Program and information processing method

Abstract

To enable operation of an application during execution of processing of another application.SOLUTION: A program according to one aspect of the present technique is a program that displays a window including arbitrary information that changes over time in superimposition on a part of a screen of a second application during execution of processing of a first application in background. For example, after uploading of a content in a storage is started, a progress display window including information indicating progress of the uploading of the content and information that changes according to a status of the uploading of the content is displayed in superimposition on a home screen. When an arbitrary application is selected from the home screen, a screen of the arbitrary application with the progress display window displayed in superimposition thereon is displayed instead of the home screen. The present technique can be applied to applications of mobile terminals such as smartphones.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present technology relates to a program and an information processing method, and more particularly to a program and an information processing method that enable an application to be operated while another application is being processed. [Background technology]

[0002] Storage services that use servers on the cloud, known as online storage or cloud storage, are becoming more and more popular. For example, when the capacity of the local storage of a smartphone becomes low, a user can free up space by uploading the data in the local storage, such as images and music, to a storage server. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2016-136346 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] It is inconvenient if the screen showing the upload status continues to be displayed while data is being uploaded from the local storage, preventing operation of other applications.

[0005] The present technology has been made in view of such circumstances, and makes it possible to operate one application while executing the processing of another application. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A program according to one aspect of the present technology is a program that executes a process of displaying a window containing arbitrary information that changes over time superimposed on a portion of the screen of a second application while a first application is running in the background.

[0007] In one aspect of the present technology, while a first application is running in the background, a window containing any information that changes over time is displayed over a portion of the screen of a second application. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present technology, a user can operate a certain application while processing another application is being executed. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present technology. [Diagram 2] FIG. 11 illustrates an example of screen transition of a storage management application. [Diagram 3] 3 is an enlarged view of the progress display section in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a screen transition. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a transition of an upload status. [Figure 6] 11A to 11C are diagrams illustrating an example of a screen transition when switching modes. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a progress display window. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of display of information indicating the progress of uploading. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a progress display window. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing another example of the display of the progress display window. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a screen transition. [Figure 12]FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a mobile terminal. [Figure 13] 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a storage service server. [Figure 14] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of information uploaded by the photo sticker creating device. [Figure 15] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a usage form of an image providing service. [Figure 16] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a configuration of an information processing system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] <Online storage service> System Configuration FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present technology.

[0011] The information processing system in Fig. 1 is configured by connecting a mobile terminal 1 and a storage service server 11 via the Internet. The mobile terminal 1 is a smartphone used by a user of the online storage service provided in the information processing system in Fig. 1. Although only one mobile terminal 1 is shown in Fig. 1, in reality, a large number of mobile terminals 1 are connected to the storage service server 11 via the Internet.

[0012] Other mobile terminals such as tablet terminals, and terminals such as PCs and TVs (television receivers) that can send and receive various information with servers on the Internet may also be used as information processing terminals for using online storage services.

[0013] 1, a storage management application 1A is installed on the mobile terminal 1. The storage management application 1A is a program used to use online storage services. In addition to the storage management application 1A, various applications such as a web browser and an application for using video distribution services are installed on the mobile terminal 1.

[0014] The storage management application 1A is provided with a function for uploading content stored in the local storage of the mobile terminal 1 to the storage service server 11 as indicated by the white arrow, a function for managing uploaded content, and the like. For example, images stored in the local storage are uploaded. The images to be uploaded include still images and moving images.

[0015] The user can increase the free space of the local storage by deleting uploaded images from the local storage. In addition, the user can access the storage service server 11 from his / her own terminal other than the mobile terminal 1 and use the same data on multiple terminals.

[0016] The storage service server 11 is a server that provides an online storage service. The storage service server 11 stores and manages images uploaded from the mobile terminal 1. A user who uses the online storage service must perform user registration, such as registering a user ID and password. For example, a storage area of ​​a predetermined capacity is allocated to a user who has performed user registration on the screen of the storage management application 1A, and the user is allowed to upload images within the allocated storage capacity.

[0017] When the storage management application 1A is started, the screen of the storage management application 1A is displayed on the display of the mobile terminal 1, and preparation for uploading starts automatically. In addition, when preparation for uploading is complete, uploading starts automatically. The user can start uploading by simply starting the storage management application 1A without performing any complicated operations.

[0018] Here, the processing of the storage management application 1A can be executed in the background of other applications. Processing such as uploading by the storage management application 1A is executed while the screen of the other application being executed as the main application is displayed. For example, after uploading has started, the user can put the uploading by the storage management application 1A into the background and operate the other application.

[0019] - Screen transitions when uploading FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of screen transition of the storage management application 1A.

[0020] The screen shown on the left side of Fig. 2 is the screen of the storage management application 1A during uploading. After preparation for uploading is complete and uploading has started, the screen shown on the left side of Fig. 2 is displayed.

[0021] The screen during upload is mainly composed of a progress display section 21, a thumbnail display section 22, and a menu display section 23. The horizontally long, strip-shaped progress display section 21 is provided at the top of the screen, and the entire area below it is provided as the thumbnail display section 22. At the bottom of the screen, the menu display section 23 is displayed superimposed on the display of the thumbnail display section 22.

[0022] FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of the progress display section 21. As shown in FIG.

[0023] A circular indicator 21A with numbers indicating the upload progress arranged inside is displayed on the left side of the progress display section 21. The color of the circular part of the indicator 21A changes according to the upload progress. The indicator 21A is information (first information) indicating the upload progress.

[0024] To the right of indicator 21A, the words "Backing up (300 remaining)" are displayed to indicate the upload status. The status shown in Fig. 3 indicates that uploading is in progress and that there are 300 images remaining for which uploading has not been completed. The information displayed to the right of indicator 21A is information (second information) that changes depending on the upload status.

[0025] Below the text indicating the upload status, the text "Tap here for fastest backup" is displayed. "Tap here for fastest backup" indicates that the operation mode of the storage management application 1A can be switched by operating the progress display section 21. The operation modes of the storage management application 1A will be described later.

[0026] Returning to the explanation of FIG. 2, thumbnail images of images to be uploaded are displayed side by side in thumbnail display section 22. In the example of FIG. 2, 12 thumbnail images are displayed. By switching the display range, thumbnail images of other images to be uploaded are displayed. The screen shown on the left side of FIG. 2 is a screen on which a list of images to be uploaded is displayed. Menu display section 23, which is displayed superimposed on the thumbnail images in thumbnail display section 22, displays icons that are operated when selecting a search function, etc.

[0027] When an operation is performed to put image uploading into the background while such a storage management application 1A screen is displayed, the storage management application 1A screen closes and the home screen is displayed as indicated by the arrow (return to the home screen). The home screen, which is the main screen of the OS (Operating System), displays icons of various applications installed in the mobile terminal 1. Even while the home screen is displayed in place of the storage management application 1A screen, image uploading by the storage management application 1A continues.

[0028] On the home screen, the portion of the progress display section 21 that was displayed on the screen of the storage management application 1A is displayed as a progress display window 31. The progress display window 31 is displayed at the top of the home screen, superimposed on the icons of other applications.

[0029] In this way, even after the screen of the storage management application 1A is closed, information showing the progress of the upload being executed in the background continues to be displayed on the home screen using the progress display window 31. In the progress display window 31, together with the indicator 21A, characters showing the upload status and characters to be operated when switching the operation mode are displayed as they are.

[0030] A user can operate an icon displayed on the home screen to launch any application. For example, when an icon of a video viewing application is operated as shown on the left side of Fig. 4, the video viewing application is launched and the screen of the video viewing application is displayed instead of the home screen. The video viewing application is an application used to view videos using a video distribution service.

[0031] As shown on the right side of Fig. 4, the progress display window 31 continues to be displayed even after the video viewing application screen is displayed. Without changing its position, the progress display window 31 is displayed superimposed on the video viewing application screen. A player window is displayed on the video viewing application screen shown on the right side of Fig. 4, and thumbnail images of related videos are displayed below the player window. Playback of the video begins in response to a user operation on the player window, etc.

[0032] In this way, the processing of the storage management application 1A can be put into the background and image uploading can be executed in parallel with the processing of other applications in the mobile terminal 1. After starting image uploading, the user can operate other applications.

[0033] For example, if the screen of the storage management application 1A continues to be displayed even while an image is being uploaded, and the upload is interrupted when the screen of the storage management application 1A is closed, the user is inconveniently unable to operate the mobile terminal 1 until the upload is complete. By making it possible to operate other applications even while an image is being uploaded, it is possible to eliminate such inconvenience.

[0034] Furthermore, if the upload progress is not displayed at all when the processing of the storage management application 1A is put into the background, the user will not know whether the upload is continuing normally, which can be unsettling. Since the progress display window 31 continues to be displayed and the upload progress is continuously presented, the user can operate other applications while checking the upload progress.

[0035] When the display of the mobile terminal 1 is turned to landscape orientation, the progress display window 31 is also displayed to landscape orientation. When the display is turned to landscape orientation and a moving image is displayed in full screen mode, the display position of the progress display window 31 may be automatically adjusted to a position where it does not overlap the moving image.

[0036] Status transition FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the transition of the upload status.

[0037] The screen of the storage management application 1A shown on the left side of Fig. 5 is a screen during preparation for uploading. For example, after the storage management application 1A is started, preparation for uploading starts automatically, and the screen shown on the left side of Fig. 5 is displayed. In the example of Fig. 5, thumbnail images of the images to be uploaded are not yet displayed.

[0038] The progress display section 21 at the top of the screen displays information indicating that the upload status is "preparation." Preparations for uploading include checking the free space on the storage service server 11 and searching for images stored in the local storage that have not yet been uploaded. Thumbnail images of the images found to be uploaded are displayed in sequence.

[0039] When preparation for uploading is complete, uploading will automatically begin. The screen of storage management application 1A shown in the center of Fig. 5 is the same as the screen described with reference to Fig. 2, showing the upload in progress.

[0040] The screen of the storage management application 1A shown on the right side of Fig. 5 is the screen when the upload is completed. Information indicating that the upload is completed is displayed in the progress display section 21. The screen transition shown in Fig. 5 is the transition that occurs when the user does not operate other applications while the upload is in progress and keeps the screen of the storage management application 1A displayed.

[0041] In this way, information indicating the upload status that changes according to the upload situation is displayed in the progress display section 21 on the screen of the storage management application 1A. Both the indicator 21A showing the upload progress and the information indicating the upload status are information that changes over time.

[0042] Similarly, when the progress display window 31 is displayed over the home screen or the screen of another application, the above-mentioned information that changes according to the upload status is displayed in the progress display window 31. From the display of the progress display window 31, the user can check each status of the upload: preparing, in progress, and completed.

[0043] In addition to upload preparation, upload in progress, and upload completion, various information related to upload such as information indicating that an error occurred in upload, information on available space, and information on the total space allocated to the user are displayed on the progress display section 21 and the progress display window 31. Information on the membership type of the online storage service and information on the communication status of the mobile terminal 1 (Wi-Fi (registered trademark) not connected, not connected to the Internet, etc.) may also be displayed.

[0044] The upload may be set to be backgrounded after the upload has started and the status has changed to "in progress." In this case, the storage management application 1A cannot be set to be backgrounded when the status is "preparing" before the upload starts. This allows the resources of the mobile terminal 1 to be allocated to preparing for the upload. Naturally, the upload may be set to be backgrounded when the status is "preparing."

[0045] - Screen transition when switching modes FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a screen transition when switching modes.

[0046] The storage management application 1A has two operation modes: a first mode, which is a normal mode, and a second mode, which is a concentrated mode. The normal mode is an operation mode in which it is possible to select whether or not the processing of the storage management application 1A, such as uploading, is executed in the background. When operating in the normal mode and an operation is performed to put uploading into the background, it becomes possible to operate other applications as described above.

[0047] On the other hand, the intensive mode is an operation mode in which the storage management application 1A is not put into the background, but is instead concentrated on executing the processing of the storage management application 1A as the main processing. It is possible to select either the normal mode in which uploading is executed in the background of other applications, or the intensive mode in which uploading is executed as the main processing.

[0048] 6 is a screen displayed when the operation mode of the storage management application 1A is the normal mode. Progress display section 21 displays information indicating that an image is being uploaded.

[0049] When an operation to switch the operation mode is performed in this state, the operation mode of the storage management application 1A is switched, and a concentration mode screen is displayed instead of the screen including a list of images to be uploaded, as indicated by the arrow. For example, tapping on the progress display section 21 is used as an operation to switch the operation mode. In the concentration mode, the screen of the storage management application 1A is displayed over the entire display, and other applications cannot be operated.

[0050] An indicator showing the progress of uploading is displayed approximately in the center of the screen in the concentration mode, and an explanation of the concentration mode is displayed below that. When the storage management application 1A is operating in the concentration mode, this type of screen of the storage management application 1A continues to be displayed on the display of the mobile terminal 1. The mobile terminal 1 does not enter a locked state or a sleep state (screen off state), and the processing of the storage management application 1A, i.e., image uploading, is executed as the main processing. Since it is executed as the main processing, uploading in the concentration mode usually completes in a short time compared to when it is performed in the background of another application.

[0051] Similarly, when the progress display window 31 that is displayed on top of the home screen or the screen of another application is tapped, the operating mode of the storage management application 1A may be switched to the concentration mode, and a screen for the concentration mode such as that shown on the right side of Figure 6 may be displayed.

[0052] <Example of the progress display window> Example of display format FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the display of the progress display window 31. As shown in FIG.

[0053] The progress display window 31 displayed superimposed on the home screen can be moved to any position as shown in Fig. 7A. For example, the display position of the progress display window 31 moves in response to a drag operation by the user.

[0054] Also, the progress display window 31 may be made retractable as shown in Fig. 7B. In the example of Fig. 7B, the progress display window 31 is minimized so that only a left-pointing arrow is displayed, and is displayed at the bottom right corner of the home screen. When the retracted progress display window 31 is tapped or dragged, the progress display window 31 extends to the left and is displayed in the normal state as shown in Fig. 7A.

[0055] As shown in Fig. 7C, an indicator 21A may be displayed in the retreated progress display window 31. The size of the progress display window 31 may be adjusted by pinching in / out.

[0056] The progress display window 31 may be displayed in the state shown in FIG. 7B or FIG. 7C, and may be displayed in the normal state as shown in FIG. 7A only when there is a change in the status or a notification to the user.

[0057] This makes it possible to display the progress display window 31 so as not to interfere with the display of the home screen. The above display form is also used when the progress display window 31 is displayed overlapping the screen of another application, rather than on the home screen.

[0058] In this way, it is possible to set the shape and size of the progress display window 31. It is also possible to set the display start position of the progress display window 31, and to set whether the display of the progress display window 31 is turned ON or OFF.

[0059] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of displaying information indicating the progress of uploading.

[0060] As shown in Fig. 8A, the progress of uploading may be displayed using a thin bar-shaped indicator 32 instead of the progress display window 31. The progress of uploading is displayed by changing the color of the indicator 32.

[0061] As shown in Fig. 8B, character C may be displayed and the upload progress may be displayed by having character C talk to the user. In the example of Fig. 8B, character C is displayed on the right side of the screen and information indicating the upload progress is displayed in a speech bubble. An animation in which character C grows and gets bigger as the upload progresses may be used to display character C.

[0062] In this way, it is possible for the upload progress to be presented using a display other than the progress display window 31 .

[0063] The display of the progress display window 31 may be switched depending on the upload status, the state of the main application being executed, etc. For example, when the display mode of the video viewing application becomes the full screen mode, the progress display window 31 is displayed in a retreated state.

[0064] 2, the screen of the storage management application 1A may not be displayed, and information may be presented using the progress display window 31 from the start of the storage management application 1A. In this case, immediately after the start of the storage management application 1A, the progress display window 31 is displayed superimposed on the home screen or the screen of another application, and preparation for uploading, etc. may be performed. The user may be able to set whether the screen of the storage management application 1A or the progress display window 31 is displayed immediately after the start of the storage management application 1A.

[0065] Example of display content Fig. 9 is a diagram showing a display example of the progress display window 31. The progress display window 31 shown in Fig. 9 is displayed superimposed on the home screen or the screen of another application. The same applies to Figs. 10 and 11 described later.

[0066] In the example of Fig. 9A, an indicator 21A is displayed on the left edge of the progress display window 31, and a number of thumbnail images are displayed side by side to the right of the indicator 21A. The thumbnail images displayed side by side in the progress display window 31 are, for example, thumbnail images of images being uploaded. The thumbnail images in the progress display window 31 are displayed in sequence, as indicated by the arrows.

[0067] By displaying a slide show using images being uploaded, the user can check what images are being uploaded while operating other applications. A slide show using images that have already been uploaded and a slide show using images before uploading may also be displayed.

[0068] As shown in Fig. 9B, detailed information about the image being uploaded may be displayed together with the thumbnail image. In the example of Fig. 9B, the date the image was taken is displayed above the thumbnail image. Other information included in the detailed information about the image being uploaded, such as the file name and the location where the image was taken, may also be displayed.

[0069] 9, which uses images being uploaded, is also information that changes according to the upload status. It is possible to display various types of information that change according to the content status in the progress display window 31 together with the indicator 21A.

[0070] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of the display of the progress display window 31. As shown in FIG.

[0071] The images displayed in the progress display window 31 shown on the left side of Fig. 10A are thumbnail images of representative images of album contents created by the album function. In the example of Fig. 10A, thumbnail images of representative images of album contents created based on images taken and uploaded two years ago are displayed. The thumbnail images of representative images of album contents are also displayed in a slideshow format, switching between them in sequence.

[0072] For example, based on uploaded images, album content is created by grouping images taken on a certain date, images taken at the same place, images in which the same person appears, etc. Such an album content creation function is provided in the storage management application 1A. The album content creation function may also be provided in the storage service server 11.

[0073] The images displayed in the progress display window 31 shown on the right side of FIG. 10A are thumbnail images of representative images of content created based on images of people the user likes. Content is created by compiling images of celebrities the user likes, such as idols, actors, singers, etc. A function for creating such content is provided in the storage management application 1A or the storage service server 11. Images used to create the content are, for example, images acquired from websites on the Internet. Settings related to the content to be displayed in the progress display window 31, such as the type of image to be acquired, are performed by the user.

[0074] Any image displayed in the progress display window 31 may be enlarged by manipulating the image. Content other than images may be displayed in the progress display window 31. For example, news content consisting of text and game content operable within the progress display window 31 are displayed in the progress display window 31.

[0075] An advertisement is displayed together with indicator 21A in progress display window 31 shown in Fig. 10B. A link is provided to the advertisement image. The image shown in Fig. 10 as information displayed in progress display window 31 together with indicator 21A also changes according to the upload status.

[0076] In this way, it is possible to display various kinds of information in the progress display window 31 other than thumbnail images of images being uploaded and thumbnail images of images that have already been uploaded. Various kinds of arbitrary information that changes over time is displayed in the progress display window 31. It is also possible to allow the user to set what type of information is displayed in the progress display window 31. This allows the user to check his / her favorite information while operating other applications.

[0077] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a screen transition.

[0078] 11A, when the progress display window 31 including the indicator 21A and the like is operated, the screen of the mobile terminal 1 transitions to a normal mode screen (list screen of images to be uploaded) or a concentration mode screen of the storage management application 1A instead of the home screen or a screen of another application. The user may be able to set whether to transition to the normal mode screen or the concentration mode screen when the progress display window 31 is operated.

[0079] As shown in FIG. 11B, when a progress display window 31 including thumbnail images of images being uploaded is operated, the screen of the mobile terminal 1 transitions to a list screen of uploaded images instead of the home screen or a screen of another application.

[0080] As shown in FIG. 11C, when the progress display window 31 including the advertisement is operated, for example, a Web browser is started, and the screen of the mobile terminal 1 transitions to the Web site to which the advertisement is linked.

[0081] The same applies when other information is displayed in the progress display window 31. The screen to which the user transitions when the progress display window 31 is operated changes depending on the content of the information displayed in the progress display window 31. For example, when the progress display window 31 displaying a slide show of album contents is operated, a screen listing thumbnail images of images constituting the album contents is displayed.

[0082] In this way, various information is displayed in the progress display window 31, which is always displayed superimposed on the home screen or the screen of another application. The displayed content may be changed by a horizontal scroll operation or a vertical flick operation.

[0083] <Configuration of each device> Mobile device configuration FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the mobile terminal 1. As shown in FIG.

[0084] As shown in FIG. 12, the mobile terminal 1 is provided with a control unit 101, a communication unit 102, a memory 103, a display 104, an operation unit 105, and a camera 106.

[0085] The control unit 101 is composed of a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, etc. The control unit 101 executes a predetermined program to control the overall operation of the mobile terminal 1. Various applications such as a storage management application 1A and a Web browser are executed by the control unit 101.

[0086] In the control unit 101, a file management unit 111 and a display control unit 112 are realized by executing a storage management application 1A or the like.

[0087] The file management unit 111 manages image files to be uploaded. For example, while preparing for uploading, the file management unit 111 controls the communication unit 102 to communicate with the storage service server 11 and acquires information about uploaded files. The file management unit 111 searches for images that have not been uploaded from among the images stored in the local storage of the mobile terminal 1, and acquires the images found by the search as the images to be uploaded. When preparation is complete, the file management unit 111 controls the communication unit 102 to start uploading the images acquired as the images to be uploaded.

[0088] The display control unit 112 controls the display 104 to display various screens such as a home screen, a screen of the storage management application 1A, a screen of the video viewing application, and the like.

[0089] The communication unit 102 communicates with the storage service server 11 via the Internet. The communication unit 102 receives information transmitted from the storage service server 11 and outputs the information to the control unit 101. The communication unit 102 also transmits information supplied from the control unit 101 to the storage service server 11. Information such as images to be uploaded is supplied from the control unit 101.

[0090] The memory 103 is composed of a flash memory or the like. The memory 103 corresponds to the local storage of the mobile terminal 1. When a removable memory card is attached to the mobile terminal 1, the memory 103 and the memory card are used as the local storage. The memory 103 stores various information such as applications executed by the control unit 101 and images downloaded from the storage service server 11.

[0091] The display 104 is configured with an organic EL display, an LCD, etc. Various screens are displayed on the display 104 according to the control of the display control unit 112.

[0092] The operation unit 105 is configured with various buttons and a touch panel provided over the display 104. The operation unit 105 outputs to the control unit 101 a signal indicating the content of a user's operation.

[0093] The camera 106 takes pictures in response to operations by the user.

[0094] Storage service server configuration FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the storage service server 11. As shown in FIG.

[0095] 13, the storage service server 11 is configured by a computer. The storage service server 11 may be configured by multiple computers. When the storage service server 11 is configured by multiple computers, various processes are realized by the computers working together.

[0096] A central processing unit (CPU) 151, a read only memory (ROM) 152, and a random access memory (RAM) 153 are interconnected by a bus 154.

[0097] An input / output interface 155 is further connected to the bus 154. An input unit 156, an output unit 157, a storage unit 158, a communication unit 159, and a drive 160 are connected to the input / output interface 155.

[0098] The input unit 156 is composed of a keyboard, a mouse, etc. The output unit 157 is composed of a display, etc.

[0099] The storage unit 158 ​​is configured with a hard disk, a non-volatile memory, etc. The storage unit 158 ​​stores various information used to provide the online storage service, such as the program executed by the CPU 151, images uploaded from the mobile terminal 1, etc.

[0100] The communication unit 159 is an interface to the Internet. For example, the communication unit 159 communicates with the mobile terminal 1 and receives images uploaded from the mobile terminal 1. The communication unit 159 also communicates with the mobile terminal 1 and transmits various types of information, such as information used for screen display, to the mobile terminal 1.

[0101] The drive 160 controls writing of data to the removable medium 161 and reading of data from the removable medium 161 .

[0102] In the computer configured as above, the CPU 151 loads a program stored in the storage unit 158 ​​into the RAM 153 and executes it, thereby performing processes for providing online storage services.

[0103] <Examples of collaboration with other services> The online storage service may be linked to another service, and information managed in the other service may be used to display the progress display window 31. For example, an image created in a photo sticker creation device that is an arcade game machine and managed in a server may be used to display the progress display window 31.

[0104] Regarding images created using the photo sticker creation device FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of information created by the photo sticker creating device and uploaded to the image management server.

[0105] The photo sticker creation device 201 is an arcade game machine that provides a photo creation game. The photo sticker creation device 201 is installed in an amusement facility such as a game center or a store.

[0106] Users of the photo sticker creating device 201 are mainly high school girls and young women. In the photo sticker creating device 201, a plurality of users, mainly two or three people per group, can enjoy the game together. Of course, in the photo sticker creating device 201, a single user can also enjoy the game.

[0107] In the photo sticker creating device 201, a user takes a photograph of himself / herself as a subject. The user edits the photographed image obtained by photographing to combine a composite image such as handwritten characters or a stamp image, and edits the photographed image into a colorful image. The user receives a sticker paper on which an edited image, which is an edited photographed image, is printed, and ends a series of games. The game provided by the photo sticker creating device 201 proceeds by photographing multiple users as subjects, and editing the photographed image obtained by photographing according to the user's operation to create an edited image. For example, an image in which multiple users appear together is created as a photographed image and an edited image.

[0108] The photo sticker creating device 201 includes a computer that controls the overall operation of the photo sticker creating device 201, a camera that photographs the user, a photographing monitor that displays a live view image captured by the camera, an editing monitor used by the user to edit the photographed image, a printer that prints the image on a print medium such as sticker paper, etc. Details of the configuration of the photo sticker creating device 201 are disclosed in, for example, JP 2018-64220 A.

[0109] In one game provided by the photo sticker creating device 201, multiple shots are taken, and multiple shot images, for example, five shot images, are obtained. In addition, editing is performed on each of the multiple shot images, and multiple edited images are created.

[0110] The photo sticker creating device 201 not only prints the images created in this way on sticker paper and provides them to the user, but also makes the images viewable on the mobile terminal 1. The photo sticker creating device 201 transmits (uploads) the images created in the game to the image management server 211.

[0111] The image management server 211 receives images uploaded from the photo sticker creating device 201 and manages them by assigning a predetermined URL, etc. The image management server 211 provides an image that a user who has accessed the server by operating the mobile terminal 1 has created in a game on the photo sticker creating device 201. The image created by the user is identified based on a game ID, which is identification information for the game, input by the user, etc.

[0112] In this way, the image management server 211 is a server that provides an image provision service. The image provision service provided by the image management server 211 is a membership-based service that enables users to view images on the mobile terminal 1 and download images to the mobile terminal 1.

[0113] After the user of the mobile terminal 1 finishes the game using the photo sticker creating device 201, he or she operates the mobile terminal 1 to access the image management server 211 and use the image providing service to view images, etc. An application for displaying the screen of the image providing service provided by the image management server 211 is installed in the mobile terminal 1.

[0114] As indicated by the outlined arrow in FIG. 14, all photographed images and edited images created in a game are uploaded from the photo sticker creating device 201 to the image management server 211 for each game.

[0115] Management information is added to an image uploaded from the photo sticker creating device 201. The management information is information that is generated in the photo sticker creating device 201 in order to manage the uploaded images, and is transmitted to the image management server 211. In the image management server 211, the uploaded images are managed in association with each piece of information included in the management information.

[0116] The management information includes various types of information such as a game ID, a device ID, and play information. The game ID is an ID issued by the photo sticker creating device 201 for each game. The device ID is an ID set on the housing of the photo sticker creating device 201. A different ID is set for each housing. The play information is information that indicates the play status of the game.

[0117] Membership type In order to use the image providing service provided by the image management server 211, the user must register as a member and create an account for the image providing service. The account for the image providing service is composed of a user ID and a password.

[0118] The types of members include, for example: (1) Free Membership (2) Paid membership (3) Premium Membership

[0119] A free member is a member who does not pay a membership fee. A free member is allowed to save only one image created in one game and uploaded from the photo sticker creating device 201 on the My Page screen. The My Page screen is a user-only screen assigned to each user who has registered as a member, and is used for viewing images managed in the image management server 211.

[0120] A paid member is a member who is required to pay a predetermined membership fee, such as 300 yen / month. Paid members are allowed to save all images created in one game and uploaded from the photo sticker creating device 201 on their My Page screen.

[0121] A premium member is a member who is required to pay a higher membership fee than a paid member, for example, 500 yen / month. In the sense that a membership fee is required, a premium member can also be called a paid member. Paid members include premium members.

[0122] The images that paid members and free members can save on the My Page screen are edited images uploaded from the photo sticker creating device 201. On the other hand, the images that premium members can save on the My Page screen are edited images uploaded from the photo sticker creating device 201 and the photographed images that are the source of the edited images.

[0123] In this way, the type and number of images that can be saved on the My Page screen differs depending on the type of membership used to use the image providing service.

[0124] How the service is used FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of how the image providing service is used.

[0125] 15A and 15B, the image providing service can be used in two ways: using a dedicated application installed in the mobile terminal 1, and using a Web browser. The dedicated application is, for example, an application prepared by a service provider of the image providing service (the manufacturer of the photo sticker creating device 201).

[0126] 15A, when a user activates a dedicated application, the dedicated application accesses the image management server 211. On the display of the mobile terminal 1, a login screen is displayed appropriately by the dedicated application.

[0127] When a login operation is performed using a user ID and password, a screen such as a My Page screen for using the image provision service is displayed on the display of the mobile terminal 1 based on the information sent from the image management server 211.

[0128] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 15B, when a user accesses the image management server 211 by starting a web browser and entering a specific URL, a login screen is displayed by the web browser on the display of the mobile terminal 1 as appropriate.

[0129] When a login operation is performed using a user ID and password, a screen such as a My Page screen for using the image provision service is displayed on the display of the mobile terminal 1 based on the information sent from the image management server 211.

[0130] In this way, the user can use the image providing service via a dedicated application or via a Web browser to view the images created in the game of the photo sticker creating device 201 on the My Page screen.

[0131] - Linking image provision services and online storage services FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an information processing system including the storage service server 11 and the image management server 211.

[0132] A dedicated application 1B used for using the image providing service is installed in the mobile terminal 1 in Fig. 16. The dedicated application 1B has a function for using the image providing service by displaying a My Page screen, etc., and also has a storage management function for managing images uploaded to the storage service server 11.

[0133] It is possible to have the same functions as those of the storage management application 1A installed in a dedicated application 1B used to utilize an image providing service. Images stored in the local storage of the mobile terminal 1 are uploaded to the storage service server 11 by the dedicated application 1B. During the upload of images, the progress of the upload is presented to the user by displaying a progress display window 31 or the like.

[0134] During uploading of images, for example, thumbnail images of images created by the user in the game of the photo sticker creating device 201 are displayed in the progress display window 31. For example, a slide show is displayed using the same images as those displayed on the My Page screen. The slide show displayed in the progress display window 31 is also information that changes with the passage of time. The user can wait for the upload to finish or operate other applications while looking at the images he or she created in the game of the photo sticker creating device 201. The display contents of the progress display window 31 may be changed depending on the membership type of the image management service.

[0135] In addition, as indicated by the white arrow in Figure 16, an image created by a user in a game using the photo sticker creation device 201 may be uploaded from the image management server 211 to the storage service server 11 and managed in the storage service server 11.

[0136] In the storage service server 11, the images uploaded from the image management server 211 are received and managed together with images directly uploaded to the storage service server 11 from the mobile terminal 1. The user can centrally manage the images created in the game of the photo sticker creating device 201 together with images taken by the camera 106 of the mobile terminal 1, etc., by using the online storage service.

[0137] In this way, not only images stored in the local storage of the mobile terminal 1, but also various images owned by the user of the mobile terminal 1 may be uploaded to the storage service server 11.

[0138] The above technology can also be applied to the case of uploading content created in a game of an arcade game machine other than the photo sticker creation device 201. The content includes various types of content such as still image content that can be created in a game of the photo sticker creation device 201, video image content, music content, and 3D model content of an avatar used in a VR space.

[0139] <Modification> If the online storage service has membership types such as paid membership / free membership, the information displayed in the progress display window 31 can be changed according to the membership type of the online storage service.

[0140] Whether or not the function of uploading images in the background can be used may be set according to the membership type of the online storage service. For example, a paid member may be able to use the function of uploading images in the background.

[0141] The display contents of the progress display window 31 and the screen to which the user transitions when the progress display window 31 is operated may be automatically changed according to the user's status including the membership type.

[0142] Although the process executed in the background is assumed to be image uploading, other processes may be backgrounded and, while the other processes are being executed, a window containing information on the progress of the process may be displayed superimposed on a part of the screen of the other application. Processes that are backgrounded include various processes that require a certain amount of time to the extent that the user would become bored if the screen of the process were to continue to be displayed. Various processes such as conversion processing of certain data, import processing including downloading, and search processing are executed in the background of other processes.

[0143] Although the progress of processing running in the background is visually presented to the user by displaying the progress display window 31, it may also be presented using auditory information such as sound, or tactile information such as vibration.

[0144] The above-mentioned series of processes can be executed by hardware or software. When the series of processes is executed by software, the program constituting the software is installed in a computer incorporated in dedicated hardware or a general-purpose personal computer.

[0145] The program to be installed is provided by being stored in removable medium 161 shown in FIG. 13, which is made up of an optical disk (CD-ROM (Compact Disc-Read Only Memory), DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), etc.) or a semiconductor memory. Alternatively, the program may be provided via a wired or wireless transmission medium such as a local area network, the Internet, or digital broadcasting. The program can be installed in advance in ROM 152 or storage unit 158.

[0146] The program executed by the computer may be a program in which processing is performed chronologically in the order described in this specification, or it may be a program in which processing is performed in parallel or at the required timing, such as when called.

[0147] In this specification, a system refers to a collection of multiple components (devices, modules (parts), etc.), regardless of whether all the components are in the same housing. Therefore, multiple devices housed in separate housings and connected via a network, and a single device in which multiple modules are housed in a single housing, are both systems.

[0148] The effects described herein are merely examples and are not limiting, and other effects may exist.

[0149] The embodiments of the present technology are not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible without departing from the gist of the present technology.

[0150] For example, the present technology can be configured as cloud computing, in which a single function is shared and processed collaboratively by multiple devices via a network.

[0151] Furthermore, each step described in the above flow chart can be executed by one device, or can be shared and executed by a plurality of devices.

[0152] Furthermore, when a single step includes multiple processes, the multiple processes included in the single step can be executed by a single device, or can be shared and executed by multiple devices. [Explanation of symbols]

[0153] 1 Mobile terminal, 1A storage management application, 1B dedicated application, 11 storage service server, 21 progress display section, 21A indicator, 22 thumbnail display section, 23 menu display section, 31 progress display window, 201 photo sticker creation device, 211 image management server

Claims

1. On the computer, While the first application is running in the background, a window containing any information that changes over time is displayed over a portion of the screen of the second application. A program that executes a process.

2. The arbitrary information is information regarding the processing of the first application. The program according to claim 1.

3. the process of the first application includes uploading content; displaying the window including, as the arbitrary information, first information indicating a progress of uploading the content; The program according to claim 2.

4. The window including, as the arbitrary information, second information that changes according to the upload status of the content together with the first information is displayed. The program according to claim 3.

5. After starting uploading the content, displaying the window on a home screen; When the second application is selected from the home screen, a screen of the second application with the window partially overlapping therewith is displayed in place of the home screen. The program according to claim 3 or 4.

6. a first mode in which the content upload is executed in the background, and a second mode in which the content upload is executed as a main process; The content is uploaded in the first mode or the second mode in response to a user operation. The program according to claim 3.

7. A screen transition when the window is operated is switched according to the content of the second information. The program according to claim 4.

8. A thumbnail image of an image to be uploaded or a thumbnail image of an image that has already been uploaded is displayed as the second information together with the indicator as the first information. The program according to claim 4 or 7.

9. A thumbnail image of an image created by using a game of an arcade game machine in which a plurality of users are photographed together and an edited image is created by editing the photographed image in response to an operation of the users is displayed as the second information. The program according to claim 4 or 7.

10. The mobile device, While the first application is running in the background, a window containing any information that changes over time is displayed over a portion of the screen of the second application. Information processing methods.

Images