Classifications

• • G—PHYSICS
  • G06—COMPUTING OR CALCULATING; COUNTING
  • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
  • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
  • G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
  • G06F3/048—Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI]
  • G06F3/0481—Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI] based on specific properties of the displayed interaction object or a metaphor-based environment, e.g. interaction with desktop elements like windows or icons, or assisted by a cursor's changing behaviour or appearance
  • G06F3/0483—Interaction with page-structured environments, e.g. book metaphor
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G06—COMPUTING OR CALCULATING; COUNTING
  • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
  • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
  • G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
  • G06F3/048—Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI]
  • G06F3/0487—Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI] using specific features provided by the input device, e.g. functions controlled by the rotation of a mouse with dual sensing arrangements, or of the nature of the input device, e.g. tap gestures based on pressure sensed by a digitiser
  • G06F3/0488—Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI] using specific features provided by the input device, e.g. functions controlled by the rotation of a mouse with dual sensing arrangements, or of the nature of the input device, e.g. tap gestures based on pressure sensed by a digitiser using a touch-screen or digitiser, e.g. input of commands through traced gestures
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G06—COMPUTING OR CALCULATING; COUNTING
  • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
  • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
  • G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
  • G06F3/048—Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI]
  • G06F3/0487—Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI] using specific features provided by the input device, e.g. functions controlled by the rotation of a mouse with dual sensing arrangements, or of the nature of the input device, e.g. tap gestures based on pressure sensed by a digitiser
  • G06F3/0488—Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI] using specific features provided by the input device, e.g. functions controlled by the rotation of a mouse with dual sensing arrangements, or of the nature of the input device, e.g. tap gestures based on pressure sensed by a digitiser using a touch-screen or digitiser, e.g. input of commands through traced gestures
  • G06F3/04883—Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI] using specific features provided by the input device, e.g. functions controlled by the rotation of a mouse with dual sensing arrangements, or of the nature of the input device, e.g. tap gestures based on pressure sensed by a digitiser using a touch-screen or digitiser, e.g. input of commands through traced gestures for inputting data by handwriting, e.g. gesture or text
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G06—COMPUTING OR CALCULATING; COUNTING
  • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
  • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
  • G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
  • G06F3/048—Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI]
  • G06F3/0487—Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI] using specific features provided by the input device, e.g. functions controlled by the rotation of a mouse with dual sensing arrangements, or of the nature of the input device, e.g. tap gestures based on pressure sensed by a digitiser
  • G06F3/0488—Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI] using specific features provided by the input device, e.g. functions controlled by the rotation of a mouse with dual sensing arrangements, or of the nature of the input device, e.g. tap gestures based on pressure sensed by a digitiser using a touch-screen or digitiser, e.g. input of commands through traced gestures
  • G06F3/04886—Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI] using specific features provided by the input device, e.g. functions controlled by the rotation of a mouse with dual sensing arrangements, or of the nature of the input device, e.g. tap gestures based on pressure sensed by a digitiser using a touch-screen or digitiser, e.g. input of commands through traced gestures by partitioning the display area of the touch-screen or the surface of the digitising tablet into independently controllable areas, e.g. virtual keyboards or menus
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G06—COMPUTING OR CALCULATING; COUNTING
  • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
  • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
  • G06F3/14—Digital output to display device ; Cooperation and interconnection of the display device with other functional units
  • G06F3/1423—Digital output to display device ; Cooperation and interconnection of the display device with other functional units controlling a plurality of local displays, e.g. CRT and flat panel display

Definitions

• This disclosure relates to an information processing device, method, program, and system.
• E-books such as digital comics
• UI User Interface
• users are forced to perform multiple operations along the hierarchical structure of the e-book's data before they can reach the content they want to view, which can be cumbersome for users.
• Patent Document 1 describes a technology that aims to switch between multiple viewing operation modes with a single operation that does not require precision when a single page or a double-page spread of an electronic book is displayed.
• Patent Document 1 gives an example of a technology that displays the first page of another adjacent subcontent when an operation to move pages is accepted while the final page of a certain subcontent is displayed.
• Patent Document 1 may improve usability in situations where a user is reading a series of e-books consecutively. However, for example, in situations where a user is having difficulty deciding which e-book to start reading in earnest, the technology described in Patent Document 1 cannot be expected to improve usability.
• the purpose of this disclosure is to provide users with a comfortable information browsing experience.
• the program of one embodiment of the present disclosure causes a computer to function as: when a first pattern of operation is received while a first cover image corresponding to a first e-book is displayed on the screen, a portion constituting the first e-book is displayed on the screen; when a first pattern of operation is received while a portion constituting the first e-book is displayed on the screen, a different portion constituting the first e-book is displayed on the screen; and when a second pattern of operation different from the first pattern is received, a second cover image corresponding to a second e-book different from the first e-book is displayed on the screen.
• FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention
• FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a client device according to the present embodiment.
• FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a server according to the present embodiment.
• FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of one aspect of the present embodiment.
• 4 is a flowchart of a display control process according to the present embodiment. 4 is a flowchart of a display control process according to the present embodiment. 4 is a flowchart of a load control process according to the present embodiment. 4 is a flowchart of a load control process according to the present embodiment.
• FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of a first load process executed in the load control process of the embodiment.
• FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of a second load process executed in the load control process of the embodiment.
• FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of a third load process executed in the load control process of the embodiment.
• Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the information processing system according to this embodiment.
• the information processing system 1 includes a client device 10 and a server 30 .
• the client device 10 and the server 30 are connected via a network (for example, the Internet or an intranet) NW.
• NW a network
• the client device 10 is an example of an information processing device that sends a request to the server 30.
• the client device 10 is, for example, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a personal computer, or an e-book terminal.
• the user of the client device 10 is, for example, a reader of an e-book.
• An e-book is a digitized book (for example, a comic, a magazine, a novel, a practical book, a specialized book, etc.).
• An electronic book may, for example, include information regarding at least one of the following: ⁇ Cover image ⁇ Page image ⁇ Body text
• An order relationship is established between multiple page images that make up an electronic book, or between multiple characters that make up the main text. Such order relationship depends on the structure of the electronic book. On the other hand, an order relationship is also established between multiple electronic books. However, the order relationship between electronic books may be changed (sorted) according to instructions from the user of the client device 10, the administrator of the information processing system 1, etc.
• the server 30 is an example of an information processing device that provides the client device 10 with a response in response to a request sent from the client device 10.
• the server 30 is, for example, a server computer.
• Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the client device according to this embodiment.
• the client device 10 includes a storage device 11, a processor 12, an input/output interface 13, and a communication interface 14.
• the client device 10 is connected to a display 21.
• the storage device 11 is configured to store programs and data.
• the storage device 11 is, for example, a combination of ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), and storage (e.g., flash memory or a hard disk).
• the programs include, for example, the following programs: - Operating System (OS) programs - Applications that process information (e.g. web browsers or e-book viewing applications)
• OS Operating System
• Applications that process information (e.g. web browsers or e-book viewing applications)
• the data includes, for example, the following data: - Databases referenced in information processing - Data obtained by executing information processing (i.e., the results of executing information processing)
• the processor 12 is a computer that realizes the functions of the client device 10 by running a program stored in the storage device 11.
• the processor 12 is, for example, at least one of the following: ⁇ CPU (Central Processing Unit) ⁇ GPU (Graphic Processing Unit) ⁇ ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) ⁇ FPGA (Field Programmable Array)
• the input/output interface 13 is configured to obtain information (e.g., user instructions) from an input device connected to the client device 10, and to output information (e.g., image signals) to an output device connected to the client device 10.
• information e.g., user instructions
• information e.g., image signals
• the input device is, for example, a keyboard, a pointing device, a touch panel, or a combination thereof.
• the output device is, for example, a display 21, a speaker, or a combination thereof.
• the communication interface 14 is configured to control communication between the client device 10 and an external device (e.g., the server 30).
• the display 21 is configured to display an image (still image or video).
• the display 21 is, for example, a liquid crystal display, an organic electroluminescence display, or electronic paper.
• Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing the server configuration of this embodiment.
• the server 30 includes a storage device 31, a processor 32, an input/output interface 33, and a communication interface 34.
• the storage device 31 is configured to store programs and data.
• the storage device 31 is, for example, a combination of ROM, RAM, and storage (for example, flash memory or a hard disk).
• the programs include, for example, the following programs: ⁇ OS programs ⁇ Application programs that execute information processing
• the data includes, for example, the following data: - Databases referenced in information processing - Results of information processing
• the processor 32 is a computer that realizes the functions of the server 30 by running a program stored in the storage device 31.
• the processor 32 is, for example, at least one of the following: CPU ⁇ GPU ⁇ ASIC ⁇ FPGA
• the input/output interface 33 is configured to obtain information (e.g., user instructions) from an input device connected to the server 30, and to output information (e.g., image signals) to an output device connected to the server 30.
• information e.g., user instructions
• information e.g., image signals
• the input device is, for example, a keyboard, a pointing device, a touch panel, or a combination thereof.
• the output device is, for example, a display.
• the communication interface 34 is configured to control communication between the server 30 and an external device (e.g., the client device 10).
• Fig. 4 is an explanatory diagram of one aspect of the present embodiment.
• the client device 10 controls the screen displayed on the display 21 in response to operations from the user when viewing an electronic book.
• the client device 10 responds to operations from the user as shown in FIG. 4, for example.
• electronic book B10 contains a page image C11 that corresponds to the cover (hereinafter referred to as the "cover image"), and page images P111 and P112 that correspond to the main text.
• Cover image C11 is the first page image
• page image P111 is the second (i.e., the first in the main text) page image
• page image P112 is the third page image.
• the client device 10 When the client device 10 receives a right flick operation (an example of a "first pattern operation") while a cover image corresponding to an electronic book is displayed on the display 21, the client device 10 causes the display 21 to display the first page image in the main part of the electronic book (an example of a "part that constitutes an electronic book"). For example, when the client device 10 receives a right flick operation while a cover image C11 is displayed on the display 21, the client device 10 causes the display 21 to display page image P111.
• a right flick operation an example of a "first pattern operation”
• the client device 10 When the client device 10 receives a right flick operation or a left flick operation (an example of a "first pattern operation") while any page image (an example of a "part that constitutes an electronic book") corresponding to an electronic book is displayed on the display 21, the client device 10 causes the display 21 to display the next or previous page image of the page image (an example of a "different part that constitutes an electronic book"). For example, when the client device 10 receives a right flick operation while page image P111 is displayed on the display 21, the client device 10 causes page image P112 to be displayed on the display 21.
• the client device 10 when the client device 10 receives a left flick operation (i.e., an operation of the same type as a right flick operation but in the opposite direction) while page image P112 is displayed on the display 21, the client device 10 causes page image P111 to be displayed on the display 21.
• a left flick operation i.e., an operation of the same type as a right flick operation but in the opposite direction
• the client device 10 When the client device 10 receives an up flick operation or a down flick operation (both are examples of "second pattern operations") while a cover image or any of the page images corresponding to a certain electronic book is displayed on the display 21, the client device 10 causes the display 21 to display the next or previous electronic book of the electronic book. For example, when the client device 10 receives an up flick operation while a cover image C11 or any of the page images P111 to P112 corresponding to electronic book B11 is displayed on the display 21, the client device 10 causes the display 21 to display the cover image C12 corresponding to electronic book B12.
• the client device 10 when the client device 10 receives a down flick operation (i.e., an operation of the same type as an up flick operation but in the opposite direction) while a cover image C11 or any of the page images P111 to P112 corresponding to electronic book B11 is displayed on the display 21, the client device 10 causes the display 21 to display the cover image C10 corresponding to electronic book B10.
• a down flick operation i.e., an operation of the same type as an up flick operation but in the opposite direction
• a user can switch the display to another e-book with a single operation while viewing one e-book.
• client device 10 when a user wants to seriously search for an e-book they want to read, they can repeat the second pattern of operation to comfortably check the cover images of various e-books in a short time, like zapping when watching television.
• client device 10 both the switching from a cover image to a page image and the switching between page images are performed in accordance with the first pattern of operation, so that the user can comfortably continue reading the page images following the cover image that caught their eye.
• Fig. 5 is a flowchart of the display control processing of this embodiment.
• Fig. 6 is a flowchart of the display control processing of this embodiment.
• the display control process of this embodiment can be started by the client device 10 launching a specific application, or by the client device 10 accessing a server 30 that provides a specific SaaS (Software as a Service).
• SaaS Software as a Service
• the client device 10 selects a work (S110). Specifically, the client device 10 selects a work (electronic book) to be viewed in response to a user instruction. As an example, the client device 10 displays a screen (library screen) showing a plurality of selectable works on the display 21, and the user performs an operation to select a desired work from the screen.
• a work electronic book
• the client device 10 displays a screen (library screen) showing a plurality of selectable works on the display 21, and the user performs an operation to select a desired work from the screen.
• step S110 the client device 10 executes display of the work (S111). Specifically, the client device 10 displays on the display 21 the work selected in step S110.
• the client device 10 displays on the display 21 a cover image corresponding to the selected work (hereinafter referred to as the "target work"), regardless of the user's browsing history.
• the client device 10 refers to the user's viewing history for the target work, and displays on the display 21 either the page image last viewed by the user, or a predetermined number of page images before or after that.
• step S111 the user can perform an operation on the client device 10 according to the content he or she wishes to view next.
• the user performs a first pattern operation when he or she wishes to view another part of the target work.
• a specific type of operation for a specific direction is assigned to the first pattern operation.
• the first pattern operation can specify whether the displayed part should be switched in the "forward" direction or the "back” direction depending on the direction.
• the user performs a second pattern operation when he or she wishes to view a work different from the target work.
• a specific type of operation for a specific direction is assigned to the second pattern operation.
• the first pattern operation and the second pattern operation are assigned operations that differ in at least one of the direction or type.
• the second pattern operation can specify whether the displayed work should be switched in the "forward" direction or the "back” direction depending on the direction.
• a left-right flick operation may be assigned as a first pattern of operation, and an up-down flick operation may be assigned as a second pattern of operation.
• the right direction may be assigned as the "forward” direction
• the left direction may be assigned as the "backward” direction
• the up direction may be assigned as the "forward” direction
• the down direction may be assigned as the "backward” direction.
• step S111 if a first pattern operation is received and the direction of the operation is "forward", the client device 10 executes display of the next page image (S112). Specifically, the client device 10 displays on the display 21 the page image next to the content currently displayed on the display 21 (i.e., the cover image or page image of the target work).
• the client device 10 displays the second page image of the target work (i.e., the first page image in the main text) on the display 21, regardless of the user's browsing history.
• the client device 10 may refer to the user's browsing history for the target work and display on the display 21 either the page image last viewed by the user or a predetermined number of page images before or after that.
• next page image As a second example of displaying the next page image (S112), when a page image (excluding the last page image) of the target work is displayed on the display 21, the client device 10 displays on the display 21 the page image of the target work that is next to the currently displayed page image (i.e., the page image that is located one page after the currently displayed page image in the order relationship determined among the multiple page images of the target work).
• the client device 10 may display a library screen, a user account management screen, or a first content corresponding to the target work on the display 21.
• the first content may be, for example, any of the following: ⁇ Information for introducing the target work ⁇ Sales information for merchandise related to the target work ⁇ Information on the target work (for example, campaign information such as gift campaigns) ⁇ Information for fans of the target work (for example, information for purchasing additional target works as gifts for other users)
• a cover image of the work that follows the target work i.e., the work that follows the target work in the order relationship defined between the works) (if the work has not been purchased yet, this may include an object that accepts a user instruction for purchase)
• Information for introducing the next work of the target work (if the work has not been purchased yet, it may include an object for accepting a user instruction for purchase)
• a cover image of the next work e.g., the next instalment or the next volume) in the series to which the target work belongs
• step S111 if a first pattern operation is received and the direction of the operation is "back", the client device 10 executes display of the previous page image (S113). Specifically, the client device 10 displays on the display 21 a page image preceding the content currently displayed on the display 21 (i.e., the cover image or page image of the target work).
• the client device 10 displays on the display 21 the page image of the target work that precedes the currently displayed page image (i.e., the page image that is located immediately before the currently displayed page image in the order relationship determined among the multiple page images of the target work).
• the client device 10 may display the client device 10, a library screen, a user account management screen, or a second content corresponding to the target work on the display 21.
• the second content may be, for example, any of the following: ⁇ Information for introducing the target work ⁇ Sales information for merchandise related to the target work ⁇ Information on the target work (for example, campaign information such as gift campaigns) ⁇ Information for fans of the target work (for example, information for purchasing additional target works as gifts for other users) - Cover image of the work preceding the target work (i.e., the work that is located immediately before the target work in the chronological relationship between works) - Information for the introduction of the work preceding the target work - An image of the last page of the work preceding the target work - Cover image of the work preceding the target work in the series to which the target work belongs (for example, the work equivalent to the previous installment or volume) - Information for the introduction of the work preceding the target work in the series to which the target work belongs - An image of the last page of the work preceding the target work in the series to which the target work belongs
• step S114 if a second pattern operation is received and the direction of the operation is "forward", the client device 10 executes display of the next work (S114). Specifically, the client device 10 displays the work next to the target work on the display 21.
• the order of electronic books is set as work A ⁇ work B ⁇ work C.
• work C corresponds to the work next to the target work.
• the order of electronic books may be rearranged according to a user instruction (for example, by title, author, magazine, etc.).
• the client device 10 displays the cover image of the next work of the target work on the display 21, regardless of the user's browsing history.
• the client device 10 refers to the user's viewing history for the work that follows the target work, and displays on the display 21 either the page image last viewed by the user or a predetermined number of page images before or after that.
• step S111 if a second pattern operation is received and the direction of the operation is "back," the client device 10 executes display of the previous work (S115). Specifically, the client device 10 displays the work preceding the target work on the display 21. For example, assume that the order of electronic books is set as work A ⁇ work B ⁇ work C. In this case, when the target work is work B, work A corresponds to the work preceding the target work.
• the client device 10 displays on the display 21 the cover image of the work preceding the target work, regardless of the user's browsing history.
• the client device 10 refers to the user's viewing history for the work preceding the target work, and displays on the display 21 either the page image last viewed by the user or a predetermined number of page images before or after that.
• the client device 10 executes any of steps S112 to S115 depending on the pattern and direction of the operation received from the user.
• the display control process of this embodiment can be terminated when the client device 10 terminates a specific application or the web browser.
• FIG. 7 is a flowchart of the load control processing of this embodiment.
• Fig. 8 is a flowchart of the load control processing of this embodiment.
• Fig. 9 is an explanatory diagram of a first load processing executed in the load control processing of this embodiment.
• Fig. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a second load processing executed in the load control processing of this embodiment.
• Fig. 11 is an explanatory diagram of a third load processing executed in the load control processing of this embodiment.
• the load control process of this embodiment can be started, for example, after the selection of a work (S110) is performed as part of the display control process of this embodiment.
• the client device 10 executes a first load process (S210). Specifically, the client device 10 loads into memory (i.e., the storage device 11) the cover image and the page images a predetermined number ahead corresponding to each work from the target work to the work a predetermined number ahead.
• memory i.e., the storage device 11
• the client device 10 may load into memory the cover images C1 to C6 corresponding to each of the works from the target work to the fifth work (the work corresponding to the cover image C6) and the second page images P1-1 to P6-1 of the work (i.e., each image included in the load range L210).
• This allows the cover image and second page image of the switched work to be quickly displayed on the display 21 even if the user switches the target work by performing a second type of operation.
• the number of works to be loaded i.e., the vertical size of the load range L210
• the number of page images to be loaded i.e., the horizontal size of the load range L210
• the user of the client device 10 or the administrator of the information processing system 1 (for example, the administrator of the application), etc.
• each row represents a cover image corresponding to each work, and multiple page images contained in that work.
• the multiple works are arranged in order according to the order of the works, with the work in the top row (the work corresponding to cover image C1) having the smallest order, and the work in the bottom row (the work corresponding to cover image C6) having the largest order.
• the multiple page images contained in each work are arranged in order according to the order of the page images, with the page image in the rightmost column (e.g. page image P1-1) having the smallest order, and the page image in the leftmost column (e.g. page image P1-6) having the largest order.
• the page image in the rightmost column e.g. page image P1-1
• the page image in the leftmost column e.g. page image P1-6
• the client device 10 executes the first load process (S210) for the target work after the switch. However, the client device 10 does not need to reload images that have already been loaded into memory.
• the client device 10 executes the second load process (S211). Specifically, the client device 10 loads into memory each of the page images from the page image currently being displayed on the display 21 to a page image a predetermined number ahead.
• the client device 10 loads into memory each page image (i.e., each image included in the load range L211) from page image P1-1 to page image P1-6, which is the fifth page image. This allows the switched page image to be quickly displayed on the display 21 even if the user performs the first type of operation continuously.
• the client device 10 may, in response to displaying a page image of a specific order in the target work (for example, the fifth page image from the top), start loading into memory all page images of the target work from the specific order onwards. This allows the specified page image to be quickly displayed on the display 21 regardless of which page image in the target work the user jumps to.
• a page image of a specific order in the target work for example, the fifth page image from the top
• the client device 10 stops the process and executes the first load process (S210) for the target work after the switch. However, the client device 10 does not need to reload images that have already been loaded.
• the client device 10 executes the second load process (S211) for the page image after the change.
• the client device 10 does not need to reload an image that has already been loaded.
• the client device 10 executes a third loading process (S212) as shown in FIG. Specifically, the client device 10 loads into memory each page image from the third page image corresponding to each work from the target work to a work a predetermined number away (i.e., the page image next to the last (latest in order) page image loaded by the first load process among each work from the target work to a work a predetermined number away) to the page image a predetermined number away.
• a predetermined number away i.e., the page image next to the last (latest in order) page image loaded by the first load process among each work from the target work to a work a predetermined number away
• the client device 10 loads into memory each of the page images P2-2 to P2-4, ..., P6-2 to P6-4 (i.e., each image included in the load range L212) from the second page image corresponding to each of the works from the target work (the work corresponding to cover image C1) to the work five works ahead (the work corresponding to cover image C6).
• the client device 10 stops the process and executes the first load process (S210) for the target work after the switch. However, the client device 10 does not need to reload images that have already been loaded into memory.
• the client device 10 executes the second load process (S211) for the page image after the switch.
• the client device 10 does not need to reload an image that has already been loaded into memory.
• the client device 10 may wait for the target work or page image to be switched, or may perform further load processes (e.g., expanding the load range of the first load process (S210), the second load process (S211), or the third load process (S212)).
• further load processes e.g., expanding the load range of the first load process (S210), the second load process (S211), or the third load process (S212)).
• the load control process of this embodiment can end in conjunction with the end of the display control process of this embodiment.
• the client device 10 of the present embodiment accepts an operation of the first pattern in a state where a cover image corresponding to a certain electronic book is displayed on the display 21, the client device 10 displays a page image of the electronic book on the display 21. Also, when the client device 10 accepts an operation of the first pattern in a state where a page image is displayed on the display 21, the client device 10 displays another page image of the same electronic book on the display 21. Furthermore, when the client device 10 accepts an operation of the second pattern, the client device 10 displays a cover image corresponding to an electronic book different from the electronic book being displayed on the display 21.
• both the operation of switching from a cover image to a page image and the operation of switching between page images are performed in accordance with the operation of the first pattern, so that the user can comfortably read the page image following the cover image that caught his or her attention.
• a comfortable information browsing experience can be provided to the user of the electronic book.
• the client device 10 may cause the display 21 to display a cover image corresponding to another e-book.
• This allows a user to switch the display to the cover image of another e-book with a single operation if the user previews a certain e-book and does not feel like continuing to read it.
• the cover images of various e-books can be viewed comfortably in a short time, for example, like zapping when watching television.
• Each electronic book may include a number of ordered page images. Then, when the client device 10 receives a first pattern of operation associated with the "forward" direction while a certain page image is displayed on the display 21, it may cause the display 21 to display the page image immediately following the page image. Also, when the client device 10 receives a first pattern of operation associated with the "back" direction while a certain page image is displayed on the display 21, it may cause the display 21 to display the page image immediately preceding the page image. In this way, the opposite actions of moving a page forward and moving a page back can be instructed by the same type of operation but in the opposite direction, which is likely to be intuitively easy for the user to understand.
• the client device 10 When the client device 10 receives a first pattern of operation associated with the "forward" direction while a certain cover image is displayed on the display 21, it may cause the display 21 to display a second page image of the e-book corresponding to that cover image. This allows the operation for turning to the next page to be the same as the operation for opening the next page from the cover, allowing the user to comfortably read through the e-book corresponding to their favorite cover image.
• the client device 10 may cause the display 21 to display content (e.g., information about the work introduction) corresponding to the electronic book that includes the cover image. This allows the user to select whether to check the page images or the content (e.g., information about the work introduction) corresponding to the electronic book while the cover image is displayed on the display 21.
• content e.g., information about the work introduction
• At least one of an up-down swipe operation or a flick operation may be assigned as one of the first pattern operation and the second pattern operation, and at least one of a left-right swipe operation or a flick operation may be assigned as the other of the first pattern operation and the second pattern operation. This makes it possible to prevent an operation performed by the user from being recognized as an operation of an unintended pattern, since the direction targeted by the first pattern operation differs from the direction targeted by the second pattern operation.
• the multiple e-books viewable on the client device 10 may be ordered. Then, while a page image (which may include a cover image) of a certain e-book is displayed on the display 21, the client device 10 may load into memory (storage device 11) page images from the cover image corresponding to each of the e-books up to a predetermined number of e-books ahead of the certain e-book. This allows the cover image of the switched e-book to be quickly displayed on the display 21 even if the user repeats the second pattern of operation.
• the client device 10 may load into memory each page image from the page image to a predetermined number of page images ahead. This allows the page image after switching to be quickly displayed on the display 21 even if the user repeats the first pattern of operation.
• the client device 10 may load into memory all page images following that page image. This allows any page image in the e-book to be quickly displayed on the display 21 when it is presumed that the user is actively reading the e-book.
• the client device 10 may stop loading the page image in response to receiving the second pattern of operation. This allows computer resources to be allocated to loading the cover image that must be displayed when the second pattern of operation is repeated (i.e., the first loading process described above).
• the storage device 11 may be connected to the client device 10 via the network NW.
• the display 21 may be built into the client device 10.
• the storage device 31 may be connected to the server 30 via the network NW.
• Each step of the above information processing can be executed by either the client device 10 or the server 30.
• the server 30 may perform display control based on user instructions acquired from the client device 10, and the client device 10 may mainly receive user instructions and display information.
• an e-book is displayed in units of cover images or page images.
• any part constituting an e-book can be the display unit.
• an e-book can be displayed in units of frames, or in units of double-page spread images, or in units of a specific number of lines of body text.
• the display unit of an e-book can be selected by the user of the client device 10.
• a flick operation in the left-right direction is defined as a first pattern operation
• a flick operation in the up-down direction is defined as a second pattern operation.
• what operations are assigned to the first pattern operation and the second pattern operation, and what operations are assigned to the "forward" direction operation and the "back" direction operation among the operations in each pattern are arbitrary and may be selected by the user of the client device 10, for example.
• any of the following variations may be adopted.
• An up-down flick operation is assigned as a first pattern of operation
• a left-right flick operation is assigned as a second pattern of operation.
• a left/right swipe operation is assigned as a first pattern of operation
• a up/down swipe operation is assigned as a second pattern of operation.
• Up and down swipe operations are assigned as a first pattern of operations
• left and right swipe operations are assigned as a second pattern of operations.
• the screen is divided into top, bottom, left, and right areas, and touch operations on the left and right areas are assigned as a first pattern of operations, and touch operations on the top and bottom areas are assigned as a second pattern of operations.
• the screen is divided into top, bottom, left and right regions, and touch operations on the top and bottom regions are assigned as a first pattern of operations, and touch operations on the left and right regions are assigned as a second pattern of operations.
• a flick operation or a swipe operation in the up and down direction, or a touch operation on the up and down regions is assigned as the first pattern operation, the following exception processing may be adopted.
• the screen display may be controlled so that the page image moves left and right instead of up and down according to the operation of the first pattern.
• the display switches so that the page image flows to the right
• the left side is displayed, for example, by performing an operation in the down direction, the display switches so that the page image flows to the left.
• the display switches so that the page image flows to the top (when moving forward a page) or the bottom (when moving back a page) according to the operation of the first pattern.
• the display control in this way, the user can move the page image forward or backward with the same operation, and it is easy to recognize that the page image being viewed constitutes a left and right double-page spread, and the user can enjoy the charm of the left and right double-page spread like a paper comic.
• a left-right flick or swipe operation, or a touch operation on the left or right area may be assigned as the first pattern of operations.
• a flick operation and a swipe operation in a specific direction may be assigned as a first pattern of operations
• a flick operation and a swipe operation in a direction perpendicular to the first direction may be assigned as a second pattern of operations.
• the client device 10 may perform different display control depending on the type of the operation.
• the client device 10 may immediately display the image after switching on the display 21. That is, the client device 10 may end the display of the image before switching and display the entire image after switching on the display 21.
• the client device 10 may display a part of the image before switching (i.e., the image displayed before the operation) and a part of the image after switching on the display 21 until the amount of operation reaches a threshold value, and when the amount of operation reaches the threshold value, the display of the image before switching is ended and the entire display content after switching may be displayed on the display 21.
• the client device 10 may display both images on the display 21 so that as the amount of operation increases, the display range of the image before the switch becomes smaller and the display range of the image after the switch becomes larger, until the amount of operation reaches a threshold value.
• the client device 10 may display an object that accepts a user instruction on the screen together with the page image, or may remove the displayed object from the screen.
• the object may be displayed in any area of the screen. As an example, a footer is displayed at the bottom edge of the screen and a sidebar is displayed at the right edge of the screen.
• At least one of the following objects may be placed in the footer: - An object that accepts a user instruction to move to the home screen - An object that accepts a user instruction to move to a rankings page for e-books - An object that accepts a user instruction to move to the user's personal page At least one of the following objects, for example, may be placed in the sidebar.
• An object that accepts a user instruction to post a reaction e.g., "Like" to the e-book that the user is viewing;
• the client device 10 may display on the screen an object similar to that when the third pattern of operation is accepted together with the cover image.
• the client device 10 displays a cover image on the screen by switching page images by the first pattern of operation, it is not necessary to display on the screen an object similar to that when the third pattern of operation is accepted.
• the client device 10 receives a first pattern operation while an object is displayed on the screen together with a page image (including a cover image), it may display the previous or next page image and remove the object from the screen.
• one or more advertisements may be inserted between page images (which may include between page images in the middle of a work) or between works.
• the client device 10 may perform switching between a page image and an advertisement, or switching between advertisements, in response to a first pattern of operation.
• the client device 10 may perform switching between a work and an advertisement, or switching between advertisements, in response to a second pattern of operation.
• the advertisement may be a still image or a video, and may further be combined with sound.
• the advertisement may convey a message about a product, a service, or an advertiser, or may convey a notice for a user of an electronic book reading application.
• the advertisement may also have an object (e.g., a button or link text) embedded therein that accepts a user instruction to access a predetermined link destination.
• the link destination may be within the electronic book reading application or outside the application.
• the client device 10 may switch between the advertising images in response to the first pattern of operation.
• the client device 10 may further display the above-mentioned sidebar, footer, or a combination thereof.
• the "electronic book being viewed by the user” can be interpreted as an electronic book that the user was viewing before the advertisement started to be displayed, or an electronic book that the user will view after the advertisement starts to be displayed.
• the client device 10 may display, together with the advertisement, information indicating that the content displayed on the screen is an advertisement (for example, text such as "sponsored") on the screen.
• the entire screen of the display 21 may be allocated as an area (hereinafter referred to as "work viewing area") for displaying the cover image of the electronic book or a part constituting the electronic book (e.g., a page image), or only a part of the screen of the display 21 may be allocated as the work viewing area.
• a viewing mode in which the entire screen is allocated as the work viewing area and a viewing mode in which only a part of the screen is allocated as the work viewing area may be switchable according to an instruction from a user of the client device 10 or an administrator of the information processing system 1.
• the client device 10 may display additional information in an area included in the remaining part of the screen excluding the work viewing area (hereinafter referred to as "band area").
• band area may include, for example, at least one of the following: An object that accepts a user instruction to jump to the vicinity of the position last displayed when the user of the client device 10 previously viewed the target work (for example, the last displayed page image, or any of a predetermined number of page images before or after that). A comment posted by a user (for example, a user who has viewed the target work in the past) on the target work.
• Advertisements (as described above).
• - Tags attached to the target work for example, information for categorizing the target work, such as genre, author name, publication, award history, etc.
• the user can view the impressions, opinions, questions, etc. of other users who have read the same e-book, and can transmit his/her own impressions, opinions, questions, etc. to the other users.
• advertisements for example, it is possible to cover part or all of the cost of providing the e-book or the client device 10 to the user through advertising revenue, or to provide information on products or services that the user may want.
• the advertisements displayed in the band area may be determined according to the attributes of the target work or the attributes of the user.
• the client device 10 may obtain information to be displayed in the band area from the server 30.
• the additional information may be displayed by being superimposed on a cover image of the electronic book or a part (eg, a page image) that constitutes the electronic book.
• this embodiment can be used for reading various information.
• this embodiment can be applied to the reading of product information. That is, when the client device 10 receives an operation of a first pattern while a first content (e.g., a product image, a product video, a product description, or a combination thereof) corresponding to a first product is displayed on the screen, the client device 10 may display another part of the first content or a second content corresponding to the first product on the screen. Furthermore, when the client device 10 receives an operation of a second pattern different from the first pattern, the client device 10 may display content corresponding to a second product different from the first product on the screen. In this way, when a user wants to search for a product to consider purchasing, the user can comfortably check the content of various products in a short time by repeating the operation of the second pattern, for example, like zapping when watching television.
• a first content e.g., a product image, a product video, a product description, or a combination thereof
• Information processing system 10 Client device 11: Storage device 12: Processor 13: Input/output interface 14: Communication interface 21: Display 30: Server 31: Storage device 32: Processor 33: Input/output interface 34: Communication interface

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• 2022
  • 2022-10-06 JP JP2022161837A patent/JP7254393B1/ja active Active
• 2023
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  • 2023-07-31 CN CN202380035396.0A patent/CN119053943A/zh active Pending
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  • 2023-07-31 WO PCT/JP2023/027924 patent/WO2024075375A1/ja not_active Ceased
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  • 2024-10-04 US US18/906,580 patent/US20250028430A1/en active Pending

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