Content display system, content display method, and program

Abstract

To provide a content display system, a content display method, and a program for displaying a band that can be freely created by a reader without impairing visibility of a cover and a back cover.SOLUTION: A content display system for displaying a list of contents: acquires back cover data or cover data of the contents; acquires band data corresponding to the contents; determines a display area and a position of the band data to be displayed with respect to the back cover data or the cover data; and displays the back cover data or the cover data and the band data in the determined display area and position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a technique effective when displaying content (e-books, videos, music, etc.).

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, it is known to display an image of e-books displayed on the shelves of a bookstore and sell the e-books as if picking them up by hand (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Here, for each e-book, a band may be included on the front cover or the back cover. This band is originally displayed in a form included in the back cover prepared by the publisher side.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] On the other hand, as a need of readers who view e-books, there may be a case where they want to make a small note on the e-books they view. For example, there may be a case where they want to make a note on the e-book, such as the date when they read the e-book, the category of the e-book, and comments on the content. The inventor has noticed that by displaying this note on the band of the listable front cover or back cover, a plurality of e-books can be displayed together, and this note can also be displayed together. However, here, when a band is displayed on the front cover or the back cover, the reader cannot visually recognize the information on the front cover or the back cover (title, subtitle, author, publisher, editor, etc.). Therefore, the inventor has focused on a mechanism for displaying a band that can be freely created by the viewer without impairing the visibility of the front cover or the back cover.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a content display system, a content display method, and a program that can display a band that can be freely created by a viewer without impairing the visibility of a front cover or a back cover. Although the above problems are described in the case where the content is an e-book, the content in the present invention includes, in addition to e-books, books as printed matter, character content such as news and blog articles, video content such as movies and programs, audio content such as music and audiobooks and radio, etc., and also includes characters, figures, colors, sounds, motions, or images representing these contents, or combinations thereof. Further, these contents include cases where they are simple package images or thumbnails that do not include content. Further, these contents also include cases where they are links for accessing the content of the content, and the link may be not only a character string but also an image such as a video or a still image, or an icon or the like associated therewith.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The present invention is a content display system that displays a list of contents, and a first acquisition unit that acquires back cover data or front cover data of the content; a second acquisition unit that acquires band data corresponding to the content; a determination unit that determines a display area and a position of the band data to be displayed with respect to the back cover data or the front cover data; a display unit that displays the back cover data or the front cover data and the band data at the determined display area and position; A content display system is provided that includes the above.

[0007] According to the present invention, with respect to back cover data or front cover data, a display area and a position of band data are determined, and the band data is displayed at this display area and position. As a result, it becomes possible to display a band that can be freely created by a viewer without impairing the visibility of the front cover or the back cover.

[0008] Although the present invention belongs to the category of systems, the same operations and effects can also be achieved by methods and programs.

Advantages of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to display a band that can be freely created by a viewer without impairing the visibility of the front cover and the back cover.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

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[0011] Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, embodiments for carrying out the present invention (hereinafter referred to as embodiments) will be described in detail. In the following figures, the same elements are denoted by the same numbers or symbols throughout the description of the embodiments.

[0012] [Overview of the Content Display System 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram for explaining the overview of the content display system 1. Based on FIG. 1, the components of the content display system 1 will be described. The content display system 1 is a system that displays a list of contents including at least the content viewing terminal 10 used by a user who views the contents. In the present embodiment, the content display system 1 includes, in addition to the content viewing terminal 10, a content management computer 2 having a server function and managing the contents. The content viewing terminal 10 is a terminal device (mobile device, tablet terminal, personal computer, laptop computer, wearable terminal (HMD (Head Mounted Display), smart glasses, etc.)) used by a user to view the contents. The content management computer 2 has server functions and manages content. For example, it may be implemented on a single computer or on multiple computers such as a cloud computer. The cloud computer in this specification may be either one that uses any computer in a scalable manner when performing a specific function or one that includes a plurality of functional modules to realize a certain system and freely combines and uses those functions.

[0013] The content display system 1 will explain the outline of the processing steps when displaying a list of contents.

[0014] The content viewing terminal 10 acquires the back cover data or cover data of the content (step S1). The content viewing terminal 10 acquires the back cover data or cover data of the content from the content management computer 2.

[0015] The content viewing terminal 10 acquires the strip data corresponding to the content (step S2). The content viewing terminal 10 acquires the strip data corresponding to the content from the content management computer 2.

[0016] The content viewing terminal 10 determines the display area and position of the strip data to be displayed for the back cover data or cover data (step S3). The content viewing terminal 10 determines the display area and position of the strip data while avoiding the parts where the title of the content and / or the rights holders such as the author are described. Furthermore, the content viewing terminal 10 determines the display area and position of the strip data with priority given to the title rather than the rights holders.

[0017] The content viewing terminal 10 displays the back cover data or cover data and the strip data at the determined display area and position (step S4). When the content viewing terminal 10 displays the back cover data or cover data of the content, it displays the back cover data or cover data in a state where the band data is displayed in the determined display area and position.

[0018] The above is an overview of the processing steps of the content display system 1. According to this content display system 1, it is possible to display bands that can be freely created by viewers without impairing the visibility of the cover and back cover.

[0019] [Device Configuration] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the content display system 1. Based on FIG. 2, the device configuration of the content display system 1 will be described. The content display system 1 is a system that displays a list of contents, and is composed of at least the content viewing terminal 10. In this embodiment, the content display system 1 is composed of a content management computer 2 that manages contents in addition to the content viewing terminal 10. The content display system 1 is a system in which the content viewing terminal 10 is connected to the content management computer 2 via a network 8 such as a public communication network so as to be able to communicate data. Note that the content display system 1 may include other terminals and devices in addition to the content viewing terminal 10 and the content management computer 2 described above, and the number, type, and function thereof are not particularly limited and can be designed as appropriate.

[0020] The content viewing terminal 10 is the above-described terminal device used by a user who views contents. The content viewing terminal 10 includes, as a terminal control unit, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), etc., and as a communication unit, a device for enabling communication with other terminals, devices, etc., a first acquisition unit 11 for acquiring back cover data or cover data of the content, a second acquisition unit 12 for acquiring band data corresponding to the content, etc. The content viewing terminal 10 includes, as a storage unit, a data storage unit such as a semiconductor memory, a recording medium, a memory card, etc. The content viewing terminal 10 includes, as a processing unit, various devices for executing various processes, a determination unit 13 for determining the display area and position of the band data to be displayed with respect to the back cover data or cover data, a display unit 14 for displaying the back cover data or cover data and the band data at the determined display area and position, etc.

[0021] In the content viewing terminal 10, when the terminal control unit reads a predetermined program, in cooperation with the communication unit, a cover data acquisition module, a band data acquisition module, an output module, an associated data acquisition module, a request module, and a sharing module are realized. Also, in the content viewing terminal 10, when the terminal control unit reads a predetermined program, in cooperation with the storage unit, a storage module and a registration module are realized. Also, in the content viewing terminal 10, when the terminal control unit reads a predetermined program, in cooperation with the processing unit, a determination module, a display module, a reception module, a back cover creation module, a recognition module, an extraction module, a storage determination module, a storage module, a band creation module, and a sharing determination module are realized.

[0022] The content management computer 2 has a server function and manages the content. For example, it may be realized by one computer or may be realized by a plurality of computers such as a cloud computer. The content management computer 2 includes, as a control unit, a CPU, a GPU, a RAM, a ROM, etc., and includes, as a communication unit, a device or the like for enabling communication with other terminals, devices, etc. The content management computer 2 includes, as a storage unit, a data storage unit such as a hard disk, an SSD, a semiconductor memory, a recording medium, a memory card, etc. The content management computer 2 includes, as a processing unit, various devices for executing various processes.

[0023] Hereinafter, each process executed by the content display system 1 will be described in combination with the processes executed by the above-described respective modules. In this specification, each module may execute its processing content as a function it has, or may execute it via a predetermined application. In this embodiment, the content is a character, a figure, a color, a sound, a motion, a video, or a combination thereof such as an e-book, a character content, a video content, a sound content, etc. In particular, an e-book will be described as an example. Further, the content includes not only character content, video content, sound content, etc., but also characters, figures, colors, sounds, motions, videos, or combinations thereof (including planar or three-dimensional things existing in a three-dimensional space such as a metaverse space) expressing these contents, and also includes a mere package image or thumbnail that does not include content, or a link for accessing the content of the content. This link may be associated not only with a character string but also with an image such as a video or a still image, an icon, etc. Needless to say, the present invention is also applicable to contents other than e-books.

[0024] [Decision process executed by the content viewing terminal 10] Based on FIG. 3, the determination process executed by the content viewing terminal 10 will be described. This figure is a diagram showing a flowchart of the determination process executed by the content viewing terminal 10. This determination process details a first acquisition process (step S1) of acquiring back cover data or front cover data of the content, a second acquisition process (step S2) of acquiring strip data corresponding to the content, and a determination process (step S3) of determining the display area and position of the strip data to be displayed for the back cover data or front cover data.

[0025] The front cover data acquisition module acquires the back cover data or front cover data of the content (step S10). The back cover data of the content is the back part of a booklet when the content is an e-book or a printed book, the back part of a media case such as a VHS, DVD, or BD that records a video when the content is video content, the back part of the rear jacket in a media case such as a media that records music when the content is music in audio content, and in the case of other content, anything that corresponds to the back cover data is acceptable. Also, instead of these back cover data, or when there is nothing corresponding to the back part such as in text content, video content, audio content, etc., the back cover data created by the content display system 1 through the processes described later, the back cover data arbitrarily created by the user, the back cover data arbitrarily photographed by the user, etc. can be treated as corresponding to the back cover data of the content. In addition, the back cover when treating the independently created data including the first back cover data creation process or the second back cover data creation process described later as back cover data may be configured with a predetermined size. For example, for the vertical size, the horizontal width is 50% or less, 30% or less, or 1 / 3 or less. Since the back cover data is effective in terms of saving space and being compactly stored, it is preferable that the horizontal width is a predetermined size (50% or less, 30% or less, 1 / 3 or less of the vertical size, etc.). Additionally, it is preferable to determine the horizontal width in proportion to the number of pages, the number of characters, the length of the video or audio, etc. of the content when the horizontal width is 50% or less, 30% or less, 1 / 3 or less of the vertical size. When the cover data of the content is a book in the form of an e - book or a printed publication, it is the part at the beginning (front cover, title page) when opening the booklet. When it is video content, it is the front jacket on the media case such as VHS, DVD, or BD that records the video. When it is music in audio content, it is the front jacket or booklet on the media case such as the media that records the music. When it is digital content, it is an image such as a thumbnail, and for other content, anything that corresponds to the cover data is acceptable. Also, instead of these cover data, or when there is nothing corresponding to the cover part such as text content, video content, or audio content, the cover data created arbitrarily by the user or the cover data photographed arbitrarily by the user can be treated as corresponding to the cover data of the content. The cover data acquisition module acquires the back cover data or the cover data of the content from the content management computer 2 that manages the content. The content viewing terminal 10 sends a transmission request for the back cover data or the cover data of the e - book managed by the content management computer 2 to the content management computer 2. The content management computer 2 receives this transmission request and sends the back cover data or the cover data of the e - book based on the transmission request to the content viewing terminal 10. The content viewing terminal 10 displays a list based on the acquired back cover data or the cover data of the e - book. The list arranges the back cover data or the cover data in a predetermined order (order of release date and time, recommended order, best - selling order, ascending order of title, popularity order, etc.). The content viewing terminal 10 accepts inputs such as viewing, purchasing, renting, or trial reading the summary of the e - book desired by the user among the e - books existing in this list. The cover data acquisition module receives the back cover data or the cover data of this e - book and acquires the back cover data or the cover data of the content. Note that the cover data acquisition module may acquire only the back cover data or the cover data of the e-book, or may acquire both of them. Also, the content viewing terminal 10 may display a predetermined search form, accept an input such as the title of the e-book desired by the user for this search form, and send a transmission request for the back cover data or the cover data regarding the accepted e-book to the content management computer 2. In this case, the cover data acquisition module acquires the back cover data or the cover data of the e-book desired by the user. Also, when the content viewing terminal 10 displays a predetermined website (such as an e-book sales site), it may acquire the back cover data or the cover data regarding the e-books existing on this website from the content management computer 2 or the like.

[0026] The band data acquisition module acquires the band data corresponding to the content (step S11). When the content strip data is for a book as an e - book or a printed matter, it has a predetermined size and is attached to a booklet with a catch copy, a recommendation, a design, etc. When it is video content, it has a predetermined size and is attached to a media case such as VHS, DVD, BD, etc. with a catch copy, a recommendation, a design, etc. When it is music in audio content, it is a side cap on a media case such as a media on which music is recorded. Even in the case of other content, as long as it corresponds to strip data. Note that the strip data does not necessarily have to have its content described, and it can also be something with no description. Also, instead of these strip data or when there is no strip data, the strip data created by the process described later, the data arbitrarily created by the user, the image data arbitrarily photographed by the user, etc. can be treated as corresponding to the content strip data. Further, the content of the strip data is not limited to a character string (letters, numbers, symbols, etc.), and can also be an image such as a video or a still image, audio, a link to a predetermined access destination, an identification code such as a one - dimensional code or a two - dimensional code, etc., or something other than these, and is not particularly limited. The strip data acquisition module acquires strip data corresponding to the acquired content from the content management computer 2 that manages the content. The content management computer 2 transmits strip data corresponding to the back cover data or the cover data transmitted to the content viewing terminal 10 to the content viewing terminal 10. The strip data acquisition module receives this strip data and acquires strip data corresponding to the content.

[0027] The determination module determines the display area and position of the strip data to be displayed for the back cover data or the cover data (step S12). The determination module determines the display area and position of the strip data according to whether the acquired data is the back cover data or the front cover data. Here, the determination module determines the display area and position of the strip data while avoiding the parts where the title of the e-book and / or the rights holder (author, editor, translator, etc.) is described. Further, the determination module can also be configured to determine while avoiding the part where the title of the e-book is described rather than the part where the rights holder of the e-book is described. That is, when there are parts where the title of the e-book is described and parts where the rights holder of the e-book is described, the determination module can be configured to determine the display area and position of the strip data while avoiding the part where the title of the e-book is described and without avoiding the part where the rights holder of the e-book is described. In addition, when there is a subtitle in the e-book, the subtitle may be treated in the same way as the part where the rights holder is described.

[0028] When the acquired data is the back cover data, the determination module determines the display area and position of the strip data based on a plurality of preset patterns. The determination module recognizes the title and its position in the back cover data by means of character recognition, or the user designating a character string indicating the title and / or the rights holder or the area of these parts. The determination module determines the display area and position of the strip data according to the position of the title of the e-book in the back cover data. In the present embodiment, the case where the determination module horizontally divides the back cover data into upper, middle, and lower parts and determines the display area and position of the strip data based on which part the title is in will be described as an example (see FIGS. 4 to 11). When the determination module divides the back cover data into three parts, it may divide it evenly or unevenly. Note that although the determination module is described as dividing the back cover data into three equal parts horizontally, it is not limited to horizontal division and may be divided into three equal parts vertically. Also, when the determination module determines the display area and position of the strip data, the configuration of dividing into three equal parts is not essential. For example, the determination module may divide the back cover data into a number less than three (such as two equal parts), determine the display area and position of the strip data, or divide it into four or more equal parts to determine the display area and position of the strip data, or determine the display area and position of the strip data without division. Note that the determination module may freely determine the display area and position of the strip data according to the position of the title or the like. Also, the determination module may display the acquired back cover data, accept input of any area and position in the displayed back cover data from the user, and determine the display area and position of the strip data based on the accepted area and position, or change and determine the area and position arbitrarily designated by the user from the display area and position determined by character recognition or user designation, etc. of the above title and its position. In this embodiment, the determination module determines the display area and position of the strip data in eight patterns based on whether the position of the title exists at any one of the upper, middle, and lower positions or a combination of multiple positions. Each pattern is a pattern in which the title exists only in the upper section (pattern 1), a pattern in which the title exists in the upper and middle sections (pattern 2), a pattern in which the title exists in the upper, middle, and lower sections (pattern 3), a pattern in which the title exists in the upper and lower sections (pattern 4), a pattern in which the title exists only in the middle section (pattern 5), a pattern in which the title exists in the middle and lower sections (pattern 6), a pattern in which the title exists only in the lower section (pattern 7), and other patterns (such as when there are multiple titles (Japanese notation, English notation, etc.)) (pattern 8).

[0029] <Pattern 1> Based on FIG. 4, the process of the determination module determining the display area and position of the strip data in Pattern 1 will be described. This figure is a diagram schematically showing the back cover data and strip data of the e-book in Pattern 1. FIG. 4(a) is a diagram schematically showing the back cover data, and FIGS. 4(b) to (d) are diagrams schematically showing the display area and position of the strip data. Pattern 1 only needs to be in a state where the upper part (title) is viewable, and it can also be in a state where the lower part (rights holder) is viewable. As shown in FIG. 4(a), in the back cover data 20, the title ("Aaaaaa") 21 exists at the upper position, the author ("Ichiro Tanaka") 22 exists at the middle position, and the editor and publisher ("Taro Yamada" and "A Publishing") 23 exist at the lower position. The determination module generates strip data in a display area and position such that the strip data does not overlap with the title 21, and determines the position to superimpose the generated strip data on the back cover data 20. In FIG. 4(b), an example where the strip data 24 exists at the lower position is shown. In FIG. 4(c), an example where the strip data 25 exists at the middle and lower positions is shown. In FIG. 4(d), an example where the strip data 26 exists at the middle position is shown. In FIGS. 4(b) to (d), each strip data 24 to 26 exists in a display area and position that avoids at least the title 21. In FIG. 4(b), the strip data 24 exists in a display area and position that avoids the title 21 and the author 22. In FIG. 4(c), the strip data 25 exists in a display area and position that avoids the title 21. In FIG. 4(d), the strip data 26 exists in a display area and position that avoids the title 21 and the editor and publisher 23. When determining the display area and position of the band data, the determination module displays the diagrams shown in Figures 4(b) to (d) as candidates for the display area and position of the band data, accepts a selection input from the user, and may determine the display area and position of the band data for which the selection input was accepted as the display area and position of the band data in pattern 1, or may determine an area and position arbitrarily specified by the user from the selected area and position, or may determine a predetermined display area and position of the band data as the display area and position of the band data in pattern 1. The above is the display area and position of the band data in pattern 1. In addition, in pattern 1, only one stripe data exists, but multiple stripes may exist, and even in this case, each stripe data may exist in a display area and position that avoids the title. Also, the display area of ​​the stripe data is not limited to the example shown in the figure, and can be designed as appropriate.

[0030] <Pattern 2> 5, a process will be described in which the determination module determines the display area and position of the obi data in pattern 2. The figure is a diagram showing the spine data and obi data of an electronic book in pattern 2, with Fig. 5(a) being a diagram showing the spine data and Fig. 5(b) being a diagram showing the display area and position of the obi data. Pattern 2 is acceptable as long as the top and middle sections (title) are viewable. 5(a), in spine data 30, the title ("Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa") 31 and subtitle ("IIIIIIIIIIIIIII") 32 are located at the top and middle, and the author ("Yamada Taro") 33 is located at the bottom. The determination module generates wrapper data in a display area and position that does not overlap the title 31 with the wrapper data, and determines the position at which the generated wrapper data is to be superimposed on the spine data 30. In FIG. 5(b), an example where the band data 34 exists at the lower position is shown. In FIG. 5(b), the band data 34 exists in a display area and position that avoids the title 31 and the subtitle 32. Note that the band data 34 does not necessarily have to avoid the subtitle 32, and it may exist in a state where a part or all of it overlaps. When determining the display area and position of the band data, the determination module displays the figure shown in FIG. 5(b) as a candidate for the display area and position of the band data, accepts a selection input from the user, and may determine the display area and position of the band data for which the selection input has been accepted as the display area and position of the band data in Pattern 2, or may determine it at the area and position arbitrarily specified by the user from the selected area and position, or may determine the preset display area and position of the band data as the display area and position of the band data in Pattern 2. The above is the display area and position of the band data in Pattern 2. Note that in Pattern 2, only one band data exists, but a plurality of band data may exist. Even in this case, each band data only needs to exist in a display area and position that avoids the title. Also, the display area of the band data is not limited to the illustrated example and can be designed as appropriate.

[0031] <Pattern 3> Based on FIG. 6, the process when the determination module determines the display area and position of the band data in Pattern 3 will be described. This figure is a diagram schematically showing the back cover data and the band data of the e-book in Pattern 3. FIG. 4(a) is a diagram schematically showing the back cover data, and FIGS. 4(b) to (c) are diagrams schematically showing the display area and position of the band data. Pattern 3 is a state in which, in addition to dividing the position of the title into three in the vertical direction (upper, middle, and lower), it is divided into three in the horizontal direction (right side, center, left side, etc.). As shown in FIG. 6(a), in the back cover data 40, a title ("aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa") 41 exists at upper, middle, and lower positions, a subtitle ("iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii") 42 exists at upper and middle positions, and an author ("Taro Tanaka") 43 exists at the lower position. The determination module generates strip data in a display area and position such that the strip data does not overlap with the title 41, and determines a position to superimpose the generated strip data on the back cover data 40. FIG. 6(b) shows an example where strip data 44 exists at a lower position and does not overlap with the title 41. FIG. 6(c) shows an example where strip data 45 exists at a lower position and this strip data 45 exists through the title 41. In FIG. 6(b), the strip data 44 exists in a display area and position that avoids the title 41. In FIG. 6(c), the strip data 45 has transparency and exists in a display area and position that overlaps a part of the title 41. The strip data 45 only needs to have a transmittance at which the title is recognizable and can be designed as appropriate. The strip data 45 does not necessarily have to be entirely transparent, and only the display area and position that overlap with the title 41 may be transparent. Also, when the strip data 45 overlaps with the title 41, it may overlap only a part or all of it, but it is desirable that it is in a display area and position that does not impair the readability of the title 41. Note that the strip data 45 may not have transparency, and the title 41 of the part that overlaps with the title 41 may be described. That is, the strip data 45 may supplement the title 41. Also, even if it covers the title, if a part or all of the covered character string or characters can be inferred from the character string of the displayed title, it is not necessary to make the strip transparent or describe the characters or character strings of the hidden part due to the overlap. When determining the display area and position of the strip data, the decision module displays the diagrams shown in FIGS. 6(b) to (c) as candidates for the display area and position of the strip data, accepts a selection input from the user, and may determine the display area and position of the strip data for which the selection input has been received as the display area and position of the strip data in Pattern 3, or may determine it based on the area and position arbitrarily specified by the user from the selected area and position, or may determine the preset display area and position of the strip data as the display area and position of the strip data in Pattern 3. The above are the display area and position of the strip data in Pattern 3. Note that in Pattern 3, there is only one strip data, but there may be a plurality of them. Even in this case, each strip data may be located in a display area and position that avoids the title. Also, the display area of the strip data is not limited to the illustrated example and can be designed as appropriate.

[0032] <Pattern 4> Based on FIG. 7, the process when the decision module determines the display area and position of the strip data in Pattern 4 will be described. This figure is a diagram schematically showing the back cover data and strip data of the e-book in Pattern 4. FIG. 7(a) is a diagram schematically showing the back cover data, and FIGS. 7(b) to (c) are diagrams schematically showing the display area and position of the strip data. Pattern 4 only needs to be in a state where the upper and lower parts (title) are viewable, and a plurality of strip data may be used. In Pattern 4, one title is divided into a plurality (two in FIG. 7) (in FIG. 7, the character string corresponding to the title is divided into the upper and lower parts). As shown in FIG. 7(a), in the back cover data 50, there are titles 51 (first title ("aaaaa") 51a and second title ("aaaa") 51b). The first title 51a is located in the upper position, the second title 51b is located in the lower position, and the author ("Ichiro Tanaka") 52 is located in the middle position. The determination module generates band data in a display area and position such that the band data does not overlap with each of the first title 51a and the second title 51b, and determines a position to superimpose the generated band data on the back cover data 50. The first title 51a and the second title 51b are obtained by splitting one title 51 into two, and the actual title 51 of the e-book is "aaaaaaaaa". FIG. 7(b) shows an example where the band data 53 is located in the middle position. FIG. 7(c) shows an example where the band data 54 (first band data 54a, second band data 54b) is located in the middle position. In FIGS. 7(b) to 7(c), each of the band data 53 to 54 exists in a display area and position that at least avoids the title 51. When determining the display area and position of the band data, the determination module displays the diagrams shown in FIGS. 7(b) to 7(c) as candidates for the display area and position of the band data, accepts a selection input from the user, and may determine the display area and position of the band data for which the selection input is accepted as the display area and position of the band data in Pattern 4, or may determine it at an area and position arbitrarily specified by the user from the selected area and position, or may determine the preset display area and position of the band data as the display area and position of the band data in Pattern 4. The above is the display area and position of the band data in Pattern 4. In Pattern 4, there is one or more band data, but the number is not limited to the illustrated example, and each band data may exist in a display area and position that avoids the title. Also, the display area of the band data is not limited to the illustrated example and can be designed as appropriate.

[0033] <Pattern 5> Based on FIG. 8, the process of the determination module for determining the display area and position of the band data in Pattern 5 will be described. This figure is a diagram schematically showing the back cover data and the band data of the e-book in Pattern 5. FIG. 8(a) is a diagram schematically showing the back cover data, and FIGS. 8(b) to (d) are diagrams schematically showing the display area and position of the band data. Pattern 5 only needs to be in a state where the middle section (title) is viewable, and it can also be in a state where the upper section or the lower section is viewable, or it can be in a state where both the upper section and the lower section are viewable. As shown in FIG. 8(a), in the back cover data 60, the title ("aaaaaa") 61 exists at the middle position, the author ("Ichiro Tanaka") 62 exists at the upper position, and the publisher ("A Publishing") 63 exists at the lower position. The determination module generates the band data in a display area and position where the band data does not overlap with the title 61, and determines the position where the generated band data is to be superimposed on the back cover data 60. In FIG. 8(b), an example where the band data 64 exists at the lower position is shown. In FIG. 8(c), an example where the band data 65 exists at the upper position is shown. In FIG. 8(d), the band data 66 (the first band data 66a, the second band data 66b) exists, and an example where the first band data 66a exists at the upper position and the second band data 66b exists at the lower position is shown. In FIGS. 8(b) to (d), each band data 64 to 66 exists in a display area and position that avoids the title 61. When determining the display area and position of the band data, the determination module displays the diagrams shown in FIGS. 8(b) to (d) as candidates for the display area and position of the band data, accepts the selection input from the user, and may determine the display area and position of the band data for which the selection input is received as the display area and position of the band data in Pattern 5, or may determine it based on the area and position arbitrarily specified by the user from the selected area and position, or may determine the preset display area and position of the band data as the display area and position of the band data in Pattern 5. The above is the display area and position of the band data in Pattern 5. In pattern 5, there is one or more band data, but the number is not limited to the illustrated example, and each band data only needs to exist in a display area and position that avoids the title. Also, the display area of the band data is not limited to the illustrated example and can be designed as appropriate.

[0034] <Pattern 6> Based on FIG. 9, the process when the determination module determines the display area and position of the band data in pattern 6 will be described. This figure is a diagram schematically showing the back cover data and band data of the electronic book in pattern 6, FIG. 9(a) is a diagram schematically showing the back cover data, and FIGS. 9(b) to (c) are diagrams schematically showing the display area and position of the band data. Pattern 6 only needs to be in a state where the middle and lower (title) sections are viewable, and if there is sufficient space in the lower (title viewable state), that space can be used. Or, although not shown in the figure, if there is a title in the upper section and there is sufficient space above it, that space can be used. As shown in FIG. 9(a), in the back cover data 70, the title ("aaaaaaaaaa") 71 exists at the upper, middle, and lower positions, the subtitle ("iiiiiiiii") 72 exists at the upper, middle, and lower positions, and the author ("Jiro Tanaka") 73 exists at the lower position. The determination module generates the band data in a display area and position where the band data does not overlap with the title 71, and determines the position to superimpose the generated band data on the back cover data 70. In FIG. 9(b), an example where the band data 74 exists at the upper position is shown. Since the title 71 has a blank at the upper section, the band data 74 exists at this blank position. In FIG. 9(c), an example where the band data 75 exists at the lower position is shown. Since the title 71 has a blank at the lower section, the band data 75 exists at this blank position. In FIGS. 9(b) to (c), each band data 74 to 75 exists in a display area and position that avoids the title 71. When determining the display area and position of the strip data, the determination module displays the diagrams shown in FIGS. 9(b) to (c) as candidates for the display area and position of the strip data, accepts a selection input from the user, and may determine the display area and position of the strip data for which the selection input has been accepted as the display area and position of the strip data in Pattern 6, or may determine it at the area and position arbitrarily specified by the user from the selected area and position, or may determine the preset display area and position of the strip data as the display area and position of the strip data in Pattern 6. The above are the display area and position of the strip data in Pattern 6. Note that in Pattern 6, there may be only one strip data, or there may be a plurality of strip data. Even in this case, it is sufficient if each strip data exists in a display area and position that avoids the title. Also, the display area of the strip data is not limited to the illustrated example and can be designed as appropriate.

[0035] <Pattern 7> Based on FIG. 10, the process when the determination module determines the display area and position of the strip data in Pattern 7 will be described. This figure is a diagram schematically showing the back cover data and strip data of the electronic book in Pattern 7. FIG. 10(a) is a diagram schematically showing the back cover data, and FIGS. 10(b) to (d) are diagrams schematically showing the display area and position of the strip data. Pattern 7 only needs to be in a state where the lower part (title) is viewable, and the middle part may be used to make the upper part (author) viewable. As shown in FIG. 10(a), in the back cover data 80, the title ("Aaaaaaa") 81 exists at the lower position, and the author ("Taro Tanaka") 82 exists at the upper position. The determination module generates strip data in a display area and position where the strip data does not overlap the title 81, and determines the position where the generated strip data is superimposed on the back cover data 80. In FIG. 10(b), an example is shown where the band data 83 exists at the middle position. In FIG. 10(c), an example is shown where the band data 84 exists at the upper position. In FIG. 10(d), an example is shown where the band data 85 exists at the upper and middle positions. In FIGS. 10(b) to (d), each of the band data 83 to 85 exists in a display area and position that avoids the title 81. When determining the display area and position of the band data, the determination module displays the diagrams shown in FIGS. 10(b) to (d) as candidates for the display area and position of the band data, accepts a selection input from the user, and may determine the display area and position of the band data for which the selection input has been received as the display area and position of the band data in Pattern 7, or may determine it based on the area and position arbitrarily specified by the user from the selected area and position, or may determine the preset display area and position of the band data as the display area and position of the band data in Pattern 7. The above are the display area and position of the band data in Pattern 7. Note that in Pattern 7, only one band data exists, but a plurality of band data may exist. Even in this case, it is sufficient if each band data exists in a display area and position that avoids the title. Also, the display area of the band data is not limited to the illustrated example and can be designed as appropriate.

[0036] <Pattern 8> Based on FIG. 11, the process when the determination module determines the display area and position of the band data in Pattern 8 will be described. This figure is a diagram schematically showing the back cover data and band data of the e-book in Pattern 8. FIG. 11(a) is a diagram schematically showing the back cover data, and FIGS. 11(b) to (d) are diagrams schematically showing the display area and position of the band data. Pattern 8 is, for example, one in which at least one of a plurality of titles showing the same content, such as two titles with Japanese notation and foreign language notation, can be viewed. As shown in Fig. 11(a), in the back cover data 90, there are two titles 91 (the first title ("aaaaa") 91a and the second title ("iiiii") 91b). The first title 91a is at the upper position, the second title 91b is at the middle position, and the author ("Taro Yamada") 92 is at the lower position. The determination module generates strip data in a display area and position such that the strip data does not overlap with at least one of the first title 91a or the second title 91b, and determines a position to superimpose the generated strip data on the back cover data 90. Preferably, it is a display area and position that does not overlap with the first title 91a. Also, the strip data may be determined in a display area and position that overlaps with a part of at least one of the first title 91a or the second title 91b. For example, when the strip data is determined in a display area and position that overlaps with a part of the first title 91a, the strip data may be determined in a display area and position that does not impair the readability of the first title 91a. Fig. 11(b) shows an example where the strip data 93 is at the lower position. Fig. 11(c) shows an example where the strip data 94 is at the upper, middle, and lower positions. The strip data 94 exists in a state where it overlaps with the second title 91b and a part of the first title 91a. Fig. 11(d) shows an example where the strip data 95 is at the upper and middle positions. The strip data 95 exists in a state where it overlaps with the second title 91b and a part of the first title 91a. When determining the display area and position of the strip data, the determination module displays the figures shown in Figs. 11(b) to (d) as candidates for the display area and position of the strip data, accepts a selection input from the user, and may determine the display area and position of the strip data for which the selection input is accepted as the display area and position of the strip data in Pattern 8, or may determine it at an area and position arbitrarily specified by the user from the selected area and position, or may determine the preset display area and position of the strip data as the display area and position of the strip data in Pattern 8. The above are the display area and position of the strip data in Pattern 8. Note that in Pattern 8, there is only one strip data, but there may be multiple. Even in this case, each strip data only needs to be present in the display area and position that avoid the title. Also, the display area of the strip data is not limited to the illustrated example and can be designed as appropriate.

[0037] The above is the process regarding the determination of the display area and position of the strip data when obtaining the back cover data. Note that although the display area and position of the strip data are described as existing within the back cover in the back cover data, the display area and position of the strip data may also exist outside the back cover in the back cover data. In this case, for example, the strip data can be set as a speech bubble, the inside of the speech bubble can be set as the display area of the strip data, and the position of the speech bubble can be determined as the position of the strip data. Needless to say, the type of strip data in this case is not limited to speech bubbles. Also, the strip data may have transparency in each pattern other than Pattern 3. In this case, the strip data only needs to have the same properties as those having transparency in Pattern 3. Also, the strip data may supplement the title in each pattern other than Pattern 3. In this case, the strip data only needs to have the same properties as those supplementing the title in Pattern 3. Also, the display area and position of the strip data are not only determined for each pattern, but may also be determined by combining multiple patterns.

[0038] When the acquired data is cover data, the decision module determines the display area and position of the strip data based on preset decision rules (such as not overlapping with the title). The decision module recognizes the title and its position in the cover data by means of character recognition, or the user designating a string indicating the title and / or the rights holder, or the area of these parts. The decision module determines the display area and position of the strip data according to the position of the title of the e-book in the cover data. The decision module determines the display area and position of the strip data so that the title and the strip data do not overlap (see Fig. 12). Note that the decision module may display the acquired cover data, accept input of any area and position in the displayed cover data from the user, and determine the display area and position of the strip data based on the accepted area and position. Or, the decision module may change the display area and position determined by character recognition or user designation of the above title and its position to an area and position arbitrarily designated by the user and then determine them.

[0039] Based on Fig. 12, the process when the decision module determines the display area and position of the strip data in the cover data will be described. This figure is a diagram schematically showing the cover data and strip data of an e-book. As shown in Fig. 12(a), in the cover data 100, there are a title ("aaaa") 101 and a subtitle ("iii") 102. The decision module generates the strip data 103 in a display area and position that does not overlap with the title 101, and determines the position to superimpose the generated strip data 103 on the cover data 100. As shown in Fig. 12(b), in the cover data 110, there are a title ("aaaaaaaaaa") 111, a subtitle ("iiiiiiiiii") 112, an author ("Saburo Suzuki") 113, and a description text ("Description text ■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■") 114. The decision module generates the strip data 115 in a display area and position that does not overlap with the title 111, and determines the position to superimpose the generated strip data 115 on the cover data 100. When determining the display area and position of the strip data, the determination module displays the display area and position excluding the titles 101 and 111 as candidates, accepts the selection input from the user, and may determine the display area and position of the strip data for which the selection input has been accepted as the display area and position of the strip data, or may determine it based on the area and position arbitrarily specified by the user from the selected area and position, or may determine the preset display area and position of the strip data as the display area and position of the strip data. The above is the display area and position of the strip data in the cover data. Note that although there is only one strip data in the cover data, there may be a plurality of them. Even in this case, each strip data only needs to exist in the display area and position that avoids the title. Also, the display area of the strip data is not limited to the illustrated example and can be designed as appropriate. Also, the strip data in the cover data may also have permeability, similar to that of Pattern 3 in the back cover data. Even in this case, the strip data only needs to have the same properties as those with permeability in Pattern 3. Also, the strip data in the cover data may also supplement the title, similar to that of Pattern 3 in the back cover data. Even in this case, the strip data only needs to have the same properties as those that supplement the title in Pattern 3.

[0040] The above is the process related to the determination of the display area and position of the strip data when the cover data is acquired. Note that although the display area and position of the strip data are described as existing within the cover in the cover data, the display area and position of the strip data may also exist outside the cover in the cover data. In this case, for example, the strip data can be connected by a speech bubble, and the inside of the speech bubble can be set as the display area of the strip data, and the position of the speech bubble can be determined as the position of the strip data. Needless to say, the type of strip data in this case is not limited to the speech bubble.

[0041] Further, the determination module may determine the display area and position based on the position of the strip data in the back cover data or front cover data provided by the original publisher, or the position of the strip in a paper book. In this case, the determination module determines the display area and position of the acquired strip data with respect to the back cover data or front cover data as the display area and position of the strip data. Also, when there is no strip data in the back cover data, the determination module may refer to the display area and position of the strip data in the front cover data and determine the display area and position of the strip data with respect to the back cover data. In this case, the determination module determines the vertical width and position of the strip data in the front cover data and the area and position in the back cover data corresponding to the same vertical width and position as the display area and position of the strip data.

[0042] Returning to FIG. 3, the continuation of the determination process will be described. The storage module stores the determined display area and position (step S13). The storage module stores the display area and position of the strip data for each e-book for each user. In addition, if there is strip data created for each user, the content of the created strip data is also stored together. Also, the determined display area and position may be stored not in the content viewing terminal 10 but in the content management computer 2. In this case, the content viewing terminal 10 transmits the display area and position of the strip data determined for the e-book to the content management computer 2 together with the user identifier. The content management computer 2 stores the user identifier, the e-book identifier, and the display area and position of the strip data in association with each other.

[0043] The above is the determination process. Note that the band data may not only be obtained by the process of step S11 in the above-described determination process, but also include data created by the band data registration process described later, as long as its size is equal to or greater than a predetermined ratio set in advance. The predetermined ratio may be, for example, 1 / 5 or more, 20% or more, or 3 cm or more. For the cm unit, it is the ratio in the actual content (such as a paper book), and its value can vary depending on the resolution, display magnification, etc. of the content viewing terminal 10. The lower limit value of the size of this band data is applicable to both the back cover data and the front cover data. Also, the band data may have upper limit values for both its vertical size and horizontal size that are set in advance. The upper limit value of the vertical size is, for example, 60% or less, half or less, 1 / 3 or less, or 30% or less of the entire back cover. The upper limit value of the horizontal size is preferably, for example, a size adjusted to the width of the back cover (including not only sizes less than or equal to the width of the back cover but also sizes exceeding the width). Also, the band data does not necessarily have upper limit values for both its vertical size and horizontal size limited to the above examples, and may be larger than that. The upper limit values of the vertical size and horizontal size of this band data are applicable to both the back cover data and the front cover data. Also, in order to minimize overlap with the title as much as possible, when the upper part is defined as the upper side and the lower part is defined as the lower side starting from the middle of the back cover, the area of the band located in the upper part < the area of the band located in the lower part may be used. Also, not only the two-part division of the upper and lower parts, but also a three-part division or more may be used in the same way. Also, the band data may be determined to be located in the lower part of the back cover regardless of the title position. Also, the band data may be determined to be located in the lower part of the front cover regardless of the title position.

[0044] In the above-described determination process, the strip data is described as being displayed by superimposing it on the back cover data or the front cover data. However, a configuration in which the strip data is combined and displayed with the back cover data or the front cover data is also possible. This case will be described. Combining means making the back cover data or the front cover data of the electronic book and the strip data into one data. In the case of superimposing, the back cover data or the front cover data of the electronic book and the strip data exist as different data, and this is the difference. After determining the display area and position of the strip data (step S12), the content viewing terminal 10 combines the strip data with the back cover data or the front cover data of the electronic book based on this display area and position, and stores the combined electronic book. Alternatively, when the content viewing terminal 10 displays the electronic book for which the display area and position of the strip data have been determined, the strip data is combined with the back cover data or the front cover data of this electronic book at the display area and position based on the determined display area and position of the strip data, and the electronic book is displayed. Alternatively, the content viewing terminal 10 transmits the display area and position of the strip data determined for the electronic book to the content management computer 2 together with the user identifier. Note that when the content viewing terminal 10 combines the strip data with the back cover data or the front cover data of the electronic book, the user identifier may be associated with the combined electronic book. The content management computer 2 combines the strip data with the back cover data or the front cover data of the electronic book based on the determined display area and position of the strip data, and stores the combined electronic book. Alternatively, when the content management computer 2 transmits the electronic book based on the transmission request of the electronic book from the content viewing terminal 10, the strip data is combined at the display area and position based on the display area and position of the strip data determined by this user, and the electronic book with the strip data combined is transmitted. The content viewing terminal 10 receives and displays the electronic book with this strip data combined. Note that when the content management computer 2 combines the strip data with the back cover data or the front cover data of the electronic book, the user identifier may be associated with the combined electronic book.

[0045] [Display process executed by content viewing terminal 10] Based on FIG. 13, the display process executed by content viewing terminal 10 will be described. This figure is a diagram showing a flowchart of the display process executed by content viewing terminal 10. This display process is the details of the display process (step S4) for displaying the back cover data or cover data and the band data at the determined display area and position.

[0046] The display module displays a list of contents (step S20). The display module receives a predetermined input from the user (such as an input for displaying the list, an input related to accessing a website for viewing e-books, etc.) and displays a list of e-books that the user can view. The display module displays the back cover data or cover data as a list. When the display module displays the back cover data or cover data, it displays the band data at the determined display area and position (see FIGS. 14 and 15). The list of e-books displayed by the display module may be based on the e-books stored in content viewing terminal 10 itself, or may be based on the e-books that the user can view among the e-books managed by content management computer 2. Note that the display module can also be configured to receive a predetermined input from the user to move the e-book (such as moving the e-book up and down) and move the displayed e-book.

[0047] Based on FIG. 14, the band data when displayed as a list will be described. This figure is a diagram schematically showing an example of a list of e-books displayed by the display module. In this figure, a list 120 is shown. In list 120, there are a plurality of e-books 121. These e-books 121 are displayed in a state where the back cover data can be viewed. For these e-books 121, the band data 122 is displayed at the display area and position determined by avoiding the part where the title of the e-book and / or the rights holder (author, editor, translator, etc.) is described or arbitrarily specified by the user, or at the display area and position shown in FIGS. 4 to 11.

[0048] Based on FIG. 15, the strip data when displayed as a list will be described. This figure is a diagram schematically showing an example of a list of e-books displayed by the display module. In this figure, a list 130 is shown. In list 130, there are a plurality of e-books 131. These e-books 131 are displayed in a state where the back cover data can be viewed. For this back cover data, strip data 132 is displayed in the display area and position shown as a balloon for the strip data.

[0049] Returning to FIG. 13, the continuation of the display process will be described. The reception module receives the selection of content (step S21). The reception module receives an input for an e-book desired by the user in the displayed list.

[0050] The display module displays the received content (step S22). The display module displays the received e-book. When the display module displays an e-book, it may display a detailed screen for displaying its details. The detailed screen is a screen for displaying a book image (including a thumbnail, etc.) for identifying the e-book, bibliographic information, etc. The bibliographic information is, for example, the title, author, publisher, number of pages, ISBN (International Standard Book Number), list price, scheduled release date, table of contents, summary description, and the size, etc. if it is a video where there is a book or package as a printed matter. The detailed screen displayed by the display module will be described. The vertical width of the detailed screen is adjusted to the vertical width of the back cover of the e-book. The ideal value of the detailed screen will be described. The width of the detailed screen is ideally the width calculated based on the aspect ratio in a paper book. Specifically, for example, in a book with a length of 257 mm and a width of 183 mm, the aspect ratio is approximately 1:0.71, and the width of the detailed screen is 0.71 times the number of vertical pixels in the back cover data. When using the ideal width, the back cover and the front cover have the same height, improving visibility (see Fig. 16). Based on Fig. 16, the ideal values of the detailed screen will be described. This figure is a diagram schematically showing the detailed screen displayed by the display module. In this figure, the terminal screen 140 is shown. On the terminal screen 140, there are a plurality of e-books 141 (141a to 141e). The display module displays the detailed screen 142 of the e-book 141a desired by the user among these e-books 141. Before the detailed screen 142 is displayed, the e-book 141a is in a state adjacent to the e-books 141b and 141d. This detailed screen 142 is displayed in a form adjacent to the back cover image of the e-book 141a. That is, it is displayed on the right or left adjacent position of the e-book 141a. When displayed on the right adjacent position, it is displayed between the back cover image of the e-book 141a and the back cover image of the e-book 141d. When displayed on the left adjacent position, it is displayed between the back cover image of the e-book 141a and the back cover image of the e-book 141b. In this detailed screen 142, the cover image 143 of the e-book 141a desired by the user is displayed. In the cover image 143, the title 144 and the band data 145 are shown together. The vertical dimension of the detailed screen 142 is adjusted to match the vertical dimension of the back cover image of the e-book 141a desired by the user. The width of the detailed screen 142 is the same as the width of the cover image of the e-book 141a desired by the user, and the back cover image and the cover image have the same height. As a result, the visibility of the user for the detailed screen 142 is improved. The lower limit value of the width of the detailed screen will be described. As a premise, the lower limit value of the width of the detailed screen is applied when it meets a predetermined condition. The predetermined condition is that the value obtained by subtracting the width of the back cover image, the width of the back cover image of the right adjacent e-book, and the width of the back cover image of the left adjacent e-book from the screen width of the content viewing terminal 10 is smaller than the width calculated using the height of the back cover image based on the aspect ratio of the actual cover screen. When the condition is not met, there is no special agreement, but it is desirable that the lower limit value is equal to or greater than the width calculated using the height of the back cover image based on the aspect ratio of the actual cover image. Due to the existence of this condition, even when the screen of the content viewing terminal 10 is large, it is possible to prevent the lower limit value from becoming too large and maintain the visibility of the detailed screen. The lower limit value of the width of the detailed screen varies depending on the width of the content viewing terminal 10. Specifically, it is a value such that the back cover image of the corresponding e-book, the back cover images of the e-books adjacent to both sides of the corresponding e-book, and the detailed screen can be accommodated within one screen on the screen of the content viewing terminal 10. Here, the e-books adjacent to both sides of the e-book refer to two e-books, namely, the e-book located on the right side of the corresponding e-book and the e-book located on the left side. That is, the lower limit value of the width of the detailed screen may be the value obtained by subtracting the sum of the width of the back cover image of the corresponding e-book, the width of the back cover image of the e-book located on the right side, and the width of the back cover image of the e-book located on the left side from the width of the content viewing terminal 10. It goes without saying that since the calculated value is only the lower limit value, the detailed screen may have a width greater than this value. Based on FIG. 17, the lower limit value of the width of the detailed screen will be described. This figure is a diagram schematically showing the detailed screen displayed by the display module. In this figure, the terminal screen 150 is shown. On the terminal screen 150, there are back cover images of a plurality of e-books 151 (151a to 151c). The display module displays the detailed screen 152 of the e-book 151a desired by the user among these e-books 151. Before the detailed screen 152 is displayed, the e-book 151a is in a state adjacent to the e-books 151b and 151c. This detailed screen 152 is displayed in a form adjacent to the back cover image of the e-book 151a. That is, it is displayed at a position to the right or left of the e-book 151a. When it is displayed on the right, it is displayed between the back cover image of the e-book 151a and the back cover image of the e-book 151c. When it is displayed on the left, it is displayed between the back cover image of the e-book 151a and the back cover image of the e-book 151b. On this detailed screen 152, the cover image 153 and bibliographic information 154 of the e-book 151a desired by the user are displayed. On the cover image 153, the title 155 and band data 156 are shown together. The vertical width of the detailed screen 152 is adjusted to the vertical width of the back cover image of the e-book 151a desired by the user. The horizontal width of the detailed screen 152 is a value that allows the back cover image of the e-book 151a desired by the user, the back cover image of the e-book 151c located to the right of this e-book 151a, the back cover image of the e-book 151b located to the left of this e-book 151a, and the detailed screen 152 to fit within the terminal screen 150. Explain the upper limit value of the horizontal width of the detailed screen. The upper limit value of the horizontal width of the detailed screen varies depending on the horizontal width of the content viewing terminal 10. Specifically, on the screen of the content viewing terminal 10, the back cover image of the corresponding e-book and the detailed screen are values that fit within one screen. That is, the upper limit value of the horizontal width of the detailed screen may be the value obtained by subtracting the horizontal width of the back cover image of the corresponding e-book from the horizontal width of the content viewing terminal 10. Since the calculated value is only the upper limit value, it goes without saying that the detailed screen may have a horizontal width less than this value. Based on FIG. 18, explain the upper limit value of the horizontal width of the detailed screen. This figure is a diagram schematically showing the detailed screen displayed by the display module. In this figure, the terminal screen 160 is shown. On the terminal screen 160, there is a back cover image of the e-book 161. The display module displays the detailed screen 162 of the e-book 161 desired by the user. Before the detailed screen 162 is displayed, the e-book 161 is in a state adjacent to other e-books (not shown). This detailed screen 162 is displayed in a form adjacent to the back cover image of the e-book 161. That is, it is displayed to the right or left of the e-book 161. When it is displayed to the right, it is displayed between the back cover image of the e-book 161 and the back cover image of the e-book adjacent to the right side. When it is displayed to the left, it is displayed between the back cover image of the e-book 161 and the back cover image of the e-book adjacent to the left side. On this detailed screen 162, the cover image 163 and bibliographic information 164 of the e-book 161 desired by the user are displayed. In the cover image 163, the title 165 and band data 166 are shown together. The vertical width of the detailed screen 162 is adjusted to the vertical width of the back cover image of the e-book 161 desired by the user. The horizontal width of the detailed screen 162 is a value that allows the back cover image of the e-book 161 desired by the user and the detailed screen 162 to fit within the terminal screen 160. The case where the screen of the content viewing terminal 10 is larger than the ideal value will be described. The detailed screen calculates the horizontal width using the ratio of the ideal value to the vertical width, with the maximum vertical width being the back cover. At this time, within the detailed screen, a cover image of the e-book and blank portions other than that are generated. Also, the bibliographic information of this e-book is added below the cover image, and the bibliographic information is displayed by scrolling the detailed screen. The horizontal width of the bibliographic information may use the entire horizontal width of the detailed screen, or may be the same horizontal width as the cover image. Based on FIG. 19, the case where the screen of the content viewing terminal 10 is larger than the ideal value will be described. This figure is a diagram schematically showing the detailed screen displayed by the display module. In this figure, the terminal screen 170 is shown. On the terminal screen 170, the back cover image of the e-book 171 exists. The display module displays the detailed screen 172 of the e-book 171 desired by the user. Before the detailed screen 172 is displayed, the e-book 171 is in a state adjacent to other e-books (not shown). This detailed screen 172 is displayed in a form adjacent to the back cover image of the e-book 171. That is, it is displayed to the right or left of the e-book 171. When it is displayed on the right, it is displayed between the back cover image of the e-book 171 and the back cover image of the e-book adjacent to the right side, and when it is displayed on the left, it is displayed between the back cover image of the e-book 171 and the back cover image of the e-book adjacent to the left side. On this detailed screen 172, the cover image 173, the blank part 174, and the bibliographic information 175 of the e-book 171 desired by the user are displayed. On the cover image 172, the title 176 and the band data 177 are shown together. The vertical dimension of the detailed screen 172 is adjusted to the vertical dimension of the back cover image of the e-book 171 desired by the user. Since the horizontal dimension of the detailed screen 172 is larger than the cover image 173 of the e-book 171 desired by the user, there is a blank part 174, and the cover image 173 and the blank part 174 are values that fit within the terminal screen 170. Furthermore, the detailed screen 172 is scrollable, and by the user inputting a scroll to the detailed screen 172, the bibliographic information 175 existing below the cover image 173 can be displayed. The horizontal dimension of the bibliographic information 175 is the same value as the horizontal dimension of the detailed screen 172. In addition, when there is a blank part, other book shadows (including thumbnails, etc.) or bibliographic information, etc. may be displayed in the blank part, or other information may be displayed. When the display module displays the detailed screen, if the detailed screen does not fit within the screen of the content viewing terminal 10, it may have a gimmick in which the detailed screen automatically scrolls within the screen of the content viewing terminal 10. Furthermore, this gimmick may be such that the back cover and its detailed screen scroll so as to come to the center of the screen of the content viewing terminal 10.

[0051] The above is the display process.

[0052] [First Back Cover Data Creation Process Executed by Content Browsing Terminal 10] Based on FIG. 20, the first back cover data creation process executed by the content browsing terminal 10 will be described. This figure is a diagram showing a flowchart of the first back cover data creation process executed by the content browsing terminal 10. This first back cover data creation process may be by the user who performs the above-described determination process, or may be by other users.

[0053] The back cover creation module creates back cover data (step S30). The back cover data in this process is, for example, a back cover image. Note that the back cover data is not limited to e-books. When it is content other than e-books, it may be in accordance with that content (in the case of music content, the back part of the CD jacket in a media case recording the music, etc.; in the case of video content, the back part of a media case such as VHS, DVD, or BD recording the video, etc.). The back cover creation module creates a back cover image corresponding to the e-book desired by the user. The back cover creation module creates a back cover image by the user creating an illustration or image using painting software or the like. Also, the back cover creation module creates a back cover image by accepting a selection input for a pre-prepared image. Note that when the back cover creation module can obtain the cover image of this e-book, it may use this cover image to create a back cover image. Examples of methods for creating a back cover image include a method of creating from the content of the cover image and a method of using the cover image as a material for creation. The method of creating from the content of the cover image is, for example, that the back cover creation module performs image analysis, character recognition, etc. on the acquired cover image, or, upon receiving the designation of the user, specifies the content generally used as the back cover image, such as the font (size, color, font type, character decoration, etc.), title, rights holder, publisher, etc. used in the cover image. The back cover creation module creates a back cover image by reflecting the specified content in any of the patterns of the respective back cover data described above. Here, the back cover creation module can also create a more natural back cover image by using a font similar to the specified font and reflecting the title, rights holder, publisher, etc. Also, the method of creating using the back cover image as a material is, for example, that the back cover creation module utilizes a material obtained by cutting out a part (title, rights holder, publisher, etc.) of the cover image (such as pasting the cut-out material in any of the patterns of the respective back cover data described above) to create a back cover image.

[0054] The output module outputs the created back cover data (step S31). The output module associates the bibliographic information of the e-book desired by the user with the created back cover image, transmits it to the content management computer 2, and outputs the created back cover data. The content management computer 2 receives this bibliographic information and back cover image. Based on the received bibliographic information, the content management computer 2 associates the received back cover image with the e-book corresponding to this bibliographic information and registers it.

[0055] The above is the first back cover data creation process.

[0056] [Second back cover data creation process executed by the content viewing terminal 10] Based on FIG. 21, the second back cover data creation process executed by the content viewing terminal 10 will be described. This figure is a diagram showing a flowchart of the second back cover data creation process executed by the content viewing terminal 10. This second back cover data creation process is a modification example of the above-described first back cover data creation process, and is a process that can be executed when cover data is acquired in the process of step S10 described above.

[0057] When the recognition module acquires the cover data, it recognizes the title of the content in the cover data (step S40). The cover data in this process is, for example, a cover image. Note that the cover data is not limited to e-books, and if it is content other than e-books, it may be in accordance with that content (such as a thumbnail in audio content or video content). The recognition module performs image analysis, character recognition, etc. on the acquired cover image, and recognizes the content generally used as the back cover image such as the title, rights holder, publisher, etc. of the e-book in the cover image (see FIG. 22(a)). The recognition module only needs to recognize at least the title among these contents. The recognition module may recognize these contents based on, for example, the position of each content and the shape of each content in the cover image. Furthermore, the recognition module recognizes the character string of each content and the font (size, color, font style, text decoration, etc.) used for each content. The recognition module only needs to recognize at least the character string of the title and the font used for this title among the contents. Note that the recognition module does not necessarily need to recognize the font. Note that the recognition module may recognize the content based on the position of the title, rights holder, publisher, etc. of the e-book in the cover image specified by the user. Also, the recognition module may recognize the content based on the character string of the title, rights holder, publisher, etc. of the e-book input by the user.

[0058] The extraction module extracts the recognized title (step S41). The extraction module extracts the image of the recognized title or the character string of the recognized title. When the extraction module extracts the image of the title in the cover image, it extracts the image corresponding to the title from the cover image. The extraction module extracts the image of the character string of the title from the cover image. When the title consists of a plurality of character strings, the images of the individual character strings are each extracted from the cover image. At this time, the extraction module may extract only the image of the location of the character string, or may extract the image including the periphery of the character string. When the extraction module extracts the character string of the title in the cover image, it extracts the recognized character string of the title from the cover image by OCR (Optical Character Recognition) or the like. Note that when the user inputs character strings such as the title, rights holder, and publisher of the e-book, the extraction module may extract this input content.

[0059] The back cover creation module creates back cover data based on the recognized title (step S42). The back cover data in this process is, for example, a back cover image. The back cover creation module arranges the extracted title on a background image for the back cover image set in advance, and creates a back cover image (see Fig. 22(b)). The vertical width of this background image may match the vertical width of the acquired cover data, or may be otherwise. This background image may have a background color that is a preset color (such as white), or may be the color extracted from the cover image, or may be the color extracted from the e-book, or may be otherwise. The back cover creation module arranges the images of the character strings of the extracted title and arranges them according to the background image, or arranges the character strings of the extracted title according to the recognized font and arranges them according to the background image. When the back cover creation module arranges the image of the extracted title string and places it according to the background image, if necessary, the extracted image is changed according to the order of the title strings. For example, when the title is horizontal, the back cover creation module changes the extracted image to vertical and places the image on the background image. When the back cover creation module arranges the recognized font using the recognized title string according to the background image, the recognized title string is placed on the background image using the same font as the recognized font. Note that the back cover creation module may also create back cover data for content other than the title (such as the rights holder, publisher, etc.) in the same way, based on the recognition result and the extraction result. In this case, it is possible to further enhance the realism of the back cover data.

[0060] Based on FIG. 22, the back cover data created by the content viewing terminal 10 will be described. FIG. 22(a) is a diagram schematically showing the cover data of the acquired e-book, and FIG. 22(b) is a diagram schematically showing the created back cover data. In FIG. 22(a), the cover image 180 is shown, and in FIG. 22(b), the back cover image 190 is shown. The recognition module recognizes the title 181 in the acquired back cover image 180. The extraction module extracts the recognized title 181. The back cover creation module creates a back cover image 190 based on the recognized title 181. The back cover creation module arranges the extracted title 181 on the background image 191. Since the title 181 is horizontal and the back cover image 190 is vertical, the back cover creation module changes the orientation of this title 181 to vertical, arranges the title 192 on the background image 191, and creates the back cover image 190. Details of the processing executed by each module are described in the above steps, so they are omitted.

[0061] The output module outputs the created back cover data (step S43). The process of step S43 may be the same as the process of step S31 described above.

[0062] The above is the second back cover data creation process.

[0063] [Back Cover Data Acquisition Process Executed by Content Viewing Terminal 10] Based on FIG. 23, the back cover data acquisition process executed by the content viewing terminal 10 will be described. This figure is a diagram showing a flowchart of the back cover data acquisition process executed by the content viewing terminal 10. This back cover data acquisition process is a process that uses the back cover data created by the first back cover data creation process or the second back cover data creation process.

[0064] The reception module receives the input of bibliographic information (step S50). When attempting to acquire an e-book, the reception module receives the input of bibliographic information from the user. For example, the reception module displays a predetermined search form and receives the input of the e-book desired by the user.

[0065] The output module outputs the received bibliographic information (step S51). The output module transmits the received bibliographic information to the content management computer 2. The content management computer 2 receives this bibliographic information.

[0066] The associated data acquisition module acquires the back cover data associated with the output bibliographic information (step S52). The content management computer 2 identifies the back cover image registered in association with the received bibliographic information, and transmits the identified back cover image to the content viewing terminal 10. The associated data acquisition module receives this back cover image and acquires the back cover data associated with the output bibliographic information.

[0067] The above is the back cover data acquisition process. When performing the process of step S10 described above, the content viewing terminal 10 may execute the process assuming that it acquires the back cover data acquired by the process of step S52. In addition, when there are a plurality of back cover data associated with the acquired bibliographic information (such as when there is back cover data created by the user and the back cover in the original e - book), the content viewing terminal 10 may display each of the acquired plurality of back cover data as a candidate for selection. The content viewing terminal 10 may receive an input from the user for each displayed back cover data and select the back cover data to be actually used. As a result, a back cover image created by a certain user can be used by other users. Other users can save the trouble of creating a back cover image themselves.

[0068] [The First Storage Process Executed by the Content Viewing Terminal 10] Based on FIG. 24, the first storage process executed by the content viewing terminal 10 will be described. This figure is a diagram showing a flowchart of the first storage process executed by the content viewing terminal 10.

[0069] The display module displays a virtual content shelf (step S60). The virtual content shelf is virtually a shelf for storing content that the user owns or desires. In this embodiment, it will be described assuming that the virtual content shelf is a virtual book shelf for virtually storing e - books. The display module receives a predetermined input (such as an input related to the display of the virtual book shelf) and displays a virtual book shelf, which is a virtual book shelf storing the e - books owned by the user (see FIG. 25). In this process, the case where the virtual book shelf already has one or more e - books stored will be described as an example. Note that there is no problem even if the virtual book shelf has no e - books stored.

[0070] Based on FIG. 25, the virtual bookshelf displayed by the display module will be described. This figure is a diagram schematically showing an example of the virtual bookshelf displayed by the display module. In this figure, a virtual bookshelf 200 is shown. The virtual bookshelf 200 is in a state where a plurality of e-books (Book 1 to Book 6) are stored. Each of the plurality of e-books in the virtual bookshelf 200 is stored in a state where the back cover can be viewed. The content viewing terminal 10 stores a new e-book in this virtual bookshelf 200 in accordance with the processes described later.

[0071] Returning to FIG. 24, the continuation of the first storage process will be described. The reception module receives the registration of content to the virtual content shelf (step S61). The reception module receives an input regarding the registration of an e-book newly owned by the user or an e-book that the user desires to store in the virtual bookshelf.

[0072] The storage determination module determines whether the received content can be stored in the virtual content shelf (step S62). The storage determination module determines whether the width of the back cover data of the registered e-book fits within the width of the margin of the virtual bookshelf. For example, when the width of the virtual bookshelf is 11.8 inches (about 30 cm), it is determined whether the value obtained by subtracting the total width of the e-books already stored from the width of this virtual bookshelf is greater than the width of the back cover data of the e-book to be newly stored. The size used for the width determination may be the width of the back cover data (in inches, pixels, cm, etc.), the thickness of the book if it is a printed book, the number of characters if it is text content, or the time of the content if it is video content or audio content.

[0073] When the storage determination module determines that the width of the back cover data does not fit within the width of the margin of the virtual bookshelf (step S62 NO), the display module displays an error log (step S63). The display module displays, as an error log, that the received e-book cannot be stored in the virtual bookshelf, the value of the width of the back cover data of the e-books that can be stored in the virtual bookshelf, and the title of the e-books to be excluded from the virtual bookshelf in order to store this e-book in the virtual bookshelf. The e-books to be excluded may be freely selected by the user from the stored e-books. For example, the ones with the oldest date of the user's last viewing, the ones with the lowest viewing frequency, the ones with the lowest priority according to the priority order of the e-books determined by the user, or the ones with less user interest such as the ones other than the e-books that the user has determined to leave in the virtual bookshelf. After executing the process of step S63, the content viewing terminal 10 ends the first storage process.

[0074] On the other hand, when the storage determination module determines that the width of the back cover data is a size that fits within the width of the margin of the virtual bookshelf (step S62 YES), the storage module stores the received content in the virtual content shelf (step S64). The storage module stores the received e-book in the virtual bookshelf (see FIG. 26).

[0075] Based on FIG. 26, the virtual bookshelf in which the storage module newly stores an e-book will be described. This figure is a diagram schematically showing an example of a virtual bookshelf in which the storage module newly stores an e-book. In this figure, a virtual bookshelf 210 is shown. The virtual bookshelf 210 is in a state where a new e-book (Book 7) is stored in the virtual bookshelf 210. The e-book (Book 7) is also stored in a state where the back cover is viewable.

[0076] Returning to FIG. 24, the continuation of the first storage process will be described. The display module displays the virtual content shelf (step S65). The display module displays a virtual bookshelf that newly stores an e-book. At this time, it may display the band data together with the back cover data, or may display the virtual bookshelf in a state where the display mode of the newly stored e-book is changed (such as adding an icon, adding a mark, highlighting, changing the text color, etc.).

[0077] The above is the first storage process. In addition, in the first storage process described above, although the e-books are stored in the virtual bookshelf so that the back covers are visible, it is also applicable when storing them so that the covers are visible.

[0078] [Second Storage Process Executed by Content Browsing Terminal 10] Based on FIG. 27, the second storage process executed by the content browsing terminal 10 will be described. This figure is a diagram showing a flowchart of the second storage process executed by the content browsing terminal 10.

[0079] The display module displays a virtual content shelf (step S70). The display module receives a predetermined input (such as an input related to the display of the virtual bookshelf) and displays a virtual bookshelf that is a virtual bookshelf in which the e-books owned by the user are stored (see FIG. 28). In this process, the virtual bookshelf will be described by taking the case where no e-books are stored as an example. Note that there is no problem even if one or more e-books are stored in the virtual bookshelf.

[0080] Based on FIG. 28, the virtual bookshelf displayed by the display module will be described. This figure is a diagram schematically showing an example of the virtual bookshelf displayed by the display module. In this figure, a virtual bookshelf 220 is shown. The virtual bookshelf 220 is in a state where no e-books are stored. The content browsing terminal 10 stores a new e-book in this virtual bookshelf 220 along with the processes described later.

[0081] Returning to FIG. 27, the continuation of the second storage process will be described. The reception module receives a batch registration of a plurality of contents to the virtual content shelf (step S71). The reception module receives an input regarding the registration of an e - book newly owned by the user or a plurality of e - books that the user desires to store in the virtual book shelf.

[0082] The storage determination module determines whether the received plurality of contents can be stored in the virtual content shelf (step S72). The storage determination module determines whether the total width value of the back cover data of the received plurality of e - books fits within the width of the margin of the virtual book shelf. For example, when the width of the virtual book shelf is 11.8 inches (about 30 cm), it determines whether this width of the virtual book shelf is larger than the total width value of the widths of the received plurality of e - books. The size used for width determination may be the width of the back cover data (in inches, pixels, cm, etc.), or if it is a printed book, it may be the thickness of the book, if it is text content, it may be the number of characters, and if it is video content or audio content, it may be the time of the content, etc.

[0083] When the storage determination module determines that the total width value of the plurality of back cover data does not fit within the width of the margin of the virtual book shelf (step S72 NO), the display module proposes a storage method (step S73). The display module displays, as the proposed content, that it is impossible to store all of the currently received plurality of e - books in the virtual book shelf, the maximum number of e - books that can be stored based on the width of the back cover data of each e - book, and their titles, etc. After executing the process of step S73, the content browsing terminal 10 may end the second storage process, or may display a virtual book shelf in a state where the e - books are automatically stored based on the proposed content by the process of step S75 described later.

[0084] On the other hand, when the storage determination module determines that the total width of the widths of the plurality of back cover papers is a size that fits within the width of the margin of the virtual bookshelf (step S72 YES), the storage module collectively stores the received plurality of contents in the virtual content shelf (step S74). The storage module subtracts the total width of the widths of the respective back cover papers from the width of the margin of the virtual bookshelf, and calculates the margin of the virtual bookshelf after storing the e-books. When this margin is smaller than a predetermined value (the width of the cover of any e-book), the storage module collectively stores a plurality of e-books in the virtual bookshelf in a state where the back covers of each e-book are viewable. On the other hand, when this margin is larger than a predetermined value (the width of the cover of any e-book), the storage module collectively stores a plurality of e-books in the virtual bookshelf in a state where the cover of any e-book is viewable and the back covers of the other e-books are viewable (see FIG. 29).

[0085] Based on FIG. 29, the storage module will be described for the virtual bookshelf in which e-books are collectively stored. FIG. 29(a) is a diagram schematically showing an example of a virtual bookshelf in which a plurality of e-books are stored in a state where the back covers are viewable, and FIG. 29(b) is a diagram schematically showing an example of a virtual bookshelf in which one e-book is stored in a state where the cover is viewable and the other e-books are stored in a state where the back covers are viewable. In the figure, a virtual bookshelf 230 is shown. In the virtual bookshelf 230, the storage module changes the e-book storage method according to whether the margin of the virtual bookshelf 230 when each e-book is stored in a state where the back cover is viewable is larger than the width of the cover data of any e-book. When the margin is smaller than the width of the cover of any e-book, the storage module stores all the e-books in the virtual bookshelf 230 in a state where the back covers are viewable. On the other hand, when the margin is larger than the width of the cover of any e-book (in FIG. 29(b), larger than the width of e-book (Book 5)), the storage module stores the e-book (Book 5) in the virtual bookshelf 230 in a state where the cover is viewable, and stores the other e-books (Books 1 to 4, 6) in the virtual bookshelf 230 in a state where the back covers are viewable.

[0086] Return to FIG. 27 and continue to describe the second storage process. The display module displays a virtual content shelf (step S75). The display module displays a virtual book shelf storing each e-book.

[0087] The above is the second storage process. In addition, in the second storage process described above, the cover is stored in a viewable state according to the margin. Conversely, even when each e-book cover is stored in a viewable state and the back cover is stored in a viewable state according to the margin, it is applicable.

[0088] [Third Storage Process Executed by Content Browsing Terminal 10] Based on FIG. 30, the third storage process executed by the content browsing terminal 10 will be described. This figure is a diagram showing a flowchart of the third storage process executed by the content browsing terminal 10.

[0089] The display module displays a virtual content shelf (step S80). The display module receives a predetermined input (input related to the display of the virtual book shelf, etc.) and displays a virtual book shelf, which is a virtual book shelf storing the e-books owned by the user (see FIG. 31). In this process, the virtual book shelf will be described by taking the case where one or more e-books have already been stored as an example. Note that there is no problem even if the virtual book shelf has no e-books stored.

[0090] Based on FIG. 31, the virtual book shelf displayed by the display module will be described. This figure is a diagram schematically showing an example of the virtual book shelf displayed by the display module. In this figure, a virtual book shelf 240 is shown. The virtual book shelf 240 is in a state where a plurality of e-books (Book 1 to Book 6) are stored. Each of the plurality of e-books in the virtual book shelf 240 is stored in a state where the back cover can be viewed. The content browsing terminal 10 stores a new e-book in this virtual book shelf 240 as a result of the process described later.

[0091] Returning to FIG. 30, the continuation of the third storage process will be described. The reception module receives additional registration of a plurality of contents to the virtual content shelf (step S81). The reception module receives input regarding registration of e-books newly owned by the user or a plurality of e-books that the user desires to store in the virtual book shelf.

[0092] The storage determination module determines whether the received plurality of contents can be stored in the virtual content shelf (step S82). The storage determination module determines whether the total value of the horizontal widths of the back cover data of the plurality of registered e-books fits within the width of the margin of the virtual book shelf. For example, when the horizontal width of the virtual book shelf is 11.8 inches (about 30 cm), it is determined whether the value obtained by subtracting the total value of the horizontal widths of the e-books already stored from the horizontal width of this virtual book shelf is larger than the total value of the horizontal widths of the back cover data of the plurality of e-books to be newly stored. The size used for the width determination may be the width of the back cover data (inches, pixels, cm, etc.), the thickness of the book if it is a printed book, the number of characters if it is character content, or the time of the content if it is video content or audio content.

[0093] When the storage determination module determines that the total value of the horizontal widths of the back cover data does not fit within the width of the margin of the virtual book shelf (step S82 NO), the display module proposes a storage method (step S83). The display module displays, as proposed content, that the received multiple e-books cannot be stored in the virtual bookshelf, the value of the horizontal width of the back cover data of the e-books that can be stored in the virtual bookshelf, and the titles of the e-books to be excluded from the virtual bookshelf in order to store the multiple e-books in the virtual bookshelf (see Fig. 32). The e-books to be excluded may be freely selected by the user from the stored e-books. For example, those with an old date of the previous viewing by the user, those with a low viewing frequency, those with a low priority according to the priority order of the e-books determined by the user, or those with little user interest such as the e-books other than those determined by the user to be left in the virtual bookshelf. After executing the process of step S83, the content viewing terminal 10 may end the third storage process, or may display a virtual bookshelf in a state where the e-books are automatically stored based on the proposed content by the process of step S85 described later.

[0094] Based on Fig. 32, the proposed content displayed by the display module will be described. This figure is a diagram schematically showing an example of the proposed content displayed by the display module. In this figure, the virtual bookshelf 250 is shown. The display module assigns a predetermined icon (cross mark) 251 and a color display such as transparent gray to the e-books to be excluded (Book 6), excludes this e-book (Book 6), and displays as the proposed content that the newly received e-books (Books 7 and 8) are to be stored. Note that the proposed content displayed by the display module is not limited to the above example. Also, the method of displaying the e-books to be excluded is not limited to the above example.

[0095] Returning to Fig. 30, the continuation of the third storage process will be described. On the other hand, when the storage determination module determines that the total value of the horizontal widths of the back cover data is a size that fits within the width of the margin of the virtual bookshelf (step S82 YES), the storage module collectively stores the received multiple contents in the virtual content shelf (step S84). The storage module collectively stores a plurality of received e-books on a virtual bookshelf.

[0096] The display module displays a virtual content shelf (step S85). The display module displays a virtual bookshelf storing each e-book.

[0097] The above is the third storage process. In the above-described first storage process, the e-books are stored on the virtual bookshelf so that the back covers are visible. However, even when the e-books are stored so that the covers are visible, it is applicable.

[0098] [Band data registration process executed by content viewing terminal 10] Based on FIG. 33, the band data registration process executed by the content viewing terminal 10 will be described. This figure is a diagram showing a flowchart of the band data registration process executed by the content viewing terminal 10.

[0099] The band creation module creates band data based on user input (step S90). The band data in this process is arbitrarily created by the user. This band data may be characters, graphics, colors, sounds, actions, videos, or combinations thereof. This band data is viewable by the creating user and other users. That is, the band data created by user A is viewable not only by user A but also by another user B. Note that this band data may be viewable only by the creating user. However, when the user permits viewing for other users by a process described later, it may be viewable by the other users who have been permitted to view. That is, the band data created by user A is normally viewable only by user A, and when the conditions are met, it is viewable by user A and other users B who have met the conditions (been permitted to view). The band creation module accepts input of the input content to be reflected in the band data by the user using document software, text software, voice input software, painting software, etc., or a predetermined input form set in advance. The band creation module creates band data based on this input content. The band creation module creates band data according to the preset size of the band data or the size of the e-book for which the band data is to be created. Also, the band creation module may be adjusted according to the size of the band data obtained in step S11 in the above-described determination process, or may be of a different size. Further, the band creation module may add some data (icon, mark, user identifier, etc.) indicating that the band data was created by the user himself / herself to this band data.

[0100] The registration module associates and registers the created band data with the user who created it (step S91). The registration module associates the created band data with the identifier of the created user and registers this band data. When registering the band data, the registration module can also associate the identifiers of other users who can view it, in addition to the created user. Also, when registering the band data, the registration module can also associate the identifiers of other users who are denied access, in addition to the created user. The identifiers of these other users may be accepted by the band creation module when creating the band data, or may be accepted at other times. The registration module also registers for this band data which sharing state it is in, namely public, public + rejection system, non-public + permission system, or non-public. Regarding public access, for all users other than the user who created the strip data, the strip data created by the user is in a sharable state. The public + rejection system means that for users other than the user who created it, and excluding other users who are associated with this user and have their viewing rejected, the strip data created by the user is in a sharable state. The non - public + permission system means that for users other than the user who created the strip data, and excluding other users who are associated with this user and have their viewing permitted, the strip data created by the user is in a sharable state. Regarding non - public access, for all users other than the user who created the strip data, the strip data created by the user is in a non - sharable state. The registration module registers by associating the sharing state of the strip data, such as by accepting an input regarding the sharing state of this strip data. In addition to the created strip data, the registration module may further register by associating the back cover data and cover data of the e - book corresponding to this strip data.

[0101] The output module outputs the registered strip data (step S92). The output module associates the strip data created by the user with the bibliographic information of the e - book corresponding to this strip data and the identifier of the user, and transmits it to the content management computer 2, and outputs the registered strip data. The output module may output only the identifier of the creating user, or may also output, in addition to the identifier of the creating user, the identifiers of other users permitted by the user to view. The content management computer 2 receives this bibliographic information and strip data. Based on the received bibliographic information, the content management computer 2 registers by associating the received strip data with the e - book corresponding to this bibliographic information. At this time, the content management computer 2 registers the strip data in the e - book with the identifier of the user associated. The content management computer 2 may register not only the identifier of the user who created the strip data but also the identifiers of other users permitted by the user to view this strip data. In addition, the content management computer 2 may further register by associating the back cover data and cover data of the e-book corresponding to the received strip data. Further, when the content management computer 2 registers the identifiers of other users together, it may further register by associating not only this strip data but also the back cover data and cover data of the e-book corresponding to this strip data.

[0102] The above is the strip data registration process. When the content viewing terminal 10 displays the strip data, it may use the strip data registered by the above-described strip data registration process. For example, the content viewing terminal 10 displays the strip data associated with each user in the virtual content shelf of each user.

[0103] [First Sharing Process Executed by Content Viewing Terminal 10] Based on FIG. 34, the first sharing process executed by the content viewing terminal 10 will be described. This figure is a diagram showing a flowchart of the first sharing process executed by the content viewing terminal 10. This first sharing process is a process performed when acquiring strip data created by a user separately from the strip data corresponding to the content in the process of step S11 described above. Further, this first sharing process is a process related to the acquired content in step S10 described above.

[0104] The sharing determination module determines whether an input related to the sharing of strip data has been received (step S100). The sharing determination module determines whether an input related to the sharing of strip data created by other users has been received. When the sharing determination module determines that this input has not been received (step S100 NO), the content viewing terminal 10 ends this process. In this case, in the process of step S11 described above, only the strip data corresponding to the content may be acquired. In addition to the strip data corresponding to this content, the content terminal 10 may acquire the back cover data and cover data corresponding to the content.

[0105] On the other hand, when the co-ownership determination module determines that it has received this input (step S100 YES), the request module requests the sharing of the strip data created by the user (step S101). The request module transmits and outputs to the content management computer 2 a request for sharing the strip data created by the user and an identifier of the user who requested this strip data. The content management computer 2 receives this request and the user identifier. The content management computer 2 performs different processes according to whether the sharing status of the strip data for which sharing is requested is any of public, public + rejection system, non-public + permission system, and non-public. When the sharing status of the strip data for which sharing is requested is non-public, the content management computer 2 transmits and outputs to the content viewing terminal 10 a notification indicating that sharing is not possible, an error notification, blank strip data, etc. The content viewing terminal 10 receives this notification, error notification, blank strip data, etc., and displays them on its own display unit or the like, and notifies the user that sharing is not possible. When the sharing status of the strip data for which sharing is requested is public, the content management computer 2 executes the process of step S102 described later. When the sharing status of the strip data for which sharing is requested is public + rejection system, the content management computer 2 determines whether the received user identifier belongs to a user who rejects viewing associated with the registered strip data. When the received user identifier belongs to a user who rejects viewing associated with the registered strip data, the content management computer 2 transmits and outputs to the content viewing terminal 10 a notification indicating that sharing is not possible, an error notification, blank strip data, etc. The content viewing terminal 10 receives this notification, error notification, blank strip data, etc., and displays them on its own display unit or the like, and notifies the user that sharing is not possible. On the other hand, when the received user identifier does not belong to a user who rejects viewing associated with the registered strip data, the content management computer 2 executes the process of step S102 described later. When the sharing status of the strip data for which sharing is requested by the content management computer 2 is private + permission, the content management computer 2 determines whether the received user identifier belongs to a viewable user associated with the registered strip data. When the received user identifier belongs to a viewable user associated with the registered strip data, the content management computer 2 executes the process of step S102 described later. On the other hand, when the received user identifier does not belong to a viewable user associated with the registered strip data, the content management computer 2 transmits a notification indicating that sharing is not possible, an error notification, blank strip data, etc. to the content viewing terminal 10 and outputs it. The content viewing terminal 10 receives this notification, error notification, or blank strip data, displays it on its own display unit, etc., and notifies the user that sharing is not possible.

[0106] The sharing module shares the strip data created by the user with other users (step S102). The content management computer 2 transmits the strip data for which sharing is requested to the content viewing terminal 10 and outputs it. Note that the content management computer 2 may transmit and output not only this strip data but also back cover data and cover data associated with this strip data to the content viewing terminal 10. The sharing module receives the strip data transmitted by the content management computer 2. The sharing module uses this strip data to execute the processes after step S12 described above and share the strip data. Also, the sharing module displays this strip data in the display area and at the position determined by the process of step S12 described above and shares the strip data. Note that the sharing module may display the shared strip data at an arbitrary location. Note that when the sharing module receives back cover data and cover data associated with this strip data in addition to the strip data, it displays the received back cover data and cover data, and displays the strip data in the display area and at the position determined by the process of step S12 described above, and may share the strip data and the back cover data and cover data.

[0107] The above is the first sharing process.

[0108] [Virtual Content Shelf Registration Process Executed by Content Browsing Terminal 10] Based on FIG. 35, the virtual content shelf registration process executed by the content browsing terminal 10 will be described. This figure is a diagram showing a flowchart of the virtual content shelf registration process executed by the content browsing terminal 10. This virtual content shelf registration process is a process using the virtual content shelf (virtual book shelf) described in the above-described first to third storage processes.

[0109] The registration module registers the user's virtual content shelf by associating it with the user (step S110). The registration module associates the virtual book shelf in which the e-books owned by the user are stored with the identifier of the user who is the owner of this virtual book shelf, and registers the virtual book shelf. When registering the virtual book shelf, the registration module can also associate the presence or absence of full public access of the registered virtual book shelf, the identifiers of other users who can view it, and the identifiers of other users who reject viewing. These identifiers of other users may accept the input at the time of registering the virtual book shelf, or may accept the input at other timing. As a result of the registration module associating the identifier of another user who can view with the virtual book shelf, it becomes possible to limit or permit the viewing users of the virtual book shelf. Also, as a result of the registration module associating the identifier of another user who rejects viewing with the virtual book shelf, it becomes possible to limit or reject the viewing users of the virtual book shelf.

[0110] The output module outputs the registered user's virtual content shelf (step S111). The output module associates the user's virtual book shelf with the bibliographic information of the stored e-books and the user's identifier, and transmits it to the content management computer 2, and outputs the registered virtual content shelf. The output module may also output the presence or absence of full public access of this virtual book shelf and the identifiers of other users who can view it. The content management computer 2 receives this virtual bookshelf, the bibliographic information of the stored e-books, and the user identifier. Based on the received bibliographic information, the content management computer 2 associates and registers the received user identifier with the virtual bookshelf in which the e-book corresponding to this bibliographic information is stored. The content management computer 2 may also register in this virtual bookshelf the presence or absence of public disclosure and the identifiers of other users who can view it.

[0111] The above is the virtual content shelf registration process.

[0112] [Second Sharing Process Executed by Content Browsing Terminal 10] Based on FIG. 36, the second sharing process executed by the content browsing terminal 10 will be described. This figure is a diagram showing a flowchart of the second sharing process executed by the content browsing terminal 10. This second sharing process is a process that uses the virtual content shelf registered by the above-described virtual content shelf registration process.

[0113] The sharing determination module determines whether an input regarding the sharing of the virtual content shelf has been received (step S120). The sharing determination module determines whether an input regarding the sharing of the virtual content shelf registered by another user has been received. When the sharing determination module determines that this input has not been received (step S120 NO), the content browsing terminal 10 ends this process.

[0114] On the other hand, when the sharing determination module determines that this input has been received (step S120 YES), the request module requests the sharing of the user's virtual content shelf (step S121). The request module transmits and outputs a request for sharing the user's virtual bookshelf and the identifier of the user who requested this virtual bookshelf to the content management computer 2. The content management computer 2 receives this request and the user identifier. When the virtual bookshelf for which sharing is requested has an all - public setting, the content management computer 2 executes the process of step S122 described later. When the virtual bookshelf for which sharing is requested is viewable only by other users who have been permitted to view, the content management computer 2 determines whether the identifier of the received user is that of a user who can view the registered virtual bookshelf. When the content management computer 2 determines that the identifier of the received user is not that of a user who can view the registered virtual bookshelf, it transmits a notification indicating that sharing is not possible, an error notification, a blank virtual bookshelf, etc. to the content viewing terminal 10 and outputs them. The content viewing terminal 10 receives this notification, error notification, blank virtual bookshelf, etc., displays them on its own display unit, and notifies the user that sharing is not possible. On the other hand, when the identifier of the received user is that of a user who can view the registered virtual bookshelf, the content management computer 2 executes the process of step S122 described later. When the virtual bookshelf for which sharing is requested is viewable by users other than those whose viewing has been rejected, the content management computer 2 determines whether the identifier of the received user is that of a user whose viewing of the registered virtual bookshelf has been rejected. When the content management computer 2 determines that the identifier of the received user is not that of a user whose viewing of the registered virtual bookshelf has been rejected, it executes the process of step S122 described later. On the other hand, when the identifier of the received user is that of a user whose viewing of the registered virtual bookshelf has been rejected, the content management computer 2 transmits a notification indicating that sharing is not possible, an error notification, a blank virtual bookshelf, etc. to the content viewing terminal 10 and outputs them. The content viewing terminal 10 receives this notification, error notification, blank virtual bookshelf, etc., displays them on its own display unit, and notifies the user that sharing is not possible.

[0115] The sharing module shares the user's virtual content shelf with other users (step S122). The content management computer 2 transmits and outputs the virtual bookshelf for which sharing has been requested to the content viewing terminal 10. The sharing module receives the virtual bookshelf transmitted by the content management computer 2. The content viewing terminal 10 displays the received virtual bookshelf and shares the user's virtual content shelf with other users.

[0116] The above is the second sharing process.

[0117] Although each of the above-described processes has been described as a separate process, the content viewing terminal 10 may be configured to execute some or all of the above-described processes in combination. Also, not limited to the storage by each of the above-described storage processes, the content to be stored and its display form (front cover or back cover) may be arbitrarily received from the user, and the content may be stored based on the received content and its display form.

[0118] The above-described means and functions are realized by a computer (including a CPU, an information processing device, and various terminals) reading and executing a predetermined program. The program may be provided, for example, in a form provided from a computer via a network (SaaS: Software as a Service) or in a cloud service. Also, the program may be provided in a form recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. In this case, the computer reads the program from the recording medium, transfers it to and records it in an internal recording device or an external recording device, and then executes it. Also, the program may be pre-recorded in a recording device (recording medium), and provided to the computer via a communication line from the recording device.

[0119] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. Also, the effects described in the embodiments of the present invention are merely an enumeration of the most suitable effects resulting from the present invention, and the effects of the present invention are not limited to those described in the embodiments of the present invention.

[0120] The first aspect disclosed in this embodiment is a content display system that displays a list of contents, a first acquisition unit that acquires back cover data or cover data of the content; a second acquisition unit that acquires strip data corresponding to the content; a determination unit that determines a display area and position of the strip data to be displayed with respect to the back cover data or the cover data; a display unit that displays the back cover data or the cover data and the strip data at the determined display area and position; and provides a content display system including the same.

[0121] The second aspect disclosed in this embodiment is that the determination unit determines the display area and position based on a user input, and provides the content display system according to the first aspect.

[0122] The third aspect disclosed in this embodiment is that the content is an e-book, character content, video content, or audio content, and provides the content display system according to the first aspect.

[0123] The fourth aspect disclosed in this embodiment is that the determination unit determines the display area and position while avoiding a part where the title of the content and / or the rights holder is described, and provides the content display system according to the first aspect.

[0124] The fifth aspect disclosed in this embodiment is that the determination unit gives priority to the title over the rights holder, and provides the content display system according to the fourth aspect.

[0125] The sixth aspect disclosed in this embodiment is that when the first acquisition unit acquires the cover data, a recognition unit that recognizes the title of the content in the cover data, and an extraction unit that extracts the recognized title; A back cover creation unit that creates back cover data of the content based on the extracted title The content display system according to the first aspect, further comprising

[0126] In the seventh aspect disclosed in this embodiment, the recognition unit recognizes the font of the title, and the back cover creation unit creates back cover data of the content using the recognized font. The content display system according to the sixth aspect.

[0127] In the eighth aspect disclosed in this embodiment, a band creation unit that creates band data based on a user's input, and a registration unit that registers the created band data in association with the created user. The content display system according to the first aspect, further comprising

[0128] In the ninth aspect disclosed in this embodiment, a sharing unit that shares the created band data with other users, further comprising the created band data is viewable by the created user and the other users with whom it is shared. The content display system according to the eighth aspect.

Explanation of Signs

[0129] 1 Content display system 2 Content management computer 8 Network 10 Content viewing terminal 11 First acquisition unit 12 Second acquisition unit 13 Decision unit 14 Display unit 20 Back cover data 21 Title 22 Author 23 Editor and publisher 24 - 26 Band data 30 Back cover data 31 Title 32 Subtitle 33 Author 34 Band Data 40 Back Cover Data 41 Title 42 Subtitle 43 Author 44,45 Band Data 50 Back Cover Data 51 Title 52 Author 53,54 Band Data 60 Back Cover Data 61 Title 62 Author 63 Publisher 64~66 Band Data 70 Back Cover Data 71 Title 72 Subtitle 73 Author 74,75 Band Data 80 Back Cover Data 81 Title 82 Author 83~85 Band Data 90 Back Cover Data 91 Title 92 Author 93~95 Band Data 100 Cover Data 101 Title 102 Subtitle 103 Band Data 110 Cover Data 111 Title 112 Subtitle 113 Author 114 Description 115 Band Data 120 List 121 E-book 122 Band Data 130 List 131 E-book 132 Band Data 140 Terminal Screen 141 E-book 142 Detailed screen 143 Cover image 144 Title 145 Band data 150 Terminal screen 151 E-book 152 Detailed screen 153 Cover image 154 Bibliographic information 155 Title 156 Band data 160 Terminal screen 161 E-book 162 Detailed screen 163 Cover image 164 Bibliographic information 165 Title 166 Band data 170 Terminal screen 171 E-book 172 Detailed screen 173 Cover image 174 Blank part 175 Bibliographic information 176 Title 177 Band data 180 Cover image 181 Title 190 Back cover image 191 Background image 192 Title 200 Virtual bookshelf 210 Virtual bookshelf 220 Virtual bookshelf 230 Virtual bookshelf 240 Virtual bookshelf 250 Virtual bookshelf 251 Icon

Claims

1. A content display system for displaying a list of contents, comprising: a first acquisition unit configured to acquire back cover data or front cover data of the content; a second acquisition unit configured to acquire band data corresponding to the content; a determination unit configured to determine a display area and a position of the band data to be displayed with respect to the back cover data or the front cover data; a display unit configured to display the back cover data or the front cover data and the band data at the determined display area and position. A content display system comprising the above components.

2. The determination unit determines the display area and the position based on user input. The content display system according to Claim 1.

3. The content is an e-book, text content, video content, or audio content. The content display system according to Claim 1.

4. The determination unit determines the display area and the position while avoiding a part where the title and / or the rights holder such as the author of the content is described. The content display system according to Claim 1.

5. The determination unit gives priority to the title over the rights holder. The content display system according to Claim 4.

6. When the first acquisition unit acquires the front cover data, a recognition unit configured to recognize the title of the content in the front cover data, an extraction unit configured to extract the recognized title, a back cover creation unit configured to create back cover data of the content based on the extracted title. The content display system according to Claim 1, further comprising the above components.

7. The recognition unit recognizes the font of the title. The back cover creation unit creates the back cover data of the content using the recognized font. The content display system according to Claim 6.

8. a band creation unit configured to create band data based on user input, a registration unit configured to register the created band data in association with the created user. The content display system according to Claim 1, further comprising the above components.

9. a sharing unit configured to share the created band data with other users. The content display system according to Claim 8, further comprising the above component. The created band data can be viewed by the creating user and other sharing users. The content display system according to Claim 8.

10. A content display method executed by a computer for displaying a list of contents, comprising: a step of acquiring back cover data or front cover data of the content; A step of acquiring strip data corresponding to the content; A step of determining a display area and a position of the strip data to be displayed with respect to the back cover data or the cover data; A step of displaying the back cover data or the cover data and the strip data at the determined display area and position; A content display method comprising the above.

11. On a computer that displays a list of contents, A step of acquiring back cover data or cover data of the content; A step of acquiring strip data corresponding to the content; A step of determining a display area and a position of the strip data to be displayed with respect to the back cover data or the cover data; A step of displaying the back cover data or the cover data and the strip data at the determined display area and position; A computer-readable program for causing the above to be executed.

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