Information processing device, method, program and system

Abstract

To provide users with comfortable information browsing experience.SOLUTION: A program causes a computer to function as means of: upon receiving an operation of a first pattern with a first cover image corresponding to a first electronic book displayed on a screen, displaying a part constituting the first electronic book on the screen; upon receiving the operation of the first pattern with the part constituting the first electronic book displayed on the screen, displaying another part constituting the first electronic book on the screen; and upon receiving an operation of a second pattern different from the first pattern, displaying a second cover image corresponding to a second electronic book different from the first electronic book on the screen.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing device, a method, a program, and a system. [Background technology]

[0002] Electronic books such as digital comics can be read on a variety of devices. However, with conventional UIs (User Interfaces) used to read electronic books, users are forced to perform multiple operations along the hierarchical structure of the electronic book data before they reach the content they want to read, which can be cumbersome for users.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes a technology that attempts to switch between multiple viewing operation modes by performing a single operation that does not require precision when a single page or a double-page spread of an electronic book is displayed. Patent Document 1 illustrates, for example, that when the last page of a certain subcontent is displayed and an operation to move the page is accepted, the first page of another adjacent subcontent is displayed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2015-087806 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The technology described in Patent Literature 1 may improve usability in situations where a user is reading a series of e-books consecutively. However, for example, in situations where a user is having difficulty deciding which e-book to start reading in earnest, the technology described in Patent Literature 1 cannot be expected to improve usability.

[0006] An objective of the present disclosure is to provide users with a comfortable information browsing experience. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A program of one embodiment of the present disclosure causes a computer to function as: a means for, when a first pattern of operation is received while a first cover image corresponding to a first e-book is displayed on the screen, displaying a portion of the first e-book on the screen; a means for, when a first pattern of operation is received while a portion of the first e-book is displayed on the screen, displaying another portion of the first e-book on the screen; and a means for, when a second pattern of operation different from the first pattern is received, displaying a second cover image corresponding to a second e-book different from the first e-book on the screen. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a client device according to the present embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a server according to the present embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of one aspect of the present embodiment. [Diagram 5] 4 is a flowchart of a display control process according to the present embodiment. [Figure 6] 4 is a flowchart of a display control process according to the present embodiment. [Figure 7] 4 is a flowchart of a load control process according to the present embodiment. [Figure 8] 4 is a flowchart of a load control process according to the present embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a first load process executed in the load control process of the embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of a second load process executed in the load control process of the embodiment. [Figure 11]FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of a third load process executed in the load control process of the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings for explaining the embodiment, the same components are generally designated by the same reference numerals, and the repeated description will be omitted.

[0010] (1) Information Processing System Configuration The configuration of the information processing system will be described below. Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the information processing system according to the present embodiment.

[0011] As shown in FIG. 1, the information processing system 1 includes a client device 10 and a server 30. The client device 10 and the server 30 are connected via a network (eg, the Internet or an intranet) NW.

[0012] The client device 10 is an example of an information processing device that transmits a request to the server 30. The client device 10 is, for example, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a personal computer, or an electronic book terminal. A user of the client device 10 is, for example, a reader of an electronic book. An electronic book is a book that has been digitized (for example, a comic, a magazine, a novel, a practical book, a specialized book, etc.).

[0013] An electronic book may, for example, include information regarding at least one of the following: Cover image Page Image Body text

[0014] An order relationship is established between a plurality of page images constituting an electronic book, or between a plurality of characters constituting a main text. Such an order relationship depends on the structure of the electronic book. On the other hand, an order relationship is also established between a plurality of electronic books. However, the order relationship between electronic books may be changed (sorted) according to an instruction from a user of the client device 10, an administrator of the information processing system 1, or the like.

[0015] The server 30 is an example of an information processing device that provides the client device 10 with a response in response to a request transmitted from the client device 10. The server 30 is, for example, a server computer.

[0016] (1-1) Client device configuration The configuration of the client device will now be described with reference to Fig. 2, which is a block diagram showing the configuration of the client device of this embodiment.

[0017] 2, the client device 10 includes a storage device 11, a processor 12, an input / output interface 13, and a communication interface 14. The client device 10 is connected to a display 21.

[0018] The storage device 11 is configured to store programs and data. The storage device 11 is, for example, a combination of a Read Only Memory (ROM), a Random Access Memory (RAM), and a storage (for example, a flash memory or a hard disk).

[0019] The programs include, for example, the following programs: ·OS (Operating System) programs · Programs for applications that process information (e.g. web browsers or e-book reading applications)

[0020] The data includes, for example, the following data: Databases referenced in information processing Data obtained by performing information processing (i.e., the results of performing information processing)

[0021] The processor 12 is a computer that realizes the functions of the client device 10 by running a program stored in the storage device 11. The processor 12 is, for example, at least one of the following: ·CPU(Central Processing Unit) ·GPU(Graphic Processing Unit) ·ASIC(Application Specific Integrated Circuit) ·FPGA(Field Programmable Array)

[0022] The input / output interface 13 is configured to obtain information (eg, a user's instruction) from an input device connected to the client device 10, and to output information (eg, an image signal) to an output device connected to the client device 10.

[0023] The input device is, for example, a keyboard, a pointing device, a touch panel, or a combination thereof. The output device is, for example, a display 21, a speaker, or a combination thereof.

[0024] The communication interface 14 is configured to control communications between the client device 10 and an external device (eg, a server 30).

[0025] The display 21 is configured to display an image (still image or moving image). The display 21 is, for example, a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, or electronic paper.

[0026] (1-2) Server configuration The configuration of the server will now be described with reference to Fig. 3, which is a block diagram showing the configuration of the server according to this embodiment.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 3, the server 30 includes a storage device 31, a processor 32, an input / output interface 33, and a communication interface .

[0028] The storage device 31 is configured to store programs and data, and is, for example, a combination of a ROM, a RAM, and a storage (for example, a flash memory or a hard disk).

[0029] The programs include, for example, the following programs: -OS programs Application programs that perform information processing

[0030] The data includes, for example, the following data: Databases referenced in information processing Results of information processing

[0031] The processor 32 is a computer that realizes the functions of the server 30 by starting a program stored in the storage device 31. The processor 32 is, for example, at least one of the following. ·CPU GPU ·ASIC FPGA

[0032] The input / output interface 33 is configured to obtain information (eg, a user's instruction) from an input device connected to the server 30, and to output information (eg, an image signal) to an output device connected to the server 30.

[0033] The input device is, for example, a keyboard, a pointing device, a touch panel, or a combination thereof. The output device is, for example, a display.

[0034] The communication interface 34 is configured to control communications between the server 30 and external devices (eg, the client device 10).

[0035] (2) One aspect of the embodiment An embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to Fig. 4, which is an explanatory diagram of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] The client device 10 of the present embodiment controls the screen displayed on the display 21 in response to an operation from the user when reading an electronic book. The client device 10 responds to the operation from the user as shown in FIG.

[0037] In the example of FIG. 4, three electronic books B10, B11, and B12 are ordered, with electronic book B10 located immediately before electronic book B11, and electronic book B12 located immediately after electronic book B11. Each electronic book includes multiple ordered page images. For example, electronic book B11 includes a page image C11 corresponding to the cover (hereinafter referred to as "cover image"), and page images P111 and P112 corresponding to the main text. Cover image C11 is the first page image, page image P111 is the second (i.e., the first in the main text) page image, and page image P112 is the third page image.

[0038] When the client device 10 receives a right flick operation (an example of a "first pattern operation") while a cover image corresponding to an electronic book is displayed on the display 21, the client device 10 causes the display 21 to display a first page image (an example of a "part constituting an electronic book") in the main part of the electronic book. For example, when the client device 10 receives a right flick operation while a cover image C11 is displayed on the display 21, the client device 10 causes the display 21 to display a page image P111.

[0039] When the client device 10 receives a right flick operation or a left flick operation (an example of a "first pattern operation") while any page image (an example of a "part constituting an electronic book") corresponding to an electronic book is displayed on the display 21, the client device 10 causes the display 21 to display a next or previous page image (an example of a "different part constituting an electronic book"). For example, when the client device 10 receives a right flick operation while the page image P111 is displayed on the display 21, the client device 10 causes the display 21 to display a page image P112. On the other hand, when the client device 10 receives a left flick operation (i.e., an operation of the same type as the right flick operation but in the opposite direction) while the page image P112 is displayed on the display 21, the client device 10 causes the display 21 to display the page image P111.

[0040] When the client device 10 receives an upward flick operation or a downward flick operation (both are examples of "second pattern operations") in a state where a cover image or any of the page images corresponding to a certain electronic book is displayed on the display 21, the client device 10 causes the display 21 to display the next or previous electronic book of the electronic book. For example, when the client device 10 receives an upward flick operation in a state where the cover image C11 or any of the page images P111 to P112 corresponding to the electronic book B11 is displayed on the display 21, the client device 10 causes the display 21 to display the cover image C12 corresponding to the electronic book B12. On the other hand, when the client device 10 receives a downward flick operation (i.e., an operation of the same type as the upward flick operation but in the opposite direction) in a state where the cover image C11 or any of the page images P111 to P112 corresponding to the electronic book B11 is displayed on the display 21, the client device 10 causes the display 21 to display the cover image C10 corresponding to the electronic book B10.

[0041] In this way, the client device 10 allows the user to switch the display of an electronic book to another electronic book with a single operation while viewing the electronic book. In other words, the client device 10 allows the user to easily check the cover images of various electronic books in a short time, for example, like zapping when watching television, by repeating the second pattern of operation when searching for an electronic book that the user wants to read in earnest. Also, the client device 10 allows the user to easily read the page images following the cover image that caught his / her attention, since both the switching from the cover image to the page image and the switching between the page images are performed according to the first pattern of operation.

[0042] (3) Information processing The information processing of this embodiment will be described.

[0043] (3-1) Display control processing The display control process of this embodiment will be described below with reference to Fig. 5 and Fig. 6, which are flowcharts of the display control process of this embodiment.

[0044] The display control process of the present embodiment can be started by the client device 10 starting a specific application or by the client device 10 accessing a server 30 that provides a specific SaaS (Software as a Service).

[0045] As shown in FIG. 5, the client device 10 selects a work (S110). Specifically, the client device 10 selects a work (electronic book) to be viewed in response to a user instruction. As an example, the client device 10 displays a screen (library screen) showing a plurality of selectable works on the display 21, and the user performs an operation to select a desired work from the screen.

[0046] After step S110, the client device 10 executes display of the work (S111). Specifically, the client device 10 displays on the display 21 the work selected in step S110.

[0047] As a first example of displaying a work (S111), the client device 10 displays on the display 21 a cover image corresponding to a selected work (hereinafter, referred to as a "target work"), regardless of the user's browsing history.

[0048] As a second example of displaying a work (S111), the client device 10 refers to the user's viewing history for the target work and displays on the display 21 either the page image last viewed by the user or a predetermined number of page images before or after that.

[0049] After step S111 (i.e., while the cover image or page image of the target work is being displayed), the user can perform an operation on the client device 10 according to the content the user wants to view next. As an example, the user performs a first pattern operation when the user wants to view another part of the target work. A specific type of operation for a specific direction is assigned to the first pattern operation. Also, the first pattern operation can specify whether the part to be displayed is switched in the "forward" direction or the "back" direction depending on the direction. On the other hand, the user performs a second pattern operation when the user wants to view a work different from the target work. A specific type of operation for a specific direction is assigned to the second pattern operation. The first pattern operation and the second pattern operation are assigned operations that differ in at least one of the direction or type. Also, the second pattern operation can specify whether the work to be displayed is switched in the "forward" direction or the "back" direction depending on the direction.

[0050] As an example, a left-right flick operation may be assigned as a first pattern of operation, and an up-down flick operation may be assigned as a second pattern of operation. Also, the right direction may be assigned as the "forward" direction, the left direction may be assigned as the "backward" direction, the up direction may be assigned as the "forward" direction, and the down direction may be assigned as the "backward" direction.

[0051] After step S111, if a first pattern operation is received and the direction of the operation is "forward", the client device 10 executes display of the next page image (S112). Specifically, the client device 10 displays on the display 21 the page image next to the content currently displayed on the display 21 (that is, the cover image or page image of the target work).

[0052] As a first example of displaying the next page image (S112), when the cover image of the target work is displayed on the display 21, the client device 10 displays the second page image of the target work (i.e., the first page image in the main part) on the display 21, regardless of the user's browsing history. Alternatively, the client device 10 may refer to the user's browsing history of the target work and display on the display 21 either the page image last viewed by the user or any of a predetermined number of page images before or after that.

[0053] As a second example of displaying the next page image (S112), when a page image (excluding the last page image) of the target work is displayed on the display 21, the client device 10 displays on the display 21 the page image next to the currently displayed page image among the page images of the target work (i.e., the page image located one page after the currently displayed page image in the order relationship defined among the multiple page images of the target work).

[0054] When the last page image of the target work is displayed on the display 21, the client device 10 may display a library screen, a user account management screen, or a first content corresponding to the target work on the display 21. The first content may be, for example, any of the following: Information to introduce the target work Sales information for merchandise for the target works Information regarding the target work (e.g. campaign information such as giveaways) Information for fans of the applicable work (for example, information for purchasing additional applicable works as gifts for other users) - Cover image of the work that follows the target work (i.e., the work that follows the target work in the order relationship defined between works) (if the work has not been purchased yet, it may include an object that accepts user instructions for purchase) Information for introducing the next work of the target work (if the work has not been purchased, it may include an object that accepts user instructions for purchase) A cover image of the next work (e.g., the next instalment or volume) in the series to which the target work belongs (if the work has not yet been purchased, this may include an object that accepts user instructions for purchase) Information for introducing the next work in the series to which the target work belongs (if the work has not yet been purchased, this may include an object that accepts user instructions for purchase)

[0055] After step S111, if a first pattern operation is received and the direction of the operation is "back", the client device 10 executes display of the previous page image (S113). Specifically, the client device 10 displays on the display 21 a page image preceding the content currently displayed on the display 21 (that is, the cover image or page image of the target work).

[0056] As a first example of displaying the previous page image (S113), when a page image of the target work (excluding the first page image (i.e., the cover image)) is displayed on the display 21, the client device 10 displays on the display 21 the page image of the target work that precedes the currently displayed page image (i.e., the page image that is located one page before the currently displayed page image in the order relationship determined among the multiple page images of the target work).

[0057] As a second example of displaying the previous page image (S113), when a cover image of the target work is displayed on the display 21, the client device 10 may display the client device 10, a library screen, a user account management screen, or second content corresponding to the target work on the display 21. The second content may be, for example, any of the following: Information to introduce the target work Sales information for merchandise for the target works Information regarding the target work (e.g. campaign information such as giveaways) Information for fans of the applicable work (for example, information for purchasing additional applicable works as gifts for other users) - Cover image of the work preceding the target work (i.e., the work that is located immediately before the target work in the chronological order defined between the works) Information introducing the work before the target work -Image of the last page of the work preceding the target work - Cover image of the work that comes before the target work in the series to which the target work belongs (for example, the previous installment or the work that corresponds to the previous volume) Information introducing the work that precedes the subject work in the series to which the subject work belongs - An image of the last page of the work preceding the subject work in the series to which the subject work belongs

[0058] As shown in FIG. 6, after step S111, if a second pattern operation is received and the direction of the operation is "forward", the client device 10 executes display of the next work (S114). Specifically, the client device 10 displays the work next to the target work on the display 21. For example, assume that the order of electronic books is set as work A → work B → work C. In this case, when the target work is work B, work C corresponds to the work next to the target work. Note that the order of electronic books may be rearranged according to a user instruction (for example, by title, author, magazine, etc.).

[0059] As a first example of displaying the next work (S114), the client device 10 displays on the display 21 a cover image of the next work of the target work, regardless of the user's browsing history.

[0060] As a second example of displaying the next work (S114), the client device 10 refers to the user's viewing history for the next work of the target work, and displays on the display 21 either the page image last viewed by the user or a predetermined number of page images before or after that.

[0061] After step S111, if a second pattern operation is received and the direction of the operation is "back", the client device 10 executes display of the previous work (S115). Specifically, the client device 10 displays the work preceding the target work on the display 21. For example, assume that the order of electronic books is set as work A → work B → work C. In this case, when the target work is work B, work A corresponds to the work preceding the target work.

[0062] As a first example of displaying the previous work (S115), the client device 10 displays on the display 21 the cover image of the work preceding the target work, regardless of the user's browsing history.

[0063] As a second example of displaying the previous work (S115), the client device 10 refers to the user's viewing history for the work previous to the target work, and displays on the display 21 either the page image last viewed by the user, or a predetermined number of page images before or after that.

[0064] After any one of steps S112 to S115, the client device 10 executes any one of steps S112 to S115 depending on the pattern and direction of the operation received from the user.

[0065] The display control process of the present embodiment can be ended when the client device 10 ends a particular application or the Web browser.

[0066] (3-2) Load control processing The load control process of this embodiment will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart of the load control process of this embodiment. FIG. 8 is a flowchart of the load control process of this embodiment. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of a first load process executed in the load control process of this embodiment. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a second load process executed in the load control process of this embodiment. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of a third load process executed in the load control process of this embodiment.

[0067] The load control process of this embodiment can be started, for example, after the selection of a work (S110) in the display control process of this embodiment is executed.

[0068] As shown in FIG. 7, the client device 10 executes a first load process (S210). Specifically, the client device 10 loads into memory (that is, the storage device 11) the cover image and the page images a predetermined number ahead corresponding to each work from the target work to the work a predetermined number ahead.

[0069] 9, the client device 10 may load into memory, for example, cover images C1 to C6 corresponding to each work from the target work to the work five ahead (the work corresponding to the cover image C6) and the second page images P1-1 to P6-1 of the work (i.e., each image included in the load range L210) while the cover image C1 of the target work is displayed on the display 21. This allows the cover image and the second page image of the switched work to be quickly displayed on the display 21 even if the user switches the target work by performing a second type of operation. The number of works to be loaded (i.e., the vertical size of the load range L210) and the number of page images to be loaded (i.e., the horizontal size of the load range L210) may be specified by the user of the client device 10 or the administrator of the information processing system 1 (for example, the administrator of the application), etc.

[0070] Here, in Fig. 9, each row represents a cover image corresponding to each work and multiple page images included in the work. The multiple works are arranged according to the order between the works, with the work in the top row (the work corresponding to cover image C1) having the smallest order, and the work in the bottom row (the work corresponding to cover image C6) having the largest order. Also, the multiple page images included in each work are arranged according to the order between the page images, with the page image in the rightmost column (e.g., page image P1-1) having the smallest order, and the page image in the leftmost column (e.g., page image P1-6) having the largest order. The same is true for Figs. 10 and 11.

[0071] When the user performs a second type of operation and the target work is switched, the range of data to be loaded in the first load process (S210) also switches. Therefore, when the target work is switched while the first load process (S210) is being executed, the client device 10 executes the first load process (S210) for the target work after the switch. However, the client device 10 does not need to reload images that have already been loaded in memory.

[0072] On the other hand, when the first load process (S210) is completed without switching the target work, the client device 10 executes the second load process (S211). Specifically, the client device 10 loads each page image from the page image being displayed on the display 21 to a page image a predetermined number ahead into the memory.

[0073] 10, the client device 10 loads into memory, for example, each page image from the page image P1-1 to the page image P1-6 five pages ahead (i.e., each image included in the load range L211) while a page image P1-1 of the target work (a work corresponding to the cover image C1) is displayed on the display 21. This allows the switched page image to be quickly displayed on the display 21 even if the user performs the first type of operation continuously.

[0074] Furthermore, as an option for the second loading process (S211), the client device 10 may start loading into memory all page images of the target work that are in a specific order after the page image (e.g., the fifth page image from the top) in response to displaying the page image in the target work in the specific order. This allows the specified page image to be quickly displayed on the display 21 no matter which page image in the target work the user jumps to.

[0075] When the target work is switched during execution of the second load process (S211), the client device 10 stops the process and executes the first load process (S210) for the target work after the switch. However, the client device 10 does not need to reload images that have already been loaded.

[0076] Furthermore, when the user performs a first type of operation and the page image displayed on the display 21 is switched, the range of data to be loaded in the second load process (211) is also switched. Therefore, when the page image is switched during execution of the second load process (S211), the client device 10 executes the second load process (S211) for the page image after the switch. However, the client device 10 does not need to reload an image that has already been loaded.

[0077] On the other hand, when the second load process (S211) is completed without switching the target work and the page image displayed on the display 21, the client device 10 executes a third load process (S212) as shown in FIG. Specifically, the client device 10 loads into memory each page image from the third page image corresponding to each work from the target work to the work a predetermined number away (i.e., the page image next to the last (latest in order) page image loaded by the first load process among each work from the target work to the work a predetermined number away) to the page image a predetermined number away.

[0078] For example, as shown in FIG. 11, the client device 10 loads into memory each of the page images P2-2 to P2-4, ..., P6-2 to P6-4 (i.e., each image included in the load range L212) from the second page image to the third page image corresponding to each of the works from the target work (the work corresponding to cover image C1) to the work five works ahead (the work corresponding to cover image C6).

[0079] In other words, by executing the first load process (S210) to the third load process (S212), the corresponding cover image and each page image from the top to the page image a predetermined number away for each work from the target work to the work a predetermined number away will be loaded into memory.

[0080] When the target work is switched during execution of the third load process (S212), the client device 10 stops the process and executes the first load process (S210) for the target work after the switch. However, the client device 10 does not need to reload images that have already been loaded into memory.

[0081] Furthermore, when the page image displayed on the display 21 is switched during the execution of the third load process (S212), the client device 10 executes the second load process (S211) for the page image after the switch. However, the client device 10 does not need to reload an image that has already been loaded in memory.

[0082] On the other hand, when the third loading process (S212) is completed without switching the target work and the page image displayed on the display 21, the client device 10 may wait for the target work or page image to be switched, or may perform a further loading process (e.g., expanding the loading range of the first loading process (S210), the second loading process (S211), or the third loading process (S212)).

[0083] The load control process of this embodiment can be ended in conjunction with the end of the display control process of this embodiment.

[0084] (4) Summary As described above, when the client device 10 of the present embodiment receives an operation of the first pattern while a cover image corresponding to a certain electronic book is displayed on the display 21, the client device 10 displays a page image of the electronic book on the display 21. When the client device 10 receives an operation of the first pattern while a page image is displayed on the display 21, the client device 10 displays another page image of the same electronic book on the display 21. When the client device 10 receives an operation of the second pattern, the client device 10 displays a cover image corresponding to an electronic book different from the electronic book being displayed on the display 21. This allows the user to comfortably check the cover images of various electronic books in a short time, for example, like zapping when watching television, by repeating the operation of the second pattern when searching for an electronic book that the user wants to read in earnest. Moreover, according to the client device 10, both the operation of switching from the cover image to the page image and the operation of switching between the page images are performed according to the operation of the first pattern, so that the user can comfortably read the page image following the cover image that caught his / her attention. In other words, according to the present embodiment, a comfortable information browsing experience can be provided to the user of the electronic book.

[0085] When the client device 10 receives the second pattern operation while a cover image or page image corresponding to a certain electronic book is displayed on the display 21, the client device 10 may display a cover image corresponding to another electronic book on the display 21. This allows the user to switch the display to the cover image of another electronic book with one operation if the user is not interested in continuing reading the electronic book after previewing the electronic book. Furthermore, by repeating the second pattern operation after the display switching, the cover images of various electronic books can be comfortably checked in a short time, for example, like zapping when watching television.

[0086] Each electronic book may include a number of page images in order. When the client device 10 receives an operation of a first pattern associated with the "forward" direction while a certain page image is displayed on the display 21, the client device 10 may cause the display 21 to display the page image immediately following the page image. When the client device 10 receives an operation of a first pattern associated with the "back" direction while a certain page image is displayed on the display 21, the client device 10 may cause the display 21 to display the page image immediately preceding the page image. This allows the opposite actions of moving a page forward and moving a page back to be instructed by the same type of operation but in the opposite direction, which may be intuitively easy for the user to understand.

[0087] When a first pattern of operation associated with the "forward" direction is received with a cover image displayed on the display 21, the client device 10 may cause a second page image of the electronic book corresponding to the cover image to be displayed on the display 21. This allows the operation of turning the page and the operation of opening the next page from the cover to match, allowing the user to comfortably read through the electronic book corresponding to a cover image that he or she likes.

[0088] When the client device 10 receives a first pattern operation associated with the "back" direction with a certain cover image displayed on the display 21, the client device 10 may display content (e.g., information on the introduction of the work) corresponding to the electronic book having the cover image on the display 21. This allows the user to select whether to check the page images or the content (e.g., information on the introduction of the work) corresponding to the electronic book with the cover image displayed on the display 21.

[0089] At least one of an up-down swipe operation or a flick operation may be assigned as one of the first pattern operation and the second pattern operation, and at least one of a left-right swipe operation or a flick operation may be assigned as the other of the first pattern operation and the second pattern operation. This makes it possible to prevent an operation performed by a user from being recognized as an operation of an unintended pattern, since the direction targeted by the first pattern operation differs from the direction targeted by the second pattern operation.

[0090] A plurality of electronic books viewable on the client device 10 may be ordered. Then, while a page image (which may include a cover image) of a certain electronic book is displayed on the display 21, the client device 10 may load into the memory (storage device 11) page images from the cover image corresponding to each of the electronic books up to a predetermined number of electronic books ahead of the certain electronic book. This allows the cover image of the switched electronic book to be quickly displayed on the display 21 even if the user repeats the second pattern operation.

[0091] The client device 10 may load into memory each page image from a page image of an electronic book to a predetermined number of page images ahead, while the page image is being displayed on the display 21. This allows the page image after switching to be quickly displayed on the display 21 even if the user repeats the first pattern operation.

[0092] The client device 10 may load into memory all page images following a page image in a particular order in response to the page image being displayed on the display 21. This allows any page image in the electronic book to be quickly displayed on the display 21 when it is presumed that the user is actively reading the electronic book.

[0093] The client device 10 may stop loading the page image in response to receiving the second pattern of operation. This allows computer resources to be allocated to loading the cover image that must be displayed when the second pattern of operation is repeated (i.e., the first loading process described above).

[0094] (5) Other modifications The storage device 11 may be connected to the client device 10 via a network NW. The display 21 may be built into the client device 10. The storage device 31 may be connected to the server 30 via the network NW.

[0095] Each step of the above information processing can be executed by either the client device 10 or the server 30. For example, the server 30 may perform display control based on a user instruction acquired from the client device 10, and the client device 10 may mainly receive the user instruction and display information.

[0096] In the above description, an example has been given in which an electronic book is displayed in units of cover images or page images. However, any part constituting an electronic book may be the display unit. For example, an electronic book may be displayed in units of frames, or in units of double-page spread images, or in units of a specific number of lines of body text. The display unit of an electronic book may be selectable by the user of the client device 10.

[0097] In the above description, an example has been described in which a flick operation in the left-right direction is defined as a first pattern operation, and a flick operation in the up-down direction is defined as a second pattern operation. However, what operations are assigned to the first pattern operation and the second pattern operation, and what operations are assigned to the "forward" direction operation and the "back" direction operation among the operations in each pattern, are arbitrary and may be selected by the user of the client device 10, for example. For example, any of the following variations may be adopted. Assign up and down flick actions as the first pattern of actions, and left and right flick actions as the second pattern of actions. Assign left and right swipes as the first pattern of actions, and up and down swipes as the second pattern of actions. Assign up and down swipes as the first pattern of actions, and left and right swipes as the second pattern of actions. Divide the screen into top, bottom, left, and right areas, and assign touch operations on the left and right areas as the first pattern of operations, and touch operations on the top and bottom areas as the second pattern of operations. Divide the screen into top, bottom, left and right areas, and assign touch operations on the top and bottom areas as the first pattern of operations, and touch operations on the left and right areas as the second pattern of operations. In addition, when a flick operation or a swipe operation in the up and down direction, or a touch operation on the up and down regions is assigned as the first pattern operation, the following exception processing may be adopted. Specifically, when switching between page images (i.e., the left page and the right page) constituting a left-right spread page of a comic, the screen display may be controlled so that the page image moves left and right instead of up and down according to the first pattern operation. As a result, when the right side of a left-right spread page is displayed, for example, by performing an upward operation, the display switches so that the page image flows to the right, and when the left side is displayed, for example, by performing a downward operation, the display switches so that the page image flows to the left. On the other hand, when switching between other normal page images, the display switches so that the page image flows to the top (when moving forward a page) or the bottom (when moving back a page) according to the first pattern operation. By switching the display control in this way, the user can move the page image forward or backward with the same operation, and it is easy to recognize that the page image being viewed constitutes a left-right spread page, and the user can enjoy the charm of left-right spread pages as with paper comics. Alternatively, when switching between page images (i.e., left and right pages) that make up a double-page spread of a comic, a left-right flick or swipe operation, or a touch operation on the left or right area may be assigned as the first pattern of operations. This allows the display to switch to the left side by performing a leftward operation while the right side of the double-page spread is displayed, and the display to switch to the right side by performing a rightward operation while the left side is displayed, making it easy for the user to recognize that the page image being viewed constitutes a double-page spread, and allows the user to enjoy the appeal of double-page spreads in the same way as with paper comics.

[0098] The above variations may be combined as long as they are not contradictory. For example, a flick operation and a swipe operation in a specific direction may be assigned as a first pattern of operation, and a flick operation and a swipe operation in a direction perpendicular to the first pattern of operation may be assigned as a second pattern of operation. When the client device 10 receives an operation of the first pattern or the second pattern, the client device 10 may perform different display control depending on the type of the operation. As an example, when the client device 10 receives a flick operation or a touch operation, the client device 10 may immediately display the image after switching on the display 21. That is, the client device 10 may end the display of the image before switching and display the entire image after switching on the display 21. As a result, only one image is displayed on the display 21 at a time, so that the user can quickly check the entire image after switching after the operation. On the other hand, when the client device 10 receives a swipe operation, the client device 10 may display a part of the image before switching (i.e., the image displayed before the operation) and a part of the image after switching on the display 21 until the amount of operation reaches a threshold, and when the amount of operation reaches the threshold, the display of the image before switching may be ended and the entire display content after switching may be displayed on the display 21. As a result, before the display is completely switched, the images before and after switching are temporarily displayed in parallel, so that, for example, when the user passes over a cover image or page image that interests him while repeatedly performing the same pattern of operation, he or she can quickly return to the cover image or page image before switching. In addition, when the client device 10 receives a swipe operation, the client device 10 may display both images on the display 21 such that, as the amount of operation increases, the display range of the image before the switch becomes smaller and the display range of the image after the switch becomes larger, until the amount of operation reaches a threshold value.

[0099] In response to receiving the third pattern of operation (e.g., tap operation), the client device 10 may display an object that accepts a user instruction on the screen together with the page image, or may remove the displayed object from the screen. The object may be displayed, for example, in any area of ​​the screen. As an example, a footer is displayed at the bottom edge of the screen and a sidebar is displayed at the right edge of the screen. For example, at least one of the following objects may be placed in the footer: -An object that accepts user instructions to move to the home screen An object that accepts user instructions to move to the ranking page for e-books - Object that accepts user instructions to move to the user's My Page For example, at least one of the following objects may be placed in the sidebar: An object that accepts user instructions to post a reaction (e.g., "like") to the e-book the user is viewing. An object that accepts user instructions to view reactions posted to the e-book the user is viewing. An object that accepts user instructions to share the e-book that the user is viewing with other users. An object that accepts user instructions to post comments on the e-book the user is viewing. An object that accepts user instructions to view comments posted on the e-book the user is viewing. Furthermore, the client device 10 may display, when switching electronic books by the operation of the second pattern, an object similar to that when the operation of the third pattern is accepted, together with the cover image on the screen. Conversely, when displaying a cover image on the screen by switching page images by the operation of the first pattern, the client device 10 may not display, on the screen, an object similar to that when the operation of the third pattern is accepted. In addition, when the client device 10 receives a first pattern operation while an object is displayed on the screen together with a page image (including a cover image), the client device 10 may display the previous or next page image and remove the object from the screen.

[0100] In the above description, an example has been given in which switching between page images is performed in response to a first pattern of operation, and switching between works (electronic books) is performed in response to a second pattern of operation. However, one or more advertisements may be inserted between page images (which may include between page images in the middle of a work) or between works. In this case, the client device 10 may perform switching between a page image and an advertisement, or switching between advertisements, in response to a first pattern of operation. Similarly, the client device 10 may perform switching between a work and an advertisement, or switching between advertisements, in response to a second pattern of operation. The advertisement may be a still image or a video, and may further be combined with sound. The advertisement may convey a message about a product, a service, or an advertiser, or may convey a notice for a user of an electronic book reading application. The advertisement may also have an object (e.g., a button or link text) embedded therein that accepts a user instruction to access a predetermined link destination. The link destination may be within the electronic book reading application or outside the application. Furthermore, in the case where the advertisement is made up of a plurality of ordered still images (hereinafter referred to as "advertising images"), the client device 10 may switch between the advertising images in response to the first pattern of operation. Furthermore, when the client device 10 displays the advertisement on the screen in response to the second pattern of operation, the client device 10 may further display the above-mentioned sidebar, footer, or a combination of these. In this case, the "electronic book being viewed by the user" can be interpreted as the electronic book that the user was viewing before the advertisement started to be displayed, or the electronic book that the user will view after the advertisement starts to be displayed. The client device 10 may display, together with the advertisement, information indicating that the content displayed on the screen is an advertisement (for example, text such as "sponsored") on the screen.

[0101] The entire screen of the display 21 may be allocated as an area (hereinafter referred to as "work viewing area") for displaying the cover image of the electronic book or a part constituting the electronic book (e.g., a page image), or only a part of the screen of the display 21 may be allocated as the work viewing area. Alternatively, a viewing mode in which the entire screen is allocated as the work viewing area and a viewing mode in which only a part of the screen is allocated as the work viewing area may be switchable according to an instruction from a user of the client device 10 or an administrator of the information processing system 1. Furthermore, when only a part of the screen is allocated as the work viewing area, the client device 10 may display additional information in an area included in the remaining part of the screen excluding the work viewing area (hereinafter referred to as "band area"). This makes it possible to provide information to a user who is viewing an electronic book. The additional information displayed in the band area may include, for example, at least one of the following: An object that accepts a user instruction to jump to the vicinity of the position last displayed when the user of the client device 10 previously viewed the target work (for example, the last displayed page image, or any of a predetermined number of page images before or after that). Comments posted by users (e.g., users who have viewed the target work in the past) on the target work Advertising (as mentioned above) Tags added to the target work (for example, information for categorizing the target work, such as genre, author name, publication, award history, etc.) By displaying the comments, the user can view the impressions, opinions, questions, etc. of other users who have read the same e-book, and can transmit his / her own impressions, opinions, questions, etc. to the other users. In addition, by displaying advertisements, for example, it is possible to cover part or all of the cost of providing the e-book or the client device 10 to the user through advertising revenue, or to provide information on products or services that the user may want. The advertisements displayed in the band area may be determined according to the attributes of the target work or the attributes of the user. For example, when the target work is changed, the client device 10 may obtain information to be displayed in the band area from the server 30. Alternatively, the additional information may be displayed by being superimposed on the cover image of the electronic book or a part (eg, a page image) that constitutes the electronic book.

[0102] In the above description, the reading of an electronic book has been described as an example. However, this embodiment can be used for reading various information. As an example, this embodiment can be applied to the reading of product information. That is, when the client device 10 receives an operation of a first pattern in a state in which a first content (for example, a product image, a product video, a product description, or a combination thereof) corresponding to a first product is displayed on the screen, the client device 10 may display another part constituting the first content or a second content corresponding to the first product on the screen. In addition, when the client device 10 receives an operation of a second pattern different from the first pattern, the client device 10 may display a content corresponding to a second product different from the first product on the screen. In this way, when a user wants to search for a product to be considered for purchase, the user can comfortably check the content of various products in a short time, for example, like zapping when watching television, by repeating the operation of the second pattern.

[0103] Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail above, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. Furthermore, the above embodiment can be improved or modified in various ways without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Furthermore, the above embodiment and the modified examples can be combined. [Explanation of symbols]

[0104] 1: Information processing system 10: Client device 11:Storage device 12: Processor 13: Input / Output Interface 14: Communication interface 21: Display 30: Server 31: Storage device 32 : Processor 33: Input / Output Interface 34: Communication interface

Claims

1. Computer, a means for displaying a part of the first electronic book on a screen when a first pattern of operation is received while a first display unit corresponding to the first electronic book is displayed on the screen; a means for displaying, when receiving the first pattern of operation while a portion of the first electronic book is displayed on the screen, another portion of the first electronic book; a means for displaying, on the screen, a second display unit corresponding to a second electronic book different from the first electronic book when a second pattern operation different from the first pattern is received; It functions as a plurality of electronic books including the first electronic book and the second electronic book are ordered; each of the plurality of electronic books includes a plurality of ordered display units; and causing the computer to function as a means for performing a first load process of loading into memory, while a target display unit, which is any one of the display units of a target book that is any one of the plurality of electronic books, is displayed on the screen, display units that are a second predetermined number ahead from cover images corresponding to each of the electronic books from the target book to a first predetermined number ahead. program.

2. The computer: a second load processing means for loading each display unit from the target display unit to a third predetermined number of display units into the memory while the target display unit is displayed on the screen; The program according to claim 1,

3. Computer, a means for displaying a part of the first electronic book on a screen when a first pattern of operation is received while a first display unit corresponding to the first electronic book is displayed on the screen; a means for displaying, when receiving the first pattern of operation while a portion of the first electronic book is displayed on the screen, another portion of the first electronic book; a means for displaying, on the screen, a second display unit corresponding to a second electronic book different from the first electronic book when a second pattern operation different from the first pattern is received; It functions as the first electronic book includes a plurality of ordered display units; The means for displaying another part of the first electronic book on the screen controls the display of the screen so that the display unit moves left and right in response to the operation of the first pattern when switching between display units that constitute a left-right double-page spread, and controls the display of the screen so that the display unit moves up and down in response to the operation of the first pattern when switching between display units that include display units that do not constitute a left-right double-page spread. program.

4. Computer, a means for displaying a part of the first electronic book on a screen when a first pattern of operation is received while a first display unit corresponding to the first electronic book is displayed on the screen; a means for displaying, when receiving the first pattern of operation while a portion of the first electronic book is displayed on the screen, another portion of the first electronic book; a means for displaying, on the screen, a second display unit corresponding to a second electronic book different from the first electronic book when a second pattern operation different from the first pattern is received; It functions as the means for displaying the second display unit on the screen, when receiving the second pattern of operation, displays an object for receiving a user instruction together with the second display unit on the screen; causing the computer to function as a means for removing the object that accepts user instructions from the screen when the first pattern of operation is accepted while the object is displayed on the screen; program.

5. The computer When a first pattern of operation is received while a first display unit corresponding to a first electronic book is displayed on a screen, a part of the first electronic book is displayed on the screen; When the first pattern of operation is accepted while a portion of the first electronic book is displayed on the screen, another portion of the first electronic book is displayed on the screen; When receiving an operation of a second pattern different from the first pattern, displaying a second display unit corresponding to a second electronic book different from the first electronic book on the screen; Run a plurality of electronic books including the first electronic book and the second electronic book are ordered; each of the plurality of electronic books includes a plurality of ordered display units; the computer executes a step of performing a first load process in which, while a target display unit that is one of the plurality of electronic books is displayed on the screen, a cover image corresponding to each of the electronic books from the target book to a first predetermined number of electronic books ahead is loaded into memory, and a second predetermined number of display units ahead are loaded from the cover image corresponding to each of the electronic books from the target book to a first predetermined number of electronic books ahead; method.

6. a means for displaying a part of the first electronic book on a screen when a first pattern of operation is received while a first display unit corresponding to the first electronic book is displayed on the screen; a means for displaying another part of the first electronic book on the screen when the first pattern of operation is received while the part of the first electronic book is displayed on the screen; a means for displaying, on the screen, a second display unit corresponding to a second electronic book different from the first electronic book when a second pattern operation different from the first pattern is received; Equipped with a plurality of electronic books including the first electronic book and the second electronic book are ordered; each of the plurality of electronic books includes a plurality of ordered display units; a means for performing a first load process of loading into memory, while a target display unit, which is one of the display units of a target book that is one of the plurality of electronic books, is displayed on the screen, display units that are a second predetermined number ahead from a cover image corresponding to each of the electronic books from the target book to a first predetermined number ahead; Information processing device.

7. A first computer and a second computer are included, The first computer a means for displaying a portion of the first electronic book on a screen of the second computer when the second computer receives an operation of a first pattern while a first display unit corresponding to the first electronic book is displayed on the screen of the second computer; a means for displaying another part of the first electronic book on a screen of the second computer when the second computer receives the first pattern of operation while a part of the first electronic book is displayed on the screen of the second computer; a means for displaying, on a screen of the second computer, a second display unit corresponding to a second electronic book different from the first electronic book when the second computer receives an operation of a second pattern different from the first pattern; a plurality of electronic books including the first electronic book and the second electronic book are ordered; each of the plurality of electronic books includes a plurality of ordered display units; The first computer includes a means for performing a first load process of loading into a memory, while a target display unit, which is any display unit of a target book that is any one of the plurality of electronic books, is displayed on the screen, display units that are a second predetermined number ahead from a cover image corresponding to each of the electronic books from the target book to a first predetermined number ahead. system.

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