JP6794200B2 - Information providing equipment and programs - Google Patents

Description

Embodiments of the present invention relate to information providing devices and programs.

Some display devices such as digital signage that display contents such as advertisements, tourist information, entertainment, and various other information can be linked with a plurality of terminals. A terminal linked with such digital signage can move an object such as a cursor displayed on the screen of the digital signage based on an operation by the operator of the terminal. However, if the object overlaps the character string, image, moving image, etc. displayed on the screen of the digital signage, there is a problem that the character string, image, moving image, etc. becomes difficult to see.

Japanese Patent No. 5716053

An object to be solved by the embodiment of the present invention is to provide an information providing device and a program in which the contents displayed on the screen of the display device are not difficult to see.

The information providing device of the embodiment includes screen display means, object display means, movement means , movement control means, and selection control means . The screen display means causes the display device to display an information providing screen including the content. The object display means displays an object linked to the terminal on the information providing screen according to the connection of the terminal. The moving means moves the display position of the object based on the instruction from the terminal. Movement control means controls the moving means so that turning a button object is set as a prohibited area in the information providing screen. The selection control means puts the button in the selected state when the object is in the selection area predetermined to surround the button.

The block diagram which shows the circuit structure of each main part of the apparatus included in the information providing system which concerns on embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the screen displayed on the display device in FIG. The flowchart of the control processing by the CPU of the server in FIG. The figure which shows an example of the screen displayed on the touch panel in FIG. The flowchart of the control processing by the CPU of the server in FIG. The figure which shows an example of the screen displayed on the display device in FIG. The flowchart of the control process by the CPU of the information terminal in FIG. The figure which shows an example of the screen displayed on the touch panel in FIG. The flowchart of the control processing by the CPU of the server in FIG. The flowchart of the control processing by the CPU of the server in FIG.

Hereinafter, the information providing system according to the embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of each main part of the device included in the information providing system 1 according to the embodiment. The information providing system 1 includes a server 10, a display device 20, and an information terminal 30. The server 10 and the information terminal 30 are connected to the network NW. The network NW is typically a communication network that includes the Internet. Alternatively, the network NW may be a communication network including a LAN (local area network) or other communication lines. In the information providing system 1, as an example, HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) is used as a communication protocol for communication via the network NW. Therefore, the request described in the operation description is an HTTP request, and the response is an HTTP response. Although only one information terminal 30 is shown in FIG. 1, the number of information terminals 30 is not limited to one, and typically there are a plurality of information terminals 30.

The information providing system 1 causes the display device 20 to display an information providing screen including contents under the control of the server 10. Then, while the information providing screen is displayed on the display device 20, the server 10 can link the information terminal 30 and the display device 20. When the information terminal 30 and the display device 20 are linked, an object linked with the information terminal 30 is displayed on the screen of the display device 20. Then, the operator of the information terminal 30 can operate the object displayed on the screen of the display device 20 by operating the information terminal 30 linked with the display device 20. In addition, the operator of the information terminal 30 can change the icon image used for the appearance of the object. Further, the operator of the information terminal 30 can select the button displayed on the screen of the display device 20 by moving the object. Then, the operator of the information terminal 30 can download the content corresponding to the button in the selected state from the server 10 to the information terminal 30.

The server 10 is, for example, a web server. Server 10 publishes a web page. A web page is composed of data such as HTML or XML, and data such as images, videos, or sounds. The server 10 is an example of an information providing device.
The server 10 includes a CPU (central processing unit) 11, a main memory 12, an auxiliary storage device 13, an output interface 14, a communication interface 15, and a bus 16.

The CPU 11 corresponds to a central part of a computer that performs processing and control necessary for the operation of the server 10. The CPU 11 controls each part in order to realize various functions of the server 10 based on a program such as an operating system and application software stored in the main memory 12.

The main memory 12 corresponds to the main memory portion of the computer. The main memory 12 stores programs such as an operating system and application software. Further, the main memory 12 stores data to be referred to when the CPU 11 performs various processes. Further, the main memory 12 is used as a so-called work area for storing data temporarily used by the CPU 11 for performing various processes.

The auxiliary storage device 13 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer. The auxiliary storage device 13 is, for example, an EEPROM (electric erasable programmable read-only memory), an HDD (hard disk drive), an SSD (solid state drive), or the like. The auxiliary storage device 13 stores data used by the CPU 11 to perform various processes, data generated by the process of the CPU 11, and the like. The auxiliary storage device 13 may store a program such as the above operating system or application.

The auxiliary storage device 13 also stores the user information DB (database) 131. The user information DB 131 stores information about each user of the service provided by the server 10 in association with a unique user ID (identifier) that identifies the user. Further, the user information DB 131 may store an icon image associated with each user ID.

The program stored in the main memory 12 or the auxiliary storage device 13 includes a control program described for the control process described later. As an example, the server 10 is transferred to the operator of the server 10 or the like in a state where the control program is stored in the main memory 12 or the auxiliary storage device 13. However, the server 10 may be transferred to the operator in a state where the control program is not stored in the main memory 12 or the auxiliary storage device 13. Then, the control program transferred to the operator may be written to the main memory 12 or the auxiliary storage device 13 under the operation of the operator, the serviceman, or the like. The transfer of the control program at this time can be realized by recording on a removable recording medium such as a magnetic disk, a magneto-optical disk, an optical disk, or a semiconductor memory, or by downloading via a network.

The output interface 14 is an interface for outputting data such as video. The output interface 14 may be able to output audio data in addition to video data.

The communication interface 15 is an interface for the server 10 to communicate via the network.

The bus 16 includes an address bus, a data bus, and the like, and transmits signals sent and received by each part of the server 10.

The display device 20 is, for example, digital signage. The display device 20 is connected to the output interface 14 of the server 10. The display device 20 and the output interface 14 may be connected by a wired communication path or may be connected by a wireless communication path. Alternatively, the display device 20 and the output interface 14 may be connected by a communication path in which both wired and wireless are mixed. The video data output from the output interface 14 is input to the display device 20. The display device 20 displays the screen based on the input video data. The display device 20 may be connected to the network NW. In this case, video data or the like may be output from the communication interface 15 instead of the output interface 14 and input to the display device 20 via the network NW.

The information terminal 30 is operated by a user or the like who uses the service provided by the server 10.
The information terminal 30 is, for example, a portable computer such as a mobile phone, a smartphone, a tablet PC (personal computer), or a notebook PC.
The information terminal 30 includes a CPU 31, a main memory 32, an auxiliary storage device 33, a touch panel 34, a communication interface 35, a camera 36, and a bus 37.

The CPU 31 corresponds to a central part of a computer that performs processing and control necessary for the operation of the information terminal 30. The CPU 31 controls each part in order to realize various functions of the information terminal 30 based on a program such as an operating system and application software stored in the main memory 32.

The main memory 32 corresponds to the main memory portion of the computer. The main memory 32 stores programs such as an operating system and application software. Further, the main memory 32 stores data referred to when the CPU 31 performs various processes. Further, the main memory 32 is used as a so-called work area for storing data temporarily used by the CPU 31 for performing various processes.

The auxiliary storage device 33 corresponds to the auxiliary storage portion of the computer. The auxiliary storage device 33 is, for example, EEPROM, HDD, SSD, or the like. The auxiliary storage device 33 stores data used by the CPU 31 to perform various processes, data generated by the process of the CPU 31, and the like. The auxiliary storage device 33 may store a program such as the above operating system or application.
The auxiliary storage device 33 also stores some icon images.

The program stored in the main memory 32 or the auxiliary storage device 33 includes a web browser. As an example, the information terminal 30 is transferred to the user with the web browser stored in the main memory 32 or the auxiliary storage device 33. However, the information terminal 30 may be transferred to the user in a state where the web browser is not stored in the main memory 32 or the auxiliary storage device 33. Then, the web browser separately transferred to the user may be written to the main memory 32 or the auxiliary storage device 33 under the operation of the user or the like. The transfer of the web browser at this time can be realized by recording on a removable recording medium such as a magnetic disk, a magneto-optical disk, an optical disk, or a semiconductor memory, or by downloading via a network.
The web browser stored in the main memory 32 or the auxiliary storage device 33 causes the touch panel 34 to display a web page or the like published by the server 10.

The touch panel 34 functions as a display device that displays a screen for notifying the operator of the information terminal 30 of various information. Further, the touch panel 34 functions as an input device that accepts a touch operation by the operator.

The communication interface 35 is an interface for the information terminal 30 to communicate via the network.
The camera 36 captures an image such as a still image or a moving image.
The bus 37 includes an address bus, a data bus, and the like, and transmits signals sent and received by each part of the information terminal 30.

Hereinafter, the operation of the information providing system 1 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 10. The content of the process in the following operation description is an example, and various processes capable of obtaining similar results can be appropriately used.

While the server 10 is operating, the display device 20 displays a screen including contents such as advertisements, tourist information, entertainment, and various other information by the action of the server 10.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the display screen SC1 displayed on the display device 20. While the server 10 is operating, the CPU 11 instructs the output interface 14 to output the video data corresponding to the display screen SC1. In response to this instruction, the output interface 14 outputs the video data. The output video data is input to the display device 20. The display device 20 displays the display screen SC1 based on the input video data. The display screen SC1 is an example of an information providing screen including contents. Therefore, by performing this process, the computer centered on the CPU 11 operates as a screen display means for displaying the information providing screen on the display device.
The display screen SC1 includes buttons B11 to buttons B15, a code C, and areas A11 and A12. Each of the buttons B11 to B15 is a button for accessing various contents. By operating the buttons B11 to B15, it is possible to access a web page or the like related to the content or display the details of the content or the like. Each of the buttons B11 to B15 displays a character string, an image, a moving image, or the like indicating what kind of content the button can access. The code C is, for example, a two-dimensional bar code. The code C includes a URL for accessing a web page published by the server 10. When the information terminal 30 accesses this URL, the information terminal 30 sends a connection request to the server 10. A character string is displayed as a secret word in the area A11. Content represented by an image, a moving image, or the like is displayed in the area A12.
Areas A13 to A17 are further set on the display screen SC1. Areas A13 to A17 are not actually displayed. In FIG. 2, regions A13 to A17 are shown by imaginary lines. Further, a unique area number is associated with each of the areas A13 to A17. However, the area number is a number other than 0. Areas A13 to A17 are examples of selected areas.
Further, for the buttons B11 to B15, the code C, and the area A11, the range in which each is displayed is set as a prohibited area. Further, the outside of the display screen SC1 is also set as a prohibited area.

Next, the process of connecting the information terminal 30 and the server 10 will be described. In order to link the information terminal 30 and the display device 20, it is necessary to connect the information terminal 30 and the server 10.
The operator of the information terminal 30 causes the information terminal 30 to access the web page indicated by the URL included in the code C by reading the code C using the camera 36 provided in the information terminal 30. The CPU 31 instructs the communication interface 35 to send the connection request to the destination represented by the URL, that is, the server 10. In response to this instruction, the communication interface 35 transmits the connection request to the server 10. The transmitted connection request is received by the communication interface 15 of the server 10.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart of the control process by the CPU 11 of the server 10. The CPU 11 executes this control process based on the control program stored in the main memory 12 or the auxiliary storage device 13.
In Act 1 of FIG. 3, the CPU 11 of the server 10 confirms whether or not the connection request has been received by the communication interface 15. If the connection request is not received, the CPU 11 determines No in Act1 and proceeds to Act2.

In Act2, the CPU 11 confirms whether or not the operation request has been received by the communication interface 15. The operation request will be described later. If the operation request is not received, the CPU 11 determines No in Act2 and proceeds to Act3.

In Act3, the CPU 11 confirms whether or not the setting request has been received by the communication interface 15. The setting request will be described later. If the setting request is not received, the CPU 11 determines No in Act3 and returns to Act1. Thus, the CPU 11 repeats Act1 to Act3 until a connection request, an operation request, or a setting request is received. If the connection request is received while in the standby state of Act1 to Act3, the CPU 11 determines Yes in Act1 and proceeds to Act4.

In Act4, the CPU 11 confirms whether or not the information terminal 30 (hereinafter referred to as “source terminal”), which is the source of the connection request confirmed to be received in Act1, is logged in to the service provided by the server 10. .. The CPU 11 confirms whether or not the source terminal is in the logged-in state by using, for example, Cookie. If the source terminal is logged in, the CPU 11 can specify which user ID the source terminal is logged in to by using Cookie. If the source terminal is not in the logged-in state, the CPU 11 determines No in Act 4 and proceeds to Act 5.

In Act 5, the CPU 11 performs a process for logging in the source terminal to the service provided by the server 10. Since a well-known method can be used for the process for logging in to the source terminal, the description thereof will be omitted. If the operator of the source terminal has not registered as a user, the CPU 11 performs a process for causing the operator of the source terminal to register as a user before performing the process for logging in. In this case, the CPU 11 stores the information related to the user registration in the user information DB 131. The CPU 11 proceeds to Act6 after the processing of Act5. Further, if the source terminal is in the logged-in state, the CPU 11 determines Yes in Act 4 and proceeds to Act 6.

In Act6, the CPU 11 generates a My Page response for displaying the My Page screen on the touch panel 34 of the transmission source terminal. The My Page Response includes My Page screen data for displaying the My Page screen. Then, the CPU 11 instructs the communication interface 15 to transmit the generated My Page response to the source terminal. In response to this instruction, the communication interface 15 transmits the My Page response to the source terminal. The transmitted My Page response is received by the communication interface 35 of the source terminal. The CPU 11 returns to Act1 after the processing of Act6.

On the other hand, the CPU 31 of the transmission source terminal that has transmitted the connection request is waiting for the response to be received by the communication interface 35. When the My Page response is received, the CPU 31 generates an image corresponding to the My Page screen based on the My Page screen data included in the My Page response. Then, the CPU 31 instructs the touch panel 34 to display this image. In response to this instruction, the touch panel 34 displays the My Page screen.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the My Page screen SC2 displayed on the touch panel 34. The My Page screen SC2 includes a character string CH, an input field F, and buttons B21 to B25. The character string CH is a character string indicating that the operator of the source terminal is urged to input the password in the input field F. The input field F is a field in which a character string is input by the operator of the source terminal. The button B21 is touched by the operator of the source terminal when he / she wants to perform an operation linked with the display device 20 on the source terminal. Button B22 is touched by the operator of the source terminal when he / she wants to change the appearance (icon image) of the object. Buttons B23 to B25 are buttons having other functions. The detailed description of the buttons B23 to B25 will be omitted.

When the operator of the source terminal wants to perform an operation linked with the display device 20 on the source terminal, he / she looks at the display device 20 and confirms the password displayed in the area A11 of the display screen SC1. Then, the operator of the transmission source terminal inputs the confirmed secret word in the input field F and touches the button B21.
The CPU 31 of the source terminal generates an operation request when the button B21 is touched. The CPU 31 generates the operation request assuming that the operation request includes the character string input in the input field F. Then, the CPU 31 instructs the communication interface 35 to transmit the operation request to the server 10. In response to this instruction, the communication interface 35 transmits the operation request to the server 10. The transmitted operation request is received by the communication interface 15 of the server 10.

If the operation request is received while the CPU 11 of the server 10 is in the standby state of Act1 to Act3 of FIG. 3, it determines Yes in Act2 and proceeds to Act7.
In Act7, the CPU 11 confirms whether or not the slogan is correct. That is, the CPU 11 confirms whether or not the character string included in the operation request confirmed to be received by Act2 and the character string displayed in the area A1 of the display screen SC1 are the same. By doing so, only the information terminal 30 operated by a person who can see the display screen SC1 displayed on the display device 20 can connect to the server 10. If the word is incorrect, the CPU 11 determines No in Act7 and proceeds to Act8.

In Act 8, the CPU 11 instructs the communication interface 15 to transmit an error response for displaying an error screen indicating that the word is wrong on the touch panel 34 of the source terminal to the source terminal. The error response includes error screen data for displaying the error screen. In response to this instruction, the communication interface 15 transmits the error response to the source terminal. The transmitted error response is received by the communication interface 35 of the source terminal. The CPU 11 returns to Act1 after the processing of Act8.

On the other hand, the CPU 31 of the transmission source terminal that has transmitted the operation request is waiting for the response to be received by the communication interface 35. When the error response is received, the CPU 31 generates an image corresponding to the error screen based on the error screen data included in the error response. Then, the CPU 31 instructs the touch panel 34 to display this image. In response to this instruction, the touch panel 34 displays an error screen.
As an example, the error screen is the My Page screen SC2 shown in FIG. 4 with a character string indicating that the word is incorrect.

On the other hand, if the word is correct, the CPU 11 determines Yes in Act7 of FIG. 3 and proceeds to Act9.
In Act9, the CPU 11 connects the server 10 and the source terminal so that bidirectional communication is possible. As an example, Websocket or the like is used for two-way communication.

In Act 10, the CPU 11 starts interlocking processing with respect to the source terminal.
The CPU 11 returns to Act1 after the processing of Act10.

Next, the operation in which the information terminal 30 and the display device 20 of the information providing system 1 are linked will be described.
The CPU 11 of the server 10 starts the interlocking process shown in FIG. 5 for each of the information terminals 30 connected to the server 10 so as to be able to communicate in both directions. However, in the following description, processing for one information terminal 30 will be described.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart of the control process by the CPU 11 of the server 10. The CPU 11 executes this control process based on the control program stored in the main memory 12 or the auxiliary storage device 13. The CPU 11 processes the control process shown in FIG. 5 in parallel with the control process shown in FIG. 3 by executing the control process shown in FIG. 5 in a thread different from the control process shown in FIG. Further, when there are a plurality of information terminals 30 connected to the server 10 so as to be capable of bidirectional communication, the CPU 11 executes each of the control processes shown in FIG. 5 for each of the information terminals 30 in a separate thread. Process in parallel. When the CPU 31 starts the control process shown in FIG. 5, the CPU 31 secures a variable a having an initial value of 0 in the memory. The variable a indicates in which selection area the object corresponding to the information terminal 30 is located by storing the area number associated with the selection area.

In Act 21 of FIG. 5, the CPU 11 adds one object linked to the information terminal 30 to the display screen SC1. When the icon image is associated with the user ID of the information terminal 30, the CPU 11 sets the appearance of the object to be added as the icon image. When the icon image is not associated with the user ID of the information terminal 30, the CPU 11 uses the appearance of the object as the default icon image. The default icon image is stored in the auxiliary storage device 13 or the like in advance. There may be a plurality of types of default icon images. In this case, the CPU 11 changes the type of the icon image used for the appearance of the object for each object so that the object having the same appearance is not displayed on the display screen SC1. Alternatively, the CPU 11 may change the colors of the objects so that the objects having the same appearance are not displayed on the display screen SC1.
That is, the CPU 11 instructs the output interface 14 to output the video data corresponding to the display screen SC1 to which one object is added. In response to this instruction, the output interface 14 outputs the video data. The output video data is input to the display device 20. The display device 20 displays the display screen SC1 to which one object is added based on the input video data. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the display screen SC1 to which an object is added. FIG. 6 shows how the three objects, objects OB11 to object OB13, are displayed on the display screen SC1. On the display screen SC1, as many objects as the number of information terminals 30 connected to the server 10 so as to be able to communicate in both directions are displayed. Each of the objects has a one-to-one correspondence with each of the information terminals 30 that are bidirectionally connected to the server 10. Position of the object, as an example, the origin at the upper left of the display screen, i.e. coordinates (x, y) = a (0, 0), coordinates (x, y) _{= (k} x, _{k y)} is assumed to represent a. It is assumed that the x-coordinate increases toward the right side of the screen and the y-coordinate increases toward the bottom of the screen. By performing the processing of Act21, the computer centered on the CPU 11 operates as an object display means for displaying an object linked with the terminal on the information providing screen in response to the connection of the terminal.

In Act 22 of FIG. 5, the CPU 11 generates an operation screen command for displaying the operation screen on the touch panel 34 of the information terminal 30. The operation screen command includes operation screen data for displaying the operation screen. Then, the CPU 11 instructs the communication interface 15 to transmit the generated operation screen command to the information terminal 30. In response to this instruction, the communication interface 15 transmits the operation screen command to the information terminal 30. The transmitted operation screen command is received by the communication interface 35 of the information terminal 30.

On the other hand, the CPU 31 of the information terminal 30 that has received the operation screen command starts the control process shown in FIG. 7.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart of control processing by the CPU 31 of the information terminal 30. The CPU 31 executes this control process based on the web browser stored in the main memory 32 or the auxiliary storage device 33 and the received operation screen command.
In Act 41 of FIG. 7, the CPU 31 of the information terminal 30 generates an image corresponding to the operation screen based on the operation screen data included in the operation screen command. Then, the CPU 31 instructs the touch panel 34 to display this image. In response to this instruction, the touch panel 34 displays the operation screen.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the operation screen SC3 displayed on the touch panel 34 of the information terminal 30. The operation screen SC3 includes a right button B31, a left button B32, a down button B33, an up button B34, a DL button B35, a change button B36, an end button B37, and an area A31. The right button B31, the left button B32, the down button B33, and the up button B34 are cross keys. The right button B31 is operated by the operator of the information terminal 30 when he / she wants to move the object displayed on the display device to the right. The left button B32 is operated by the operator of the information terminal 30 when he / she wants to move the object displayed on the display device to the left. The lower button B33 is operated by the operator of the information terminal 30 when he / she wants to move the object displayed on the display device downward. The upper button B34 is operated by the operator of the information terminal 30 when he / she wants to move the object displayed on the display device upward. The DL button B35 is operated by the operator of the information terminal 30 when he / she wants to download the content corresponding to the button currently selected on the display screen SC1. The change button B36 is operated by the operator of the information terminal 30 when he / she wants to change the appearance of the object displayed on the display device. Further, the appearance of the change button B36 is the same as the object displayed on the display device 20 and corresponding to the information terminal 30. Alternatively, the appearance of the change button B36 may be an enlargement or reduction of the object. This makes it easier for the operator of the information terminal 30 to understand what the object displayed on the display device 20 that he / she operates looks like. The end button B37 is operated by the operator of the information terminal 30 when he / she wants to end the operation linked with the display device 20 on the information terminal 30. In the area A31, information for identifying the button currently selected on the display screen SC1 is displayed.

In Act 42 of FIG. 7, the CPU 31 confirms whether or not the selection command has been received by the communication interface 35. The selection command will be described later. If the selection command has not been received, the CPU 31 determines No in Act 42 and proceeds to Act 43.

In Act43, the CPU 31 confirms whether or not the right button B31 is touched. If the right button B31 is not touched, the CPU 31 determines No in Act43 and proceeds to Act44.

In Act44, the CPU 31 confirms whether or not the left button B32 is touched. If the left button B32 is not touched, the CPU 31 determines No in Act44 and proceeds to Act45.

In Act45, the CPU 31 confirms whether or not the lower button B33 is touched. If the lower button B33 is not touched, the CPU 31 determines No in Act 45 and proceeds to Act 46.

In Act46, the CPU 31 confirms whether or not the upper button B34 is touched. If the upper button B34 is not touched, the CPU 31 determines No in Act46 and proceeds to Act47.

In Act47, the CPU 31 confirms whether or not the DL button B35 shown in FIG. 8 is touched. If the DL button B35 is not touched, the CPU 31 determines No in Act47 and proceeds to Act48.

In Act48, the CPU 31 confirms whether or not the change button B36 has been touched. If the change button B36 is not touched, the CPU 31 determines No in Act48 and proceeds to Act49.

In Act49, the CPU 31 confirms whether or not the end button B37 has been touched. If the end button B37 is not touched, the CPU 31 determines No in Act 49 and returns to Act 42. Thus, the CPU 31 repeats Act42 to Act49 until a selection command is received or any of buttons B31 to B37 is touched. If the right button B31 is touched while in the standby state of Act42 to Act49, the CPU 31 determines Yes in Act43 and proceeds to Act50.

In Act 50, the CPU 31 instructs the communication interface 35 to send a right command to the server 10 to instruct the object to move to the right. In response to this instruction, the communication interface 35 transmits the right command to the server 10. The transmitted right command is received by the communication interface 35.

Further, if the left button B32 is touched while in the standby state of Act42 to Act49, the CPU 31 determines Yes in Act44 and proceeds to Act51.
In Act 51, the CPU 31 instructs the communication interface 35 to send a left command to the server 10 to instruct the object to move to the left. In response to this instruction, the communication interface 35 transmits the left command to the server 10. The transmitted left command is received by the communication interface 35.

Further, if the lower button B33 is touched while in the standby state of Act42 to Act49, the CPU 31 determines Yes in Act45 and proceeds to Act52.
In Act 52, the CPU 31 instructs the communication interface 35 to send a lower command to the server 10 to instruct the object to move down. In response to this instruction, the communication interface 35 transmits the lower command to the server 10. The transmitted lower command is received by the communication interface 35.

Further, if the upper button B34 is touched while in the standby state of Act42 to Act49, the CPU 31 determines Yes in Act46 and proceeds to Act51.
In Act 51, the CPU 31 instructs the communication interface 35 to send an upper command to the server 10 to instruct the object to move up. In response to this instruction, the communication interface 35 transmits the above command to the server 10. The transmitted above command is received by the communication interface 35.

On the other hand, in Act 23 of FIG. 5, the CPU 11 of the server 10 confirms whether or not the right command or the left command is received by the communication interface 15. If the left command or the right command is not received, the CPU 11 determines No in Act 23 and proceeds to Act 24.

In Act 24, the CPU 11 confirms whether or not the lower command or the upper command has been received by the communication interface 15. If the lower command or the upper command is not received, the CPU 11 determines No in Act 24 and proceeds to Act 25.

In Act 25, the CPU 11 confirms whether or not the DL command has been received by the communication interface 15. The DL command will be described later. If the DL command is not received by the communication interface 15, the CPU 11 determines No in Act 25 and proceeds to Act 26.

In Act 26, the CPU 11 confirms whether or not the change command is received by the communication interface 15. The change command will be described later. If the change command is not received by the communication interface 15, the CPU 11 determines No in Act 26 and proceeds to Act 27.

In Act 27, the CPU 11 confirms whether or not the end command is received by the communication interface 15. The end command will be described later. If the end command is not received by the communication interface 15, the CPU 11 determines No in Act 27 and returns to Act 23. Thus, the CPU 11 repeats Act23 to Act27 until a right command, a left command, a lower command, an upper command, a DL command, a change command, or an end command is received. If a right command or a left command is received while in the standby state of Act23 to Act27, the CPU 11 determines Yes in Act23 and proceeds to Act28.

In Act 28, the CPU 11 performs the left-right movement process shown in FIG. However, if the command confirmed to be received by Act23 is the right command, the CPU 11 performs left-right movement processing with n = 1. Further, if the command whose reception is confirmed by Act23 is the left command, the CPU 11 performs the left-right movement process with n = -1.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart of the control process by the CPU 11 of the server 10. The CPU 11 executes this control process based on the control program stored in the main memory 12 or the auxiliary storage device 13.

In Act81 in FIG 9 CPU 11 the coordinates _{(k x + n, k y} ) position represented by, confirms whether it is within a range that is set as prohibition area. CPU11, if the coordinates _{(k x + n, k y} ) is the coordinates of forbidden areas, ends the horizontal movement processing is determined Yes in Act81. In contrast, CPU 11, if the coordinates _{(k x + n, k y} ) is not the coordinates of forbidden areas, the process proceeds to Act82 determines No in Act81.

In Act82 CPU 11 sets the value of _{k x} the _k x + n. Further, the CPU 11 moves the display position of the object linked with the information terminal 30 which is the source of the right command or the left command by n to the right. That is, the CPU 11 instructs the output interface 14 to output the video data corresponding to the display screen SC1 in which the display position of the object is moved to the right by n. In response to this instruction, the output interface 14 outputs the video data. The output video data is input to the display device 20. The display device 20 displays the display screen SC1 in which the display position of the object is moved to the right by n based on the input video data. Therefore, by performing the processing of Act 82, the computer centered on the CPU 11 operates as a moving means for moving the display position of the object. Further, the processing of Act82 is performed when it is determined to be Yes in the processing of Act81. That is, the CPU 11 does not perform the Act 82 process when the movement destination of the object is within the predetermined prohibited area. Therefore, by performing the processing of Act81, the computer centered on the CPU 11 operates as a movement control means for controlling the movement means so that the object does not enter the predetermined prohibited area in the information providing screen.

In Act83 CPU 11 _{is, (k x,} k _y) if it is in the region of one region A13~ region A17, and acquires the area number associated with that region. CPU11 _{is, (k x,} k _y) if there is no even within any region of the region A13~ region A17, and acquires the 0 as an area number.

In Act84, the CPU 11 confirms whether or not the area number acquired in Act83 is different from the value of the variable a. If the value of the variable a is the same, the CPU 11 determines No in Act84 and ends the left / right movement process. On the other hand, if the value of the variable a is different from the value of the variable a, the CPU 11 determines Yes in Act84 and proceeds to Act85.

In Act85, the CPU 11 sets the value of the variable a as the area number acquired in Act83. By this process, the button in the area associated with the area number is selected. Therefore, the computer centered on the CPU 11 performs the processing of Act85 to put the button in the selected state when the object is in the selection area predetermined so as to surround the button displayed on the information providing screen. Operates as a selection control means.

In Act86, the CPU 11 highlights the button displayed in the area where the area number is the value of the variable a, that is, the button in the selected state. That is, the CPU 11 instructs the output interface 14 to output the video data corresponding to the display screen SC1 in which the button is highlighted. In response to this instruction, the output interface 14 outputs the video data. The output video data is input to the display device 20. The display device 20 displays the display screen SC1 in which the button is highlighted based on the input video data. The highlighting of the button is, for example, blinking the button, changing the color of the button, or thickening the frame of the button. Therefore, by performing the processing of Act86, the computer centered on the CPU 11 operates as a highlighting means for highlighting the button in the selected state.

In Act 87, the CPU 11 modifies the appearance of the object. That is, the CPU 11 displays a balloon on the object. The balloon contains, inside, a character string indicating that a button is being selected. The balloon OB121 shown in FIG. 6 is an example showing the balloon displayed on the object OB12. Further, the CPU 11 rotates the object as needed. For example, when the appearance of the object points to a specific direction like an arrow, the CPU 11 rotates the object so that the direction of the arrow points to the direction of the selected button. The object OB12 shown in FIG. 6 is an example of an object having the same appearance as the object OB11 and rotated so that the direction of the arrow points to the direction of the selected button.

In Act88, the CPU 11 generates a selection command including an outline of the content corresponding to the button in the selected state. However, if the area number stored in Act83 is 0, the CPU 11 generates a selection command so as not to include the outline of the content. Then, the CPU 11 instructs the communication interface 15 to transmit the generated selection command to the information terminal 30. In response to this instruction, the communication interface 15 transmits the selection command to the information terminal 30. The transmitted selection command is received by the communication interface 35 of the information terminal 30. After the processing of Act88, the CPU 11 ends the left-right movement processing. After finishing the left-right movement process, the CPU 11 returns to Act23.

On the other hand, in the standby state of Act 42 to Act 49 of FIG. 7, if the selection command is received, the CPU 31 of the information terminal 30 determines Yes in Act 42 and proceeds to Act 54.
In Act 54, the CPU 31 displays an outline of the content included in the selection command confirmed to be received in Act 42 in the area A31 of the operation screen SC3. If the selection command does not include the outline of the content, the CPU 31 sets the operation screen SC3 so that nothing is displayed in the area A31. That is, the CPU 31 generates an image corresponding to the operation screen SC3 in which the display in the area A31 is as described above. Then, the CPU 31 instructs the touch panel 34 to display this image. In response to this instruction, the touch panel 34 displays the operation screen SC3. The CPU 31 returns to the Act 42 after the processing of the Act 54. The content summary included in the selection command is a content summary corresponding to the button in the selected state. That is, the content displayed in the area A31 is information for identifying the button in the selected state. Therefore, the processing of Act 54 notifies the operator of the information terminal 30 and the like of information identifying the button in the selected state. The selection command including the outline of the content is transmitted by Act88. Therefore, by performing the processing of Act88, the computer centered on the CPU 11 operates as a notification means for notifying the terminal of information identifying the button in the selected state.

On the other hand, if the lower command or the upper command is received while the CPU 11 of the server 10 is in the standby state of Act 23 to Act 27 of FIG. 5, it determines Yes in Act 24 and proceeds to Act 29.
In Act 29, the CPU 11 performs the vertical movement process shown in FIG. However, if the command whose reception is confirmed by Act24 is the lower command, the CPU 11 performs the vertical movement process with m = 1. Further, if the command confirmed to be received by Act 24 is the upper command, the CPU 11 performs the vertical movement process with m = -1.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart of the control process by the CPU 11 of the server 10. The CPU 11 executes this control process based on the control program stored in the main memory 12 or the auxiliary storage device 13.

In Act91 in FIG 10 CPU 11 the coordinates _{(k x, k y + m} ) position represented by, confirms whether it is within a range that is set as prohibition area. CPU11, if the coordinates _{(k x, k y + m} ) is the coordinates of forbidden areas, and terminates the vertical movement process and returns Yes in Act91. In contrast, CPU 11 may coordinate _{(k x, k y + m} ) if is not the coordinates of forbidden areas, the process proceeds to Act92 determines No in Act91.

CPU11 In Act92, the value of _{k y} in _k y + m. Further, the CPU 11 moves the display position of the object linked with the information terminal 30, which is the source of the lower command or the upper command, downward by m. That is, the CPU 11 instructs the output interface 14 to output the video data corresponding to the display screen SC1 in which the display position of the object is moved downward by m. In response to this instruction, the output interface 14 outputs the video data. The output video data is input to the display device 20. The display device 20 displays the display screen SC1 in which the display position of the object is moved downward by m based on the input video data. Therefore, by performing the processing of Act92, the computer centered on the CPU 11 operates as a moving means for moving the display position of the object. Further, the processing of Act92 is performed when it is determined to be Yes in the processing of Act91. That is, the CPU 11 does not perform the Act92 process when the movement destination of the object is within the predetermined prohibited area. Therefore, by performing the processing of Act91, the computer centered on the CPU 11 operates as a movement control means for controlling the movement means so that the object does not enter the predetermined prohibited area in the information providing screen.
As the processing of Act93 to Act97, the CPU 11 performs the same processing as that of Act83 to Act88 of the left-right movement processing shown in FIG. However, if the CPU 11 determines No in Act94, the CPU 11 ends the vertical movement process. Further, the CPU 11 ends the vertical movement process after the process of Act98. After finishing the vertical movement process, the CPU 11 returns to Act23.

Further, if the DL button B35 is touched while the CPU 31 of the information terminal 30 is in the standby state of Act 42 to Act 49 in FIG. 7, it determines Yes in Act 47 and proceeds to Act 55.
In Act 55, the CPU 31 instructs the communication interface 35 to send a DL command for downloading the content corresponding to the button in the selected state to the server 10. In response to this instruction, the communication interface 35 transmits the DL command to the server 10. The transmitted DL command is received by the communication interface 15 of the server 10.

On the other hand, if the content command is received while the CPU 11 of the server 10 is in the standby state of Act 23 to Act 27 of FIG. 5, the CPU 11 determines Yes in Act 25 and proceeds to Act 30.
In Act 30, the CPU 11 of the server 10 generates a content command including the content corresponding to the button in the selected state. However, if the value of the variable a is 0, the CPU 11 generates a content command without including the content. Then, the CPU 11 instructs the communication interface 15 to transmit the generated content command to the information terminal 30. In response to this instruction, the communication interface 15 transmits the content command to the information terminal 30. The transmitted content command is received by the communication interface 35 of the information terminal 30.

On the other hand, in Act 56 of FIG. 7, the CPU 31 of the information terminal 30 is waiting for the content command to be received by the communication interface 35. When the content command is received, the CPU 31 determines Yes in Act56 and proceeds to Act57.

In Act57, the CPU 31 performs processing according to the content included in the content command. For example, the CPU 31 performs a process for accessing a specific URL, a process for storing the content, and the like. The content stored by the CPU 31 is, for example, a coupon or the like. If the content command does not include the content, the CPU 31 ends the process of Act57. The CPU 31 returns to the Act 42 after the processing of the Act 57.

Further, if the change button B36 shown in FIG. 8 is touched while in the standby state of Act42 to Act49, the CPU 31 determines Yes in Act48 and proceeds to Act58.
In Act 58, the CPU 31 displays a list of icon images stored in the auxiliary storage device 33 on the operation screen SC3 shown in FIG. That is, the CPU 31 generates an image corresponding to the screen in which the list of icon images is displayed on the operation screen SC3. Then, the CPU 31 instructs the touch panel 34 to display the generated image. In response to this instruction, the touch panel 34 displays the screen.

The operator of the information terminal 30 touches the icon image to be used as the appearance of the object from the icon images displayed on the operation screen SC3.
In Act 59 of FIG. 7, the CPU 31 is waiting for any of the icon images in the list of icon images to be touched. If the icon image is touched, the CPU 31 determines Yes in Act 59 and proceeds to Act 60.

In Act 60, the CPU 31 generates a change command including an icon image touched by the operator of the information terminal 30. Then, the CPU 31 instructs the communication interface 35 to transmit the generated change command to the server 10. In response to this instruction, the communication interface 35 transmits the change command to the server 10. The transmitted change command is received by the communication interface 15 of the server 10.

On the other hand, if the change command is received while the CPU 11 of the server 10 is in the standby state of Act 23 to Act 27 of FIG. 5, it determines Yes in Act 26 and proceeds to Act 31.
In Act 31, the CPU 11 stores the icon image in the user information DB 131 in association with the user ID of the information terminal 30 that is the source of the change command. Further, the CPU 11 changes the appearance of the object linked with the information terminal 30 which is the transmission source of the change command to the icon image included in the change command whose reception is confirmed by Act26. That is, the CPU 11 instructs the output interface 14 to output the video data corresponding to the display screen SC1 in which the appearance of the object is changed to the icon image. In response to this instruction, the output interface 14 outputs the video data. The output video data is input to the display device 20. The display device 20 displays the display screen SC1 in which the appearance of the object is changed to the icon image based on the input video data. Therefore, by performing the processing of Act 11, the computer centered on the CPU 11 operates as a changing means for changing the appearance of the object based on the operation on the terminal.

Further, if the end button B37 is touched while the CPU 31 of the information terminal 30 is in the standby state of Act 42 to Act 49 in FIG. 7, it determines Yes in Act 49 and proceeds to Act 61.
In Act 61, the CPU 31 instructs the communication interface 35 to send an end command for terminating the operation linked with the display device 20 to the server 10. In response to this instruction, the communication interface 35 transmits the termination command to the server 10. The transmitted end command is received by the communication interface 15 of the server 10.

On the other hand, if the CPU 11 of the server 10 receives the end command while in the standby state of Act 23 to Act 27 of FIG. 5, it determines Yes in Act 27 and proceeds to Act 32.
In Act 32, the CPU 11 disconnects the bidirectionally communicable connection between the server 10 and the information terminal 30.

In Act 33, the CPU 11 erases the object linked with the information terminal 30 that is the source of the end command. That is, the CPU 11 instructs the output interface 14 to output the video data corresponding to the display screen SC1 in which the object is erased. In response to this instruction, the output interface 14 outputs the video data. The output video data is input to the display device 20. The display device 20 displays the display screen SC1 in which the object is erased based on the input video data. After the processing of Act 33, the CPU 11 ends the interlocking processing with respect to the information terminal 30 which is the transmission source of the end command.

In the above description, the process of changing the appearance of the object while performing the operation linked with the display device 20 has been described. Hereinafter, a process of changing the appearance of the object when the operation linked with the display device 20 is not performed will be described.
When the operator of the source terminal wants to change the appearance of the object, he / she touches the button B22 of the My Page screen SC2 shown in FIG.
When the button B22 is touched, the CPU 31 of the transmission source terminal displays a list of icon images stored in the auxiliary storage device 33 on the My Page screen SC2 shown in FIG. 8 in the same manner as in Act 58 of FIG. Then, the operator of the transmission source terminal touches the icon image to be used as the appearance of the object from the icon images displayed on the My Page screen SC2.
When any of the icon images in the list of icon images is touched, the CPU 31 generates a change request including the touched icon image. Then, the CPU 31 instructs the communication interface 35 to transmit the change request to the server 10. In response to this instruction, the communication interface 35 transmits the change request to the server 10. The transmitted change request is received by the communication interface 15 of the server 10.

On the other hand, if the change request is received while the CPU 11 of the server 10 is in the standby state of Act1 to Act3 of FIG. 3, it determines Yes in Act3 and proceeds to Act11.

In Act 11, the CPU 11 stores the icon image in the user information DB 131 in association with the user ID of the transmission source terminal. As a result, when the information terminal 30 logged in to the service provided by the server 10 with the user ID performs an operation linked with the display device 20, the appearance of the object displayed on the display device 20 becomes the icon image. .. Therefore, by performing the processing of Act 11, the computer centered on the CPU 11 operates as a changing means for changing the appearance of the object based on the operation on the terminal. The CPU 11 returns to Act1 after the processing of Act11.

According to the information providing system 1 of the embodiment, the server 10 sets a prohibited area in advance on the display screen SC1 displayed on the display device 20. Then, the server 10 causes the display screen SC1 to display an object that moves on the display screen SC1 based on the operation performed on the information terminal 30. However, the server 10 controls the movement of the object so that the object does not enter the prohibited area. Therefore, the object does not overlap with the character string, image, moving image, etc. displayed in the prohibited area and is not difficult to see.

Further, according to the information providing system 1 of the embodiment, when the object is in any of the areas A13 to A17, the server 10 selects the button in the area. Therefore, even when the button is set as the prohibited area, the operator of the information terminal 30 can put the button in the selected area by putting the object in the area.

Further, according to the information providing system 1 of the embodiment, the server 10 highlights the button in the selected state. Therefore, the operator of the information terminal 30 can easily understand which button is in the selected state.

Further, according to the information providing system 1 of the embodiment, the server 10 causes the information terminal 30 linked with the object to notify the information specifying which button the button selected by the object is. Therefore, the operator of the information terminal 30 can easily understand which button is in the selected state by the object linked with the information terminal 30.

Further, according to the information providing system 1 of the embodiment, the operator of the information terminal 30 can change the appearance of the object by operating the information terminal 30. At this time, the server 10 changes the appearance of the object based on the operation performed on the information terminal 30. By changing the appearance of the objects, the display device 20 may display a plurality of objects having different appearances. In this case, it is easy for the operator of the information terminal 30 to determine which of the plurality of objects the object he / she operates is.

The above embodiment can be modified as follows.
In the above embodiment, the object can move in four directions of up, down, left, and right. However, the object may be movable in a direction other than up, down, left, and right. In this case, the CPU 31 causes the touch panel 34 to display buttons capable of instructing four or more directions. When the operated button is a button that moves the button counterclockwise in the direction of the angle θ with the right side as 0 degree, the CPU 31 generates a command including the angle θ. Then, the CPU 31 instructs the communication interface 35 to transmit the generated command to the server 10. In response to this instruction, the communication interface 35 transmits the command to the server 10. The transmitted command is received by the communication interface 15 of the server 10. In order to move the object in the angle θ direction, the CPU 11 of the server 10 that has received the command performs the processes of Act81 and Act82 of FIG. 9 and Act91 and Act92 of FIG. 10 as n = cosθ and m = −sinθ as an example. .. After that, the CPU 11 performs the processes of Act83 to Act88 of FIG.

In the above embodiment, the information terminal 30 displays a list of icon images stored in the auxiliary storage device 33 when the appearance of the object is changed. Then, the information terminal 30 transmits the icon image selected by the operator of the information terminal 30 from the list to the server 10. However, when the icon image is selected, the information terminal 30 activates the camera 36 based on the operation by the operator of the information terminal 30. Then, the information terminal 30 may transmit the image taken by the camera 36 to the server 10. As a result, the server 10 that has received the image can change the appearance of the object to the image taken by the camera 36. At this time, if the camera 36 captures the face of a person such as an operator of the information terminal 30, the appearance of the object can be made into the face of the person such as the operator.

In the above embodiment, in Act 54 of FIG. 7, the CPU 31 displays the outline of the content included in the selection command confirmed to be received by Act 42 in the area A31 of the operation screen SC3. However, the CPU 31 may notify the outline of the content by other methods. For example, the CPU 31 causes a speaker (not shown) to output an outline of the content as sound.

The information terminal 30 may use an application other than the web browser, such as an application dedicated to the information providing system 1, instead of the web browser.

Although some embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other embodiments, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are also included in the scope of the invention described in the claims and the equivalent scope thereof.
Hereinafter, the inventions described in the claims of the original application of the present application will be added.
[1] A screen display means for displaying an information providing screen including contents on a display device, an object display means for displaying an object linked to the terminal on the information providing screen according to the connection of the terminal, and an object display means. A moving means for moving the display position of the object based on an instruction from the terminal, and a moving control means for controlling the moving means so that the object does not enter a predetermined prohibited area in the information providing screen. An information providing device equipped with.
[2] Further provided with a selection control means for selecting the button when the object is in the selection area predetermined so as to surround the button displayed on the information providing screen [1]. Information providing device described in.
[3] The information providing device according to [2], further comprising a highlighting means for highlighting the selected button.
[4] The information providing device according to [2], further comprising a notification means for notifying the terminal of information identifying a button in the selected state.
[5] The information providing device according to any one of [1] to [4], further comprising a changing means for changing the appearance of the object based on an operation on the terminal.
[6] A computer provided with an information providing device is displayed on a screen display means for displaying an information providing screen including contents on the display device, and an object linked with the terminal is displayed on the information providing screen according to the connection of the terminal. The object display means for displaying the object, the moving means for moving the display position of the object based on the instruction from the terminal, and the object so as not to enter the predetermined prohibited area in the information providing screen. A program for functioning as a movement control means for controlling a movement means.

1 ... Information provision system, 10 ... Server, 11, 31 ... CPU, 12, 32 ... Main memory, 13, 33 ... Auxiliary storage device, 14 ... Output interface, 15, 35 ... Communication interface, 16, 37 ... Bus, 20 ... Display device, 30 ... Information terminal, 34 ... Touch panel, 36 ... Camera.

Claims (5)

A screen display means for displaying an information providing screen including contents on a display device,
An object display means for displaying an object linked to the terminal on the information providing screen according to the connection of the terminal.
A moving means for moving the display position of the object based on an instruction from the terminal, and
And movement control means for the object to control the moving means so that turning a button that is set as a prohibited area of the information providing screen,
A selection control means that puts the button in the selected state when the object is in the selection area predetermined so as to surround the button.
An information providing device including. Further comprising emphasizing means for highlighting the button that is in the selected state, the information providing apparatus according to claim 1. Further comprising a notifying means for notifying the information specifying the button has the selected state to the terminal, the information providing apparatus according to claim 1. The information providing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , further comprising a changing means for changing the appearance of the object based on an operation on the terminal. The computer that the information providing device has
A screen display means for displaying an information providing screen including contents on a display device,
An object display means for displaying an object linked to the terminal on the information providing screen according to the connection of the terminal.
A moving means for moving the display position of the object based on an instruction from the terminal, and
And movement control means for the object to control the moving means so that turning a button that is set as a prohibited area of the information providing screen, a predetermined selection area so as to surround said button, said object A program for functioning as a selection control means for putting the button in the selected state when is entered .