Windows control device, client terminal, windows control system, windows control method, windows generation terminal, and windows control program

Abstract

A window control device, when sending a request from a client terminal 90 to a server 50, sends a response back to the client terminal 90, causing it to execute a window control function unit 10A. The window control function unit 10A displays a window 910 with information provision functions based on the user's selection on the client terminal 90, rather than automatically displaying the window 910. This ensures that the user has the option to opt out of using personal information, etc., without displaying a confirmation window, thus providing a smooth page operation for the user.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a window control device, a client device, a window control method, a window generation terminal, and a window control program. Prior Technology

[0002] An information processing device is known that, before navigating from a target domain to another domain, displays a small screen (also referred to as a window) covering part or all of the screen on the user terminal requesting access to the target domain. This small screen is used to obtain consent regarding the use of cookies (access records) related to access to this domain and other collaborating domains (see, for example, Patent Document 1). However, in such information processing devices, even when ensuring that the user has the option to opt out of the use of personal information, a window for consent confirmation is automatically displayed, failing to provide the user with a smooth page operation. [Previous Technical Documents] [Patent Literature] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-170155 Summary of the Invention

[0003] (Project 1) When the window control device sends a request from the client terminal to the server, it sends a response back to the client terminal, causing it to execute the window control function unit. The window control function unit can display a window with information provision function according to the user's selection of the client terminal, or it can choose not to display the window automatically. (Project 2) The window control function unit may include an automatic window display confirmation unit. The automatic window display confirmation unit obtains the setting from the server whether to automatically display a window with information provision function. When the automatic display setting has been obtained through the automatic window display confirmation unit, the window can be automatically displayed. (Project 3) The window control function unit may further include: an information display element generation unit that generates information display elements when the window is not automatically generated; and an information display element display unit that displays the generated information display elements on the display of the client terminal. The window can be displayed on the display of the client terminal when the user has selected to display the window through the information display elements. (Project 4) Each of the window control function units may have a window generation unit, which generates the window when the window is automatically generated or when the user has selected to display the window through the information display element. Each of the window control function units may have a window display unit, which displays the generated window on the display of the client terminal. (Project 5) The automatic display confirmation unit can obtain the display settings of the window from the server. The display settings may include whether to automatically display the window. The window generation unit can generate the window based on the display settings. (Project 6) The window may have a status input element that allows the user to input the available status. Each of the window control function units may further include a utilization status setting unit, which sets the utilization status of the user-managed consent information. The utilization status setting unit can set the utilization status based on the information input to the status input element in the window. (Project 7) This utilization state can have an initial setting. The initial settings for this utilization status may include settings for utilizing the user's information in a specific website and the services called on that website based on the request, or settings for not utilizing the user's information in that website and the services called on that website.

[0004] (Project 8) The client terminal can implement window control function units. The window control function unit can display a window with information provision function according to the user's selection of the client terminal, or it can choose not to display the window automatically. (Project 9) The window control function unit may include an automatic window display confirmation unit. The automatic window display confirmation unit obtains the setting from the server whether to automatically display a window with information provision function. When the automatic display setting has been obtained through the automatic window display confirmation unit, the window can be automatically displayed. (Project 10) Each window control function unit may have an information display element generation unit, which generates information display elements when the window is not automatically generated. Each of the window control function units may have an information display element display unit, which displays the generated information display element on the display of the client terminal. The window can be displayed on the monitor of the client terminal when the user has selected to display the window through the information display element. (Project 11) Each of the window control function units may have a window generation unit, which generates the window when the window is automatically generated or when the user selects to display the window through the information display element. Each of the window control function units may further include a window display unit, which displays the generated window on the display of the client terminal.

[0005] (Project 12) A window control system, comprising: The window control device described in any one of items 1 to 7; and the client terminal described in any one of items 8 to 11. (Project 13) The window control method can be executed by one or more computers, and can display a window with information provision functions according to the user's selection of the client terminal, or can not display the window automatically. (Project 14) The window control method may include the following stages: obtaining settings from the server regarding whether to automatically display windows with information provisioning functions. This window control method can automatically display the window when the setting for automatic display has been obtained during the stage of obtaining the setting from the server for whether to automatically display the window. (Project 15) The window control method may include the following stage: generating information display elements when the window is not automatically generated. The window control method may include the following stage: displaying the generated information display element on the monitor of the client terminal. The window can be displayed on the monitor of the client terminal when the user has selected to display the window through the information display element. (Project 16) The window control method may include the following stages: generating the window when it is automatically generated or when the user has selected to display the window through the information display element. The window control method may include the following stage: displaying the generated window on the monitor of the client terminal. (Project 17) The window control method may include the following stage: setting the usage status of the user's consent information. The window may have a status input element that allows the user to input the available status. The stage of the utilization state can be set according to the information of the state input element entered into the window. (Project 18) This utilization state can have an initial setting. The initial settings for this utilization status may include settings for utilizing the user's information in the website and the services called by the website, or settings for not utilizing the user's information in the website and the services called by the website.

[0006] (Project 19) The window generation terminal can execute the window control methods described in any of items 13 to 18.

[0007] (Project 20) The window control program enables the computer to perform window control methods as described in any of items 13 to 18.

[0008] Furthermore, the above description of the invention does not list all the features of the invention. Moreover, sub-combinations of these features can also constitute an invention. Simple Explanation of the Diagram

[0009] Figure 1 shows a schematic configuration of the window control system of this embodiment. Figure 2 shows the functional structure of the display window control device. Figure 3 shows one example of the display settings for the display window. Figure 4A shows an example of a page before an embedded information display element. Figure 4B shows an example of a page with embedded information display elements. Figure 5A shows an example of a display window. Figure 5B shows another example of a display window. Figure 6A shows one example of the utilization status. Figure 6B shows another example of the utilization status. Figure 7 shows the window control process. Figure 8 shows an example of a display that shows a page with embedded information display elements. One example of the monitor shown in Figure 9A is a display window. Another example of a display shown in Figure 9B is a window display. Figure 10 shows one example of the components of a computer. Implementation

[0010] The present invention will now be described through embodiments thereof, but these embodiments do not limit the scope of the invention for which a patent is sought. Furthermore, not all combinations of features described in the embodiments are necessary for the solution of the invention.

[0011] Figure 1 shows a schematic configuration of the window control system of this embodiment. The window control system 1 (also referred to as System 1) controls whether a window providing information about the website (also referred to as the site) operated by the server 50 is displayed on the network system of the client terminal 90 when a request (e.g., an HTTP / HTTPS request) specifying a page URL (website address) is sent to the server 50. System 1 includes a window control device 10. Furthermore, the window control device 10 is displayed as part of the server 50, but as described below, a portion of the functional units of the window control device 10 (hereinafter referred to as window control functional unit 10A) is sent to the client terminal 90 and executed thereon. Therefore, it can also be said that System 1 is formed by a portion of the server 50 and the client terminal 90. The server 50 and the client terminal 90 are connected via a network 99 and can communicate with each other.

[0012] Furthermore, Network 99 is a communication network that connects Server 50 and Client Terminal 90 so that they can communicate with each other. One example of Network 99 is the Internet, but it is not limited to this. As long as these devices and DB can communicate with each other, any communication network such as a local area network or telephone line can be used, and a network with multiple communication networks can also be formed.

[0013] Furthermore, server 50 is a server that operates a website accessed by client terminal 90. Server 50 may include all or part of the window control device 10 described later.

[0014] Furthermore, the client terminal 90 is, for example, a terminal device used by a user. This terminal device can be a computer terminal such as a personal computer, a mobile terminal such as a smartphone or tablet computer. The client terminal 90 has a central processing unit (CPU) and a communication device (neither shown in the figure). The CPU receives responses from the server 50 and executes the window control program (script) contained therein, thereby enabling the client terminal 90 to perform some or all of the functions of the window control device 10 (i.e., the window control function unit 10A). The communication device is a device capable of wired or wireless communication with the server 50 and various databases via a network 99; for example, communication can be conducted using protocols such as TCP / IP. The client terminal 90 has a display 91, such as an LCD, and functions as a client terminal that communicates with the server 50 and displays web pages, web applications, etc., on the display 91. The system 1 can also include multiple client terminals 90 held by multiple users, allowing multiple users to utilize the system 1.

[0015] The window control device 10 is a computer device that, when a request is sent from the client terminal 90 to the server 50, sends a response back to the client terminal 90, causing it to execute the window control function unit 10A. The window control device 10 includes a central processing unit (CPU) and a communication device (neither shown in the figure). Furthermore, the window control device 10 can also be implemented via the cloud (multiple distributed servers or multiple subsystems, etc.). When the CPU receives a request from the client terminal 90, it executes a dedicated program and sends a response containing the window control program (script) to the client terminal 90, causing it to execute this program (script), thereby enabling it to perform the function of controlling the window displayed on the client terminal 90 (i.e., the window control function unit 10A). The functionality of the window control device 10 is described below. Furthermore, the dedicated program may be started by the CPU reading from a ROM (not shown in the figure), or by the CPU reading from a storage medium such as a CD-ROM using a reading device (not shown in the figure). The window control program can be read from ROM (not shown in the figure), sent to the client terminal 90, and extended to RAM, and then launched on the client terminal 90. The window control program can be a script such as JavaScript (registered trademark). The communication device is a device that can communicate with the server 50, the client terminal 90, and various databases via network 99 using wired or wireless means. For example, it can use protocols such as TCP / IP for communication.

[0016] Figure 2 shows the functional configuration of the window control device 10. The window control device 10 includes a window auto-display confirmation unit 11, an information display element generation unit 12, an information display element display unit 13, a window generation unit 14, a window display unit 15, and a usage status setting unit 16. These functional units are also referred to as window control function units 10A. In principle, the window control function unit 10A displays the window 910 based on the user's selection, rather than automatically displaying the window 910. Here, "automatic display" means that the window 910 is automatically generated and displayed without confirming the user's intention. However, the window control function unit 10A can automatically display the window 910 when the automatic display setting is obtained through the window auto-display confirmation unit 11. Since automatic display can also be implemented in advance, the use of personal information can be addressed by a single product, thus mitigating the legal requirement for explicit user consent, i.e., opt-in.

[0017] The window control function unit 10A is sent from the server 50 to the client terminal 90 and executed on the client terminal 90. For example, the window control function unit 10A is implemented as a script and embedded in a web page, and is included in the response from the server 50 and sent to the client terminal 90. Although executing the window control function unit 10A on the client terminal 90 can reduce the burden on the server 50, it can also be configured so that the window control device 10 (server 50) executes part or all of the window control function unit 10A, that is, multiple devices of the window control device 10 (server 50) and the client terminal 90 execute the window control function unit 10A.

[0018] The automatic window display confirmation unit 11 obtains the setting from the server 50 regarding whether to automatically display the window 910 with information provisioning functions. This allows switching between automatic display and automatic display of the window 910, and also enables a single product to address the requirement for explicit user consent, i.e., opt-in laws, regarding the use of personal information. The automatic window display confirmation unit 11 obtains the display settings of the window 910 from the server 50, which includes the automatic display setting. Besides whether to automatically display the window 910, the display settings of the window 910 also include other information related to the display of the window 910, such as the design of the window 910, the terminology used to provide information displayed on the window 910, and the status input elements 911 (described later) of the window 910. Furthermore, the display settings of the window 910 can take various data formats such as JSON, XML, and CSV. By enabling the server 50 to display such a window 910, the functions or design of the window 910 can be easily edited.

[0019] Windows 910 provides information regarding how user information is processed on a website. Windows 910 can further include the ability to change this processing method through user actions. This user information processing method refers to the handling of various databases (cookies), web storage, IndexedDB, etc., used to store user information. Windows 910's display format is not particularly limited and can adopt pop-up windows, floating windows, modal windows, slide-in panels, banners, and various other formats.

[0020] Figure 3 shows an example of the JSON data displayed in window 910. In this example, window 910 provides information related to the handling of cookies, and users can change the handling method for each type of cookie.

[0021] Furthermore, cookies are data stored in storage managed by a browser. They are categorized according to their purpose into essential cookies, analytical cookies, functional cookies, and target cookies. Essential cookies are used to implement basic website functions such as managing user login status, generating and verifying CSRF (Cross-Site Request Forgery) credentials, and protecting against malicious requests. Analytical cookies are used to analyze user behavior patterns by recording website visit frequency, page navigation patterns, and dwell time on specific pages to improve content configuration or navigation structure. Functional cookies are used to maintain settings such as text size, language, and region, form input information, and user history to enhance website usability and convenience. Target cookies record pages viewed, dwell time, clicked links, search history, purchase history, and location information inferred from IP address, using this data to optimize advertising.

[0022] In this example, the automatic display setting (autoDisplay) of the display settings window 910 is set to true, and its display format (type) is modal. Furthermore, a description is displayed stating "This website uses cookies," and buttons corresponding to "Accept all cookies," "Reject all cookies," and "Save settings" are shown. Furthermore, the "Settings Management" menu displays the following: "Essential Cookies" with the label "Required Cookies to provide basic website functions," and a toggle switch for indicating whether they can be used; "Functional Cookies" with the label "Cookies to provide personalized experiences," and a toggle switch for indicating whether they can be used; "Analytical Cookies" with the label "Cookies to analyze trends and help improve the website," and a toggle switch for indicating whether they can be used; and "Targeted Cookies" with the label "Cookies to provide personalized advertising," and a toggle switch for indicating whether they can be used. The toggle switch setting for essential cookies that must be used without considering user consent is set to non-modifiable ("Modifiable": No), while the toggle switch setting for other cookies is set to modifiable ("Modifiable": Yes). Essential cookies are set to enabled ("Enabled": Yes), while other cookies are set to disabled ("Enabled": No).

[0023] When the window 910 is not automatically generated, the information display element generation unit 12 generates an information display element 912, embeds it into the page requested by the user (see Figure 4A), and generates a page containing the information display element 912 (see Figure 4B). The situation where the window 910 is not automatically generated includes situations where the automatic window display confirmation unit 11 has already obtained the setting not to automatically display the window 910, situations where the automatic display-related settings for the window 910 cannot be obtained through the automatic window display confirmation unit 11, and situations where the automatic display-related confirmation for the window 910 has not been performed. The setting not to automatically display the window is when "autoDisplay": "false" is set in the display settings (see Figure 3), rendering the automatic display setting invalid. The situation where the automatic display setting cannot be obtained is when the display settings do not include the automatic display setting "autoDisplay".

[0024] Figure 4A shows an example of a page before the embedded information display element 912. Figure 4B shows an example of a page after the embedded information display element 912 on the page in Figure 4A. In this example, a link-formatted information display element 912 is displayed at the bottom of the page of the website "ABC Workshop" accessed by the user. Here, when the user wants to understand the details of how personal information is processed, a window 910 is displayed by selecting the information display element 912. Accordingly, the window 910 is displayed on the monitor 91 of the client terminal 90, and the user can confirm the details of how personal information is processed.

[0025] Information display element 912 is an element that displays window 910 on monitor 91 of client terminal 90 when the user makes selections via tapping, clicking, or other operations. As information display element 912, various formats can be selected, such as buttons, links, hamburger menus, and bottom sheets, and it is desired to be placed at the edge or corner of the page in a position that does not obstruct the user's page operations. By using this type of information display element 912, information related to the user's personal information can be provided when desired without compromising the page design.

[0026] The information display element display unit 13 displays the information display element 912 generated by the information display element generation unit 12 as part of the page displayed on the monitor 91 of the client terminal 90. Therefore, the window 910 is not automatically displayed, and the user directly accesses the target page. When the user selects to display the window 910 through the information display element 912, the window 910 is displayed on the monitor 91 of the client terminal 90. This provides the user with a comfortable operating experience that allows for quick access to the target page, while also providing an opportunity to confirm or edit privacy settings.

[0027] The window generation unit 14 generates window 910 when window 910 is automatically displayed or when the user selects to display window 910 through information display element 912. The case of automatic window 910 refers to the situation where "autoDisplay": "true" is set in the display settings (see Figure 3), thus enabling automatic display. The window generation unit 14 can generate window 910 from the display settings of window 910 (see Figure 3).

[0028] Figure 5A shows an example of window 910. This example is a window generated from the display settings shown in Figure 3. As a status input element 911, where the user can input the utilization status, it has buttons for "Allow All Cookies" and "Reject Cookies." The menu under "Management Settings" has a toggle switch to select whether functional cookies, analytical cookies, and target cookies can be utilized. Essential cookies must be utilized; therefore, the essential cookie toggle switch is fixed as available and cannot be edited. The elements (user interface) used by the status input element 911 are not particularly limited; buttons, toggles, check boxes, and various other formats can be selected. In this example, the initial state of the status input element 911 (toggle switch) indicates that all cookies except essential cookies are not utilized.

[0029] The window display unit 15 displays the window 910 generated by the window generation unit 14 on the monitor 91 of the client terminal 90. This allows the user to restrict or allow the use of any personal information. In other words, the user can choose to exit. Here, if the window auto-display confirmation unit 11 confirms that the window 910 will not be automatically displayed, the window display unit 15 will not display the window 910 unless the user selects the information display element 912 to instruct the user to display the window 910. Therefore, while ensuring that the user has the opportunity to exit the use of personal information, a confirmation window can be omitted, providing a smooth page operation for the user.

[0030] Figure 5B shows another example of window 910. This example shows the user operating the toggle switch of the status input element 911 of window 910 (Figure 5A), selecting to agree to (allow the use of) analytical cookies while rejecting the use of functional cookies and advertising cookies. Furthermore, by pressing the "Allow All Cookies" button, the user can agree to the use of all cookies, and by pressing the "Reject Cookies" button, the user can reject the use of all cookies except essential cookies. Thus, the consent or rejection entered by the user through the status input element 911 is also referred to as the user's consent information.

[0031] When the user operates the status input element 911 ("Save Settings" button) of the status setting unit 16, the user's consent information entered into the status input element 911 (toggle switch) is set to a usage state where the user manages the consent information.

[0032] The usage status maintains settings regarding whether user information, such as data, is used in specific websites and services accessed from those websites based on requests sent from client terminal 90. These services include advertising services, user behavior analysis services, and other services that use user information accessing the website. In this example, necessary cookies must be used, while analytical cookies are used with the user's consent; therefore, the usage status has settings for using necessary and analytical cookies. The usage status can be stored in the client terminal's cookies. For example, the usage status can have values ​​indicating whether to use (true) or not (false) for necessary, functional, performance, and targeting cookies. It can also have an expiration date.

[0033] The usage status has an initial setting. This initial setting is also called the consent mode. This allows the handling of user personal information on the website to be determined even when the user operates window 910 without setting the usage status. The consent mode may include a setting where the server 50 uses user information after the client terminal 90 sends it to the server 50. If the setting includes the option to use information present in the usage status, this information can be used until the user operates window 910 to change the usage status. Alternatively, the consent mode may include a setting where the server 50 does not use user information if the client terminal 90 does not send it to the server 50. If the setting includes the option not to use information present in the usage status, this information cannot be used until the user operates window 910 to edit the usage status.

[0034] Figure 6A shows an example of the initial settings (consent mode) for the usage status of cookies. In this example, in the initial state, necessary cookies are available (true), while functional, analytics, and targeting cookies are not available (false) (see Figure 5A). The expiration date for each cookie's usage status is 2024-12-21.

[0035] Figure 6B shows an example of the usage status stored in a cookie. In this example, the user operates the status input element 911 of window 910, agreeing to use analytics cookies (see Figure 5B), and the usage status setting is changed to use analytics cookies (true). The expiration date of each cookie-related usage status is 2024-12-21.

[0036] According to the window control device 10 of this embodiment, when a request is sent from the client terminal 90 to the server 50, a response is sent back to the client terminal 90, causing it to execute the window control function unit 10A. The window control function unit 10A displays a window 910 with information provision functions based on the user's selection on the client terminal 90, rather than automatically displaying the window 910. This ensures that users have the option to opt out of using personal information, etc., without displaying a confirmation window, thus providing a smooth page operation for the user. This improvement in operability not only enhances the user experience but also reduces fatigue caused by being repeatedly asked to make unnecessary confirmations, preventing users from agreeing to false statements without confirmation, which could harm consumers.

[0037] Furthermore, according to the window control device 10 of this embodiment, the window control function unit 10A further includes: an information display element generation unit 12, which generates an information display element 912 when the window 910 is not automatically generated; and an information display element display unit 13, which displays the generated information display element 912 on the display 91 of the client terminal 90. When the user has selected to display the window 910 through the information display element 912, the window 910 is displayed on the display 91 of the client terminal 90. In this way, when the user wants to understand the details of how personal information is processed, they can operate the information display element to confirm the details, and restrict or allow the use of any personal information. By using the information display element 912, the design of the web page can be prevented from being damaged, and the user can be prevented from leaving due to reduced operability.

[0038] According to the client terminal implementing the window control function unit 10A of this embodiment, the information-providing window 910 is displayed based on the user's selection on the client terminal 90, instead of being displayed automatically. This ensures that users have the option to opt out of using personal information, etc., and provides a smoother page operation by not displaying a confirmation window. This improvement in operability not only enhances the user experience but also reduces fatigue caused by being repeatedly asked to make unnecessary confirmations, preventing users from agreeing to false statements without confirmation, thus harming consumers.

[0039] Furthermore, the client terminal according to this embodiment further includes: an information display element generation unit 12, which generates an information display element 912 when the window 910 is not automatically generated; and an information display element display unit 13, which displays the generated information display element 912 on the monitor 91 of the client terminal 90. When the user has selected to display the window 910 through the information display element 912, the window 910 is displayed on the monitor 91 of the client terminal 90. In this way, when a user wants to understand the details of how personal information is processed, they can operate the information display element to confirm the details, restricting or allowing the use of any personal information. By using the information display element 912, the design of the web page can be prevented from being compromised, and user abandonment due to reduced operability can be prevented.

[0040] The window control system 1 of this embodiment includes: a window control device 10; and a client terminal 90, which executes the window control function unit 10A by receiving and executing the window control program from the window control device 10 (server 50).

[0041] The window control system according to this embodiment includes a window control device 10 and a client terminal 90. This allows for a smoother page operation by eliminating the need for a confirmation window when users have the option to opt out of the use of their personal information. This improvement in operability not only enhances the user experience but also reduces fatigue caused by being repeatedly asked for unnecessary confirmation, preventing users from agreeing to false statements without verification and thus harming consumers. Furthermore, when users wish to understand the details of how their personal information is processed, they can manipulate information display elements to confirm the details and restrict or allow the use of any personal information. By using information display element 912, the design of the web page is prevented from being compromised, and user abandonment due to reduced operability is also prevented.

[0042] Furthermore, the so-called execution of the window control function unit 10A by the client terminal 90 can be interpreted as follows: the client terminal 90 executes the window automatic display confirmation function of the window automatic display confirmation unit 11, the information display element generation function of the information display element generation unit 12, the information display element display function of the information display element display unit 13, the window generation function of the window generation unit 14, the window display function of the window display unit 15, and the utilization status setting function of the utilization status setting unit 16 by executing the window control program; or the client terminal 90 implements the window automatic display confirmation unit 11, the information display element generation unit 12, the information display element display unit 13, the window generation unit 14, the window display unit 15, and the utilization status setting unit 16 by executing the window control program, thereby performing the window automatic display confirmation function, the information display element generation function, the information display element display function, the window generation function, the window display function, and the utilization status setting function.

[0043] Furthermore, in response to a user's operation of accessing a web page on the client terminal 90, a request is sent from the client terminal 90 to the server 50. The server 50 sends a response back to the client terminal 90, and the client terminal 90 executes the window control program (script) contained in the response. In this way, the client terminal 90 can also implement some or all of the functions of the window control device 10 (i.e., the window control function unit 10A). Therefore, when receiving a response, the client terminal 90 includes a window auto-display confirmation unit 11, an information display element generation unit 12, an information display element display unit 13, a window generation unit 14, a window display unit 15, and a usage status setting unit 16. "When receiving a response" means, in other words, when reading a page from the server 50, etc. Furthermore, when the server 50 executes the window control function unit 10A, the window auto-display confirmation unit 11 can also confirm whether to automatically display window 910 when the client terminal 90 sends a request.

[0044] Figure 7 shows the window control process executed by the window control device 10. The window control process begins as follows: in response to a user's operation on the client terminal 90 to access the server 50, a request is sent from the client terminal 90 to the server 50. The server 50 sends a response back to the client terminal 90, and the client terminal 90 executes the script contained in the response, that is, executes the window control function unit 10A.

[0045] In step S11, the window control device 10 obtains display settings (see Figure 3) from the server 50 via the window auto-display confirmation unit 11, which includes settings for whether to automatically display the window 910. Details of the display settings are as described above. During this stage, the system uses a state that rejects all cookies except essential cookies (see Figure 6A).

[0046] In step S12, if the automatic display setting obtained in step S11 by the window control device 10 (window auto-display confirmation unit 11) is invalid (autoDisplay: false), it determines that the window 910 will not be automatically displayed and proceeds to step S13. If the automatic display setting is true (autoDisplay: true), the window control device 10 (window auto-display confirmation unit 11) determines that the window 910 will be automatically displayed and proceeds to step S16.

[0047] In step S13, the window control device 10 generates the information display element 912 shown in FIG4B by the information display element generation unit 12, and embeds it into the page requested by the user. Details are as described above.

[0048] In step S14, the window control device 10 (information display element display unit 13) displays the information display element 912 generated in step S13 as part of the page requested by the user on the display 91 of the client terminal 90 (see Figure 8). In other words, the window 910 is not automatically displayed; the user can directly access the target page. When the user wants to know the details of how personal information is processed, they can select to display the window 910 through the information display element 912 on the page. Accordingly, the window 910 is displayed on the display 91 of the client terminal 90, and the user can confirm the details of how personal information is processed. The details are as described above.

[0049] In step S15, if the user does not select information display element 912, the process ends. If the user selects it, proceed to step S16.

[0050] In step S16, the window control device 10 (window generation unit 14) generates window 910 according to the display settings obtained in step S11 (see Figure 3), as shown in Figure 5A. Details are as described above. In window 910, a status input element 911, where the user can input the usage status, has buttons for "Allow all cookies" and "Reject cookies." The menu under "Management Settings" has a switch to select whether functional cookies, analytical cookies, and target cookies can be used. The switch for essential cookies is always set to allow. The initial state of the switch indicates that cookies other than essential cookies are not used. In other words, the initial setting of the usage status (agreement mode) is set to not use all cookies except essential cookies.

[0051] In step S17, the window control device 10 (window display unit 15) displays the window 910 generated in step S16 on the display 91 of the client terminal 90 (see Figure 9A). Details are as described above.

[0052] In step S18, the user operates the toggle switch of the status input element 911 of window 910 to allow the use of analytical cookies (see Figure 9B). The window control device 10 (using the status setting unit 16) sets the usage status according to the user's input to the status input element 911 of window 910 (see Figure 6B). Details are as described above.

[0053] According to the window control method of this embodiment, which is executed by one or more computers, the window control method includes the following stages: displaying a window 910 with information provision functions based on the user's selection on the client terminal 90, instead of automatically displaying window 910. In this way, while ensuring that the user has the option to opt out of using personal information, a window for consent confirmation can be omitted, providing the user with a smooth page operation. This improvement in operability not only enhances the user experience but also reduces fatigue caused by being repeatedly asked to make unnecessary consent confirmations, preventing users from directly agreeing to false statements without confirmation, thus harming consumers.

[0054] Furthermore, the window control method according to this embodiment further includes the following stages: when the window 910 is not automatically generated, an information display element 912 is generated; and the generated information display element 912 is displayed on the monitor 91 of the client terminal 90. When the user has selected to display the window 910 through the information display element 912, the window 910 is displayed on the monitor 91 of the client terminal 90. In this way, when the user wants to understand the details of how personal information is processed, they can operate the information display element 912 to confirm the details, restricting or allowing the use of any personal information. By using the information display element 912, the design of the web page can be prevented from being compromised, and user abandonment due to reduced operability can be prevented.

[0055] Various embodiments of the present invention can be described with reference to flowcharts and block diagrams, where blocks may represent (1) a stage of the process of performing an operation or (2) a component of a device that performs the operation. The identified stages and components may be implemented by dedicated circuits, programmable circuits supplied together with computer-readable instructions stored on a computer-readable medium, and / or processors supplied together with computer-readable instructions stored on a computer-readable medium. Dedicated circuits may include digital and / or analog hardware circuits, and may also include integrated circuits (ICs) and / or discrete circuits. Programmable circuits may include reconfigurable hardware circuits, which may include logic AND, logic OR, logic XOR, logic NAND, logic NOR, and other logic operations, flip-flops, registers, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), programmable logic arrays (PLAs), and other memory components.

[0056] Computer-readable media can include any tangible device capable of storing instructions that can be executed by a suitable means. As a result, a computer-readable medium having instructions stored therein comprises a product containing instructions executable for the purpose of creating means to perform operations specified in a flowchart or block diagram. Examples of computer-readable media include electronic storage media, magnetic storage media, optical storage media, electromagnetic storage media, semiconductor storage media, etc. More specific examples of computer-readable media include floppy disks (registered trademarks), magnetic disks, hard disks, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), electronically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), static random access memory (SRAM), optical disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), digital multipurpose disc (DVD), Blu-ray discs (Blu-ray, registered trademark), memory sticks, integrated circuit cards, etc.

[0057] Computer-readable instructions may include any source code or object code written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including assembler instructions, instruction set architecture (ISA) instructions, machine instructions, machine-dependent instructions, microinstructions, firmware instructions, status setting data, or object-oriented programming languages ​​such as Smalltalk (registered trademark), JAVA (registered trademark), C++, and conventional programming languages ​​such as the "C" programming language or similar programming languages.

[0058] Computer-readable instructions (CMIs) are provided locally or via wide area networks (WANs) such as local area networks (LANs) and the Internet to the processor or programmable circuitry of a programmable data processing device like a computer. These CMIs execute the instructions to create a means for performing the operations specified in a flowchart or block diagram. Here, "computer" can refer to a PC (personal computer), tablet computer, smartphone, workstation, server computer, general-purpose computer, or special-purpose computer, or it can be a computer system composed of multiple connected computers. Such a computer system composed of multiple connected computers is also called a distributed computing system, which is a broad definition of a computer. In a distributed computing system, each computer executes a part of a program, transferring data between the computers as needed, thereby enabling multiple computers to execute the program in a coordinated manner.

[0059] Examples of processors include computer processors, central processing units (CPUs), processing units, microprocessors, digital signal processors, controllers, and microcontrollers. A computer can have one or more processors. In a multiprocessor system with multiple processors, each processor executes a part of the program, transferring data between processors as needed, thereby enabling multiple processors to execute the program in a coordinated manner. For example, when performing multitasking, multiple processors can switch tasks at different times, thereby subdividing and executing each part of the task. In this case, which part of the program each processor executes is dynamically changing. The specific parts of the program that each processor can execute can also be statically determined by considering the multiprocessor programming design.

[0060] Figure 10 shows an example of a computer 1200 that can represent the various aspects of the present invention, either wholly or partially. A program installed on the computer 1200 enables the computer 1200 to perform operations associated with an apparatus of an embodiment of the present invention, or to function as one or more components of that apparatus, or to execute those operations or those one or more components, and / or to execute a process or stage of an embodiment of the present invention. The program can be executed in the computer 1200 by a CPU 1212 to perform identification operations associated with several or all of the blocks in the flowcharts and block diagrams described in this specification.

[0061] The computer 1200 according to this embodiment includes a CPU 1212, RAM 1214, a graphics controller 1216, and a display device 1218, which are interconnected via a host controller 1210. The computer 1200 further includes an input / output unit such as a communication interface 1222, a storage device 1224 (e.g., a hard disk drive), a DVD-ROM drive 1226, and an IC card drive, which are connected to the host controller 1210 via an input / output controller 1220. The computer further includes conventional input / output units such as a ROM 1230 and a keyboard 1242, which are connected to the input / output controller 1220 via an input / output chip 1240.

[0062] CPU 1212 runs according to the program stored in ROM 1230 and RAM 1214, thereby controlling each unit. Graphics controller 1216 obtains image data generated by CPU 1212 from the frame buffer provided to RAM 1214 or from its own storage, and displays the image data on display device 1218.

[0063] The communication interface 1222 communicates with other electronic devices via a network. The storage device 1224 stores programs and data used by the CPU 1212 within the computer 1200. The DVD-ROM drive 1226 reads programs or data from the DVD-ROM 1227 and provides the programs or data to the storage device 1224 via RAM 1214. The IC card driver reads programs and data from the IC card and / or writes programs and data to the IC card.

[0064] The ROM1230 stores the boot program executed by the computer 1200 during startup, and / or programs that are hardware-dependent on the computer 1200. The input / output chip 1240 can then connect various input / output units to the input / output controller 1220 through parallel ports, serial ports, keyboard ports, mouse ports, etc.

[0065] The program is provided by a computer-readable medium such as a DVD-ROM 1227 or an IC card. The program is read from the computer-readable medium, installed in a storage device 1224, RAM 1214, or ROM 1230 (also an example of a computer-readable medium), and executed by the CPU 1212. Information processing written within these programs is read by the computer 1200, enabling cooperation between the program and the aforementioned types of hardware resources. The apparatus or method can be configured to perform information manipulation or processing based on the use of the computer 1200.

[0066] For example, when communication is performed between the computer 1200 and external devices, the CPU 1212 can execute the communication program loaded into the RAM 1214 and issue communication processing instructions to the communication interface 1222 according to the processing written in the communication program. Under the control of the CPU 1212, the communication interface 1222 reads the transmission data stored in the transmission buffer processing area provided in the recording medium such as RAM 1214, storage device 1224, DVD-ROM 1227 or IC card, and sends the read transmission data to the network, or writes the received data received from the network into the receive buffer processing area provided on the recording medium, etc.

[0067] Furthermore, the CPU 1212 enables the RAM 1214 to read all or a portion of files or databases stored in external recording media such as storage device 1224, DVD-ROM drive 1226 (DVD-ROM 1227), IC card, etc., and to perform various types of processing on the data in the RAM 1214. The CPU 1212 then writes the processed data back to the external recording media.

[0068] Various types of information, such as programs, data, forms, and databases, can be stored in recording media and processed. The CPU 1212 can execute various types of processing on data read from RAM 1214, as specified in the instruction sequence of the program as described herein, including various types of operations, information processing, conditional judgments, conditional branches, unconditional branches, information search / replacement, etc., and write the results back to RAM 1214. Furthermore, the CPU 1212 can search for information in files, databases, etc., within the recording media. For example, when multiple entries, each having an attribute value of a first attribute associated with a second attribute value, are stored in the recording media, the CPU 1212 can search for entries from these entries that match the conditions specifying the first attribute value, read the attribute value of the second attribute already stored in that entry, thereby obtaining the attribute value of the second attribute associated with the first attribute that satisfies the predetermined conditions.

[0069] The programs or software modules described above can be stored on computer 1200 or on computer-readable media near computer 1200. Furthermore, hard drives or RAM provided in server systems connected to dedicated communication networks or the Internet can be used as computer-readable media to provide programs to computer 1200 via the network.

[0070] The present invention has been described above using embodiments, but the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in the above embodiments. Those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications or improvements can be made to the above embodiments. As can be understood from the description in the claims, the forms with such modifications or improvements can also be included within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0071] The execution order of processes such as operation, procedure, step, and stage in the apparatus, system, program, and method shown in the claims, specification, and drawings should be noted. Unless specifically stated as "before" or "before," and unless the output of the previous process is used for the subsequent process, they can be implemented in any order. Even if terms such as "firstly" or "next" are used for convenience in describing the operational flow in the claims, specification, and drawings, it does not mean that they must be implemented in this order.

[0072] According to this specification, the composition described in the following items is also disclosed. (Project 1) A window control device, which, when sending a request from a client terminal to a server, sends a response back to the client terminal to cause it to execute a window control function unit, wherein... The window control function unit displays an information-providing window based on the user's selection on the client terminal, rather than displaying the window automatically. (Project 2) As described in Item 1, the window control device includes a window auto-display confirmation unit. The window auto-display confirmation unit obtains a setting from the server for whether to automatically display a window with information provision function. When the automatic display setting has been obtained by the window auto-display confirmation unit, the window is automatically displayed. (Project 3) As described in Item 2, the window control device further includes: The information display element generation unit generates information display elements when the window is not automatically generated; and The information display element display unit displays the generated information display element on the monitor of the client terminal. When the user has selected to display the window through the information display element, the window is displayed on the monitor of the client terminal. (Project 4) As described in Item 3, the window control device further includes: The window generation unit generates the window when it is automatically generated or when the user selects to display the window through the information display element; and The window display unit displays the generated window on the monitor of the client terminal. (Project 5) As described in Project 4, the window control device, in which, The automatic window display confirmation unit obtains the window's display settings from the server, including whether the window is displayed automatically. The window generation unit generates the window based on the display settings. (Project 6) As described in Project 1, the window control device, in which, This window has a status input element that allows the user to input the usage status. The window control function unit further includes a usage status setting unit, which sets the usage status of information agreed upon by the user. The utilization status setting unit sets the utilization status based on the information input to the status input element in the window. (Project 7) As described in Project 6, the window control device, in which, This utilization state has an initial setting. The initial settings for this utilization status include settings for utilizing the user's information in a specific website and the services called on that website based on the request, or settings for not utilizing the user's information in that website and the services called on that website. (Project 8) A client terminal that implements a window control function unit, wherein, The window control function unit displays an information-providing window based on the user's selection on the client terminal, rather than displaying the window automatically. (Project 9) As described in Project 8, the client terminal further includes a window control function unit that automatically displays a window. This automatic window display confirmation unit obtains a setting from the server regarding whether to automatically display a window with information provisioning functions. When the automatic display setting has been obtained through the automatic display confirmation section of the window, the window is automatically displayed. (Project 10) As described in Project 9, the client terminal further includes the following features in the window control function unit: The information display element generation unit generates information display elements when the window is not automatically generated; and The information display element display unit displays the generated information display element on the monitor of the client terminal. When the user has selected to display the window through the information display element, the window is displayed on the monitor of the client terminal. (Project 11) As described in Project 10, the client terminal further includes the following features: The window generation unit generates the window either automatically or when the user selects to display the window through the information display element; and The window display unit displays the generated window on the monitor of the client terminal. (Project 12) A window control system, comprising: The window control device as described in any one of items 1 to 7; and The client terminal as described in any of items 8 to 11. (Project 13) A window control method, executed by one or more computers, displays an information-providing window based on user selection, rather than displaying the window automatically. (Project 14) The window control method described in Item 13 further includes the following stage: obtaining a setting from the server for whether to automatically display a window with information-providing functions. If the setting to automatically display the window has been obtained during the stage of obtaining the setting from the server, the window will be automatically displayed. (Project 15) The window control method described in Project 14 further includes the following stages: When the window is not generated automatically, generate information display elements; and The generated information display element is then displayed on the client terminal's monitor. When the user has selected to display the window through the information display element, the window is displayed on the monitor of the client terminal. (Project 16) The window control method described in Project 15 further includes the following stages: The window is generated automatically or when the user selects to display the window through the information display element; and The generated window is displayed on the client terminal's monitor. (Project 17) As described in Item 13, the window control method further includes the following stage: setting the usage status of the user-managed consent information, wherein, This window has a status input element that allows the user to input the usage status. The stage of the utilization state is set based on the information input to the state input element of the window. (Project 18) As described in Project 17, the window control method includes, This utilization state has an initial setting. The initial settings for this utilization status include settings for utilizing the user's information in the website and the services called by the website, or settings for not utilizing the user's information in the website and the services called by the website. (Project 19) A window generation terminal that performs the window control method as described in any one of items 13 to 18. (Project 20) A window control program that causes a computer to perform the window control method as described in any one of items 13 to 18. (Project 21) A window control system, comprising: The client terminal sends requests to the server; and The window control device, upon receiving the request, sends a response back to the client terminal, causing it to execute the window control function unit. The window control device displays an information-providing window based on the user's selection of the client terminal, instead of displaying the window automatically. (Project 22) As described in Item 21, the window control system includes a window auto-display confirmation unit that obtains a setting from the server for whether to automatically display windows with information provision functions. When the automatic display setting has been obtained through the automatic display confirmation section of the window, the window is automatically displayed. (Project 23) As described in Project 22, the window control system further includes: The information display element generation unit generates information display elements when the window is not automatically generated; and The information display element display unit displays the generated information display element on the monitor of the client terminal. When the user has selected to display the window through the information display element, the window is displayed on the monitor of the client terminal. (Project 24) As described in Project 23, the window control system further includes: The window generation unit generates the window when it confirms that the window is automatically generated or that the user has selected to display the window through the information display element; and The window display unit displays the generated window on the monitor of the client terminal. (Project 25) As described in Project 24, the window control system, in which, The automatic window display confirmation unit obtains the window's display settings from the server, including whether the window is displayed automatically. The window generation unit generates the window based on the display settings. (Project 26) As described in Project 21, the window control system, in which, This window has a status input element that allows the user to input the usage status. The window control function unit further includes a usage status setting unit, which sets the usage status of information agreed upon by the user. The utilization status setting unit sets the utilization status based on the information input to the status input element in the window. (Project 27) As described in Project 26, the window control system, in which, This utilization state has an initial setting. The initial settings for this utilization status include settings for utilizing the user's information in a specific website and the services called on that website based on the request, or settings for not utilizing the user's information in that website and the services called on that website. (Project 28) A window control method comprising the following stages: The client terminal sends a request to the server; and Upon receiving the request from the server, the window control device sends a response back to the client terminal, causing it to execute the window control function unit. When the client terminal detects that the window should not be displayed automatically, it will not display the window automatically. (Project 29) The window control method described in Project 28 further includes the following stages: When the client terminal does not automatically generate this window, it generates information display elements; and The client terminal displays the generated information element on its monitor. When the user has selected to display the window through the information display element, the window is displayed on the monitor of the client terminal. (Project 30) The window control method described in Project 29 further includes the following stages: The client terminal generates the window upon confirming that the window is automatically generated or when the user selects to display the window through the information display element; and The client terminal displays the generated window on its monitor. (Project 31) As described in Project 28, the window control method includes, This window has a status input element that allows the user to input the usage status. The window control method further includes the following stage: the client terminal is set to a usage status where the user manages and agrees to the information. The stage of the utilization state is set based on the information input to the state input element of the window. (Project 32) As described in Item 31, the window control method has an initial setting for the utilization state. (Project 33) As described in Item 32, the window control method includes initial settings that utilize the user's information in the server. (Project 34) As described in Item 32, the window control method includes initial settings that do not utilize the user's information in the server.

[0073] 1: Windows Control System 1: System 10: Window control device 10A: Window Control Function Unit 11: The confirmation window will automatically display. 12: Information Display Element Generation Department 13: Information Display Element Display Section 14: Window Generation Department 15: Window display section 16: Utilizing the status setting unit 50: Server 90: Client Terminal 91: Monitor 99: Internet 910: Windows 911: Status Input Element 912: Information Display Elements 1200: Computer 1210: Host Controller 1212: CPU 1214:RAM 1216: Graphics Controller 1218: Display device 1220: Input / Output Controller 1222: Communication Interface 1224: Storage device 1226: DVD-ROM drive 1227: DVD-ROM 1240: Input / Output Chip 1242: Keyboard

Claims

1. A window control device that, when sending a request from a client terminal to a server, sends a response back to the client terminal, causing it to execute a window control function unit, wherein, The window control function unit displays an information-providing window based on the user's selection on the client terminal, instead of automatically displaying the window. The window has a status input element where the user can input the usage status. The window control function unit further includes a usage status setting unit, which sets the usage status for which the user manages and agrees to the information. The usage status setting unit sets the usage status based on the information input to the status input element of the window.

2. The window control device as described in claim 1, wherein, The window control function unit includes: an automatic window display confirmation unit, which obtains from the server whether to automatically display a window with information provision function, and automatically displays the window when the automatic display setting has been obtained by the automatic window display confirmation unit.

3. The window control device as described in claim 2, wherein, The window control function unit further includes: an information display element generation unit that generates an information display element when the window is not automatically generated; and an information display element display unit that displays the generated information display element on the display of the client terminal; wherein, when a user has selected to display the window through the information display element, the window is displayed on the display of the client terminal.

4. The window control device as described in claim 3, wherein, The window control function unit further includes: a window generation unit that generates the window when the window is automatically generated or when the user selects to display the window through the information display element; and a window display unit that displays the generated window on the display of the client terminal.

5. The window control device as described in claim 4, wherein, The automatic window display confirmation unit obtains the window display settings from the server. The display settings include whether to automatically display the window. The window generation unit generates the window based on the display settings.

6. The window control device as described in claim 1, wherein, The utilization state has an initial setting that includes either a setting to utilize the user's information in a specific website and a service called on that website, or a setting not to utilize the user's information in that website and a service called on that website.

7. A client terminal that implements a window control function unit, wherein, The window control function unit displays an information-providing window based on the user's selection on the client terminal, instead of automatically displaying the window. The window has a status input element where the user can input the usage status. The window control function unit further includes a usage status setting unit, which sets the usage status for which the user manages and agrees to the information. The usage status setting unit sets the usage status based on the information input to the status input element of the window.

8. The client terminal as described in claim 7, wherein, The window control function unit further includes an automatic window display confirmation unit. The automatic window display confirmation unit obtains a setting from a server to automatically display a window with information provision function. When the automatic display setting has been obtained by the automatic window display confirmation unit, the window is automatically displayed.

9. The client terminal as described in claim 8, wherein, The window control function unit further includes: an information display element generation unit that generates an information display element when the window is not automatically generated; and an information display element display unit that displays the generated information display element on the display of the client terminal; wherein, when the user has selected to display the window through the information display element, the window is displayed on the display of the client terminal.

10. The client terminal as described in claim 9, wherein, The window control function unit further includes: a window generation unit that generates the window when the window is automatically generated or when the user selects to display the window through the information display element; and a window display unit that displays the generated window on the display of the client terminal.

11. A window control system comprising: a window control device as described in any one of claims 1 to 6; and a client terminal as described in any one of claims 7 to 10.

12. A window control method, executed by one or more computers, comprising the following stages: displaying a window with information provisioning functions according to a user's selection, without automatically displaying the window; and setting the usage status of information agreed upon by the user; wherein, The window has a status input element where the user can input the usage status, and the stage of setting the usage status by the user's management of consent information is set according to the information input into the status input element of the window.

13. The window control method as described in claim 12 further comprises the following stages: obtaining a setting from a server for whether to automatically display a window with information providing functions, and automatically displaying the window when the setting for automatic display has been obtained in the stage of obtaining a setting from the server for whether to automatically display the window.

14. The window control method as described in claim 13 further comprises the following stages: generating an information display element when the window is not automatically generated; and displaying the generated information display element on the display of the client terminal; wherein, When the user has selected to display the window through the information display element, the window is displayed on the monitor of the client terminal.

15. The window control method as described in claim 14 further comprises the following stages: generating the window when the window is automatically generated or when the user has selected to display the window through the information display element; and displaying the generated window on the display of the client terminal.

16. The window control method as described in claim 12, wherein, The utilization state has an initial setting, which includes a setting for utilizing the user's information in the website and the services called by the website, or a setting for not utilizing the user's information in the website and the services called by the website.

17. A window generation terminal that performs a window control method as described in any one of claims 12 to 16.

18. A window control program that causes a computer to perform a window control method as described in any one of claims 12 to 16.

19. The window control device as described in claim 1, wherein, The consent information managed by the user includes consent information regarding the use of cookies. The status input element includes at least one of an interface that allows the use of all cookies and an interface that refuses the use of all cookies.

20. The window control device as described in claim 19, wherein, This status input element contains an interface that rejects all cookies except for essential cookies.

21. The window control device as described in claim 1, wherein, The consent information managed by the user includes consent information regarding the use of cookies. By entering this status input element, the validity period of the consent information regarding cookies is updated.

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