Program and Information Processing Device

Abstract

This invention provides a program and information processing device that allow users to easily check content related to a specific area in an e-book. [Solution] The computer functions as a display control means 34 that displays one ebook selected by the user from among several related ebooks on a terminal device 4 owned by the user, and a providing means 36 that provides one ebook to the terminal device 4 in a state where it is possible to access other ebooks that contain content related to the content of the first predetermined area 56 (a predetermined area of ​​one ebook) from among the multiple ebooks.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a program and an information processing apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] For example, as disclosed in Patent Document 1 below, a function of browsing e-books using a terminal device such as a smartphone or a tablet is known.

Prior Art Document

Patent Document

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In an e-book, for example, content related to a predetermined area such as a predetermined page or frame (a foreshadowing scene, a foreshadowing recovery scene, a scene where a character who appears rarely was active in the past, a related scene of a spin-off work, etc.) may be shown on another page or frame. In such a case, in order for a user viewing a predetermined page or frame to check the content related to the predetermined area, the user has to search for another page or frame representing the content, which is troublesome.

[0005] In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a program and an information processing apparatus that can easily check the content related to a predetermined area in an e-book.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To solve the above problems, a program according to the first aspect of the present invention causes a computer to function as a display control means for displaying one e-book selected by the user from among a plurality of related e-books on a terminal device owned by the user, and as a providing means for providing the one e-book to the terminal device in a state in which the user can access other e-books among the plurality of e-books that contain content related to the content of a predetermined area of ​​the one e-book.

[0007] Furthermore, in a second aspect of the present invention, the other e-book is an earlier episode or volume than the first e-book.

[0008] Furthermore, in a third aspect of the present invention, the other e-book is a newer episode or volume than the first e-book.

[0009] Furthermore, in a fourth aspect of the present invention, when the predetermined area is designated as the first predetermined area, the providing means provides the first e-book to the terminal device in a state that allows access from the first predetermined area to a second predetermined area of ​​the other e-books relating to the content of the first predetermined area.

[0010] Furthermore, in a fifth aspect of the present invention, the related content is such that at least a part of the object being described, and / or at least a part of the words being described, are common to the content of the first predetermined area.

[0011] Furthermore, in a sixth aspect of the present invention, the computer further functions as a receiving means for receiving operations of the terminal device by the user, the display control means enables the display of the other e-book on the terminal device, and the providing means can change, depending on the operation received by the receiving means, whether to allow access to the other e-book only if there is a history of it being displayed by the display control means, or to allow access to the other e-book even if there is no such history.

[0012] Furthermore, in a seventh aspect of the present invention, the display control means enables the display of the second predetermined area on the terminal device, and the providing means can change, according to the operation received by the receiving means, whether to allow access to the second predetermined area only when there is a history of the second predetermined area being displayed by the display control means, or to allow access to the second predetermined area even when there is no such history.

[0013] An information processing device according to the eighth aspect of the present invention includes a display control means for displaying one e-book selected by a user from among a plurality of related e-books on a terminal device owned by the user, and a provisioning means for providing the one e-book to the terminal device in a state that allows access from a predetermined area of ​​the one e-book to other e-books among the plurality of e-books that contain content related to the content of the predetermined area. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to the present invention, it is possible to easily check the content related to a predetermined area in an e-book. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0015]

[0016]

[0017]

[0018]

[0019]

[0020] [Figure 1] This is a block diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of an e-book system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a block diagram that schematically shows an example of the hardware configuration of the server device shown. [Figure 3] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a smartphone hardware configuration as a terminal device. [Figure 4]It is a block diagram schematically showing an example of functional means of a server device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] It is a flowchart showing an example of processing in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] It is a schematic diagram showing an example of a screen on which a first predetermined page in the first embodiment of the present invention is displayed. [Figure 7] It is a schematic diagram showing an example of a screen including a display instruction button in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] It is a schematic diagram showing another example of a screen including a display instruction button in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] It is a schematic diagram showing an example of a screen on which a second predetermined page in the first embodiment of the present invention is displayed. [Figure 10] It is a flowchart showing an example of processing in the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] It is a block diagram schematically showing an example of functional means of a server device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] It is a flowchart showing an example of processing in the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] It is a schematic diagram showing an example of a screen including a second predetermined area in the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] It is a schematic diagram showing a change of a screen including a second predetermined area in the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] It is a schematic diagram showing another example of a screen including a second predetermined area in the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] It is a schematic diagram showing an example of a screen on which a second predetermined page in the third embodiment of the present invention is displayed. [Figure 17] It is a schematic diagram showing an example of a voting screen in the fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] It is a block diagram schematically showing an example of functional means of a server device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19]This is a schematic block diagram showing a modified example of the functional means of a server device according to the third embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0021] Hereinafter, several embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings. To facilitate understanding of the description, the same reference numerals are used for identical components and steps in each drawing whenever possible, and redundant explanations are omitted.

[0022] ===First Embodiment=== First, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0023] ≪Overall Structure≫ Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of the e-book system 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] As shown in Figure 1, the e-book system 1 comprises a server device 2 and terminal devices 4. Although Figure 1 shows three terminal devices 4, there may be one or more terminal devices 4. Furthermore, the server device 2 and the terminal devices 4 are connected to each other in a manner that allows them to communicate with one another via a communication network NT such as the Internet, an intranet, or a telephone line.

[0025] Server device 2 is an information processing device (computer) that provides the results obtained by executing the e-book program 2A, or a part of the e-book program 2A, to the user of terminal device 4 via the communication network NT.

[0026] Terminal device 4 is an information processing device owned by the user (operated under the user's account). After a portion of the e-book program 2A received from server device 2 is installed, terminal device 4 executes it to provide the user with e-books and related information. Examples of terminal devices 4 include mobile phones, smartphones, tablets, and personal computers.

[0027] The eBook Program 2A allows users to view multiple eBooks under their account (hereinafter simply referred to as "user account").

[0028] Hardware Configuration Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of server device 2.

[0029] As shown in Figure 2, the server device 2 comprises a control device 6, a communication device 8, and a storage device 10. The control device 6 is mainly composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 6A and memory 6B.

[0030] In the control device 6, the CPU 6A executes a predetermined program, such as an e-book program 2A, stored in the memory 6B or storage device 10, thereby functioning as various functional means. Details of these functional means will be described later.

[0031] The communication device 8 consists of a communication interface and the like for communicating with external devices. The communication device 8 also sends and receives various types of information with the terminal device 4.

[0032] The storage device 10 consists of a hard disk or the like. This storage device 10 stores various programs and information necessary for executing processing in the control device 6, including the e-book program 2A, as well as information on processing results.

[0033] Furthermore, server device 2 can be implemented using information processing equipment such as a dedicated or general-purpose server computer. Server device 2 may consist of a single information processing equipment or multiple information processing equipment distributed across the communication network NT. Also, Figure 2 only shows a portion of the main hardware configuration of server device 2; server device 2 may have other configurations generally found in server devices.

[0034] Figure 3 shows an example of the hardware configuration of a smartphone, which is the terminal device 4 shown in Figure 1.

[0035] As shown in Figure 3, the terminal device 4 comprises a main control unit 14, a touch panel (touchscreen) 16, a camera 18A, a microphone 18B, a mobile communication unit 20, a wireless LAN communication unit 22, a storage unit 24, and a speaker 26.

[0036] The main control unit 14 is composed of a CPU and memory (not shown). The main control unit 14 is connected to a touch panel 16 as a display input device, a camera 18A, a microphone 18B, a mobile communication unit 20, a wireless LAN communication unit 22, a storage unit 24, and a speaker 26. The main control unit 14 has the function of controlling these connected devices.

[0037] The touch panel 16 has both display and input functions, and is composed of a display 9A that performs the display function and a touch sensor 9B that performs the input function. In the first embodiment of the present invention, the display 9A can display various images. The touch sensor 9B can detect the user's input position for these various images.

[0038] Camera 18A has the function of capturing still images and / or videos and saving them to the memory unit 24. Microphone 18B has the function of inputting audio and saving it to the memory unit 24.

[0039] The mobile communication unit 20 has the function of connecting to a mobile communication network via the antenna 20A and communicating with other terminal devices connected to the mobile communication network.

[0040] The wireless LAN communication unit 22 connects to the communication network NT via the antenna 22A and has the function of communicating with other devices such as the server device 2 that are connected to the communication network NT.

[0041] The memory unit 24 stores various programs, including a portion of the e-book program 2A, as well as various data.

[0042] Speaker 26 has the function of outputting various sounds.

[0043] Furthermore, Figure 3 only shows a portion of the main hardware configuration of terminal device 4, and terminal device 4 may have other configurations that are generally found in terminal devices such as smartphones.

[0044] System Overview The first embodiment of the present invention, the e-book system 1, is a system that provides e-books to a user in response to an execution request (instruction) from the user. These e-books include books and magazines that are stored as electronic data and displayed on the display 9A of the terminal device 4.

[0045] Furthermore, this e-book system 1 may be operated based on the user's spending of money or in-app currency, which is a currency usable within application software (hereinafter simply referred to as "app"). This in-app currency includes, for example, paid currency and free currency.

[0046] Paid currency (also called paid coins) is a charge granted to a user account based on payments made with money, prepaid cards, credit cards, electronic money, crypto assets, etc.

[0047] On the other hand, free currency (also called free coins) is a non-chargeable currency granted to a user account, for example, by running the application of the e-book system 1. Examples of running the application include user login. Furthermore, free currency may be consumed without distinction from paid currency, or free currency may be used separately from paid currency. Moreover, a process may be provided that allows only paid currency to be used.

[0048] <<Means of Server Device Functionality>> Figure 4 is a schematic block diagram showing an example of the functional means of the server device 2.

[0049] As shown in Figure 4, the server device 2 has the following functional configuration: a receiving means 32, a display control means 34, a providing means 36, a linking means 38, a storage means 40, and a determination means 46. Some or all of these functional configurations may be provided in the terminal device 4.

[0050] The storage means 40 is implemented by one or more storage devices 10. Functional means other than the storage means 40 are implemented by the control device 6 executing the ebook program 2A stored in the storage device 10 or the like.

[0051] The storage means 40 has the function of storing book information 42, account information 44, etc.

[0052] Book information 42 is information on multiple ebooks. These multiple ebooks may include books of entertainment content, and / or books where the primary visual information for the user is images and / or illustrations. Examples of such books include comics, magazines, hobby books (games, music, etc.), and picture books. Furthermore, these multiple ebooks may also include books where the primary visual information for the user is text. Examples of such books include novels and academic books. Finally, these multiple ebooks may also include books other than those described above.

[0053] Furthermore, the book information 42 may include multiple related ebooks (hereinafter also referred to as "ebook group"). Specific examples of ebook groups include works from the same series or spin-off works.

[0054] Account information 44 consists of each user's user account and the information associated with that user account. This includes, for example, username, age, user book information, owned currency information, friend information, etc.

[0055] User book information refers to information about ebooks that are linked to each user account and are viewable within each user account. This may include, for example, paid books that each user can purchase with money or in-app currency and view within each user account, as well as free books that each user can view within each user account without purchase.

[0056] Furthermore, the term "viewing" as used above may also refer to the display of a page of an e-book on the display 16A of the terminal device 4.

[0057] Furthermore, the above-mentioned "viewable" state may refer to a state in which each user can view the e-book included in the book information 42, for example, by downloading it to the terminal device 4. This may also be a rental format with a set viewing period.

[0058] Furthermore, the ebooks included in the book information 42 may be made viewable without downloading them. This may be done, for example, through online viewing via communication between the server device 2 and the terminal device 4. Alternatively, the ebooks included in the book information 42 may be stored in a cloud (not shown), and online viewing may be provided via communication with the terminal device 4 on the cloud.

[0059] The owned currency information includes the in-app currency owned by the user, including both paid and free currencies.

[0060] Friend information includes the user accounts of other users with whom the user has established a friendship relationship (hereinafter referred to as "friend users").

[0061] Furthermore, account information 44 may also include browsing information. Browsing information refers to information that includes the browsing status of paid and free books included in the user book information for each user account, for all user accounts.

[0062] The reception means 32 accepts operations performed by the user on the terminal device 4.

[0063] The display control means 34 causes the user to select one e-book from a group of e-books (multiple related e-books) through operation of the terminal device 4, and displays it on the terminal device 4 owned by the user.

[0064] Furthermore, the display control means 34 causes other ebooks, which will be described later, to be displayed on the terminal device 4. In addition, the display control means 34 causes each screen related to the multiple ebooks to be displayed on the terminal device 4.

[0065] The providing means 36 provides one e-book to the terminal device 4 in a state that allows access to other e-books in the e-book group that contain content related to the content of the first predetermined area (hereinafter also referred to as the "first predetermined area") of one e-book.

[0066] More specifically, the providing means 36 preferably provides an e-book to the terminal device 4 in a state that allows access from the first predetermined area to a predetermined area of ​​another e-book containing content related to the content of the first predetermined area (hereinafter also referred to as the "second predetermined area").

[0067] The first and second predetermined areas may be, for example, pages, panels, images, illustrations, text, photographs, etc. In either case, there may be one or multiple consecutive areas. Alternatively, the first and second predetermined areas may each be planar areas set to include one or more of these areas. However, it is preferable that the first and second predetermined regions be of the same type. For example, if the first predetermined region is a spinning top, it is preferable that the second predetermined region is also a spinning top.

[0068] Furthermore, with respect to the second predetermined domain, it is preferable that the "related content" described above includes at least a part of the object being described, and / or at least a part of the words being described, which are common to the content of the first predetermined domain. For example, if the object depicted in the first predetermined area is "the sword of XX," then "the sword of XX" will also be depicted as an object (or word) in the second predetermined area.

[0069] Furthermore, the other ebooks mentioned above may be earlier in terms of episode or volume number than one ebook, or they may be later in terms of episode or volume number than one ebook. However, "past" here may refer to any period before (older than) an ebook with one chapter or volume. Similarly, "future" may refer to any period after (newer than) an ebook with one chapter or volume.

[0070] The linking means 38 links a user (user account) to an e-book based on the user's operation received by the receiving means 32. This is then stored in the storage means 40 as account information 44 (user book information).

[0071] The determination means 46 determines whether the receiving means 32 has received an operation of the terminal device 4 by the user. An operation here includes operations in the first predetermined area, operations in the second predetermined area, and other operations. The determination means 46 determines whether each operation has occurred.

[0072] <<Processing Flow>> An example of the process in the first embodiment of the present invention will be explained using the flowchart in Figure 5. The order and content of the following steps may be changed as needed.

[0073] (Step SP2) When a user logs in using terminal device 4, the display control means 34 displays a selection screen (not shown) for selecting an ebook on the display 16A of terminal device 4. The selection screen may also display a category selection area where users can select a category, and a series selection area where users can select a series.

[0074] For example, a user's selection in the category selection area determines the category of the series in the series selection area. Specifically, if the user selects "Actions" in the category selection area, the series categories displayed in the series selection area will be action-related. After step SP2 is completed, the process moves on to step SP4.

[0075] (Step SP4) The user selects a series, or a group of ebooks, from the series selection area, and then selects a single ebook from the selected group of ebooks. This selection operation may be performed, for example, by pressing (clicking or tapping) a button. Information about this selection operation is transmitted from the terminal device 4 to the server device 2.

[0076] However, if one of the ebooks is a paid version, the display control means 34 then displays a purchase screen (not shown) on the display 16A of the terminal device 4, and after the user completes the purchase procedure on the purchase screen, the ebook is displayed. After step SP4 is completed, the process moves on to step SP6.

[0077] (Step SP6) The providing means 36 provides one e-book to the terminal device 4. The one e-book is provided in a state that allows access to other e-books that contain content related to the content of the first predetermined area within the group of e-books. Furthermore, the display control means 34 causes the one e-book to be displayed on the display 16A of the terminal device 4. After step SP6 is completed, the process moves on to step SP8.

[0078] (Step SP8) The user views an e-book displayed on the terminal device 4's display 16A. The user can then read through the e-book by scrolling through the pages using the terminal device 4's touch sensor 16B. After step SP8 is completed, the process moves on to step SP10.

[0079] (Step SP10) As the user scrolls through the pages, a specific page of an ebook is displayed.

[0080] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a screen on the terminal device 4 where the first predetermined page 54 of an e-book is displayed. As shown in Figure 6, the first predetermined page 54 contains the first predetermined area 56. In Figure 6, the first predetermined area 56 is assumed to be a portion of the frame of the first predetermined page 54.

[0081] Furthermore, it is preferable that the first predetermined area 56 is displayed differently from other areas. For example, as shown in Figure 6, if the first predetermined area 56 is a frame, the border lines may be made thicker compared to other frames. Moreover, the first predetermined area 56 may be the first predetermined page 54 itself instead of a frame, in which case, for example, a line may be displayed that surrounds the outer edge of the first predetermined page 54.

[0082] It is preferable that the first predetermined area 56 is set in advance by the service provider of the e-book system 1, and that an e-book including the first predetermined area 56 is provided to the terminal device 4 by the provisioning means 36.

[0083] Furthermore, Figure 6 shows a display area 52 that shows the title of one e-book, "○○○○○♯20" (♯20 is assumed to mean episode 20 or volume 20).

[0084] Furthermore, Figure 6 shows a state in which an icon area 60 is provided at the bottom of the first designated page 54. One or more icons (five icons in Figure 6) are arranged in the icon area 60, and various operations can be performed by pressing each of these icons. For example, clicking the Friend User icon (the rightmost icon in icon area 60) will take you to a list of Friend Users (other users who have established a friend relationship with you). Additionally, pressing the chat button (the second icon from the right in icon area 60) will take you to a chat room (a screen where text information sent and received between the user and their friends is displayed in real time). Returning to Figure 5, after step SP10 is completed, the process moves on to step SP12.

[0085] (Step SP12) The determination means 46 determines whether the reception means 32 has received a long press (or click, tap) of the first predetermined area 56 by the user. If the determination means 46 determines that the result is positive, the process proceeds to step SP14; if it determines that the result is negative, the process ends.

[0086] (Step SP14) The display control means 34 controls the display so that a display instruction button is displayed on the terminal device 4.

[0087] Here, Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a screen where the display instruction button 58 is displayed. When the user long-presses the first predetermined area 56, a display instruction button 58 labeled "Display Related Scenes" appears on the screen of the terminal device 4, as shown in Figure 7. The display instruction button 58 is intended to be operable by the user, such as by pressing it.

[0088] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a screen where the display instruction button 58A is displayed. In this step, instead of displaying the display instruction button 58 shown in Figure 7, you may display the display instruction button 58A shown in Figure 8. The display instruction button 58A includes a section labeled "Related Scene Display" along with buttons labeled, for example, "#10," "#16," and "#21." "#10," "#16," and "#21" each indicate the episode or volume number of another ebook, and the user can perform operations such as pressing them. As previously explained, the other ebooks are those within the ebook group that contain content related to the content of the first predetermined area 56.

[0089] However, step SP14 can be omitted. Returning to Figure 5, after step SP14 is completed, the process moves on to step SP16.

[0090] (Step SP16) The determination means 46 determines whether the reception means 32 has received confirmation from the user that the display instruction button 58 (or one or more buttons included in the display instruction button 58A) has been pressed. If the determination means 46 determines that the result is positive, it accesses the second predetermined area in the other e-book, and the process proceeds to step SP18. If the determination means 46 determines that the result is negative, the process ends.

[0091] (Step SP18) The display control means 34 causes the terminal device 4 to display a screen containing a second predetermined area of ​​another e-book. The second predetermined area contains content related to the content of the first predetermined area 56. Specifically, this related content includes foreshadowing scenes, scenes where foreshadowing is resolved, scenes in which a character who has not appeared for a long time played an active role in the past, and related scenes from spin-off works.

[0092] However, if in step SP14 a display instruction button 58A as shown in Figure 8 is displayed, and in step SP16 it is determined that a button for any episode or volume has been pressed, then the other e-book here shall be the episode or volume corresponding to the pressed button.

[0093] Figure 9 is an example of a screen containing the second designated page 66 of another e-book. As shown in Figure 9, the second predetermined page 66 contains the second predetermined area 64. In Figure 9, the second predetermined area 64 is assumed to be a portion of the second predetermined page 66.

[0094] Furthermore, it is preferable that the second predetermined area 64 is displayed differently from the other areas. For example, as shown in Figure 9, if the second predetermined area 64 is a frame, the border lines may be made thicker compared to the other frames. Moreover, the second predetermined area 64 may be the second predetermined page 66 itself instead of a frame, in which case, for example, a line may be displayed that surrounds the outer edge of the second predetermined page 66.

[0095] It is preferable that the second predetermined area 64 be set in advance by the service provider of the e-book system 1.

[0096] Furthermore, Figure 9 shows a display area 62 indicating the title of another e-book, "○○○○○♯16". This means that the episode or volume number of the other e-book is episode 16 or volume 16, and this is what happens when "♯16" is pressed on the display instruction button 58A in Figure 8.

[0097] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 9, a back button 68 is provided on the second predetermined page 66. The back button 68 can be pressed by the user. Returning to Figure 5, after step SP18 is completed, the process moves on to step SP20.

[0098] (Step SP20) The determination means 46 determines whether the reception means 32 has received an operation of the back button 68 by the user. If the determination means 46 determines that the result is positive, the process proceeds to step SP22; if it determines that the result is negative, the process loops back to step SP20.

[0099] (Step SP22) The display control means 34 hides the second predetermined page 66 and causes the terminal device 4 to display the first predetermined page 54 again. Returning to Figure 5, the process ends after step SP22 is completed.

[0100] ≪Effects≫ In the program according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the computer (server device 2) functions as a display control means 34 that displays one ebook selected by the user from among a plurality of related ebooks on a terminal device 4 owned by the user, and a providing means 36 that provides one ebook to the terminal device 4 in a state that allows access to other ebooks among the plurality of ebooks that contain content related to the content of the first predetermined area 56 (a predetermined area of ​​one ebook).

[0101] With this configuration, it is possible to access other ebooks containing content related to the first designated area 56 from the first designated area 56, making it easy to check content related to the first designated area 56 (foreshadowing scenes, scenes where foreshadowing is resolved, scenes where characters who haven't appeared in a while were active in the past, related scenes from spin-off works, etc.).

[0102] Furthermore, in the program according to the first embodiment of the present invention, other ebooks are earlier episodes or volumes than one ebook.

[0103] This configuration improves convenience because users can easily reread past stories or volumes related to the content of the first predetermined area 56.

[0104] Furthermore, in the program according to the first embodiment of the present invention, other ebooks are newer in terms of episode or volume than one ebook.

[0105] This configuration allows users to read new stories related to the content of the first predetermined area 56, thereby improving engagement.

[0106] Furthermore, in the program according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the providing means 36 provides a terminal device 4 with an e-book in a state that allows access from the first predetermined area 56 to a second predetermined area 64 of other e-books that contains content related to the content of the first predetermined area 56.

[0107] With this configuration, it is possible to pinpoint access from the first predetermined area 56 of an e-book to the related second predetermined area 64, making it even easier to check content related to the content of the first predetermined area 56.

[0108] Furthermore, in the program according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the above-mentioned related content is such that at least a part of the object to be described, and / or at least a part of the words to be described, are common to the content of the first predetermined area 56.

[0109] With this configuration, it is possible to access the second predetermined area 64, which contains content that is common to at least some of the objects or words, from the first predetermined area 56, thus further improving convenience.

[0110] Furthermore, the information processing device (server device 2) according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes a display control means 34 that causes a user to display one e-book selected by the user from among a plurality of related e-books on a terminal device 4 owned by the user, and a providing means 36 that provides the terminal device 4 with one e-book in a state that allows access to other e-books from the plurality of e-books that contain content related to the content of the first predetermined area 56.

[0111] With this configuration, it is possible to access other ebooks containing content related to the first predetermined area 56 from the first predetermined area 56, making it easy to check the content related to the first predetermined area 56.

[0112] ===Second Embodiment=== Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0113] In the second embodiment of the present invention, access to the other e-book or the second predetermined area 64 (including cases where the second predetermined area 64 is the second predetermined page 66) is only possible if there is a history displayed by the display control means 34 in that other e-book or the second predetermined area 64. In the following description, points that overlap with the configuration and functions of the e-book system 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be omitted as appropriate.

[0114] <<Means of Server Device Functionality>> The server device 2 according to the second embodiment of the present invention has the same functional configuration as the server device 2 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and includes a receiving means 32, a display control means 34, a providing means 36, a linking means 38, a storage means 40, and a determination means 46 (see Figure 4).

[0115] The display control means 34 enables the terminal device 4 to display other ebooks or a second predetermined area 64.

[0116] The provisioning means 36 may be configured to allow access to other ebooks only if there is a history of that ebook displayed on the terminal device 4 by the display control means 34, or to allow access to other ebooks even if there is no such history, depending on the operation received by the receiving means 32 (operation of the terminal device 4 by the user).

[0117] The above history is stored in the storage device 40 as account information 44 (user book information) each time. Furthermore, the setting described above, "Allow access to other ebooks only if there is a history of them being displayed by the display control means 34," is designated as the "first setting." In addition, the setting described above, "Allow access to other ebooks even if there is no such history in them," is designated as the "second setting."

[0118] Furthermore, the providing means 36 may be configured to allow access to the second predetermined area 64 only if there is a history of the second predetermined area 64 being displayed by the display control means 34, or to allow access to the second predetermined area 64 even if there is no such history, depending on the operation received by the receiving means 32 (operation of the terminal device 4 by the user).

[0119] <<Processing Flow>> An example of the process in the second embodiment of the present invention will be explained using the flowchart in Figure 10. Note that the order and content of the steps in Figure 10 can be changed as appropriate. Furthermore, steps SP32-SP38 and SP48-SP58 in Figure 10 are the same as steps SP2-SP8 and SP12-SP22 in Figure 5, respectively, so their explanation is omitted.

[0120] (Step SP40) As the user scrolls, a predetermined page of an ebook is displayed. After step SP40 is completed, the process moves on to step SP42.

[0121] (Step SP42) The process branches depending on whether the provisioning means 36 is the first setting or not. If it is the first setting, the process proceeds to step SP44; if it is not the first setting (i.e., it is the second setting), the process proceeds to step SP46.

[0122] (Step SP44) The processing branches depending on whether or not the history of other ebooks displayed on the terminal device 4 (by the display control means 34) is stored in the storage means 40. If such history exists, the process proceeds to step SP46; otherwise, the process ends.

[0123] (Step SP46) The display control means 34 displays the first predetermined area 56 in a way that differs from other areas (frames). For example, the border lines may be made thicker. However, if the first predetermined area 56 is the first predetermined page 54 itself instead of a frame, for example, a thick line may be displayed to surround the outer edge of the first predetermined page 54. After step SP46 is completed, the process moves on to step SP48.

[0124] ≪Effects≫ In the program according to the second embodiment of the present invention, the computer (server device 2) is further configured to function as a receiving means 32 that receives operations from the user on the terminal device 4, the display control means 34 enables the display of other ebooks on the terminal device 4, and the providing means 36 can change, according to the operation received by the receiving means 32, whether to allow access to other ebooks only if there is a history of displaying them by the display control means 34, or to allow access to other ebooks even if there is no such history.

[0125] This configuration prevents unintentionally revealing spoilers (exposing the content) to users who haven't yet read other ebooks by allowing access only if there is a viewing history of those ebooks. Alternatively, by allowing access even without such a history, users who have already read the content of other ebooks in comic books or magazines can view them even without a viewing history of those ebooks, thus improving convenience.

[0126] Furthermore, in the program according to the second embodiment of the present invention, the display control means 34 enables the display of the second predetermined area 64 on the terminal device 4, and the providing means 36 can change whether to allow access to the second predetermined area 64 only if there is a history of the second predetermined area 64 being displayed by the display control means 34, or whether to allow access to the second predetermined area 64 even if there is no such history, according to the operation received by the receiving means 32.

[0127] This configuration improves usability by preventing unintentional spoilers if the user has not yet viewed the second designated area 64, or by allowing access to the second designated area 64 even if the user has already read the contents of the second designated area 64 in a comic book, without requiring a viewing history of the second designated area 64.

[0128] ===Third Embodiment=== Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the following, the hardware configuration and system overview are the same as those in the first embodiment of the present invention and will therefore be omitted. Furthermore, the functional means will be described in part in a manner that overlaps with the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0129] <<Means of Server Device Functionality>> Figure 11 is a schematic block diagram showing an example of the functional means of a server device 132 according to a third embodiment of the present invention. The server device 132 is a computer capable of communicating with a terminal device 4 owned by the user.

[0130] As shown in Figure 11, the server device 132 has a functional configuration that includes a receiving means 74, a display control means 76, a providing means 78, a linking means 80, a storage means 82, and a determination means 90. Some or all of these functional configurations may be provided in the terminal device 4 (see Figure 1, etc.).

[0131] The storage means 82 is implemented by one or more storage devices 10 (see Figure 2). Functional means other than the storage means 82 are implemented by the control device 6 (see Figure 2) executing the e-book program 2A (see Figure 1) stored in the storage device 10 or the like.

[0132] The storage means 40 has the function of storing book information 84, account information 86, correlation diagram information 88, etc. The book information 84 and account information 86 are the same as the book information 42 and account information 44 described in the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0133] The correlation diagram information 88 is relationship information showing the relationship between the first character (described later) and the second character related to that first character. Preferably, the correlation diagram information 88 is a correlation diagram between the first character and the second character. Furthermore, the second character is assumed to be one or more.

[0134] The reception means 74 accepts operations performed by the user on the terminal device 4.

[0135] The display control means 76 causes the user to display one e-book selected by the user through operation of the terminal device 4 from a group of e-books (multiple e-books related to each other) on the terminal device 4 owned by the user.

[0136] Furthermore, the display control means 76 causes other ebooks, which will be described later, to be displayed on the terminal device 4. In addition, the display control means 76 causes each screen of the multiple ebooks to be displayed on the terminal device 4.

[0137] The providing means 78 provides an e-book to the terminal device 4 in a state in which it is possible to access a predetermined area containing correlation diagram information 88 (hereinafter referred to as the "second predetermined area") from a predetermined area in an e-book in which the first character appears (hereinafter also referred to as the "first predetermined area").

[0138] The first predetermined area may be, for example, a page, panel, image, illustration, text, photograph, etc. In any case, it may be a single area or a series of consecutive areas. Alternatively, the first predetermined area may be a planar area set to include one or more of these.

[0139] The second predetermined area includes the correlation diagram information 88 described above, and character information, which is information about the second character. The character information may be one or more of the following, for example, the appearance (illustration) of the second character, name, age, gender, personality, strengths, weaknesses, place of origin, situation of first appearance, etc.

[0140] Furthermore, the providing means 78 provides an e-book to the terminal device 4 in a state where it can access a third predetermined area showing a scene related to the first character and the second character from the second predetermined area. It is also preferable that the third predetermined area is set from a period prior to the first predetermined area.

[0141] However, "past" here may mean that the panels or pages precede the first designated area. Alternatively, it may mean that the episode or volume number precedes (is older than) a single ebook that contains the first designated area.

[0142] Furthermore, in the second predetermined area, character information and / or relationship information (correlation diagram information 88) for a second character that first appears in the future compared to the first predetermined area is set to a state where it cannot be seen by the user.

[0143] However, "future" here may mean that the panels or pages are after the first designated area. Alternatively, it may mean that the episode or volume number is after (newer than) a single ebook that contains the first designated area.

[0144] For example, if we know that the protagonist (first character) has a father (second character) but he hasn't appeared yet, we can keep his character information secret. Alternatively, if the second character's face and appearance (character information) have already been shown, but their relationship to the first character is completely unknown, we can keep that relationship information secret.

[0145] Furthermore, the second predetermined area may be displayed so as to overlap the first predetermined area. Alternatively, the second predetermined area may be displayed together with the first predetermined area within the same screen.

[0146] The linking means 80 links a user (user account) to an e-book based on the user's operation received by the receiving means 32. This information is then stored in the storage means 40 as account information 44 (user book information).

[0147] The determination means 90 determines whether the receiving means 74 has received an operation of the terminal device 4 by the user. The operation here includes operations in the first predetermined area, operations in the second predetermined area, and other operations. The determination means 46 determines whether or not each operation has occurred.

[0148] <<Processing Flow>> An example of the process in the third embodiment of the present invention will be explained using the flowchart in Figure 12. The order and content of the following steps may be changed as needed.

[0149] (Step SP62) When a user logs in using terminal device 4, the display control means 34 displays a selection screen (not shown) for selecting an ebook on the display 16A of terminal device 4. The selection screen may also display a category selection area where users can select a category, and a series selection area where users can select a series.

[0150] For example, a user's selection in the category selection area determines the category of the series in the series selection area. Specifically, if the user selects "Actions" in the category selection area, the series categories displayed in the series selection area will be action-related. After step SP62 is completed, the process moves on to step SP64.

[0151] (Step SP64) The user selects a series from the series selection area, and then selects an ebook from the selected series. This selection operation may be performed, for example, by pressing (clicking or tapping) a button. Information about this selection operation is transmitted from the terminal device 4 to the server device 2.

[0152] However, if one of the ebooks is a paid version, the display control means 76 then displays a purchase screen (not shown) on the display 16A of the terminal device 4, and after the user completes the purchase procedure on the purchase screen, the ebook is displayed. After step SP64 is completed, the process moves on to step SP66.

[0153] (Step SP66) The providing means 78 provides an e-book to the terminal device 4. The e-book is provided in a state that allows access from the first predetermined area to the second predetermined area. Furthermore, the display control means 76 causes the e-book to be displayed on the display 16A of the terminal device 4. After step SP66 is completed, the process moves on to step SP68.

[0154] (Step SP68) The user views an e-book displayed on the terminal device 4's display 16A. The user can then read through the e-book by scrolling through the pages using the terminal device 4's touch sensor 16B. After step SP68 is completed, the process moves on to step SP70.

[0155] (Step SP70) As the user scrolls, the first predetermined page 54 (see Figure 6) of an e-book is displayed. The first predetermined page 54, the first predetermined area 56, and the icon area 60 are as described in the first embodiment of the present invention. Returning to Figure 12, after step SP70 is completed, the process moves to step SP72.

[0156] (Step SP72) The determination means 90 determines whether the reception means 74 has received a long press (or click, tap) of the first predetermined area 56 by the user. If the determination means 90 determines that the result is positive, the process proceeds to step SP74; if it determines that the result is negative, the process ends.

[0157] (Step SP74) The display control means 76 controls the display so that the terminal device 4 displays a second predetermined area containing correlation diagram information 88.

[0158] Here, Figure 13 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a screen including the second predetermined region 92 in the third embodiment of the present invention. When the user long-presses the first predetermined area 56, the second predetermined area 92 is displayed on the screen of the terminal device 4, as shown in Figure 13. In Figure 13, the first predetermined area 56 is hidden because the second predetermined area 92 is displayed overlapping the first predetermined area 56.

[0159] Furthermore, Figure 15 is a schematic diagram showing another example of a screen including the second predetermined region 92 in the third embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 15, the second predetermined region 92 represents a state in which the second predetermined region 92 is displayed together with the first predetermined region 56 within the same screen.

[0160] As shown in Figures 13 and 15, the second predetermined area 92 displays a correlation diagram (correlation diagram information 88) between the first character and multiple second characters, as well as the character information of the first character and the character information of each second character.

[0161] For example, the name and appearance of "●●●" placed in the center of the second predetermined area 92 is the character information of the first character, that is, the character originally represented in the first predetermined area 56. And for example, the name and appearance (illustration) of "○○○" corresponds to the character information of the second character. Furthermore, the arrows and descriptions between the first and second characters (left arrow and "revenge", right arrow and "target of attack") are part of the correlation diagram (correlation diagram information 88). The same applies to "△△△", "☆☆☆", "□□□", and "▽▽▽" in the second predetermined area 92.

[0162] Furthermore, Figures 13 and 15 show character information 98 for a second character that first appears in the future beyond the first predetermined area 56. In this character information 98 for the second character, for example, the appearance is blacked out and the name is hidden. In other words, it is set in a state that the user cannot see. Also, although the correlation diagram information 88 is written in a state that the user can see in Figures 13 and 15, this may also be set in a state that the user cannot see, such as by hiding the name.

[0163] Furthermore, the second predetermined area 92 is provided with a link area 94 and a back button 96. The link area 94 and the back button 96 can be operated by the user, such as by pressing them. In Figures 13 and 15, the link area 94 is shown only for the portion of one second character (the second character whose name is "○○○") for clarity of illustration, but preferably, a link area 94 is provided for each second character in which character information is written in the second predetermined area 92.

[0164] Figures 13 and 15 show a display area 52 that indicates the title of one e-book, "○○○○○♯20" (where ♯20 means episode 20 or volume 20).

[0165] Furthermore, Figure 14 is a schematic diagram showing the screen changes including the second predetermined region 92 in the third embodiment of the present invention. In Figure 14, the display area 52A shows "○○○○○♯50" (♯50 is assumed to mean episode 50 or volume 50). Assume that the second character has already appeared before the first designated page 54A in Figure 14 (or the first designated area 56 hidden beneath the second designated area 92 in Figure 14). In this case, the character information 98A of the second character will be visible to the user, as shown in Figure 14. Returning to Figure 12, after step SP74 is completed, the process moves to step SP76.

[0166] (Step SP76) The determination means 90 determines whether the reception means 74 has received a long press (or click, tap) of the link area 94 (or any of the link areas 94 if there are multiple link areas 94) by the user. If the determination means 90 determines that the result is positive, the process proceeds to step SP80; if it determines that the result is negative, the process proceeds to step SP78. As described above, if multiple link regions 94 are provided in the second predetermined region 92, the determination means 90 makes the same determination for each link region 94.

[0167] (Step SP78) The determination means 90 determines whether or not the reception means 74 has received confirmation that the user has pressed the back button 96. If the determination means 90 determines that the result is positive, the process proceeds to step SP88; if it determines that the result is negative, the process returns to step SP76.

[0168] (Step SP80) The display control means 76 controls the display so that the terminal device 4 displays a second predetermined page.

[0169] Figure 16 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a screen displaying the second designated page 104. As shown in Figure 16, the second predetermined page 104 contains a third predetermined area 106. The third predetermined area 106 represents a related scene. Furthermore, if there are multiple link areas 94, this related scene will be the related scene between the first character and the second character whose character information is included in the link area 94 where an operation such as a long press was performed in step SP76.

[0170] Related scenes are scenes (such as conversation scenes or battle scenes) in which the appearance and / or name of the first character and the appearance and / or name of the second character are shown. Note that related scenes may be pre-configured by the service provider of the eBook System 1.

[0171] Furthermore, the third predetermined area 106 is set from a period prior to the first predetermined area 56. For example, the second predetermined page 104 is a page contained in another ebook that is older than one ebook.

[0172] Figure 16 shows a display area 102 that shows the title of another e-book, "○○○○○♯12" (♯12 is assumed to mean episode 12 or volume 12). Returning to Figure 12, after step SP80 is completed, the process moves to step SP82.

[0173] (Step SP82) The determination means 90 determines whether or not the reception means 74 has received confirmation that the user has pressed and held the back button 96. If the determination means 90 determines that the result is positive, the process proceeds to step SP84; if the determination means 90 determines that the result is negative, the process loops back to step SP82.

[0174] (Step SP84) The display control means 76 controls the display to redisplay the second predetermined area containing the correlation diagram information 88 on the terminal device 4. That is, when the user presses the back button 96 in step SP82, the display control means 76 hides the second predetermined page 104 and redisplays the first predetermined page 54 and the second predetermined area 92. After step SP84 is completed, the process moves on to step SP86.

[0175] (Step SP86) The determination means 90 determines whether or not the reception means 74 has received confirmation that the user has pressed and held the back button 96. If the determination means 90 determines that the result is positive, the process proceeds to step SP88; if the determination means 90 determines that the result is negative, the process loops back to step SP86.

[0176] (Step SP88) The display control means 76 displays the first predetermined area 56 again. That is, because the user pressed the back button 96 in step SP86, the display control means 76 hides the second predetermined area 92. If the display is as shown in Figure 13 instead of Figure 15 at the time of step SP86, the first predetermined area 56 will be displayed again. After step SP88 is completed, the process ends.

[0177] ≪Effects≫ In the program according to the third embodiment of the present invention, a computer (server device 132) that can communicate with a terminal device 4 owned by the user functions as a display control means 76 for displaying an ebook (one ebook) on the terminal device 4, and a providing means 78 for providing the ebook to the terminal device 4 in a state in which it is possible to access a second predetermined area 92 containing relational information indicating the relationship between the first character and a second character related to the first character, from a first predetermined area 56 in the ebook where the first character appears.

[0178] This configuration allows users to check the relationship between the first and second characters that appeared in the first designated area (such as a panel) they are currently reading, saving them the trouble of searching for and rereading the relevant scene from the past.

[0179] Furthermore, in the program according to the third embodiment of the present invention, the second predetermined area 92 further includes character information, which is information of a second character.

[0180] This configuration eliminates the need for users to search through past scenes and reread them if they want to check information about a second character.

[0181] Furthermore, in the program according to the third embodiment of the present invention, the second predetermined region 92 is a correlation diagram or a part thereof.

[0182] This configuration makes it easier for users to see.

[0183] Furthermore, in the program according to the third embodiment of the present invention, the providing means 78 provides an e-book (one e-book) to the terminal device 4 in a state in which it can access a third predetermined area 106 that shows a scene related to the first character and the second character from the second predetermined area 92.

[0184] This configuration allows users to easily view scenes involving both the first and second characters after reviewing information about the second character, thereby enhancing the user experience.

[0185] Furthermore, in the program according to the third embodiment of the present invention, the third predetermined region 106 is set from a period prior to the first predetermined region 56.

[0186] This configuration prevents spoilers about events that occur in the future beyond the first predetermined area 56.

[0187] Furthermore, in the program according to the third embodiment of the present invention, in the second predetermined area 92, character information and / or related information for a second character that first appears in the future beyond the first predetermined area 56 is set to a state in which the user cannot see it.

[0188] This configuration prevents spoilers about events that occur in the future beyond the first predetermined area 56.

[0189] Furthermore, in the program according to the third embodiment of the present invention, the second predetermined area 92 is displayed so as to overlap the first predetermined area 56.

[0190] This configuration allows users to view relevant information without changing their gaze from the first designated area 56 (frame, etc.) they were previously viewing, thus improving convenience.

[0191] Furthermore, in the program according to the third embodiment of the present invention, the second predetermined area 92 is displayed together with the first predetermined area 56 on the same screen.

[0192] This configuration allows users to view related information along with the first predetermined area 56 where the first character appears, thus improving usability.

[0193] Furthermore, the information processing device (server device 132) according to the third embodiment of the present invention includes a display control means 76 for displaying an ebook (one ebook) on a terminal device 4 owned by the user, and a providing means 78 for providing the ebook to the terminal device 4 in a state in which it is possible to access a second predetermined area 92 containing relational information indicating the relationship between the first character and a second character related to the first character, from a first predetermined area 56 in which the first character appears in the ebook.

[0194] With this configuration, if a user wants to check the relationship between the first and second characters that appeared in the first designated area 56 (panel, etc.) they are currently reading, they can avoid the trouble of searching for and rereading the relevant scene from the past.

[0195] ===Fourth Embodiment=== Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the following, the hardware configuration and system overview are the same as those in the first and third embodiments of the present invention and will therefore be omitted. Furthermore, the functional means will be described in part in a manner that overlaps with the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0196] <<Means of Server Device Functionality>> The server device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, like the server device 132 according to the third embodiment of the present invention, includes, as shown in Figure 11, a receiving means 74, a display control means 76, a providing means 78, a linking means 80, a storage means 82, and a determination means 90.

[0197] In addition to the functions described in the third embodiment of the present invention, the display control means 76, when there are multiple scenes related to the first character and the second character described in the third embodiment (hereinafter also referred to as "related scenes"), causes the terminal device 4 to display a screen on which voting is possible for one or more of the multiple related scenes.

[0198] In addition to the functions described in the third embodiment of the present invention, the receiving means 74 accepts votes from one or more terminal devices 4 submitted by users. Although not shown in the figures, the information on the votes received by the receiving means 74 is stored in the storage means 82.

[0199] In addition to the functions described in the third embodiment of the present invention, the providing means 78 determines at least one related scene from among a plurality of related scenes based on the votes received by the receiving means 74 from each terminal device 4 and stored in the storage means 82. Specifically, the related scene with the most votes received by the receiving means 74 from one or more terminal devices 4 may be selected as the one related scene. Alternatively, the related scene with the fewest votes may be selected as the one related scene.

[0200] Furthermore, the providing means 78 provides an e-book to the terminal device 4 in a state where it is possible to access at least a third predetermined area 106 (see Figure 16) showing the relevant scene from a second predetermined area 92 (see Figures 13 and 15).

[0201] Figure 17 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the voting screen 112. The voting screen 112 allows users to vote for one or more of several related scenes. In Figure 17, as an example, a survey asks which related scene between "○○○" (first character) and "×××" (second character) the user likes best. The screen shows four related scene descriptions that are candidates for voting, and area 112A with radio buttons to the left of each description. Similarly, a survey asks which related scene between "○○○" (first character) and "☆☆☆" (second character) the user likes best. The screen shows four related scene descriptions that are candidates for voting, and area 112B with radio buttons to the left of each description. Although not shown in the diagram, scrolling down may reveal other areas with descriptions and radio buttons.

[0202] In each of the two regions, Region 112A and Region 112B, users can vote for one related scene in each region's survey by selecting and tapping one of the four radio buttons.

[0203] The radio buttons mentioned above can be replaced with checkboxes or dropdown menus. Furthermore, the system may allow users to vote for multiple related scenes. Additionally, the related scenes themselves may be displayed instead of the explanatory texts mentioned above.

[0204] ≪Effects≫ In the program according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, the display control means 76, when there are multiple scenes (related scenes), causes the terminal device 4 to display a screen on which the user can vote for one or more of the multiple scenes, and further causes the computer (server device) to function as a receiving means 74 that receives votes from one or more terminal devices 4, and the providing means 78 determines at least one scene from the multiple scenes based on the votes received by the receiving means 74 from each terminal device 4, and provides the ebook to the terminal device in a state in which it is possible to access the third predetermined area 106 showing at least that one scene from the second predetermined area 92.

[0205] This configuration allows for the display of relevant scenes based on votes from among multiple related scenes, thereby improving engagement.

[0206] ===Fifth Embodiment=== Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the following, the hardware configuration and system overview are the same as those in the first and third embodiments of the present invention and will therefore be omitted. Furthermore, the functional means partially overlap with those in the third embodiment of the present invention shown in Figure 11, and will therefore be omitted as appropriate.

[0207] <<Means of Server Device Functionality>> Figure 18 is a schematic block diagram showing an example of the functional means of a server device 122 according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. The server device 122 is a computer capable of communicating with a terminal device 4 owned by the user.

[0208] As shown in Figure 18, the server device according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention comprises a receiving means 124, a display control means 76, a providing means 126, a linking means 80, a counting means 128, a storage means 130, and a determination means 90.

[0209] The counting means 128 counts the number of times each of the multiple related scenes is displayed by one or more terminal devices 4 when there are multiple related scenes as described in the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0210] The memory means 130 stores the book information 84, account information 86, and correlation diagram information 88 described in the third embodiment of the present invention, as well as display count information 134. The display count information 134 is the number of times each related scene has been displayed, as counted by the counting means 128.

[0211] In addition to the functions described in the third embodiment of the present invention, the providing means 126 determines at least one related scene from among a plurality of related scenes based on the number of times each display counted by the counting means 128 and stored in the storage means 130. Specifically, the related scene with the most displays may be selected as the one related scene. Alternatively, the related scene with the fewest displays may be selected as the one related scene.

[0212] Furthermore, the providing means 126 provides an e-book to the terminal device 4 in a state where it can access a third predetermined area 106 (see Figure 16) that shows at least one related scene from a second predetermined area 92 (see Figures 13 and 15).

[0213] ≪Effects≫ In the program according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention, the computer (server device 122) is further made to function as a counting means 128 that counts the number of times each of the multiple scenes (related scenes) is displayed by one or more terminal devices 4 when there are multiple scenes (related scenes), and the providing means 126 determines at least one scene from the multiple scenes based on the number of times each scene is displayed by the counting means 128, and provides the ebook to the terminal device 4 in a state in which it is possible to access the third predetermined area 106 that shows at least one of the scenes from the second predetermined area 92.

[0214] This configuration allows for the display of related scenes based on their number of views from among multiple related scenes, thereby improving engagement.

[0215] ===Unique Text=== It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-described examples. That is, designs modified by those skilled in the art to the above-described examples are also included within the scope of the present invention, as long as they retain the features of the present invention. Furthermore, the elements of the embodiments described above and the modifications described later can be combined to the extent that it is technically possible, and combinations thereof are also included within the scope of the present invention, as long as they retain the features of the present invention.

[0216] For example, in the third embodiment of the present invention, a computer (server device 2) that can communicate with a terminal device 4 owned by the user is configured to function as a display control means 76 for displaying an ebook (one ebook) on the terminal device 4, and a providing means 78 for providing the ebook to the terminal device 4 in a state in which it is possible to access a second predetermined area 92 containing relational information indicating the relationship between the first character and a second character related to the first character, from a first predetermined area 56 in which the first character appears in the ebook. However, the present invention may also have a functional configuration as shown in Figure 19.

[0217] Figure 19 is a schematic block diagram showing a modified example of the functional means of a server device according to the third embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 19, a computer (server device 132) that can communicate with a terminal device 4 owned by the user may function as a first display control means 76A that displays an ebook on the terminal device 4, a determination means 136 that determines whether or not the user has performed an operation on the screen including the first predetermined area 56 when the first predetermined area 56 in which the first character appears in the ebook is displayed by the first display control means 76A, and a second display control means 76B that displays relationship information (correlation diagram information 88) showing the relationship between the first character and a second character related to the first character on the terminal device 4 when the determination means 136 makes a positive determination. With this configuration, if a user wants to check the relationship between the first and second characters that appeared in the first designated area 56 (panel, etc.) they are currently reading, they can avoid the trouble of searching for and rereading the relevant scene from the past.

[0218] Furthermore, although it has been explained that in the first embodiment of the present invention it is preferable for the first predetermined area 56 and the second predetermined area 64 to be of the same type, the first predetermined area 56 and the second predetermined area 64 may be of different types. For example, one may be a panel and the other a text, one may be a panel and the other a page, or one may be a page and the other a text.

[0219] Furthermore, in the first embodiment of the present invention, the providing means 36 provides an e-book to the terminal device 4 in a state in which it is possible to access other e-books from a group of e-books that contain content related to the content of the first predetermined area (first predetermined area 56) of the e-book. However, in the present invention, instead of this, the providing means 36 may provide an e-book to the terminal device 4 in a state in which it is possible to access content related to the content of the first predetermined area 56 from the first predetermined area 56.

[0220] Furthermore, the second predetermined region 92 described in the third embodiment of the present invention (see Figures 13, 14, and 15) may be made capable of being enlarged or reduced.

[0221] Furthermore, the multiple buttons (buttons inscribed with episode numbers or volume numbers) included in the display instruction button 58A (see Figure 8) in the first embodiment of the present invention may be arranged in chronological order of episode numbers or volume numbers. Furthermore, the episode or volume number corresponding to each button (the episode or volume number indicated on each button, i.e., the episode or volume number of the ebook including the second predetermined area 64 that is accessed when each button is operated) may be limited to those prior to the first predetermined area 56 or the first predetermined page 54. Alternatively, it may be limited to those in the future only. Alternatively, it may be a mixture of past and future episodes. Furthermore, if the ebook containing the second designated area 64 to be accessed is a paid book, the chapter or volume corresponding to each button may be limited to only paid books that the user has already purchased, or limited to only paid books that the user has not yet purchased, or it may be a mix of purchased and unpurchased paid books. Alternatively, if each button includes unpurchased paid books for the corresponding episode or volume, pressing the corresponding button may display only the second predetermined area 64, or it may display one or more pages including the second predetermined area 64. These are displayed and controlled by the display control means 34. Furthermore, if each button corresponds to an episode or volume that includes an unpurchased paid book, a notification prompting the purchase of that paid book may also be displayed. This notification may be displayed around the button corresponding to the paid book when the button is displayed, or, as described above, the notification screen may be displayed before or after the display of the second predetermined area 64 or one or more pages containing the second predetermined area 64. These notifications are displayed and controlled by the display control means 34. Furthermore, information regarding whether or not a paid version of a book has been purchased (purchase history) may be stored in the storage means 40 as part of the book information 42.

[0222] Furthermore, the episode or volume numbers for each button may be limited to those the user has already viewed (i.e., those that have a history displayed on the terminal device 4 by the display control means 34). Alternatively, they may be limited to those the user has not yet viewed. Or, they may be a mix of viewed and unviewed episodes. Furthermore, information regarding whether or not a user has viewed the book (viewing history) may be stored in the storage means 40 as book information 42.

[0223] Furthermore, with respect to the multiple buttons (buttons inscribed with episode numbers or volume numbers) included in the display instruction button 58A (see Figure 8) in the first embodiment of the present invention, if the pages of an e-book provided by the providing means 36 to the terminal device 4 are horizontally scrollable, they may be arranged from left to right in order from newest to oldest, and if they are vertically scrollable, they may be arranged from left to right in order from oldest to newest. This allows each button to be positioned in a way that is intuitive to the user, making them easier to see.

[0224] Furthermore, the first predetermined area 56 and the second predetermined area 64, which are its access destinations, in the first embodiment of the present invention may be set by the service provider or may be automated (for example, by the linking means 38). In the case of automation, for example, the selection may be made based on matching words or characters.

[0225] Furthermore, in steps SP18 and SP54 of the first embodiment of the present invention, and in Figure 9, the first predetermined area 56 (first predetermined page 54) is hidden and the second predetermined area 64 (second predetermined page 66) is displayed. However, instead, the display screen may be divided, with the first predetermined area 56 displayed on one side and the second predetermined area 64 displayed on the other.

[0226] Furthermore, in the second predetermined area 92 shown in Figure 13, as described in the third embodiment of the present invention, character information for one first character, character information for six second characters, and correlation diagram information 88 are displayed. However, the number of character information entries for the second characters (character information 98, character information 98A) may vary. To elaborate on the variation in the number of character information 98 for the second character that is not visible, the number of character information 98 displayed in a second predetermined area 92 (for example, the second predetermined area 92 shown in Figure 13, etc.) is changed by manipulating a first predetermined area 56 (for example, the first predetermined area 56 of the first predetermined page 54 in "#20" shown in Figure 8). This may change, for example, when an ebook related to an ebook containing a first predetermined area 56 is newly released (sold as the latest episode or latest volume), according to the content of this new ebook. In other words, a second character who appears in the latest chapter or volume but has not yet appeared in the first predetermined area 56 of the ebook currently being viewed by the user may be displayed as invisible character information 98 in the second predetermined area 92, which is the access destination of the first predetermined area 56, thereby allowing the user to recognize only its existence. As a result, for example, at the beginning of a series that includes one ebook, there will be many blank spaces in the second designated area 92, and each time a new chapter or volume is released, the character information and relationship diagram information 88 in the second designated area 92 will increase according to the content. However, when displaying all secondary characters up to the latest chapter or volume as character information 98 for secondary characters that are not visible, an upper limit is placed on the total number of secondary characters (or the number of non-visible character information 98) that can be displayed in the second predetermined area 92. In other words, the number of secondary characters to be displayed is reduced. This prevents the number of secondary characters from becoming too large as the series continues for a long time. Furthermore, for the same first character, the total number of second characters may differ between the second predetermined areas 92 accessible from different episode or volume first predetermined areas 56. This number may increase as the episode or volume progresses (depending on the content of the episode). Alternatively, the priority of the second characters to be displayed in the second predetermined area 92 may be determined by the importance of the second character and the length of the episode or volume from the last appearance of the second character to the first predetermined area 56, and a predetermined number (or any number from one to an upper limit) of second characters with higher priority may be displayed. This prevents the character information and correlation diagram information 88 in the second predetermined area 92 from becoming overly complex when an e-book is part of a long-running series.

[0227] Furthermore, in the second predetermined region 92 shown in Figure 13, etc., described in the third embodiment of the present invention, if there is a second character that appears partway through an e-book, one of the settings described in 1 or 2 below may be used. 1: Up to the first predetermined area 56 set before the page in which the second character appears, the character information 98 and correlation diagram information 88 of the second character in the second predetermined area 92 that is accessed will be made invisible to the user. 2: Regardless of when the second character first appears in an e-book, the character information 98A and correlation diagram information 88 of the second character shall be made visible to the user in the second predetermined area 92 accessed from all first predetermined areas 56 of the e-book.

[0228] Furthermore, if there are multiple first characters in the first predetermined area 56, the character information and correlation diagram information 88 for each first character may be placed in a single second predetermined area 92, or a second predetermined area 92 may be set for each of the multiple first characters, and the display may be switched from one second predetermined area 92 to another by the user's operation.

[0229] ===Note=== As users read through ebooks or physical books, they may forget the relationships between certain characters. Alternatively, users who start reading midway through a series may not even be aware of those relationships. Traditionally, in these cases, users had to go back and reread previous chapters to understand the relationships, which was extremely time-consuming.

[0230] In view of this problem, the present invention also aims to provide a program and information processing device that can easily confirm the relationship between one character and other characters in an e-book.

[0231] To solve the above problems, a program according to the ninth aspect of the present invention causes a computer capable of communicating with a terminal device owned by a user to function as a display control means for displaying an e-book on the terminal device, and as a providing means for providing the e-book to the terminal device in a state in which it is possible to access from a first predetermined area in the e-book where a first character appears to a second predetermined area containing relational information indicating the relationship between the first character and a second character related to the first character.

[0232] Furthermore, a program according to the tenth aspect of the present invention causes a computer capable of communicating with a terminal device owned by a user to function as a first display control means for displaying an e-book on the terminal device, a determination means for determining whether or not the user has performed an operation on the screen including a predetermined area in the e-book when the first display control means displays a predetermined area in the e-book where a first character appears, and a second display control means for displaying character information, which is information about a second character related to the first character, and relationship information indicating the relationship between the first character and the second character, on the terminal device when the determination means makes an affirmative determination.

[0233] Furthermore, in the eleventh aspect of the present invention, the second predetermined region further includes character information, which is information of the second character.

[0234] Also, in the twelfth aspect of the present invention, the second predetermined region is a correlation diagram or a part thereof.

[0235] Also, in the thirteenth aspect of the present invention, the providing means provides the electronic book to the terminal device in a state where it is possible to access a third predetermined region indicating a scene in which the first character and the second character are related from the second predetermined region.

[0236] Also, in the fourteenth aspect of the present invention, when there are a plurality of the scenes, the display control means causes the terminal device to display a screen on which one or more of the plurality of scenes can be voted, and further functions the computer as receiving means for receiving the vote by the user from one or more of the terminal devices. The providing means determines one scene from among the plurality of scenes based on the vote received by the receiving means from each terminal device, and provides the electronic book to the terminal device in a state where it is possible to access at least the third predetermined region indicating the one scene from the second predetermined region.

[0237] Also, in the fifteenth aspect of the present invention, when there are a plurality of the scenes, the computer further functions as counting means for counting the number of times each of the plurality of scenes is displayed by one or more of the terminal devices. The providing means determines at least one scene from among the plurality of scenes based on each display count counted by the counting means, and provides the electronic book to the terminal device in a state where it is possible to access at least the third predetermined region indicating the one scene from the second predetermined region.

[0238] Also, in the tenth aspect of the present invention, the third predetermined region is set from among those in the past relative to the first predetermined region.

[0239] Also, in the seventeenth aspect of the present invention, in the second predetermined region, the character information and / or the relationship information about the second character that first appears in the future relative to the first predetermined region are set in a state where the user cannot visually recognize them.

[0240] In the eighteenth aspect of the present invention, the second predetermined area is displayed so as to overlap the first predetermined area.

[0241] In the nineteenth aspect of the present invention, the second predetermined area and the first predetermined area are displayed together within the same screen.

[0242] An information processing apparatus according to the twentieth aspect of the present invention includes display control means for causing a terminal device owned by a user to display an electronic book, and access to a second predetermined area including relationship information indicating a relationship between the first character and a second character related to the first character from a first predetermined area in which the first character appears in the electronic book. And providing means for providing the electronic book to the terminal device in an accessible state.

[0243] An information processing apparatus according to the twenty-first aspect of the present invention includes first display control means for causing a terminal device owned by a user to display an electronic book, and when a predetermined area in which a first character appears in the electronic book is displayed by the first display control means, determination means for determining whether there is an operation on a screen including the predetermined area by the user, and when the determination means makes an affirmative determination, character information that is information on a second character related to the first character, and relationship information indicating a relationship between the first character and the second character. And second display control means for causing the terminal device to display the information.

Explanation of Signs

[0244] 2,122,132: Server device, 4: Terminal device, 32,74: Reception means, 34,76: Display control means, 36,78: Providing means, 56: First predetermined area, 64,92: Second predetermined area, 106: Third predetermined area, 128: Counting means

Claims

1. Computers, A display control means that causes a user to display one e-book selected by the user from among several related e-books on the terminal device owned by the user. A means for providing the terminal device with an e-book, such that it is possible to access other e-books among the plurality of e-books that contain content related to the content of the predetermined area of ​​the e-book, from a predetermined area of ​​the e-book. A program that makes it function as such.

2. The other e-book mentioned above has an earlier chapter or volume number than the first e-book mentioned above. The program according to claim 1.

3. The other e-book mentioned above has a newer chapter or volume than the first e-book mentioned above. The program according to claim 1.

4. When the aforementioned predetermined region is designated as the first predetermined region, The providing means provides the terminal device with the first predetermined area in a state that allows access from the first predetermined area to a second predetermined area of ​​another electronic book containing content related to the content of the first predetermined area. The program according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The aforementioned related content is that at least a part of the object being described, and / or at least a part of the words being described, are common to the content of the first predetermined area. The program according to claim 4.

6. The aforementioned computer, Reception means for receiving operations on the terminal device by the user, To make it function even better, The display control means enables the other e-book to be displayed on the terminal device. The providing means can change, depending on the operation received by the receiving means, whether to allow access to the other e-book only if there is a history displayed in the other e-book by the display control means, or to allow access to the other e-book even if there is no such history in the other e-book. The program according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

7. The display control means enables the second predetermined area to be displayed on the terminal device. The providing means can change, according to the user's operation, whether to allow access to the second predetermined area only when there is a history of the second predetermined area being displayed by the display control means, or to allow access to the second predetermined area even when there is no such history. The program according to claim 4.

8. A display control means that causes a user to display one e-book selected by the user from among several related e-books on the terminal device owned by the user, A means for providing the terminal device with an e-book, such that it is possible to access other e-books among the plurality of e-books that contain content related to the content of a predetermined area of ​​the e-book, from a predetermined area of ​​the e-book; An information processing device equipped with the following features.

Images