JP4043887B2 - Client / server system and server device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a client / server system and a server device for providing a plurality of services to a terminal device on which a client application, particularly an image browsing client application is mounted, on a network.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, in a client / server system on a wide area network represented by the Internet, most client applications installed in a terminal device communicate with the server device using a predetermined communication function. For example, the communication function that works when a certain button provided via the client application GUI is pressed (clicked) does not change unless the client application is upgraded.
[0003]
For example, in order to use a predetermined service using a client application such as a browser, it is necessary to input the URL of a site on the network that provides this service. A user usually searches a URL of a site that provides a desired service using a search engine or the like, and accesses these sites to check whether or not the service desired by the user is provided. . However, in this case, since a search is performed using only predetermined keywords, a large number of site URLs are provided as search results, and it takes time and effort to find a site desired by the user.
[0004]
Some systems have a communication function for connecting to a specific URL from a client application. However, with a fixed URL, there is no degree of freedom in the configuration of the content service, and it is possible to connect directly to a new content service. could not.
[0005]
For this reason, Japanese Patent Application No. 2001-008068 filed by the present applicant proposes a method of downloading information on a menu button (hereinafter referred to as button information) provided by a menu button by connecting to a menu server existing in a network. In this method, the menu server distributes menu buttons for connecting to various services such as printing, uploading, and downloading, and the client application serving as the image browsing software performs these menu buttons according to the distributed button information. Is displayed on the display of the terminal device. When the menu button is selected (clicked), the client application causes the terminal device to execute an action defined for the selected menu button (for example, connection to a URL that provides a predetermined content service). Menu button distributors can use client surveys, user registration methods, etc. to investigate each user's characteristics and preferences, and distribute client-specific menu buttons to upgrade client applications. Without changing the communication function (connection destination, etc.) that can be executed from the client application, and the user is provided with a menu button that suits him / her, thus saving the trouble of searching for the URL of the desired site. Can do.
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, it is difficult to configure and distribute menus actually required by the user. If you try to cover the needs of users in as wide a range as possible, the number of menu buttons to be distributed will increase, causing the problem that the user will have to search for the necessary buttons, and if the number of menu buttons is reduced, the user The problem is that the buttons you need will leak.
[0007]
The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a client / server system and a server device that can provide various services more conveniently and reliably by enabling efficient delivery of menu buttons. It is what.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The first client-server system of the present invention holds terminal information, which is data relating to a terminal device in which a client application is mounted, and a plurality of menu buttons that operate in cooperation with the client application, and stores the button information. In a client / server system in which a server device including button information distribution means that can be transmitted to the terminal device is connected via a network,
One of the process in which the client application acquires the button information from the server device, the process of displaying the plurality of menu buttons according to the acquired button information, and the displayed plurality of menu buttons A program for causing the terminal device to execute a process of executing an operation defined in the menu button by selecting
The server device comprises frequency detection means for detecting the frequency with which each of the menu buttons is selected in the terminal device,
The button information distribution unit changes information indicating an arrangement of the plurality of menu buttons included in the transmitted button information according to the frequency detected by the frequency detection unit. Is.
[0009]
The second client-server system of the present invention has terminal information in which a client application is mounted and button information, which is data relating to a plurality of menu buttons that operate in cooperation with the client application, and the button information In a client / server system in which a server device including button information distribution means that can be transmitted to the terminal device is connected via a network,
One of the process in which the client application acquires the button information from the server device, the process of displaying the plurality of menu buttons according to the acquired button information, and the displayed plurality of menu buttons A program for causing the terminal device to execute a process of executing an operation defined in the menu button by selecting
The server device comprises frequency detection means for detecting the frequency with which each of the menu buttons is selected in the terminal device,
The button information distribution unit transmits only the high-frequency one of the plurality of menu buttons included in the button information according to the frequency detected by the frequency detection unit. It is what.
[0010]
That is, in the first and second client / server systems of the present invention, the terminal device on which the client application is mounted is connected to a server device capable of delivering button information via a network, and downloads button information from the server device. It is. The “button information” includes data related to each menu button, for example, parameter values necessary for the client application to perform various processes, menu button images, and the like. When one button is selected (for example, clicked), the client application causes the terminal device to execute an action defined for this button.
[0011]
The “frequency” may be anything as long as the plurality of menu buttons distributed from the server device can indicate the number of times each of the menu buttons has been selected in the terminal device. Alternatively, the number of times the corresponding button is selected may be a ratio in the total number of times each menu button is selected. Further, it is desirable that this frequency indicates the number of times the menu button is selected during a certain period, and it is more preferable to set a new period on a date, such as within one month until the frequency is acquired.
[0012]
The button information distribution means in the first client-server system of the present invention changes the arrangement of each menu according to the frequency with which the menu button is selected. It is preferable to change it so that the user can easily select it.
[0013]
The “arrangement” of menu buttons means a layout when displaying a plurality of menu buttons. For example, the size of the menu buttons, the vertical and horizontal positions, etc. can be used. It is preferable that the distribution means in the system system is such that a menu button having a higher frequency is enlarged, displayed at a higher level, or displayed on the left side.
[0014]
The button information distribution means in the second client / server system of the present invention transmits only the menu button having a high frequency of selection. For example, the number of selections during a certain period is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value. The operation of the menu button may be stopped.
[0015]
A first server device according to the present invention is connected to a terminal device on which a client application is mounted via a network, holds button information that is data relating to a plurality of menu buttons that operate in cooperation with the client application, and the button A server device comprising button information distribution means capable of transmitting information to the terminal device,
The client application defines the menu button by selecting one of the displayed menu buttons and processing for displaying the plurality of menu buttons according to the transmitted button information. A program for causing the terminal device to execute a process for executing the operation being performed,
Frequency detection means for detecting the frequency with which each of the menu buttons is selected, and the button information distribution means is included in the button information to be transmitted according to the frequency detected by the frequency detection means. The present invention is characterized in that information indicating the arrangement of a plurality of menu buttons is changed.
[0016]
A second server device of the present invention is connected to a terminal device on which a client application is mounted via a network, holds button information that is data relating to a plurality of menu buttons that operate in cooperation with the client application, and the button A server device comprising button information distribution means capable of transmitting information to the terminal device,
The client application defines the menu button by selecting one of the displayed menu buttons and processing for displaying the plurality of menu buttons according to the transmitted button information. A program for causing the terminal device to execute a process for executing the operation being performed,
A plurality of menus included in the button information according to the frequency detected by the frequency detection means; Of the buttons, only the frequently-used buttons are transmitted.
[0017]
【The invention's effect】
According to the first client-server system of the present invention, focusing on the fact that the user selects a menu button as frequently as necessary when the user selects a menu button from a plurality of menu buttons, the terminal device is distributed from the server device. The menu button is displayed according to the button information, and the user selects one of the displayed menu buttons by the user to execute the operation defined for the menu button. By acquiring the frequency with which the buttons were selected, and changing the arrangement of the menu buttons according to the frequency with which each menu button was selected to distribute the button information, the more frequently the menu buttons are presented to the user. Distribute menu buttons (size, position, etc.) for easy selection Therefore, the operation side of the system (server device) can grasp the true needs of the user and can provide the service efficiently by arranging the menu buttons so as to meet the needs of the user. The menu buttons that the user needs are arranged so that they can be easily selected, which is convenient.
[0018]
According to the second client / server system of the present invention, only menu buttons that are selected frequently are distributed, and distribution of menu buttons that are selected less frequently, that is, less necessary for the user is stopped. Thus, only the menu buttons required by the user can be distributed, so that the number of menu buttons can be reduced, the user's trouble can be reduced, and the menu buttons necessary for the user can be reliably distributed. it can.
[0019]
By using the first and second client / server systems of the present invention in combination, it is possible to deliver menu buttons more reliably and efficiently. For example, during a certain period, the distribution of a menu button that is selected only with a frequency equal to or lower than a predetermined threshold is stopped, and a menu button with a higher frequency is selected for a menu button with a selected frequency higher than the predetermined threshold. If the arrangement of the entire menu button is changed so that it can be easily selected, the above-described effect can be obtained.
[0020]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0021]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a system according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the system according to the present embodiment selectively selects a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as a personal computer) 1 as a terminal device, a service server 50 that provides various services, and link information to each service server 50. And a management server 100 distributed to each PC 1 is connected by a network (in this case, the Internet 30 as an example).
[0022]
The personal computer PC1 has an interface that can be connected to a digital camera, such as a serial interface (not shown) or a USB interface, and is mounted (installed) with image browsing software with a communication function (hereinafter referred to as an image viewer). . The image viewer captures a photographic image from the digital camera connected to the PC 1 via the interface and communicates with the management server 100 and each service server 50 to upload a photographic image or to A function of causing the PC 1 to perform processing such as downloading data is provided. The image viewer is automatically activated when a digital camera is connected to the PC 1. When the image viewer is activated, the PC 1 captures a photographic image in the digital camera into the PC 1, accesses the management server 100, acquires information about various services registered in the management server 100, and stores the acquired information in the acquired information. Based on this, the screen shown in FIG. 2 is displayed.
[0023]
FIG. 2 shows a screen displayed on the PC 1 after the image viewer is activated. As shown in the figure, this screen is provided with a “menu update” button 10, a menu button 12, and an image display unit 16 for displaying an image captured from the digital camera. When the image viewer is activated, or when the “menu update” button 10 provided on the screen shown in FIG. 2 is pressed, the PC 1 accesses the management server 100 to name, address, telephone number, age. In addition to registering personal information such as sex, occupation, model of digital camera owned, password, etc., a user ID can be obtained from the management server 100 in exchange for this registration, and thereafter when accessing the management server 100 The management server 100 performs authentication by verifying the user ID and password. After the user registration, the PC 1 can acquire button information customized for each user from the management server 100, and operates to display each menu button 12 according to the acquired button information. When one of the menu buttons 12 is pressed, the PC 1 performs an operation defined for the pressed menu button 12. Here, as an example, it is assumed that each menu button 12 is configured by the URL of each service server 50, and when the menu button 12 is pressed, the PC 1 is the service server 50 of the URL of the pressed menu button 12. To access. That is, when the “print” button of the menu buttons 12 is pressed, the PC 1 can access the print server 50 which is one of the service servers 50 and receive a print service. The “service 1” button When pressed, the PC 1 can access the service server 50 with the URL of the “service 1” button and receive a service provided by the service server 50.
[0024]
When any menu button 12 is pressed on the screen shown in FIG. 2, the image viewer sends information indicating the pressed menu button 12 (for example, the menu button ID) to the management server 100 via the PC 1. Operates to send.
[0025]
FIG. 3 shows a schematic configuration of the image management server 100. As shown in the figure, the management server 100 according to this embodiment includes a transmission / reception unit 105 for performing transmission / reception with the PC 1 serving as a terminal device, an authentication unit 110 for performing user authentication, and distribution for determining button information to be distributed for each user. And an information determining unit 115 and a database 120 storing data necessary for determining button information to be distributed to the PC 1 by the distribution information determining unit 115. The database 120 is a user information database (hereinafter referred to as a user information database) including user personal information. A user information DB) 135, a menu selection condition database (hereinafter referred to as a menu selection condition DB) 140 for selecting menu buttons in accordance with the user's personal information, and menus including IDs and contents of the respective menu buttons. Button information database (hereinafter, menu button information DB Say) 145, and a history of each menu button is pressed from the recorded button press history DB150 Prefecture.
[0026]
The menu button information DB 145 and the menu selection condition DB 140 are created by the administrator of the management server 120. The menu button information DB 145 includes the button ID of each menu button (for example, the “print” button shown in FIG. 2). , The contents of the menu button (in the case of the above-mentioned “print” button, the URL of the print server 50a for accessing the print server 50a, etc.) are recorded in association with each other. The ID of the menu button to be distributed corresponding to the personal information is recorded. FIG. 4 shows an example of the menu selection condition DB 140. As shown in the figure, the menu selection condition DB 140 is composed of the conditions of the target (user) to which each menu button is distributed.
[0027]
As shown in FIG. 5, the button press history DB 150 is a record of the press history of each menu button for each user, here, the press time.
[0028]
The distribution information determination unit 115 determines button information to be distributed to the corresponding user based on the contents recorded in the database 120. Here, the button information is necessary for displaying the menu button on the PC 1, such as the button ID of the menu button to be distributed and the contents thereof, the arrangement (vertical position) information of each menu button, and the icon of each menu button. Meaning information.
[0029]
Next, the operation of the system shown in FIG. 1 will be described more specifically with reference to FIGS.
[0030]
6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the terminal device PC1 in the system shown in FIG. 1, and FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of the management server 100 in the system shown in FIG. The operation of the system shown in FIG. 1 will be described below with reference to FIG. 6 for the operation of the PC 1 and FIG. 7 for the operation of the management server 100, with the operation of the PC 1 and the operation of the management server 100 alternately.
[0031]
As shown in the flowchart of FIG. 6, when the image viewer is activated in the PC 1 (S10), the PC 1 accesses the management server 100 and requests distribution of button information (S13). Here, the activation of the image viewer includes conscious activation by the user of the PC 1 and automatic activation when a digital camera is connected to the PC 1. When the management server 100 receives the button information delivery access from the PC 1 by the transmission / reception unit 105 (S100), the authentication unit 110 performs registration processing for unregistered users (S107 to S112) or authentication processing for registered users (S103). To S104). Specifically, for example, a “new registration” and “login” selection buttons (not shown) are displayed for the accessing user, and the user selects “new registration” via the PC 1 (S102: No). The user is prompted to enter personal information and user registration is requested (S107). When the necessary user personal information is input (S109: Yes), a user ID is issued to the user, and the registration date is recorded in the user information DB 135 of the database 120 together with the input user personal information (S112). On the other hand, if “new registration” is selected by the user in step S102, but the user information is not input for a predetermined time (timeout) or there is omission of entry (S109: No), “timeout or If you want to register, please select "Register New" button. When canceling, press the “End” button to display a message prompting for input or re-entry for registration, and if the user selects an “Exit” button (not shown) (S114: Yes), the process is performed. If the “new registration” button is selected (S114: No), the process returns to step S107 to perform registration processing.
[0032]
On the other hand, when the “login” button is selected in step S102 (S102: Yes), the authentication unit 110 of the management server 100 prompts the user to input the user ID and password, and based on the input user ID and password. User authentication is performed (S103). If the user ID and password are correct (S104: Yes), the process proceeds to the button information distribution process (S120 to S122). If the user ID or password is not correct (S104: No), the process returns to step S102, and a new registration process is performed. Alternatively, the authentication process is performed again in response to re-input of the user ID and password.
[0033]
The processing from step S102 to step S114 in the management server 100 corresponds to the processing from step S16 to step S27 in the PC 1 shown in FIG. 6, and the description of the processing from step S16 to step S27 in the PC 1 is omitted here. To do.
[0034]
In the management server 100, when the new registration process or the login authentication process is normally completed by the authentication unit 110 (S112 or S104: Yes), the distribution information determination unit 115 determines the corresponding user (new) based on the data in the database 120. Button information to be distributed to registered users or logged-in users is determined (S120). Specifically, the distribution information determination unit 115 first selects the button ID of the menu button to be transmitted to the user based on the user information DB 135 and the menu selection condition DB. Here, the distribution information determination means 115 refers to the user registration date recorded in the user information DB 135, and if it is less than one month from the registration date to the current time, all the selected menu buttons (button IDs) are displayed. In addition to the menu button to be distributed, the button press history DB 150 is referred to, and the arrangement of each menu button is determined based on the number of times each menu button (button ID) to be distributed is pressed by the user. Specifically, the distribution information determination unit 115 compares the number of times each menu button to be distributed is pressed, and determines the arrangement of the menu buttons so that the higher the number, the higher the position.
[0035]
On the other hand, if one month or more has passed from the registration date to the present time, the distribution information determination unit 115 refers to the button press history DB 150, and each menu button (button ID) selected in the one month up to the present time is this. Whether or not the corresponding menu button is to be distributed is determined based on the number of times the user has pressed, and the arrangement of the menu button to be distributed is determined. In determining whether or not to distribute the selected menu button, the distribution information determining means 115 selects only the menu button that has been pressed twice or more within one month until the present time in the button pressing history DB 150 shown in FIG. The menu button to be distributed. In determining the arrangement of menu buttons to be distributed, the distribution information determining means 115 compares the number of times each menu button to be distributed is pressed within one month, and the menu button is positioned so that the higher the number of menu buttons, the higher the position of the menu button. Determine placement.
[0036]
When the distribution information determination unit 115 determines the menu button (button ID) to be distributed and the arrangement of each menu button as described above, the distribution information determination unit 115 further refers to the menu button information DB 145 and corresponds to the menu button ID to be distributed. The contents of the button are read out, button information including the button ID, its contents, and arrangement information is configured and transmitted to the PC 1 via the transmission / reception means 105 (S122).
[0037]
Returning to FIG. 6, when the button information distributed from the management server 100 is received (S30), the PC 1 displays the menu button 12 on the screen as shown in FIG. 2 according to the button information (S33). In the screen shown in FIG. 2, when the “menu update” button 10 is pressed (S36: Yes), the PC 1 accesses the management server 100 and repeats the processing from step S13 for requesting distribution of button information (management server 100). In FIG. 7, the process from step S100 shown in FIG. 7 is repeated.) On the other hand, when any one of the menu buttons 12 is pressed (S38: Yes), the PC 1 presses the button of the pressed menu button. The ID is transmitted to the management server 100 and connected to the corresponding service server 50 according to the contents of the menu button (here, one of the URLs of the service server 50) and provided by the corresponding service server 50 Service (for example, printing provided by the print server 50a) Service) and receive (S43).
[0038]
In the screen shown in FIG. 2, when no button is pressed, the PC 1 stands by (S39), and the image viewer is terminated by the user (S45: Yes), and the process is terminated.
[0039]
On the other hand, in step S43 in FIG. 6, when the PC 1 transmits the button ID of the pressed menu button 12 to the management server 100, the transmission / reception means 105 of the management server 100 receives the received button ID and the button ID. The button press history DB 150 is updated with the date recorded in the area provided for the corresponding user in the button press history DB 150 (S124: Yes, S126). When the image viewer is terminated on the PC 1 (S128: Yes), the management server 100 also terminates the process for the user of the PC 1.
[0040]
As described above, according to the system of the present embodiment, the management server 100 selects (executes) as many menu buttons as necessary when the user selects a menu button from a plurality of menu buttons, and determines distribution information. According to the number of times each menu button is executed within one month by means 115, only the menu button executed twice or more is set as a menu button for sending, and the number of times executed among the menu buttons to be sent. Since the arrangement of the arranged menu buttons is changed so that the more menu buttons are located at the top, the menu buttons to be distributed can be narrowed down only to the menu buttons required by the user, reducing the user's trouble, A location where you can provide services efficiently and where the more necessary menu buttons are easier to select It can be displayed at the top) of the display screen of the PC1, which is convenient for the user.
[0041]
In the above description, the preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described. However, the client / server system and the server device of the present invention are not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications may be made without changing the gist of the present invention. Increase or decrease can be added.
[0042]
For example, in the system shown in FIG. 1, the distribution information determination unit 115 of the management server 100 is a menu button that transmits a menu button that has been pressed twice or more within one month. The number of times may be increased or decreased. Of course, the period is not limited to one month.
[0043]
In the system shown in FIG. 1, the distribution information determination unit 115 of the management server 100 changes the vertical position where the menu button is displayed when changing the arrangement of the menu button according to the number of times the button is pressed. However, the display size of the menu button may be changed according to the number of times the button is pressed.
[0044]
Further, in the system shown in FIG. 1, when a menu button is distributed from the management server 100 to the PC 1, for convenience of explanation, one menu button for connecting to the service server for one service server However, a menu button corresponding to each service menu may be distributed to one service server. For example, when the print server 50a also provides services such as image storage and album creation in addition to services for printing images, in addition to menu buttons for using the print service provided by the print server 50a, the image server A menu button for saving and a menu button for creating an album may also be distributed.
[0045]
The terminal device is not limited to a personal computer, and may be a mobile phone or the like.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
2 is a diagram showing a display screen of an image viewer of the PC 1 in the system shown in FIG.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the management server 100 in the system shown in FIG.
4 is a view showing the contents of a menu selection condition DB 140 in the management server 100 shown in FIG.
5 is a view showing the contents of a button press history DB 150 in the management server 100 shown in FIG.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an operation of the PC 1 serving as a terminal device on which an image viewer is mounted.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of the management server 100.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 PC
10 “Update Menu” button
12 Menu button
16 Image display section
30 Internet
50 Service server
50a print server
100 Management server
105 Transmission / reception means
110 Authentication means
115 Distribution information determining means
120 database
135 User Information Database
140 Menu selection condition database
145 Menu button information database
150 button press history database

Claims (4)

Button information distribution means for holding button information, which is data relating to a plurality of menu buttons operating in cooperation with the client application, and a terminal device in which the client application is mounted, and capable of transmitting the button information to the terminal device In a client / server system in which a server device provided is connected via a network,
The client application requests to issue user identification information for identifying the user at the first access to the server device by a user of the terminal device, and obtains the issued user identification information; Processing for transmitting a menu button update request together with user identification information of the user to the server device, processing for acquiring the button information from the server device, and processing for displaying the plurality of menu buttons according to the acquired button information And a program for causing the terminal device to execute a process of executing an operation defined in the menu button by selecting any one of the displayed menu buttons.
In response to a request for issuing the user identification information of the user, the server device issues user identification information issuing means for issuing the user identification information of the user, issued user identification information, and an issue date of the user identification information. And an issue date storage means for storing
Based on the user identification information received together with the update request, the button information distribution unit obtains an issue date of the user identification information stored in the issue date storage unit, and according to a period from the issue date to the present time And determining the plurality of menu buttons included in the transmitted button information. The server device further comprises selection history storage means for storing a selection history of each of the plurality of menu buttons for each of the user identification information,
The button information distribution unit acquires the selection history corresponding to the user identification information stored in the selection history storage unit based on the user identification information received together with the update request, and from the issue date to the present time Whether to distribute each of the plurality of menu buttons and / or information indicating the arrangement of the plurality of menu buttons included in the button information is determined according to a period and the selection history. The client / server system according to claim 1. A button that is connected to a terminal device on which a client application is mounted via a network, has button information that is data related to a plurality of menu buttons that operate in cooperation with the client application, and can transmit the button information to the terminal device A server device comprising an information distribution means,
The client application requests to issue user identification information for identifying the user at the first access to the server device by a user of the terminal device, and obtains the issued user identification information; A process for transmitting a menu button update request together with the user identification information of the user to the server apparatus; a process for displaying the plurality of menu buttons in accordance with the transmitted button information; A program for causing the terminal device to execute a process of executing an operation defined in the menu button by selecting any one of them,
In response to a request for issuing user identification information of the user, user identification information issuing means for issuing the user identification information of the user, and the issued user identification information and the date of issue of the user identification information are stored in association with each other. An issue date storage means,
Based on the user identification information received together with the update request, the button information distribution unit obtains an issue date of the user identification information stored in the issue date storage unit, and according to a period from the issue date to the present time And determining the plurality of menu buttons included in the transmitted button information. The server device further comprises selection history storage means for storing a selection history of each of the plurality of menu buttons for each of the user identification information,
The button information distribution unit acquires the selection history corresponding to the user identification information stored in the selection history storage unit based on the user identification information received together with the update request, and from the issue date to the present time Whether to distribute each of the plurality of menu buttons and / or information indicating the arrangement of the plurality of menu buttons included in the button information is determined according to a period and the selection history. The server device according to claim 3.

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