, the existing display object displayed on the second display layer is displayed. Based on information acquisition means for acquiring information representing display contents from the receiving-side program, and information representing the display contents acquired by the information acquisition means A simulated image generating unit that generates a simulated image that simulates the appearance of the existing display object displayed on the second display layer, and the simulated image generated by the simulated image generating unit is relative to the specific layer. And a simulated image display means for displaying the same at the same position as the existing display object of the second display layer on the child layer that is the upper layer, wherein the display control means displays the simulated image The new display object is displayed on a child layer further higher than the child layer.

  The aspect captured from the viewpoint of the method is an information processing method in which a computer executes an additional program on a receiving program. The receiving program controls an arithmetic control unit of the computer, thereby Executing a display layer control processing step for controlling the display order of one or two or more display layers as a unit of management by the receiving program, including a specific layer corresponding to the display content of the additional program, The additional program configures the specific layer by setting a transparent portion for transmitting at least a part of the other parent layer to the specific layer by controlling an arithmetic control unit of the computer. When creating, deleting, and controlling the display order for one or more child layers A display control processing step of drawing and displaying the new display object on a child layer that is a relative upper layer in the specific layer, and terminating the display; and displaying the new display object in the specific layer The order control processing step of controlling the order of the upper and lower positions of the specific layer and the other display layers by calling a function of the display layer control processing step of the receiving side program is realized, and the order control The processing step includes (1) when the display control processing step displays a new display object on the specific layer, a display layer other than the specific layer is positioned below, and (2) the new display object is displayed. When some of the display layers are to be operated during display, the display level to be operated from the specific layer is higher than the specific layer. (3) When the display control processing step ends the display of the new display object, the display layer other than the specific layer is returned to the upper layer position, and the additional display is performed. The program controls the calculation control unit of the computer so that the specific layer has the transparent portion, a first display layer is positioned below the specific layer, and the operation target is above the specific layer. In the state where the second display layer is positioned, the display control processing step tries to display a new display object on the child layer of the specific layer so as to be further on the upper layer side than the second display layer. Information acquisition process for acquiring information representing the display content of the existing display object displayed on the second display layer from the receiving-side program. And a simulated image generation that generates a simulated image simulating the appearance of the existing display object displayed on the second display layer based on the information representing the display content acquired in the information step and the information acquisition processing step A simulated image that displays the simulated image generated in the processing step and the simulated image generation processing step on a child layer that is a relative upper layer in the specific layer at the same position as the existing display object in the second display layer A display processing step, wherein the display control processing step displays the new display object in a child layer further on the upper layer side than the child layer displaying the simulated image. .

  The aspect which caught the said aspect from the viewpoint of a computer program is a program system which combined the receiving side program and the additional program as a set, Comprising: Each said program cooperates mutually and controls the calculation control part of a computer. In the program system for executing the additional program in dependence on the execution of the receiving side program, the receiving side program controls the arithmetic control unit of the computer so that the receiving side program has a management unit. Or a display layer control processing step for controlling the display order of two or more display layers including a specific layer corresponding to the display content of the additional program, wherein the additional program is an arithmetic control unit of the computer By controlling Transparency setting processing step for setting a transparent part for transmitting at least part of the other display layer to the ear, and generation, deletion, and display order control for one or more child layers constituting the specific layer A display control processing step of drawing and displaying the new display object on a child layer that is a relative upper layer in the specific layer, and terminating the display; and the new display object in the specific layer With respect to the display, the function of the display layer control processing step of the receiving program is called to control the order of the vertical position of the specific layer and the other display layer, and the sequence control processing step is executed, The order control processing step includes (1) placing a new display object on the specific layer in the display control processing step. When displaying a display layer other than the specific layer in the lower layer, and (2) when displaying a part of the display layer while displaying the new display object, The display layer to be operated is positioned above the specific layer, and (3) when the display control processing step ends the display of the new display object, the display layer other than the specific layer is displayed in the upper layer. In addition, the additional program controls the calculation control unit of the computer, so that the specific layer has the transparent portion, and the first display layer is positioned below the specific layer. In the state where the second display layer to be operated is positioned above the specific layer, the display layer is further on the upper layer side than the second display layer. When a new display object is to be displayed in the child layer of the specific layer by the display control processing step, information indicating the display content of the existing display object displayed in the second display layer is received from the receiving program. Based on the information acquisition processing step to be acquired and the information representing the display content acquired in the information acquisition processing step, a simulated image simulating the appearance of the existing display object displayed on the second display layer is generated. The simulated image generated in the simulated image generating process step and the simulated image generated in the simulated image generating process step are placed in the same position as the existing display object in the second display layer on a child layer that is a relative upper layer in the specific layer. A simulated image display processing step to be displayed, and the display control processing step includes displaying the child image displaying the simulated image. Than yer, further characterized in that displaying the new display object on the upper side of the child layer.

  As described above, the order of the display layer (parent layer) on the receiving program is dynamically switched from the additional program, and other parent layers such as HTML are placed above a specific layer in scenes such as operation acceptance. On the other hand, when drawing or accepting operations on a new display object with an additional program, the other parent layer is actually moved to a lower layer than the specific layer, but it is as if visually visible through the transparent portion provided in the specific layer. It is shown in the layer immediately below the new display object, and when the new display object is used / erased, the other parent layer is returned to a layer above the specific layer. As a result, display contents equivalent to a single multi-layer structure in which another parent layer is sandwiched between child layers can be realized visually, and the combination mode of programs can be diversified.

  In addition, even if the other parent layer is the lower layer when viewed from the specific layer, only the parent layer to be operated is placed above the specific layer, so the display of the specific layer and the display of the parent layer such as the character input field by HTML Products can be used on the top layer by combining functions and appearances without being disturbed by other parent layers, and it is possible to further diversify the aspect of the combination of additional programs and receiving programs and expand the application Become.

  By the way, the HTML area of the parent layer on the back side can be seen from the transparent part of the specific layer, the display object of the specific layer is in front of it, and the existing display object of another parent layer is in front of it In addition, when a new display object of the additional program is displayed on the upper layer side, if the existing display object is also moved below the specific layer for each parent layer, all or part of it will not be visible and the appearance will be distorted. Occurs.

  Also in this case, a natural display can be maintained for any layer by generating a simulated image having the same appearance and position as the existing display object on the side of the additional program and displaying it as a substitute, and displaying a new display object. In addition, the display content as described above, in which the simulated image of the parent layer moved to the lower layer is sandwiched between the back and front child layers, can be repeated in any number of layers, so there are an infinite variety of program combinations and processing details The complex advanced functions can be easily implemented with a simple configuration.

  As described above, according to the present invention, by recreating the entire display of a specific layer so as to have a transparent portion that passes through the display object of the layer that is moved to the lower layer but is displayed on the display, It is possible to expand the degree of freedom of the combination mode of the screen display contents of the additional program and the receiving program, such as sandwiching another parent layer.

  Next, two best modes for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. First, the first embodiment will be described as “this embodiment”, and then the second embodiment (second embodiment) will be described. In addition, the same preconditions as those already described in the background art and problems are omitted as appropriate.

[1. Constitution〕
First, in the first embodiment, that is, in the present embodiment, the display object of the layer that is moved to the lower layer but is displayed on the front side is replaced with a simulated image in a specific layer, so that another parent layer is placed between the child layers. This expands the degree of freedom of the combination mode of the screen display contents of the additional program and the receiving program, such as pinching, and as shown in the configuration diagram of FIG. 1, a personal computer (hereinafter simply referred to as “computer”) as an information processing apparatus. ) 2 and a web server computer (hereinafter, simply referred to as “server”) 5 is a client server system that combines communication via a communication network N represented by the Internet.

[1-1. (Computer and program configuration)
Among these, the computer 2 is an information processing apparatus that executes a plug-in (for example, the Flash already described) P which is an additional program on a web browser program (hereinafter referred to as “browser”) B which is a receiving program. It is.

  The details of the hardware of the computer 2 are general and will be omitted. However, the computer 2 includes a communication device 80 with a network, a storage device 81 such as an HDD or a main memory, an input / output means 82 such as a mouse, a CPU, etc. 1 is controlled by software such as the browser B and the plug-in P, so that each element (described later) shown in FIG. 1 is realized, and can be grasped as a method corresponding to the computer 2 and a computer program. Is possible.

  More specifically, the receiving program includes a web browser program and a visual structure of a document such as an HTML file (CSS: Cascading Style Sheets or the like) that operates on the web browser program using the function of the web browser program. Including a case where a style sheet that defines the script and a script that is interpreted and executed by the browser are used as an internal file in the HTML file or as an external file that is independently prepared in the reference destination described in the HTML file) Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, they are collectively referred to as “browser B”.

  In other words, the browser B collectively referred to here controls the calculation control unit 83 to display the screen on the display device 85 such as a liquid crystal based on the HTML file, and the display order between the display layers based on the CSS or the like. The parent layer control means 10 to be controlled is realized. By calling the function of the parent layer control means 10, the vertical relationship and display contents of each parent layer L can be controlled from the plug-in P.

  Here, in the double multi-layer structure in the present embodiment, as conceptually shown in FIG. 2, one or two or more display layers L (L1, L2,...) That are managed by the browser B are designated as “parent layers”. , One of the parent layers L that corresponds to the display content of the plug-in P is called a “specific layer” T, and other parent layers other than the specific layer T are “normal layers”. ". The specific layer T is composed of one or more child layers T1, T2,.

  More specifically, the additional program operates on the player FP while using the plug-in program that is the player FP for operating the interactive moving image file FF on the browser B and the function of the player FP. This is a combination with the interactive video file FF, and each characteristic functional element in the present embodiment is realized by controlling the arithmetic control unit via the player FP according to the description content of the interactive video file FF. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, it is expressed as “plug-in P”.

  Note that the web browser program among the elements of the browser B and the player FP among the elements of the plug-in P may be general-purpose products common to the conventional ones. Further, the function of the parent layer control means 10 of the browser B is generally set to “document.getElementById ([layer reference identifier]). Style.zIndex = (Z coordinate value), for example, in the JavaScript (registered trademark) language of the browser. It can be called by using a command instruction such as “)”, but specifically depends on the interface between the plug-in P and the browser B.

  The browser B, which is the receiving program, and the plug-in P, which is the additional program, are a program system that is a set, that is, a combination, both of which cooperate with each other by control and data transfer, etc. By controlling, a program system that executes the plug-in P depending on the execution of the browser B is configured.

  Various specific application (application) fields and processing contents realized by the combination of the browser B and the plug-in P are conceivable, such as e-mail operation, word processor, spreadsheet, presentation and drawing creation. The processing contents necessary for such application fields are described in the individual specific HTML file HF and interactive moving image file FF as mutual cooperation contents, and if necessary, including the cooperation contents with the server. However, the following features of the present embodiment are general-purpose regardless of the field or problem of the application.

  In other words, the plug-in P controls the arithmetic control unit 83, whereby the transmission setting means 20, the order control means 22, the display control means 24, the other processing means 26, the information acquisition means 28, and the simulated image generation. Means 30 and simulated image display means 32 are realized.

  Among these, the display control means 24 controls generation, deletion, and display order for each of the child layers T (T1, T2,...) Constituting the specific layer T, and relates to display such as drawing and deletion of a display object. It is a means for performing control. Further, the order control means calls up the function of the parent layer control means 10 of the browser B with respect to the display of a new display object in the specific layer T, so that the upper and lower positions of the specific layer T and the normal layers L (L1, L2...) Is a means for controlling the order.

[1-2. Server configuration
Next, the server 5 provides the computer 2 with an HTML file used in the browser B as described above and an interactive moving image file FF such as a Flash file that determines the operation of the plug-in P. The server 5 includes an arithmetic control unit 51, a storage device 52 such as a memory or an HDD (hard disk drive), and a communication unit 54 that communicates with the computer 2 that is a client device via a communication network N. A part of 52 is used as the data storage means 56.

  This data storage means 56 is a means for storing data to be processed such as e-mail data according to the application (application) field of information processing and part data. The part data here refers to the user and the processing scene. It forms at least a part of a receiving side program and an additional program (HTML file HF, interactive moving image file FF, etc.) such as a common HTML portion and CSS that are not present.

  Further, the server 5 realizes data processing means 58 and information providing means 60 as will be described later by controlling the arithmetic control unit 51 with a computer program (not shown).

  The above-described means shown in FIG. 1 as components of the computer 2 and the server 5 are processing means for realizing / executing each action and function described later, and the information processing steps corresponding to each means are performed on each computer. The program can be realized by causing the arithmetic control units 83 and 51 to execute the program, but part or all of each element may be realized by an electronic circuit such as a wired logic according to a technical condition or a mounting mode.

[2. Basic action)
In the present embodiment configured as described above, in the server 5, the data processing unit 58 is stored in the data storage unit 56 according to the information of the screen operation content received from the computer 1 via the communication network N. Processing target data is processed, and the information providing unit 60 uses the CGI function to generate an HTML file HF based on the result of the processing in the data processing unit 58 and the component data stored in the data storage unit 56. And all or a part of the interactive moving image file FF are provided to the computer 2 via the communication network N (information provision processing step).

  Then, the screen display example starting from the initial state of FIG. 3 (1) regarding the operation, that is, the processing procedure in the computer 2 realized by the HTML file HF and the interactive moving image file FF provided from the server 5 in this way, The processing procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG. 4 will be described as an example.

  First, the screen of FIG. 3 (1) includes an area 2H realized by the browser B in accordance with the description of the HTML file HF (hereinafter referred to as “HTML area”) 2H and an area realized by the plug-in (hereinafter “ It will be referred to as a “plug-in area.”) 1P is displayed at the same time. The plug-in area 1P includes display objects X1 to X4 such as buttons for starting processes corresponding to operations such as mouse clicks.

  FIG. 3 (2) conceptually shows the hierarchical structure of the layers corresponding to the display state of FIG. 3 (1). The background layer L0 defines the ground color and the like, and is always the backmost (lowermost layer) even in other states.

  The processing procedure of FIG. 4 shows the outline of the processing procedure for performing the display of FIG. 3 (1), transitioning to the display state of FIG. 5 (1), and then returning to the original state of FIG. 3 (1). It is shown. In this processing procedure, first, the transparency setting means 20 sets the transparent portion 1T for transmitting at least a part of the normal layer L in the specific layer T in order to realize the display state of FIG. Step S11: transparency setting processing step). That is, in each layer, an opaque portion and a transparent portion can be set dynamically, and the transparency setting means 20 moves the layer to a relative lower layer in the child layer group of the plug-in P and later moves to the lower layer. However, the transparent portion 1T having the same position and size as the display object of the normal layer that is desired to be seen through is set.

  When both the plug-in area 1P and the HTML area 2H shown in FIG. 3A are operable with a mouse or the like, if the plug-in area 1P is set above the HTML area 2H, the plug-in area 1P Although the HTML area 2H can be seen through the transparent portion 1T, the HTML area 2H cannot be operated because it is blocked by the upper specific layer T. Therefore, in the processing procedure of FIG. 4, the normal layer L (L1) is positioned above the specific layer T in order to set the HTML area 2H as an operation target (step S12).

  In this state, the plug-in P responds to an operation on the specific layer T with a mouse or the like, and the browser B responds to an operation on the HTML area 2H. When a new display object is displayed on the specific layer T as shown in FIG. 5 (1) (step S13), the order control means 22 calls all the functions of the parent layer control means 10 of the browser B, The normal layer L (only L1 in the state of FIG. 3) is moved to a layer lower than the specific layer T (step S14 in FIG. 4, FIG. 5 (2), order control processing step).

  After that, the display control means 24 displays, as a display control processing step, a plug-in area 3P (as a new display object on the child layer T2, which is a relative upper layer in the specific layer T, as shown in FIG. For example, an error display is drawn and displayed (step S15 in FIG. 4).

  The transition from the state of FIG. 3 to the state of FIG. 5 is shown in the conceptual diagram (A) → (B) of FIG. In this transition, the normal layer L1 is moved to a lower layer than the specific layer T from the state of FIG. 3 (FIG. 6A), and a new display object is displayed on the child layer T2 that is a relative upper layer of the specific layer T. Is rendered and displayed to realize the state of FIG. 5 (FIG. 6B).

  Thereafter, when necessary processing such as a click operation for confirmation by the user is finished and the display object is used up (step S16), when the display control unit 24 ends the display of the display object (step S17), the order changing unit 26 is used. 3 restores the state of FIG. 3 by moving the parent layer L other than the specific layer T to the upper layer and returning it (step S18).

[3. Basic effects)
As described above, the order of the parent layer on browser B, which is the receiving program, is dynamically switched from the plug-in P, which is the additional program, and the normal layer such as HTML is specified in situations such as receiving operations. On the other hand, when drawing or accepting an operation for a new display object with the plug-in P, the normal layer is actually moved to a lower layer than the specific layer T, but from the transparent portion 1T provided on the specific layer T. Permeate it and visually show it as a layer directly under the new display object, and when the new display object is used / erased, the normal layer is returned to a layer above the specific layer.

  As a result, the multi-layer structure that is the management unit of the browser and the multi-layer structure in the plug-in such as Flash that operates on the browser can be displayed so as to be visually one multi-layer structure, that is, visually Can realize display contents equivalent to a single multi-layer structure in which other parent layers are sandwiched between child layers, and the combination of programs can be diversified.

  Further, as described above, the computer 2 which is a client device provides the entire or a part of the receiving-side program and the additional program from the server 5 to be executed, thereby responding to the communication result with the server like Ajax. As a result, the complexity and sophistication of information processing for dynamically changing the screen display can be facilitated, and the application range of the client server system based on HTTP or the web on the Internet can be expanded.

[4. (Aspect sandwiching a specific layer)
Further, by transitioning from the state of FIG. 3, as illustrated in FIG. 7A, the normal layer (HTML region 2H), the specific layer (plug-in region 3P), and the normal layer (HTML region) are sequentially arranged from the lower layer side. An example of visually realizing a display state in which a specific layer is sandwiched between normal layers as shown in FIG.

  This is a case where the plug-in area 3P, which is a new display object, is displayed on the specific layer T by the additional program P, and a part of the normal layers is an operation target. In this case, the order control means 22 For the layer T, control is performed such that only the normal layer L2 to be operated is positioned on the upper layer side (step S12 in FIG. 4), and other normal layers 2H are positioned on the lower layer side (step S14 in FIG. 4).

  The transition from the state of FIG. 3 to the state of FIG. 7 is shown in the conceptual diagram (A) → (B) of FIG. In this transition, the normal layer L1 is moved below the specific layer T from the state of FIG. 3 (FIG. 8A). As a new display object, first, the plug-in area 3P is drawn and displayed on the child layer T2 that is a relative upper layer of the specific layer T, and secondly, the normal layer L2 to be operated is displayed. Only the HTML area 4H (character string input field) is positioned in the upper layer, thereby realizing the state shown in FIG. 7 (FIG. 8B).

  The plug-in area 3P is an element excluding the HTML area 4H (character string input field) in the input dialog D of FIG. 7A, and is combined with the HTML area 4H (character string input field). The input dialog D also includes a character string input field. After the input dialog D is used, the plug-in area 3P and the HTML area 4H are deleted together with the layers to which the plug-in area 3P and HTML area 4H belong according to steps S17 and S18 of FIG. 4, and the order of each layer is restored to the state shown in FIG.

  In this way, by specifying only the parent layer to be operated as the upper layer side and the other parent layer as the lower layer side with respect to the specific layer by the additional program, the specific layer is specified as in the input dialog D shown in FIG. You can use the display of the layer and the display by the parent layer function such as the character entry field on the top layer by combining the functions and appearance of the other parent layers without obstructing them. It becomes possible to further diversify the aspect of the combination and expand the application.

[5. (Processing using simulated images)
According to this embodiment, the following more complicated display is also possible. First, in the state illustrated in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the specific layer T has the transparent portion 1T, and the HTML region 2H of the first normal layer L1 located below the specific layer T (back side) is The transparent portion 1T of the specific layer T is seen through the transparent portion 1T, the display object (plug-in area 3P) of the specific layer T is in front (upper layer side), and is positioned in the upper layer further in front. This is a state in which there is a character string input field (an HTML area 4H on the front side) as an existing display object of the second normal layer L2.

  This state is a three-layer state in terms of the dimension of the parent layer. Based on this state (FIG. 7), the display control means 24 changes the state to the child layer of the specific layer T of the plug-in P on the upper layer side. Consider a case in which, for example, a warning dialog (plug-in area 5P in FIG. 9A) is to be displayed as a new display object.

  In this case, the layer that can be displayed in a state in which the plug-in P can operate the new display object is limited to the specific layer, and therefore the normal layer of the HTML area 4H that is the character string input field also moves below the specific layer. It will be. However, the character string input field of the lower HTML region 4H does not match the position and the size of the transparent portion 1T of the specific layer, and thus the whole or a part of the character string input column becomes invisible and the appearance is disturbed.

  In order to cope with this problem, in the present embodiment, the information acquisition means 28 of the plug-in P has a child layer T4 on the upper layer side (front side) further than the second parent layer L2 (front side HTML region 4H). When a new display object is to be displayed, processing as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 10 is performed.

  First, not only each parent layer is positioned on the lower layer side of the specific layer (step S31), but the display contents of the existing display (for example, input box 4H) displayed on the second parent layer (normal layer) L2 (For example, part type such as a character input field and a selection box, the display position and size, the content of the acquired character string and value, etc.) is acquired from the browser B (step S32, information acquisition processing step).

  Subsequently, based on the information representing the display content acquired by the information acquisition unit 28 as described above, the simulated image generation unit 30 is configured to display the existing display object displayed in the second parent layer L2 (in this case, A simulated image 4M simulating the appearance of the input box 4H) is generated (step S33, simulated image generation processing step).

  Then, the simulated image 4M generated by the simulated image generating means 30 is transferred from the simulated image display means 32 to the child layer T4, which is a relative upper layer in the specific layer T, in the existing parent layer L2. The display is displayed in the same display arrangement as the input box 4H as a display object (step S34, simulated image display processing step), and the display control means 24 is further higher than the child layer T3 displaying the simulated image 4M. A new display object is displayed on the child layer T4- (step S35).

  The transition from the state of FIG. 7 to the state of FIG. 9 is shown in the conceptual diagram (A) → (B) of FIG. In this transition, from the state of FIG. 7 (FIG. 11A), the normal layer L2 is actually moved to a layer below the specific layer T, but instead is simulated to a child layer T3 that is a relative upper layer of the specific layer T. The image 4M is drawn and displayed. 9 is drawn and positioned on the uppermost layer T4 of the specific layer T, so that the state shown in FIG. 9 (FIG. 11B) is obtained. Realized.

  In this way, it is possible to generate a substitute image by generating a simulated image with the same appearance and position as the existing display displayed on the browser on the side of the additional program and resemble the original to the extent that the user does not feel any particular discomfort. This is to draw a display object that has a good appearance and cannot be operated unnecessarily, and by displaying a desired new display object on top of it, while maintaining a natural display for any layer, the appropriate program Operation can be realized.

  Furthermore, the display content as described above, where the simulated image of the parent layer moved to the lower layer is sandwiched between the back and front child layers, can be repeated in any number of layers, so the program combination and processing content can be diversified indefinitely In addition, complex and advanced functions can be easily implemented with a simple configuration.

[6. Second Embodiment]
In the second embodiment, the entire display of a specific layer is recreated so that it has a transparent portion that passes through the display object of the layer that is moved to the lower layer but is displayed on the display. This is an example of expanding the degree of freedom of the combination mode of the screen display contents of the additional program and the receiving program, such as sandwiching the parent layer.

[6-1. Outline of Second Embodiment]
When this second embodiment is represented by a functional block diagram, it can be configured in accordance with the first embodiment (FIG. 1), but the operational effects are different from those of the first embodiment, and are shown in the flowchart of FIG. It works like a procedure. In addition, the second embodiment can be combined with the first embodiment, and it is preferable. However, the second embodiment can also be implemented alone, and in the case of a single implementation that does not have the functional operation of the first embodiment, a simulated image is generated. The means 30 and the simulated image display means 32 can be omitted.

  Here, in the processing procedure of FIG. 12, in the second embodiment, from the state where the normal layer displaying one or more existing display objects is located above the specific layer, the upper layer side further than the normal layer. This is a processing procedure when a new display object is to be displayed on the specific layer by the display control means (step S51).

  In this case, as shown in FIGS. 13 (1) and (2), the normal layer L1 having the HTML region 2H is positioned higher than the specific layer T, and the upper layer side than the normal layer L1. As shown, when the plug-in area 3P is displayed, the state changes to the state equivalent to FIG. In this example, unlike the display switching from FIG. 3 shown in the first embodiment, there is no transparent portion in the specific layer T1 yet before the switching (FIG. 13).

  In this case, the order control means 22 positions the normal layer L1 below the specific layer T (step S52), and the information acquisition means 28 is an HTML area that is an existing display object displayed on the normal layer L1. Information indicating the display range of 2H (for example, the rectangular coordinate range related to the HTML region 2H in the example of FIG. 13) is acquired from the browser B (step S53).

  Based on the information indicating the display range acquired by the information acquisition unit 28, the transparency setting unit 20 sets a transparent portion for transmitting the HTML region 2H, which is an existing display object, for the display layer. Of these, an existing child layer (for example, T1 in FIG. 5) is set (step S54), and the display control means 24 performs a new display on a child layer (for example, T2 in FIG. 5) further above the existing child layer. A thing (for example, warning dialog 5P) is displayed (step S55).

  As described above, according to the second embodiment, when a new display object of a specific layer is displayed further in front of the existing display object of the normal layer in front of the specific layer, the parent layer of the existing display object is displayed. A sandwich that conforms to a single-layered structure that visually moves as if it is located between the display objects of a specific layer by setting a transparent part to the specific layer in front and making it transparent, while moving to the lower layer than the specific layer. The display contents of the status can be realized.

  In particular, since the transparent part is dynamically set when the layer order is changed, there is no need to set it in advance at a fixed position or size, and it is not constrained by it. Flexibility can be realized.

  Moreover, not only in the case of the above sandwich state (3 layers) in which the display object of the parent layer is visually between the display objects of the specific layer, but in addition to the existing display object of another parent layer The same can be dealt with in the case where the number of layers is increased to, for example, five layers (for example, FIG. 15) such as a new display object of a specific layer.

  Here, the state shown in FIG. 5A is a case of three visual layers of a plug-in area 1P, an HTML area 2H, and a plug-in area 3P. The state shown in FIG. 7A is a four-layer display state in which HTML4H, which is an existing display object of another parent layer, is added to the plug-in area 1P, HTML area 2H, and plug-in area 3P. . Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 15 (1), the number of layers is increased as in the plug-in area 5P which is a new display object of a specific layer, which is five layers.

  FIG. 15 is a conceptual diagram when the display equivalent to that of FIG. 9 in the first embodiment is realized by the second embodiment. When transitioning from the state of FIG. 7 (1) to the state of FIG. 9 (1) in this way, the two existing display objects in FIG. 7 (1), that is, the HTML area 2H and the HTML area 4H, As shown in FIG. 15 (2), the transparent portion 11T is set to a polygonal shape in which the display ranges of these two existing display objects are overlapped while moving from the specific layer T to the lower layer side (actually the fourth and fifth layers). (Actually the third layer) is shown through.

  As a result, the HTML area 2H, which is an existing display object at the back, is actually the 5th layer at the back (FIG. 15 (2)), but it floats above it and is visually visible at the 4th layer (FIG. 15 ( 1)) The child layer T1 which is a layer of the transparent portion is visually visible in the farthest fifth layer if there is any display object such as an operation button, and visually if it is not conspicuous only by the ground color etc. The user is not conscious.

  The input box 4H, which is an existing display object in front, is actually the fourth layer (FIG. 15 (2)), but is a display object of a specific layer T2 (actually the second layer) that is cut out only from the display area. By displaying a certain plug-in region 3P in front, it appears to float up to the near side (the second visual layer) (FIG. 15 (1)). The first and first layer (warning dialog 5P) matches the actual and visual.

  As described above, since the display content such as the above sandwiching the parent layer (normal layer L1 in the above example) between the back and front child layers (T2 and T3) can be repeated in any number of layers, The combination mode and processing contents can be diversified infinitely, and complex advanced functions can be easily implemented with a simple configuration.

[6-2. (Transparent part setting mode)
As described above, the process of setting the transparent part in the desired range of the existing layer can be realized by converting the existing layer into a still image even when the plug-in P does not have the function. It is.

  In this case, the transparency setting unit 20 converts, for example, the processing step of converting the content displayed in the child layer for which the transparent portion is to be set into a still image, and the information representing the display range of the still image. Among them, a processing step for setting the display range portion to be transparent, a processing step for displaying the still image with the transparent portion set as a new child layer, and a display control means for displaying the child layer that is the basis of the still image And a processing step that causes the data to be erased by the CPU 24.

  In this way, as a mode of creating a transparent part in the specific layer that can be seen through the existing display object as the lower layer in the upper layer, the display content of the specific layer is converted into a still image and transparent in an arbitrary shape like a transparent GIF By using simple image processing in which a part is created and replaced with the original layer, it is not necessary to recreate a specific layer that actually operates, which is useful for reducing CPU load and speeding up screen processing. This aspect is particularly suitable when it is not essential to continue the operation of animation and response due to the use and contents of the specific layer.

[6-3. Other setting modes of transparent portion]
In addition, as a different approach when the plug-in P does not have the function for the process of setting the transparent portion in the desired range of the existing layer afterwards, it can be realized by re-creating the existing layer. .

  In this case, as illustrated in FIG. 16, the transparency setting unit 20 has the one or more existing display objects on the empty child layer TX whose background color is transparent based on the information indicating the display range. A layer having a transparent portion 11T is created by arranging a plurality of rectangular ranges K so as to surround the display range, and the original layer for setting the transparent portion is replaced by the layer.

  In this way, as a mode of creating a transparent part in the specific layer that can be seen through the existing display object in the lower layer and appearing in the upper layer, by recreating the entire specific layer by combining multiple rectangles so as to leave the transparent part, Multiple existing display objects that overlap each other can be transmitted through the transparent part of the desired polygonal shape, and it is possible to easily realize screen display that sandwiches the parent layer between child layers while maintaining the animation and response operation of the specific layer Become.

  In particular, the second embodiment as described above differs from the first embodiment described above in that the approaches for expanding the degree of freedom of the combination of screen display contents are different from each other. Depending on the conditions such as the type and function of the receiving program or additional program, the application field or purpose of use, the CPU capacity of the computer that will be the execution environment, and the setting by the user, which configuration is used is dynamically switched As a result, the application target and the effectiveness of the present invention can be expanded.

[7. Other embodiments]
In addition, the said embodiment is only an illustration and this invention includes the following examples and other embodiment. For example, the additional program such as a plug-in is not limited to Flash, but may be another program such as Microsoft (registered trademark) Silverlight (trademark). Further, the receiving side program and the additional program are the web browser exemplified in the above embodiment. And not limited to web content playback plug-ins.

  In addition, when it is desired to realize a seamless operation environment by superimposing a similar user interface display by the second operating system on a user interface display by a certain first operating system, each layer by the first operating system is set as a parent layer. In the second operating system, a double multi-layer structure with each layer as a child layer occurs. However, even in this case, the child layer is incorporated into the parent layer structure and is not constrained to one set. It is possible to display and operate with the parent layer sandwiched between them, and realize operability without a sense of incongruity.

The figure which shows the structure of embodiment of this invention. The conceptual diagram which illustrates the double multilayered layer structure in embodiment of this invention. The figure which shows one state of the screen display in embodiment of this invention. The flowchart which shows the process sequence in embodiment of this invention. The figure which shows one state of the screen display in embodiment of this invention. The conceptual diagram showing the screen transition from the state of FIG. 3 to the state of FIG. The figure which shows one state of the screen display in embodiment of this invention. The conceptual diagram showing the screen transition from the state of FIG. 3 to the state of FIG. The figure which shows one state of the screen display in embodiment of this invention. The flowchart which shows the other process sequence in embodiment of this invention. The conceptual diagram showing the screen transition from the state of FIG. 7 to the state of FIG. The flowchart which shows the process sequence in 2nd Embodiment of this invention. The figure which shows one state of the screen display in 2nd Embodiment of this invention. The conceptual diagram showing the screen transition from the state of FIG. 13 to the state of FIG. 5 in 2nd Embodiment of this invention. The figure which shows one state of the screen display in 2nd Embodiment of this invention. In 2nd Embodiment of this invention, the conceptual diagram which shows the state which sets the transparent part of a polygonal shape by recreating the whole surface of a specific layer transparent with a ground color, and surrounding with a several rectangular range.

Explanation of symbols

N Communication network 1 Computer B Browser (receiving program)
P plug-in (additional program)
10 parent layer control means 20 transparency setting means 22 order control means 24 display control means 26 other processing means 28 information acquisition means 30 simulated image generation means 32 simulated image display means 82 input / output means 85 display device 5 servers 51 and 83 arithmetic control Units 52, 81 storage device 54 communication means 56 data storage means 58 data processing means 60 information providing means 56 communication control means

Claims (14)

In an information processing apparatus in which a computer executes an additional program on a receiving program,
The receiving side program controls the arithmetic control unit of the computer,
Realizing display layer control means for controlling the display order of one or two or more display layers whose receiving side program is a unit of management and including a specific layer corresponding to the display content of the additional program,
The additional program controls the arithmetic control unit of the computer,
Display control means for controlling the generation, deletion, and display order of one or more child layers constituting the specific layer, drawing and displaying a new display object, and terminating the display;
Order control means for controlling the order of the vertical position of the specific layer and other display layers by calling a function of the display layer control means of the receiving program with respect to the display of the new display object in the specific layer. When,
Realizing information acquisition means and transparency setting means,
The display so that all or a part of the other display layers displaying one or more existing display objects are located above the specific layer, and further above the other display layers. When trying to display a new display object on the specific layer by the control means by the display control means,
(1) The order control unit positions the other display layer below the specific layer,
(2) The information acquisition unit acquires information representing a display range of the one or more existing display objects displayed on the other display layer from the reception-side program,
(3) Based on the information indicating the display range acquired by the information acquisition unit, the transparency setting unit includes an existing transparent part for transmitting the existing display object for the display range. Set it as a child layer
(4) The information processing apparatus, wherein the display control means displays the new display object on a child layer further higher than the existing child layer. The transparency setting means includes
Means for converting the content displayed in the layer to which the transparent portion is to be set into a still image;
Based on the information representing the display range, means for setting the display range portion of the still image to be transparent,
Means for displaying the still image in which a transparent portion is set;
Means for causing the display control means to erase the layer that is the basis of the still image;
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: The transparency setting means includes
Based on the information representing the display range on a sky layer with a transparent background color, a plurality of rectangular ranges are arranged so as to surround the display range of the one or more existing display objects, and by the layer, The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the layer for which the transparent portion is to be set is substituted. As the receiving program, a web browser program and an HTML file are used,
4. The interactive video file and a plug-in program that is a player for operating the interactive video file on the web browser program are used as the additional program. 5. The information processing apparatus according to one item. In an information processing method in which a computer executes an additional program on a receiving program,
The receiving side program controls the arithmetic control unit of the computer,
Executing a display layer control processing step for controlling the display order of one or two or more display layers whose receiving side program is a unit of management and including a specific layer corresponding to the display content of the additional program,
The additional program controls the arithmetic control unit of the computer,
A display control processing step for controlling generation, deletion, and display order of one or more child layers constituting the specific layer, drawing and displaying a new display object, and terminating display;
Concerning the display of the new display object in the specific layer, the order control for controlling the order of the vertical position of the specific layer and the other display layers by calling the function of the display layer control processing step of the receiving program. Processing steps;
An information acquisition processing step and a transparency setting processing step are realized,
The display so that all or a part of the other display layers displaying one or more existing display objects are located above the specific layer, and further above the other display layers. When trying to display a new display object on the specific layer by the control means by the display control means,
(1) The order control processing step positions the other display layer below the specific layer,
(2) The information acquisition processing step acquires information representing a display range of the one or more existing display objects displayed on the other display layer from the reception-side program,
(3) Based on the information representing the display range acquired in the information acquisition processing step, the transparency setting processing step may include a transparent portion for transmitting the existing display object for the display range in the specific layer. Set it to an existing child layer
(4) The information processing method characterized in that the display control processing step displays the new display object in a child layer further higher than the existing child layer. The transparency setting processing step includes
A processing step of converting the content displayed in the layer to which the transparent portion is to be set into a still image;
Based on information representing the display range, a processing step of setting the display range portion of the still image to be transparent,
A processing step of displaying the still image in which a transparent portion is set (as a new layer);
A processing step for causing the display control means to erase the layer that is the basis of the still image; and
The information processing method according to claim 5, further comprising: The transparency setting processing step includes
Based on the information representing the display range on a sky layer with a transparent background color, a plurality of rectangular ranges are arranged so as to surround the display range of the one or more existing display objects, and by the layer, The information processing method according to claim 5, wherein the layer for setting the transparent portion is substituted. The receiving program is a web browser program and an HTML file,
The said additional program is an interactive moving image file, and the plug-in program which is a player for operating the said interactive moving image file on the said web browser program, The any one of Claim 5 to 7 characterized by the above-mentioned. The information processing method according to one item. A program system in which a receiving program and an additional program are combined as a set, wherein the programs cooperate with each other to control a calculation control unit of a computer, whereby the additional program is subordinate to the execution of the receiving program. In a program system that executes
The receiving side program controls the arithmetic control unit of the computer,
The receiving side program executes one or two or more display layers as a unit of management and includes a specific layer corresponding to the display content of the additional program, and executes a display layer control processing step for controlling the display order of the display layer,
The additional program controls the arithmetic control unit of the computer,
A display control processing step for controlling generation, deletion, and display order of one or more child layers constituting the specific layer, drawing and displaying a new display object, and terminating display;
Concerning the display of the new display object in the specific layer, the order control for controlling the order of the vertical position of the specific layer and the other display layers by calling the function of the display layer control processing step of the receiving program. Processing steps;
Performing an information acquisition processing step and a transparency setting processing step;
The display so that all or a part of the other display layers displaying one or more existing display objects are located above the specific layer, and further above the other display layers. When trying to display a new display object on the specific layer by the control means by the display control means,
(1) The order control processing step positions the other display layer below the specific layer,
(2) The information acquisition processing step acquires information representing a display range of the one or more existing display objects displayed on the other display layer from the reception-side program,
(3) Based on the information representing the display range acquired in the information acquisition processing step, the transparency setting processing step may include a transparent portion for transmitting the existing display object for the display range in the specific layer. Set it to an existing child layer
(4) The program system characterized in that the display control processing step displays the new display object on a child layer further higher than the existing child layer. In the transparency setting processing step, the additional program controls the arithmetic control unit of the computer.
A processing step of converting the content displayed in the layer to which the transparent portion is to be set into a still image;
Based on information representing the display range, a processing step of setting the display range portion of the still image to be transparent,
A processing step of displaying the still image in which a transparent portion is set;
A processing step for causing the display control means to erase the layer that is the basis of the still image; and
The program system according to claim 9, wherein: In the transparency setting processing step, the additional program controls the arithmetic control unit of the computer.
Based on the information representing the display range on a sky layer with a transparent background color, a plurality of rectangular ranges are arranged so as to surround the display range of the one or more existing display objects, and by the layer, The program system according to claim 9, wherein the layer for setting the transparent portion is substituted. The accepting program is an HTML file that operates using a web browser program,
The program system according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the additional program is an interactive moving image file that operates using a plug-in program that is a player for a web browser program. . 13. A program system according to claim 9 , comprising: an arithmetic control unit; a communication unit that communicates with a computer that is a client device via a communication network; and a data storage unit, wherein the program system according to claim 9 is provided to the client device. Server computer. The program system according to any one of claims 9 to 12, from a server computer including an arithmetic control unit, a communication unit that communicates with a computer that is a client device via a communication network, and a data storage unit. An information processing method provided to a client device .

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