Electronic catalog device, electronic catalog output method, and program

Abstract

To solve the problem in which: there has been no electronic catalog that allows a user to easily browse a number of commodities.SOLUTION: An electronic catalog device 1 is provided with: a commodity information storage unit 111 that stores two or more pieces of commodity information having different pieces of commodity related information in each layer of two or more layers in association with two or more commodity identifiers; a first screen constitution unit 1312 that constitutes a first screen including a second box using second information being the commodity related information on one commodity on the second layer and one or more first boxes using first information being the commodity related information on the other commodities on the first layer; a first screen output unit 1412 that outputs the first screen; a selection receiving unit 121 that receives first selection of one first box from among the one or more first boxes of the other commodities on the first screen; a second screen constitution unit 1313 that constitutes a second screen arranged with a second box using second information on the other commodity corresponding to the first box corresponding to the first selection; and a second screen output unit 1413 that outputs the second screen.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an electronic catalog device that outputs an electronic catalog. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there has been a system that scans paper catalogs, converts them into electronic catalogs, and manages and outputs the electronic catalogs (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-151466 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the prior art, electronic catalogs made up of many pages were provided, and therefore, the electronic catalogs were not easy to browse through a large number of products. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The electronic catalog device of the first invention is an electronic catalog device comprising: a product information storage unit in which two or more pieces of product information having different product-related information about the products are stored in each of two or more levels, including a first level and a second level, corresponding to each of two or more product identifiers; a first screen composition unit that refers to the product information storage unit and composes a first screen including a second box using second information that is product-related information in the second level of one product and one or more first boxes using first information that is product-related information in the first level of other products other than the one product; a first screen output unit that outputs the first screen; a selection receiving unit that accepts a first selection for one of the first boxes of one or more other products that composes the first screen; a second screen composition unit that, when the selection receiving unit accepts the first selection, composes a second screen in which a second box using second information of another product corresponding to the one first box corresponding to the first selection is placed in place of the second box on the first screen; and a second screen output unit that outputs the second screen.

[0006] This configuration makes it possible to provide an electronic catalog that allows easy browsing of a large number of products.

[0007] Furthermore, the electronic catalog device of the second invention is an electronic catalog device in which, compared to the first invention, the second screen configuration unit configures a second screen in which, when the selection receiving unit receives a first selection, a second box using second information of another product corresponding to one first box corresponding to the first selection is placed in place of the second box on the first screen, and a first box using first information of one product is placed in place of the first box of the other product corresponding to the first selection.

[0008] This configuration makes it possible to provide an electronic catalog that allows easy browsing of a large number of products.

[0009] In addition, the electronic catalog device of the third invention is an electronic catalog device in which, compared to the second invention, the second screen composition unit places the first box of one product in the position of the first box of another product corresponding to the first selection, thereby composing the second screen.

[0010] This configuration makes it possible to provide an electronic catalog that allows easy browsing of a large number of products.

[0011] In addition, the electronic catalog device of the fourth invention, compared to any one of the first to third inventions, further comprises a display information storage unit in which two or more display information corresponding to one or more product information out of two or more product information is stored, a first layer composition unit that composes a first layer screen including two or more upper boxes using each of the two or more display information, and a first layer output unit that outputs the first layer screen, wherein the selection receiving unit accepts a second selection for one of the two or more upper boxes that compose the first layer screen, and when the selection receiving unit accepts the second selection, the electronic catalog device further comprises a third screen composition unit that composes a third screen including the upper box corresponding to the second selection and one or more first boxes using first information held by each of the one or more product information that corresponds to the display information for the upper box, and a third screen output unit that outputs the third screen.

[0012] This configuration makes it possible to provide an electronic catalog that allows easy browsing of a large number of products.

[0013] In addition, the electronic catalog device of the fifth invention is different from the fourth invention in that the selection receiving unit receives a third selection for a higher-level box on the third screen, and further includes a screen transition unit that determines a first layer screen instead of the third screen when the selection receiving unit receives the third selection, the first layer output unit outputs the first layer screen instead of the third screen in accordance with the determination of the screen transition unit, the selection receiving unit receives a first selection for one of the one or more first boxes on the third screen, the first screen configuration unit configures a first screen in which a second box using second information corresponding to one of the first boxes is arranged instead of the higher-level box when the selection receiving unit receives the first selection while the third screen is being output, and the first screen output unit outputs the first screen.

[0014] This configuration makes it possible to provide an electronic catalog that allows easy browsing of a large number of products.

[0015] Furthermore, the electronic catalog device of the sixth invention is an electronic catalog device in which, compared to the fourth or fifth invention, the third screen configuration unit configures a third screen in which the position of one upper box is not changed relative to the first layer screen.

[0016] This configuration makes it possible to provide an electronic catalog that allows easy browsing of a large number of products.

[0017] The electronic catalog device of the seventh invention includes a product information storage unit that stores two or more pieces of product information, each having different product-related information about a product in each of two or more layers, in association with two or more product identifiers; a display information storage unit that stores two or more pieces of display information to which any one or more of the two or more pieces of product information corresponds; a screen definition storage unit that stores two or more pieces of screen definition information, each having one or more type identifiers that are types of information that constitute a screen and, for each of one or more type identifiers among the one or more type identifiers, a screen identifier of a screen to which the screen transitions when selected, an initial screen identifier that identifies an initial screen; a screen configuration unit that configures a screen including boxes corresponding to one or more pieces of information among the product-related information and display information of the types identified by the one or more type identifiers that correspond to the initial screen identifier; a screen output unit that outputs the screen configured by the screen configuration unit; and and a screen transition unit which, when the selection receiving unit receives the selection, obtains from the screen definition storage unit a screen identifier of a next screen to be transitioned to, which is a screen identifier corresponding to the one box for the selection and which pairs with the type identifier corresponding to the one box. When the screen transition unit obtains the screen identifier of the next screen to be transitioned to, the screen configuration unit configures a screen including one or more boxes using one or more pieces of product-related information or one or more pieces of display information identified by one or more type identifiers which pair with the screen identifier and which are hierarchically connected to the information corresponding to the one box. When the screen transition unit does not obtain the screen identifier of the next screen to be transitioned to, the screen output unit configures a screen including a box corresponding to product-related information which corresponds to the information corresponding to the one box at a lower hierarchical level.

[0018] This configuration makes it possible to provide an electronic catalog that allows easy browsing of a large number of products. [Effects of the Invention]

[0019] The electronic catalog device according to the present invention can provide an electronic catalog that allows easy browsing of a large number of products. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] Conceptual diagram of catalog system A in embodiment 1 [Figure 2] Block diagram of the catalog system A [Figure 3] Block diagram of the electronic catalog device 1 [Figure 4] 1 is a flowchart illustrating a first example of the operation of the electronic catalog device 1. [Figure 5] 1 is a flowchart illustrating a first example of the operation of the electronic catalog device 1. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a second example of the operation of the electronic catalog device 1. [Figure 7] A flowchart illustrating an example of the screen configuration process. [Figure 8] A diagram showing the hierarchical information that makes up the electronic catalogue [Figure 9] A diagram showing the product-related information management table [Figure 10] FIG. 10 shows the display information management table. [Figure 11] A diagram showing the screen definition table [Figure 12] Figure showing an example of the output [Figure 13] Figure showing an example of the output [Figure 14] Figure showing an example of the output [Figure 15] Overview of the computer system [Figure 16] Block diagram of the computer system DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] Hereinafter, embodiments of an electronic catalog device and the like will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that components with the same reference numerals in the embodiments perform similar operations, and therefore repeated description may be omitted.

[0022] (Embodiment 1) In this embodiment, a catalog system including an electronic catalog device 1 that allows easy browsing of a large number of products will be described.

[0023] In this embodiment, information X being associated with information Y means that information Y can be obtained from information X, or information X can be obtained from information Y, and the method of association is not important. Information X and information Y may be linked, may exist in the same buffer, information X may be included in information Y, or information Y may be included in information X, etc.

[0024] 1 is a conceptual diagram of a catalog system A according to this embodiment. The catalog system A comprises an electronic catalog device 1 and one or more terminal devices 2.

[0025] The electronic catalog device 1 is a device that provides an electronic catalog. The electronic catalog device 1 is usually a so-called server, such as a cloud server or an ASP server, but the type is not important.

[0026] The terminal device 2 is a device used by a user who browses the electronic catalog. The terminal device 2 may be, for example, a so-called personal computer, a tablet terminal, a smartphone, or the like, and the type of the terminal device 2 is not important.

[0027] 2 is a block diagram of the catalog system A according to the present embodiment, and FIG.

[0028] The electronic catalog device 1 includes a storage unit 11, a reception unit 12, a processing unit 13, and an output unit 14. The storage unit 11 includes a product information storage unit 111, a display information storage unit 112, and a screen definition storage unit 113. The reception unit 12 includes a selection reception unit 121. The processing unit 13 includes a screen configuration unit 131 and a screen transition unit 132. The screen configuration unit 131 includes a first layer configuration unit 1311, a first screen configuration unit 1312, a second screen configuration unit 1313, and a third screen configuration unit 1314. The output unit 14 includes a screen output unit 141. The screen output unit 141 includes a first layer output unit 1411, a first screen output unit 1412, a second screen output unit 1413, and a third screen output unit 1414.

[0029] The terminal device 2 includes a terminal storage unit 21, a terminal reception unit 22, a terminal processing unit 23, a terminal transmission unit 24, a terminal reception unit 25, and a terminal output unit 26.

[0030] Various types of information are stored in the storage unit 11 constituting the electronic catalog device 1. The various types of information include, for example, product information (to be described later), display information (to be described later), and screen definition information (to be described later).

[0031] The product information storage unit 111 stores two or more pieces of product information. Product information is information about a product. Product information corresponds to a product identifier. A product identifier is information that identifies a product, such as a product ID or product name. The product information has two or more pieces of product-related information. The two or more pieces of product-related information contained in the product information have a hierarchical relationship. In other words, the product information has two or more different pieces of product-related information in each of two or more layers, including the first layer and the second layer. Note that one piece of product information is usually information about one product, but it may also be information about two or more products. One piece of product information may be, for example, information about products sold as a set.

[0032] Product-related information is information about a product. Product-related information is usually information for introducing a product or for explaining a product. Product-related information is preferably a still image, but may also be video, text, or information having multiple data types, and the data type is not important. In a hierarchy of two or more levels, the lower the level, the more detailed the product-related information is preferably.

[0033] It is preferable that the product information corresponds to one or more product attribute values. The product attribute values ​​are, for example, the product type, category, and price. Note that the product type and category may be the same information.

[0034] The display information storage unit 112 stores one or more pieces of display information. Display information is information that constitutes the screen of an electronic catalog. Each of the one or more pieces of display information corresponds to one or more pieces of product information out of two or more pieces of product information. The one or more pieces of display information and the two or more pieces of product-related information constitute a hierarchical structure. In the hierarchical structure, the display information exists above one or more pieces of product-related information out of the two or more pieces of product-related information. Two or more pieces of display information may also have a hierarchical structure. The display information is, for example, information that represents a product category (e.g., "Natural" or "Modern"). The display information is, for example, information that represents a product type (e.g., "table" or "chair"). However, it goes without saying that the content of the display information is not important.

[0035] It should be noted that there is no restriction on how the display information and the product information are associated. The display information and the product information may be associated by a link or by a product attribute value condition. A product attribute value condition is information relating to one or more product attribute values. Examples of product attribute value conditions are "Category=Natural", "Category=Modern", and "Product Type=Office Furniture". In other words, the display information may correspond to the product attribute value condition.

[0036] The display information is preferably a still image, but may be a moving image, a character string, information having a plurality of data types, or the like, and the data type is not important.

[0037] The screen definition storage unit 113 stores two or more pieces of screen definition information. The screen definition information is information for defining the screens that make up the catalog. The screen definition information corresponds to a screen identifier. The screen identifier is information that identifies a screen, such as a screen ID or a screen name. The screen definition information has one or more type identifiers and one or more transition screen identifiers.

[0038] The type identifier is information that identifies the type of information that constitutes the screen, such as "display information," "first-level product-related information (which may also be called first information)," "second-level product-related information (which may also be called second information)," and "third-level product-related information (which may also be called third information)."

[0039] A transition screen identifier is an identifier of a screen to which a transition may occur next. The transition screen identifier contained in the screen definition information corresponds to one of the one or more type identifiers contained in the screen definition information. In other words, the transition screen identifier is information that identifies the screen to which a transition occurs when a box based on information of the type identified by the type identifier is selected.

[0040] An initial screen identifier is stored in the screen definition storage unit 113. The initial screen identifier is information for identifying the screen to be displayed first. The storage of the initial screen identifier is equivalent to the existence of the screen to be displayed first.

[0041] The reception unit 12 receives various instructions and information. The various instructions and information include, for example, an output instruction and a selection, which will be described later. The output instruction is an instruction to output an electronic catalog. The selection is, for example, a first selection, which will be described later, a second selection, which will be described later, a third selection, which will be described later, and a fourth selection, which will be described later.

[0042] Here, "reception" typically refers to the reception of information transmitted via a wired or wireless communication line, but may also be a concept that includes the reception of information input from an input device such as a keyboard, mouse, or touch panel, or the reception of information read from a recording medium such as an optical disk, magnetic disk, or semiconductor memory.

[0043] The selection receiving unit 121 accepts a selection for any one of one or more boxes constituting the screen. A box is a user interface component that includes product-related information or display information and is selectable by the user. The box is, for example, a button, but the type of box is not important. A selection for a box may also be referred to as a selection for information (e.g., display information, product-related information). The boxes are, for example, an upper box including display information, a first box including first information, and a second box including second information. The display information and the upper box may be considered to be the same. The first information and the first box may be considered to be the same. Furthermore, the second information and the second box may be considered to be the same. Product-related information usually includes information for one product, but may also include information for two or more products, such as products sold as a set. The two or more products do not have to be sold as a set.

[0044] The selection receiving unit 121 receives, for example, a first selection for one first box among the first boxes of one or more other products that constitute the first screen.

[0045] The first screen is a screen that includes a second box corresponding to one product and one or more first boxes corresponding to products other than the one product. The first box is a box configured using first information. The second box is a box configured using second information. The first information is product-related information at a first level among the product-related information that forms a hierarchical structure. The second information is product-related information at a second level among the product-related information that forms a hierarchical structure.

[0046] The second screen, which will be described later, has the same structure as the first screen. The second screen, which will be described later, is the other first screen when transitioning from one first screen to another first screen that displays different information.

[0047] The selection receiving unit 121 receives, for example, a second selection for one of two or more upper boxes constituting a first layer screen. The first layer screen is a screen including two or more upper boxes. The upper boxes are boxes configured using display information.

[0048] The selection receiving unit 121 receives a third selection for the top box on the third screen, for example.

[0049] The third screen includes one upper box and one or more first boxes corresponding to the upper box. Here, the one or more first boxes corresponding to the upper box are boxes configured using first information corresponding to the display information included in the upper box. The first information corresponding to the display information is product-related information contained in each of one or more pieces of product information corresponding to the display information. The first information corresponding to the display information is first information linked to the display information in a hierarchical structure.

[0050] The selection receiving unit 121 receives, for example, a first selection for one first box among one or more first boxes on the third screen.

[0051] For example, on the first screen, the selection receiving unit 121 receives a fourth selection for a second box that constitutes the first screen.

[0052] The processing unit 13 performs various types of processing. The various types of processing are, for example, processing performed by a screen configuration unit 131 and a screen transition unit 132.

[0053] When an order instruction for the output electronic catalog is received by the receiving unit 12, the processing unit 13 may perform an order process for a product corresponding to the order instruction. Such an order process is a well-known technique, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0054] The screen configuration unit 131 configures the screen to be output. The output screen configures an electronic catalog. The screen configuration unit 131 configures the screen using one or more of the product-related information and display information stored in the product information storage unit 111. Configuring the screen using the product-related information is equivalent to configuring the screen using boxes containing the product-related information. Also, configuring the screen using the display information is equivalent to configuring the screen using upper boxes containing the display information.

[0055] The screen configuration unit 131 configures a screen including boxes corresponding to one or more pieces of product-related information and display information of a type identified by one or more type identifiers corresponding to the initial screen identifier. The one or more type identifiers corresponding to the initial screen identifiers are stored in the screen definition storage unit 113.

[0056] For example, when the screen transition unit 132 acquires a screen identifier (transition screen identifier) ​​to be transitioned next, the screen configuration unit 131 configures a screen including one or more boxes using each piece of information hierarchically connected to the information corresponding to the selected box, which is one or more pieces of product-related information or one or more pieces of display information identified by one or more type identifiers paired with the screen identifier. Note that each piece of information hierarchically connected is usually product-related information one level lower.

[0057] For example, if the screen transition unit 132 does not obtain the screen identifier of the next screen to transition to, the screen configuration unit 131 configures a screen including a box corresponding to product-related information corresponding to the information corresponding to the selected box at a lower level.

[0058] First layer composing section 1311 composes a first layer screen including two or more upper boxes using two or more pieces of display information. The first layer screen is usually an initial screen.

[0059] The first screen configuration unit 1312 references the product information storage unit 111 and configures a first screen including a second box for one product and one or more first boxes for other products. Note that the second box for one product is a box using second information, which is product-related information on the second level of the one product. The first box here is a box using first information, which is product-related information on the first level of the other products. The other products are products other than the one product.

[0060] When the selection receiving unit 121 receives a first selection while the third screen is being output, the first screen configuration unit 1312 configures a first screen in which a second box using second information corresponding to the one first box is placed in place of the upper box included in the third screen.

[0061] The third screen includes an upper box and one or more first boxes. The first boxes included in the third screen are boxes using first information at a lower level of the display information for the upper box included in the third screen. The first information at a lower level of the display information is first information included in the product information corresponding to the display information.

[0062] Furthermore, here, the first screen configured by the first screen configuration unit 1312 is a screen in which a second box corresponding to one first box corresponding to a first selection is arranged in place of the upper boxes of the third screen. A second box corresponding to a first box is a box containing second information at a lower level than the first information contained in the first box. Furthermore, it is preferable that the first screen configured by the first screen configuration unit 1312 is a screen that includes at least one first box that was not selected among the first boxes of the third screen. Note that a box corresponding to a selection is a selected box.

[0063] When the selection receiving unit 121 receives a first selection, the second screen configuration unit 1313 configures a second screen in which a second box using second information of another product corresponding to one first box corresponding to the first selection is arranged in place of the second box on the first screen. Here, "arranged in place of the second box on the first screen" means that it is preferable to arrange a second box using second information of another product in the position of the second box on the first screen, but the position may be different. Furthermore, "second information of another product corresponding to one first box" refers to second information at a lower level than the first information included in one first box.

[0064] For example, when the selection receiving unit 121 receives a first selection, the second screen configuration unit 1313 configures a second screen in which a second box using second information of another product corresponding to one first box corresponding to the first selection is placed in place of the second box on the first screen, and a first box using the first information of the one product is placed in place of the first box of the other product corresponding to the first selection. Note that, here, "in place of a first box" means that although it is preferable to place a first box using the first information of one product in the position of the first box of the other product, the position of the first box using the first information of the one product does not matter.

[0065] The second screen configuration unit 1313 preferably configures the second screen by placing a first box of one product in the position of the first box of another product corresponding to the first selection. In this case, the second screen preferably does not have a first box of the other product corresponding to the first selection, but may have such a first box.

[0066] When the selection receiving unit 121 receives a second selection, the third screen configuration unit 1314 configures a third screen including an upper box corresponding to the second selection and one or more first boxes using first information contained in one or more pieces of product information corresponding to the display information for the upper box. Note that information (e.g., display information, first information, or second information) for a box (e.g., upper box, first box, second box) is information contained in the box. Furthermore, it can be said that "first information contained in one or more pieces of product information corresponding to the display information" is first information at a lower level than the display information.

[0067] It is preferable that the third screen composition unit 1314 composes a third screen in which the position of one upper box corresponding to the second selection is not changed with respect to the first layer screen.

[0068] When the selection receiving unit 121 receives a fourth selection, the third screen configuration unit 1314 configures a third screen including a higher-level box using display information higher than the information corresponding to the second box corresponding to the fourth selection. Note that the "display information higher than the information corresponding to the second box" refers to the second data included in the second box and the display information higher in the hierarchy. Note that the fourth selection is received on the first screen.

[0069] The screen transition unit 132 determines the next screen to transition to, and acquires, for example, a transition screen identifier that identifies the next screen to transition to.

[0070] For example, when the selection receiving unit 121 receives a third selection, the screen transition unit 132 determines the first layer screen instead of the third screen. Determining the first layer screen involves obtaining the first layer screen, obtaining an identifier for the first layer screen, etc.

[0071] For example, when the selection receiving unit 121 receives a selection, the screen transition unit 132 obtains from the screen definition storage unit 113 a transition screen identifier that corresponds to a box for the selection and that pairs with the type identifier corresponding to the box.

[0072] The output unit 14 outputs various types of information. The various types of information are, for example, various screens. The various screens constitute an electronic catalog.

[0073] Here, output usually means transmission to terminal device 2, but it may also be a concept that includes displaying on a display, projecting using a projector, printing on a printer, storing on a recording medium, or handing over the processing results to other processing devices or other programs.

[0074] The screen output unit 141 outputs the screen configured by the screen configuration unit 131 .

[0075] The first layer output unit 1411 outputs the first layer screen configured by the first layer configuration unit 1311. It is preferable that the first layer output unit 1411 outputs the first layer screen instead of the third screen in accordance with the determination of the first layer screen by the screen transition unit 132.

[0076] The first screen output unit 1412 outputs the first screen configured by the first screen configuration unit 1312 .

[0077] The second screen output portion 1413 outputs the second screen configured by the second screen configuration portion 1313.

[0078] The third screen output portion 1414 outputs the third screen configured by the third screen configuration portion 1314.

[0079] Various types of information are stored in the terminal storage unit 21 included in the terminal device 2. The various types of information are, for example, user identifiers.

[0080] The terminal reception unit 22 receives various information or instructions. The various information or instructions include, for example, output instructions, order instructions, and various selections. An output instruction is an instruction to output an electronic catalog. An order instruction is an instruction to order a product using the electronic catalog.

[0081] The means for inputting various information or instructions may be any means, such as a touch panel, keyboard, mouse, or menu screen.

[0082] The device processing unit 23 performs various types of processing. For example, the various types of processing are processing for converting instructions and information received by the terminal receiving unit 22 into instructions and information with a data structure to be transmitted. For example, the various types of processing are processing for converting information received by the terminal receiving unit 25 into information with a data structure to be output.

[0083] The terminal transmitting unit 24 transmits various instructions and information, such as output instructions, order instructions, and various selections.

[0084] The terminal receiving unit 25 receives various information, such as various screens that make up an electronic catalog.

[0085] The terminal output unit 26 outputs various types of information. The various types of information are, for example, various screens that make up an electronic catalog. Here, "output" usually means displaying on a display, but the concept may also include projection using a projector, storage on a recording medium, and delivery of processing results to other processing devices or other programs.

[0086] The storage unit 11, product information storage unit 111, display information storage unit 112, screen definition storage unit 113, and terminal storage unit 21 are preferably non-volatile recording media, but may also be realized as volatile recording media.

[0087] There is no restriction on the process by which information is stored in the storage unit 11 etc. For example, information may be stored in the storage unit 11 etc. via a recording medium, information transmitted via a communication line etc. may be stored in the storage unit 11 etc., or information input via an input device may be stored in the storage unit 11 etc.

[0088] The reception unit 12, the selection reception unit 121, and the terminal reception unit 25 are preferably realized by wireless or wired communication means, but may also be realized by a means for receiving broadcasts, a device driver for an input means such as a touch panel or keyboard, or control software for a menu screen.

[0089] The processing unit 13, screen composition unit 131, screen transition unit 132, first layer composition unit 1311, first screen composition unit 1312, second screen composition unit 1313, and third screen composition unit 1314 can typically be realized by a processor, memory, etc. The processing procedures of the processing unit 13, etc. are typically realized by software, and the software is recorded on a recording medium such as a ROM. However, they may also be realized by hardware (dedicated circuitry). The processor may be a CPU, MPU, GPU, etc., and the type does not matter.

[0090] The output unit 14, screen output unit 141, first layer output unit 1411, first screen output unit 1412, second screen output unit 1413, third screen output unit 1414, and terminal transmission unit 24 are usually realized by wireless or wired communication means, but may also be realized by broadcasting means.

[0091] The terminal reception unit 22 can be realized by a device driver for an input means such as a touch panel or a keyboard, or control software for a menu screen.

[0092] The terminal output unit 26 may or may not include an output device such as a display, a speaker, etc. The terminal output unit 26 may be realized by driver software for an output device, or by a combination of driver software for an output device and the output device, etc.

[0093] Next, we will explain an example of the operation of the catalog system A. First, a first example of the operation of the electronic catalog device 1 will be explained using the flowcharts of FIGS.

[0094] (Step S401) The reception unit 12 determines whether or not an output instruction has been received. If an output instruction has been received, the process proceeds to step S402, and if an output instruction has not been received, the process returns to step S401. Note that the reception of an output instruction here is, for example, the reception of an output instruction from the terminal device 2.

[0095] (Step S402) The screen composition unit 131 acquires one or more pieces of display information from the display information storage unit 112.

[0096] (Step S403) The screen composition unit 131 assigns 1 to the counter i.

[0097] (Step S404) The first layer configuration unit 1311 determines whether or not the i-th display information exists among the display information acquired in step S402. If the i-th display information exists, the process proceeds to step S405; if not, the process proceeds to step S407.

[0098] (Step S405) The first layer composing unit 1311 composes an upper box including the i-th display information.

[0099] (Step S406) The screen composition unit 131 increments the counter i by 1. The process returns to step S404.

[0100] (Step S407) The first layer composing unit 1311 composes a first layer screen including one or more upper boxes acquired in step S404.

[0101] Here, the first layer composing unit 1311 may compose a first layer screen including a box other than the upper box. It is preferable that the box other than the upper box is a first box. The first layer composing unit 1311 composes a first layer screen including, for example, one or more upper boxes and one or more first boxes in a lower layer of one of the upper boxes.

[0102] (Step S408) The first layer output unit 1411 outputs the first layer screen configured in step S407. Note that the output here is, for example, transmission to the terminal device 2.

[0103] The screens such as the first layer screen (for example, the first screen, second screen, third screen, and fourth screen) output by the screen output unit 141 are usually screen information that constitutes the screen displayed on the terminal device 2. The screen information is realized by, for example, HTML, XML, a program, etc., but the application of the realization is not important.

[0104] (Step S409) The selection receiving unit 121 determines whether or not a second selection has been received. If a second selection has been received, the process proceeds to step S410, and if a second selection has not been received, the process returns to step S409.

[0105] The second selection here is a selection for one upper box on the first layer screen output on the terminal used by the user.

[0106] (Step S410) The third screen composition unit 1314 determines a top box corresponding to the second selection. Note that determining a top box means, for example, obtaining a top box, obtaining an identifier of the top box, obtaining display information corresponding to the top box, or obtaining an identifier of display information corresponding to the top box.

[0107] (Step S411) The third screen composition unit 1314 acquires one or more pieces of first information that are subordinate to the display information corresponding to the upper box determined in step S410 from the product information storage unit 111. Here, it is preferable that the third screen composition unit 1314 acquires all pieces of first information that are subordinate to the display information.

[0108] (Step S412) The third screen composition unit 1314 acquires one or more first boxes including one or more pieces of first information acquired in step S411. The third screen composition unit 1314 composes a third screen including the upper box determined in step S410 and the acquired one or more first boxes.

[0109] (Step S413) The third screen output portion 1414 outputs the third screen constructed in step S412.

[0110] (Step S414) Selection receiving unit 121 determines whether or not a third selection has been received for the output third screen. If a third selection has been received, the process proceeds to step S415; if not, the process proceeds to step S417.

[0111] (Step S415) The screen transition unit 132 determines the transition destination screen to be the first layer screen.

[0112] (Step S416) The first layer output unit 1411 outputs the first layer screen. Return to step S409.

[0113] (Step S417) Selection receiving unit 121 determines whether or not a first selection has been received for the output third screen. If a first selection has been received, the process proceeds to step S418, and if not, the process returns to step S414.

[0114] (Step S418) The first screen configuration unit 1312 acquires, from the product information storage unit 111, second information that is in a lower hierarchical level than the first information corresponding to the first selection accepted in step S417.

[0115] (Step S419) The first screen composition unit 1312 composes a second box using the second information acquired in step S418.

[0116] (Step S420) The first screen configuration unit 1312 configures a first screen in which the second box configured in step S419 is arranged in place of the upper box of the third screen. Note that it is preferable that the first screen has one or more first boxes excluding at least the first box corresponding to the first selection out of the one or more first boxes that the third screen has.

[0117] (Step S421) The first screen output unit 1412 outputs the first screen constructed in step S420.

[0118] (Step S422) Selection receiving unit 121 determines whether or not a first selection has been received for the output first screen. If a first selection has been received, the process proceeds to step S423; if not, the process proceeds to step S427.

[0119] (Step S423) The second screen composition unit 1313 acquires from the product information storage unit 111 second information at a lower level than the first information for the first box for the first selection.

[0120] (Step S424) The second screen composition unit 1313 composes a second box using the second information acquired in step S423.

[0121] (Step S425) The second screen composition unit 1313 composes a second screen in which the second box composed in step S424 is arranged, in place of the second information included in the first screen being output.

[0122] (Step S426) Second screen output portion 1413 outputs the second screen configured in step S425. Return to step S422. Note that since the second screen has the same structure as the first screen, after returning to step S422, the screen being output is the first screen.

[0123] (Step S427) Selection receiving unit 121 determines whether or not a fourth selection has been received for the output first screen. If a fourth selection has been received, the process proceeds to step S428, and if not, the process returns to step S422.

[0124] (Step S428) The third screen composition unit 1314 acquires from the display information storage unit 112 display information at a higher layer than the second information corresponding to the second block for the fourth selection.

[0125] (Step S429) The third screen composition unit 1314 composes an upper box including the display information acquired in step S428.

[0126] (Step S430) The third screen composition unit 1314 composes a third screen including the upper box composed in step S429. It is preferable that the third screen has the upper box and one or more first boxes that the first screen has. It is even more preferable that the third screen has the upper box, one or more first boxes that the first screen has, and a first box that includes first information of a higher level than the second block for the fourth selection.

[0127] (Step S431) The third screen output portion 1414 outputs the third screen constructed in step S430. Then, the process proceeds to step S414.

[0128] In the flowcharts of FIGS. 4 and 5, the processing ends when the power is turned off or an interrupt occurs to end the processing.

[0129] Next, a second operation example of the electronic catalog device 1 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0130] (Step S601) The reception unit 12 determines whether or not an output instruction has been received. If an output instruction has been received, the process proceeds to step S602, and if an output instruction has not been received, the process proceeds to step S605. Note that the reception of an output instruction here is, for example, the reception of an output instruction from the terminal device 2.

[0131] (Step S602) The screen configuration unit 131 acquires an initial screen identifier from the screen definition storage unit 113.

[0132] (Step S603) Screen composition unit 131 performs screen composition processing using the acquired screen identifier. An example of the screen composition processing will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

[0133] (Step S604) The screen output unit 141 outputs the screen constructed in step S603. The process returns to step S601.

[0134] (Step S605) The selection receiving unit 121 determines whether or not a selection of one box has been received on the output screen. If a selection has been received, the process proceeds to step S606, and if a selection has not been received, the process returns to step S601.

[0135] (Step S606) The screen composition unit 131 acquires the type identifier (for example, "display information," "first information," or "second information") of one box corresponding to the selection accepted in step S605.

[0136] (Step S607) Screen configuration unit 131 determines whether a transition screen identifier that pairs with the screen identifier that identifies the screen being output and that pairs with the type identifier acquired in step S606 exists in screen definition storage unit 113. If the transition screen identifier exists, the process proceeds to step S603; if not, the process proceeds to step S608. Here, if the transition screen identifier exists, screen configuration unit 131 acquires the transition screen identifier.

[0137] (Step S608) The screen composition unit 131 refers to the product information storage unit 111 and determines whether the information for one box corresponding to the selection accepted in step S605 is the lowest-level product-related information. If it is the lowest-level product-related information, the process proceeds to step S609; if it is not the lowest-level product-related information, the process proceeds to step S611.

[0138] (Step S609) The screen transition unit 132 acquires the screen identifier of the upper screen that was currently output most recently. The screen hierarchy is, for example, the hierarchy of "first layer screen → third screen → first screen (second screen)." It is also assumed that information identifying the screen hierarchy is managed, for example, in the screen definition storage unit 113.

[0139] (Step S610) Screen output unit 141 outputs the screen identified by the screen identifier acquired in step S609. Return to step S601. Note that in addition to the information on the currently output screen, information on screens output in the past is assumed to be accumulated in, for example, a buffer (not shown).

[0140] (Step S611) The screen composition unit 131 acquires product-related information that corresponds to the information in the one box corresponding to the selection accepted in step S605 and is at a lower level than the information in the one box.

[0141] (Step S612) The screen composition unit 131 composes a lower box including the product-related information of the lower layer acquired in step S611.

[0142] (Step S613) Screen composition unit 131 composes a screen including the box composed in step S612.

[0143] It is preferable that this screen is a screen in which a box included in the screen output immediately before, and in which a box at the same hierarchical level as the box configured in step S612, has been replaced with the box configured in step S612. It is also preferable that this screen is a screen in which a box corresponding to the selection accepted in step S605 has been replaced with a box at the same hierarchical level as the box, and in a hierarchical level one level higher than the box configured in step S612.

[0144] (Step S614) The screen output unit 141 outputs the screen constructed in step S613. The process returns to step S601.

[0145] Next, an example of the screen configuration process in step S603 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

[0146] (Step S701) The screen composition unit 131 assigns 1 to a counter i.

[0147] (Step S702) Screen configuration unit 131 determines whether or not the i-th type identifier that pairs with the acquired screen identifier exists in screen definition storage unit 113. If the i-th type identifier exists, the process proceeds to step S703; if not, the process proceeds to step S706.

[0148] (Step S703) Screen composition unit 131 acquires one or more pieces of information corresponding to the i-th type identifier from product information storage unit 111 or display information storage unit 112. The one or more pieces of information are product-related information or display information.

[0149] (Step S704) Screen composition unit 131 acquires one or more boxes each including one or more pieces of information acquired in step S703.

[0150] (Step S705) The screen composition unit 131 increments the counter i by 1. The process returns to step S702.

[0151] (Step S706) Screen composition unit 131 composes a screen in which one or more boxes are arranged for each type identifier acquired in step S704, and then returns to the upper-level processing.

[0152] It is preferable that the screen configuration unit 131 configures a screen in which one or more boxes corresponding to each type identifier are arranged, using layout information for each type identifier contained in the screen definition information.

[0153] Next, an example of the operation of the terminal device 2 will be described. The terminal reception unit 22 of the terminal device 2 receives an output instruction. The device processing unit 23 converts the output instruction received by the terminal reception unit 22 into an output instruction with a data structure to be transmitted. Next, the terminal transmission unit 24 transmits the output instruction to the electronic catalog device 1. Then, the terminal reception unit 25 receives a screen (for example, a first layer screen) that constitutes the electronic catalog. The device processing unit 23 converts the screen received by the terminal reception unit 25 into a screen to be output. Next, the terminal output unit 26 outputs the screen. Furthermore, the terminal reception unit 22 receives, from the user, a selection of one of the boxes that constitutes the screen being output. The device processing unit 23 converts the selection received by the terminal reception unit 22 into a data structure to be transmitted. Next, the terminal transmission unit 24 transmits the selection to the electronic catalog device 1. Next, the terminal reception unit 25 receives information on a new screen from the electronic catalog device 1. The device processing unit 23 uses the information received by the terminal reception unit 25 to convert the screen to be output. Next, the terminal output unit 26 outputs the screen. Note that the screen is an electronic catalog.

[0154] A specific example of the operation of catalog system A in this embodiment will be described below.

[0155] Currently, the storage unit 11 of the electronic catalog device 1 stores the hierarchical information shown in FIG. 8. Of the information in FIG. 8, "IMG1" and "IMG2" are display information. Furthermore, "IMG1" and "IMG2" are images that clearly indicate the product category. Furthermore, information other than "IMG1" and "IMG2" is product-related information. "IMG11" and "IMG111" are each product-related information for one product, and are hierarchical product-related information. "IMG11" is an image that shows an image of the product. "IMG111" is information (for example, an image) that explains the product in more detail than "IMG11". Furthermore, "IMG12" and "IMG121" are each product-related information for one product, and are also hierarchical product-related information. Additionally, the sets of "IMG1n", "IMG1n1", "IMG21", "IMG211", and "IMG2m", "IMG2m1" are each product-related information for one product, and are hierarchical product-related information arranged in two layers. The hierarchical information has a total of three layers, with display information at the top and two layers of product-related information below.

[0156] FIG. 9 shows an example of a product-related information management table that manages the hierarchical product-related information from the information in FIG. 8. The product-related information management table is stored in the product information storage unit 111. The product-related information management table has a "product identifier," "first information," "second information," and "product attribute value." The "first information" is product-related information at a higher level in the hierarchy, and the "second information" is product-related information at a lower level in the hierarchy. It can also be said that the information at a higher level than the "first information" is the display information connected in FIG. 8. Here, the "product attribute value" has a "category" and a "price."

[0157] 10 shows an example of a display information management table for managing display information among the hierarchical information shown in FIG. 8. The display information management table has "display information identifier," "display information," and "product attribute value condition." Here, the "product attribute value condition" links (hierarchically organizes) the "display information" with one or more pieces of "first information." In other words, one or more pieces of "first information" that are paired with an attribute value that satisfies the "product attribute value condition" are connected below the "display information."

[0158] Furthermore, it is assumed that the screen definition storage unit 113 stores the screen definition table shown in FIG. 11. The screen definition table has one or more pieces of screen definition information. The screen definition information has a "screen identifier," a "type identifier," a "transition screen identifier," and "layout information." The "type identifier" is information that identifies the type of information to be arranged on the screen, and in this case, it is "display information," "first information," etc. "Transition screen identifier" is an identifier of the screen to transition to when a box of the type identified by the paired "type identifier" is selected. "Layout information" is information that specifies the layout of the boxes according to the type. Layout information "horizontal" that is paired with the screen identifier "first layer screen" indicates that the "third screen" is configured by arranging two pieces of display information horizontally. Furthermore, although the layout information corresponding to the screen identifier "third screen" shows in a diagram where each type of information is placed, it is preferable that it is a set of coordinate values ​​that specify where each type of information (box) is placed. However, the structure of the layout information is not important as long as it is possible to specify where each type of information (box) is placed.

[0159] Also, it is assumed that the screen definition storage unit 113 stores an initial screen identifier "first layer screen."

[0160] In this situation, it is assumed that the user inputs an output instruction to the terminal device 2. Next, the terminal device 2 accepts the output instruction and transmits the output instruction to the electronic catalog device 1.

[0161] Next, the receiving unit 12 of the electronic catalog device 1 receives the output instruction. Next, the screen configuration unit 131 acquires the initial screen identifier "first layer screen" from the screen definition storage unit 113.

[0162] Next, the screen configuration unit 131 obtains the type identifier "display information" and layout information "horizontal arrangement" that are paired with the screen identifier "first layer screen" from the screen definition table (Figure 11). Next, the screen configuration unit 131 obtains two pieces of display information from the display information management table (Figure 10) based on the type identifier "display information". Furthermore, the screen configuration unit 131 configures selectable upper boxes from each piece of display information. Next, the screen configuration unit 131 configures a first layer screen in which the two upper boxes are arranged horizontally according to the layout information "horizontal arrangement".

[0163] Next, screen output unit 141 transmits the first layer screen to terminal device 2. Furthermore, screen composition unit 131 temporarily stores the first layer screen in a buffer (not shown).

[0164] Next, the terminal device 2 receives and outputs the first layer screen. An example of such output is shown in FIG.

[0165] Next, the user selects one box 1201 in Fig. 12(a) (for example, by clicking with the left mouse or touching). Next, the terminal device 2 accepts the selection and transmits the selection to the electronic catalog device 1. Note that the transmitted selection information includes information identifying the selected box (here, the display information identifier "IMG1").

[0166] Next, the selection receiving unit 121 of the electronic catalog device 1 receives the selection information including the display information identifier "IMG1."

[0167] Next, the screen configuration unit 131 acquires the type identifier "display information" from the display information identifier "IMG1" contained in the received selection information. Next, the screen configuration unit 131 acquires the transition screen identifier "third screen" that pairs with the screen identifier "first layer screen" of the output screen and that pairs with the acquired type identifier "display information" from the screen definition table (FIG. 11).

[0168] Next, the screen configuration unit 131 acquires the type identifiers "display information" and "first information" paired with the transition screen identifier "third screen" from the screen definition table (FIG. 11). Next, the screen configuration unit 131 acquires, from the display information management table (FIG. 10), display information (image of IMG1) that corresponds to the type identifier "display information" and pairs with the display information identifier "IMG1" corresponding to the received selection information. In addition, the screen configuration unit 131 acquires, from the display information management table (FIG. 10), the product attribute value condition "category=Natural" that pairs with the display information identifier "IMG1" corresponding to the selection. Then, the screen configuration unit 131 acquires, from the product-related information management table (FIG. 9), n pieces of first information (IMG11, IMG12, . . . , IMG1n) that correspond to the acquired type identifier "first information" and satisfy the product attribute value condition. Next, the screen configuration unit 131 acquires, from the screen definition table (FIG. 11), layout information that pairs with the screen identifier "third screen". Then, the screen composition unit 131 composes a third screen in which an upper box including the display information "IMG1" and n first boxes including n pieces of first information (IMG11, IMG12, . . . , IMG1n) are arranged in accordance with the layout information. Note that here, the number n of first boxes is assumed to be 11.

[0169] Next, the screen output unit 141 transmits the third screen to the terminal device 2. Furthermore, the screen composition unit 131 temporarily stores the third screen in a buffer (not shown).

[0170] Next, the terminal device 2 receives and outputs the third screen, an example of which is shown in FIG.

[0171] Next, it is assumed that the user selects one box 1202 in Fig. 12(b). Next, the terminal device 2 accepts the selection and transmits the selection to the electronic catalog device 1. It is assumed that the transmitted information on the selection includes information identifying the selected box (here, the identifier of the first information "IMG11").

[0172] Next, the selection receiving unit 121 of the electronic catalog device 1 receives the selection information including the identifier "IMG11" of the first information.

[0173] Next, the screen composition unit 131 acquires the type identifier "first information" from the first information identifier "IMG11" contained in the received information. Next, the screen composition unit 131 acquires the transition screen identifier "first screen" which is paired with the screen identifier "third screen" of the screen being output and which is paired with the acquired type identifier "first information."

[0174] Next, the screen configuration unit 131 acquires the type identifiers "first information" and "second information" that are paired with the screen identifier "first screen" from the screen definition table (FIG. 11). Next, the screen configuration unit 131 acquires the product-related information "IMG111" that corresponds to the selected "IMG11" and the acquired type identifier "second information" from the product information management table (FIG. 9). In addition, the screen configuration unit 131 acquires 10 pieces of first information that correspond to the acquired type identifier "first information" and are first information excluding the selected "IMG11", and that correspond to boxes of the third screen that have been temporarily stored in the buffer.

[0175] Next, the screen composition unit 131 acquires a second box including the acquired second information "IMG111" and first boxes corresponding to each of the acquired 10 pieces of first information. Then, the screen composition unit 131 composes a first screen in which the second box of "IMG111" and the 10 first boxes are arranged according to the layout information paired with the screen identifier "first screen" (see FIG. 11).

[0176] Next, the screen output unit 141 transmits the first screen to the terminal device 2. Furthermore, the screen composition unit 131 temporarily stores the first screen in a buffer (not shown).

[0177] Next, the terminal device 2 receives and outputs the first screen, an example of which is shown in FIG. 12(c) or FIG. 13(a).

[0178] Next, it is assumed that the user selects one box 1301 in Fig. 13(a). Next, the terminal device 2 accepts the selection and transmits the selection to the electronic catalog device 1. It is assumed that the transmitted information on the selection includes information for identifying the selected box (here, the identifier of the first information "IMG12").

[0179] Next, the selection receiving unit 121 of the electronic catalog device 1 receives the selection information including the identifier "IMG12" of the first information.

[0180] Next, the screen composition unit 131 acquires the type identifier "first information" from the first information identifier "IMG12" contained in the received information. Next, the screen composition unit 131 determines that it is unable to acquire a transition screen identifier that pairs with the acquired type identifier "first information" and that is paired with the screen identifier "first screen" of the output screen (see FIG. 11).

[0181] Next, the screen composition unit 131 refers to the product information management table (FIG. 11) and determines that the information "IMG12" for the one box corresponding to the accepted selection is not the lowest-level product-related information. Next, the screen composition unit 131 obtains second information (lower-level product-related information) "IMG121" that pairs with the information "IMG12" for the one box corresponding to the accepted selection from the product information management table. Then, the screen composition unit 131 composes a second box that includes the second information "IMG121".

[0182] Next, the screen composition unit 131 acquires the first information "IMG11" in a higher hierarchy corresponding to the second information "IMG111" held by the first screen temporarily stored in the buffer, and acquires a first box containing the first information. The screen composition unit 131 also acquires first boxes corresponding to 9 pieces of first information, excluding the first information identified by the first information identifier "IMG12" held by the received information, from the first information held by the first screen temporarily stored in the buffer. As a result, the screen composition unit 131 acquires 10 first boxes.

[0183] Next, the screen composition unit 131 composes a first screen in which the second box of "IMG121" and the acquired 10 first boxes are arranged according to the layout information paired with the screen identifier "first screen."

[0184] Next, the screen output unit 141 transmits the first screen to the terminal device 2. Furthermore, the screen composition unit 131 temporarily stores the first screen in a buffer (not shown).

[0185] Next, the terminal device 2 receives and outputs the first screen. An example of such output is shown in Figure 13(b). Note that a screen that is a result of changing from the first screen, and that has the same structure as the first screen but different content, may be called a second screen in order to distinguish it from the first screen.

[0186] Next, it is assumed that the user selects one box 1302 in Fig. 13(b). Next, the terminal device 2 accepts the selection and transmits the selection to the electronic catalog device 1. It is assumed that the transmitted information on the selection includes information identifying the selected box (here, the identifier of the second information "IMG121").

[0187] Next, the selection receiving unit 121 of the electronic catalog device 1 receives the selection information including the identifier "IMG121" of the second information.

[0188] Next, the screen composition unit 131 acquires the type identifier "second information" from the identifier "IMG121" of the second information contained in the received information. Next, the screen composition unit 131 acquires the transition screen identifier "third screen" which is paired with the screen identifier "first screen" of the screen being output and which is paired with the acquired type identifier "second information" (see FIG. 11).

[0189] Next, the screen configuration unit 131 acquires the type identifiers "display information" and "first information" that are paired with the transition screen identifier "third screen" from the screen definition table (FIG. 11). Next, the screen configuration unit 131 acquires the display information (IMG1) that corresponds to the type identifier "display information" and is higher in the hierarchy of the identifier "IMG121" of the second information that corresponds to the selection from the display information management table (FIG. 10). Then, the screen configuration unit 131 acquires the higher-level box that includes the display information (IMG1).

[0190] Furthermore, the screen composition unit 131 acquires the first information corresponding to the type identifier "first information" and included in the immediately preceding screen from the screen information accumulated in a buffer (not shown). The screen composition unit 131 also acquires the first information "IMG12" that is higher in the hierarchy and pairs with the identifier "IMG121" of the second information. As a result, the screen composition unit 131 acquires 11 pieces of first information. Then, the screen composition unit 131 acquires 11 first boxes each containing the 11 pieces of first information.

[0191] Next, the screen composition unit 131 composes a third screen in which the acquired upper box and the 11 first boxes are arranged, in accordance with the layout information paired with the screen identifier "third screen" (see FIG. 11).

[0192] Next, the screen output unit 141 transmits the third screen to the terminal device 2. Furthermore, the screen composition unit 131 temporarily stores the third screen in a buffer (not shown).

[0193] Next, the terminal device 2 receives and outputs the third screen. An example of such output is shown in Figure 13(c). Note that Figure 13(c) is the same as Figure 12(b).

[0194] 13(c), when the user selects the upper box 1303, the screen configuration unit 131 refers to the screen definition table (FIG. 11) and acquires the transition screen identifier "first layer screen." Then, the screen configuration unit 131 acquires the information of the "first layer screen" stored in the buffer. Next, the screen output unit 141 transmits the first layer screen to the terminal device 2.

[0195] Next, the terminal device 2 receives and outputs the first layer screen. An example of such output is shown in FIG.

[0196] As described above, according to this embodiment, an electronic catalog that allows easy browsing of a large number of products can be provided.

[0197] In particular, according to this embodiment, an electronic catalog that makes it easy to view a large number of products can be provided by dynamically changing the product-related information displayed according to the selection of a block, without the concept of pages or the need to turn pages.

[0198] In this embodiment, the display information may be configured as tabs on the screen. An example of an electronic catalog in this case is 1401 in FIG. 14(a). The tabs in FIG. 14 are selectable user interface components. Each tab in FIG. 14 represents the display information of the character strings here, such as "Shower Toilet Integrated Toilet," "Residential Wall-Hung Toilet," and "Cabinet-Equipped Toilet."

[0199] In Fig. 14(a), 1402 is a second box containing second information at a lower level in the hierarchy. In Fig. 14(a), boxes with smaller areas, such as 1403, compared to the area of ​​the second box are first boxes containing first information.

[0200] 14(a), when 1403 is selected, the screen transitions to the screen shown in FIG.

[0201] Furthermore, when tab 1405 is selected on Fig. 14(b), the screen transitions to the screen of Fig. 14(c). The screen of Fig. 14(c) includes a box having product-related information subordinate to the display information "Residential Wall-Mounted Toilet" corresponding to tab 1405.

[0202] In this embodiment, the electronic catalog device 1 may be a standalone device. In such a case, the reception unit 12 and the selection reception unit 121 receive selections from the user. The output unit 14, the screen output unit 141, the first layer output unit 1411, the first screen output unit 1412, the second screen output unit 1413, and the third screen output unit 1414 usually display the screen of the electronic catalog on a display.

[0203] Furthermore, the processing in this embodiment may be realized by software. This software may be distributed by software download or the like. This software may also be recorded on a recording medium such as a CD-ROM and distributed. This also applies to the other embodiments in this specification. The software that realizes the electronic catalog device 1 in this embodiment is, for example, the following program. In other words, this program is a program for causing a computer that can access a product information storage unit in which two or more pieces of product information having different product-related information about products are stored in each of two or more layers, including a first layer and a second layer, in association with each of two or more product identifiers, to function as: a first screen composition unit that references the product information storage unit and composes a first screen including a second box using second information that is product-related information in the second layer of a product and one or more first boxes using first information that is product-related information in the first layer of a product other than the one product; a first screen output unit that outputs the first screen; a selection receiving unit that accepts a first selection for one of the first boxes of the one or more other products that composes the first screen; a second screen composition unit that, when the selection receiving unit accepts the first selection, composes a second screen in which a second box using second information of another product that corresponds to the one first box corresponding to the first selection is placed in place of the second box on the first screen; and a second screen output unit that outputs the second screen.

[0204] Moreover, software for realizing the electronic catalog device 1 in this embodiment is, for example, the following program. That is, this program includes a computer that can access a product information storage unit that stores two or more pieces of product information, each having different product-related information about a product in each of two or more layers in association with two or more product identifiers, a display information storage unit that stores two or more pieces of display information to which any one or more of the two or more pieces of product information is associated, a screen definition storage unit that stores two or more pieces of screen definition information, each having one or more type identifiers that are types of information that configure a screen and, for each of one or more type identifiers among the one or more type identifiers, a screen identifier of a screen to which the screen transitions when selected, and an initial screen identifier that identifies an initial screen, a screen configuration unit that configures a screen including boxes corresponding to one or more pieces of information among the product-related information and display information of the types identified by the one or more type identifiers that correspond to the initial screen identifiers, a screen output unit that outputs the screen configured by the screen configuration unit, and a program that receives a selection for one box included in the screen output by the screen output unit. and a screen transition unit that, when the selection receiving unit receives the selection, acquires from the screen definition storage unit a screen identifier of a next screen to be transitioned to, which is a screen identifier corresponding to the one box for the selection and which pairs with the type identifier corresponding to the one box; when the screen transition unit acquires the screen identifier of the next screen to be transitioned to, the screen configuration unit configures a screen including one or more boxes using one or more pieces of product-related information or one or more pieces of display information identified by one or more type identifiers paired with the screen identifier, and which are hierarchically connected to the information corresponding to the one box; when the screen transition unit does not acquire the screen identifier of the next screen to be transitioned to, the screen transition unit configures a screen including a box corresponding to product-related information which is one hierarchically lower in the hierarchy than the information corresponding to the one box; and the screen output unit outputs the screen configured by the screen configuration unit.

[0205] 15 shows the appearance of a computer that executes the programs described in this specification to realize the electronic catalog device 1 and the like of the various embodiments described above. The above-described embodiments can be realized by computer hardware and a computer program executed thereon. FIG. 15 is an overview diagram of this computer system 300, and FIG. 16 is a block diagram of the system 300.

[0206] In FIG. 15, a computer system 300 includes a computer 301 including a CD-ROM drive, a keyboard 302, a mouse 303, and a monitor 304.

[0207] 16, computer 301 includes, in addition to CD-ROM drive 3012, MPU 3013, bus 3014 connected to CD-ROM drive 3012 etc., ROM 3015 for storing programs such as a boot-up program, RAM 3016 connected to MPU 3013 for temporarily storing instructions of application programs and providing temporary storage space, and hard disk 3017 for storing application programs, system programs, and data. Although not shown here, computer 301 may further include a network card for providing connection to a LAN.

[0208] A program that causes the computer system 300 to execute the functions of the electronic catalog device and the like of the above-described embodiment may be stored on a CD-ROM 3101, inserted into the CD-ROM drive 3012, and then transferred to the hard disk 3017. Alternatively, the program may be transmitted to the computer 301 via a network (not shown) and stored on the hard disk 3017. The program is loaded into the RAM 3016 when executed. The program may also be loaded directly from the CD-ROM 3101 or the network.

[0209] The program does not necessarily include an operating system (OS) or third-party programs that cause the computer 301 to execute the functions of the electronic catalog device of the above-described embodiment. The program only needs to include instructions that call appropriate functions (modules) in a controlled manner to achieve the desired results. How the computer system 300 operates is well known, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0210] In addition, in the above program, the steps of transmitting information and receiving information do not include processing performed by hardware, such as processing performed by a modem or interface card in the transmission step (processing that can only be performed by hardware).

[0211] The computer that executes the program may be a single computer or a plurality of computers, that is, it may perform centralized processing or distributed processing.

[0212] Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments, it goes without saying that two or more communication means present in one device may be physically realized by one medium.

[0213] Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments, each process may be realized by centralized processing in a single device, or may be realized by distributed processing in a plurality of devices.

[0214] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible, and it goes without saying that these modifications are also included within the scope of the present invention. [Industrial Applicability]

[0215] As described above, the electronic catalog device according to the present invention has the effect of being able to provide an electronic catalog that allows a large number of products to be easily browsed, and is useful as a server or the like that provides electronic catalogs. [Explanation of symbols]

[0216] 1. Electronic catalog device 2. Terminal Device 11 Storage area 12 Reception 13 Processing section 14 Output section 21 Terminal storage section 22 Terminal Reception 23 Terminal processing section 24 Terminal transmitter 25 Terminal receiving section 26 Terminal Output Unit 111 Product information storage section 112 Display information storage unit 113 Screen definition storage section 121 Selection Reception Department 131 Screen configuration section 132 Screen transition section 141 Screen Output Section 1311 First Layer Composition Unit 1312 First screen component 1313 Second screen component 1314 Third screen component 1411 First layer output unit 1412 First screen output section 1413 Second screen output section 1414 Third screen output section

Claims

1. a product information storage unit that stores two or more pieces of product information having different product-related information about products in each of two or more layers including a first layer and a second layer, in association with each of two or more product identifiers; a first screen configuration unit that references the product information storage unit and configures a first screen including a second box using second information that is product-related information of a second layer of one product, and one or more first boxes using first information that is product-related information of a first layer of other products than the one product; a first screen output unit that outputs the first screen; a selection receiving unit that receives a first selection for one first box among the first boxes of the one or more other products that configure the first screen; a second screen configuration unit that, when the selection receiving unit receives the first selection, configures a second screen in which a second box using second information of another product corresponding to the one first box corresponding to the first selection is arranged in place of the second box on the first screen; and a second screen output unit that outputs the second screen.

2. The second screen composition unit The electronic catalog device of claim 1, wherein when the selection receiving unit receives the first selection, a second box using second information of another product corresponding to the one first box corresponding to the first selection is placed in place of the second box on the first screen, and a first box using first information of the one product is placed in place of the first box of the other product corresponding to the first selection.

3. The second screen composition unit 3. The electronic catalog device according to claim 2, wherein the second screen is configured by arranging the first box of the one product in the position of the first box of the other product corresponding to the first selection.

4. a display information storage unit that stores two or more pieces of display information to which one or more pieces of product information correspond; a first layer construction unit that constructs a first layer screen including two or more upper boxes using each of the two or more pieces of display information; a first layer output unit that outputs the first layer screen, The selection receiving unit accepting a second selection for one of the two or more upper boxes constituting the first layer screen; a third screen configuration unit that, when the selection receiving unit receives the second selection, configures a third screen including a higher-order box corresponding to the second selection and one or more first boxes using first information contained in one or more pieces of product information corresponding to display information for the higher-order box; 4. The electronic catalog device according to claim 1, further comprising a third screen output unit that outputs the third screen.

5. The selection receiving unit accepting a third selection for the top box on the third screen; a screen transition unit that determines the first layer screen instead of the third screen when the selection receiving unit receives the third selection, The first layer output unit outputting the first layer screen instead of the third screen in accordance with the decision of the screen transition unit; The selection receiving unit receiving, on the third screen, a first selection for one of the one or more first boxes; The first screen configuration unit when the selection receiving unit receives the first selection while the third screen is being output, a first screen is configured in which a second box using second information corresponding to one of the first boxes is arranged in place of the upper box, The first screen output unit 5. The electronic catalog device according to claim 4, wherein the first screen is output.

6. The third screen composition unit is 6. The electronic catalog device according to claim 4, wherein the third screen is configured such that the position of the one upper box is not changed relative to the first layer screen.

7. a product information storage unit that stores two or more pieces of product information, each of which has different product-related information relating to a product in each of two or more layers, in association with each of two or more product identifiers; a display information storage unit that stores two or more pieces of display information to which one or more pieces of product information correspond; a screen definition storage unit that stores, in association with each of the two or more screen identifiers, two or more pieces of screen definition information each having one or more type identifiers that are types of information constituting a screen, and a screen identifier of a screen to which the screen transitions when selected for each of the one or more type identifiers, and an initial screen identifier that identifies an initial screen; a screen configuration unit that configures a screen including boxes corresponding to one or more pieces of product-related information and display information of a type identified by one or more type identifiers corresponding to the initial screen identifier; a screen output unit that outputs the screen constructed by the screen construction unit; a selection receiving unit that receives a selection for one box included in the screen output by the screen output unit; a screen transition unit that, when the selection receiving unit receives the selection, acquires from the screen definition storage unit a screen identifier of a next screen to be transitioned to, which is a screen identifier corresponding to the one box for the selection and which is paired with a type identifier corresponding to the one box; The screen configuration unit When the screen transition unit acquires a screen identifier of a screen to be transitioned to next, the screen transition unit constructs a screen including one or more boxes using each piece of information that is one or more pieces of product-related information or one or more pieces of display information identified by one or more type identifiers paired with the screen identifier and that is hierarchically connected to the information corresponding to the one box; when the screen transition unit does not acquire a screen identifier of a screen to be transitioned next, the screen transition unit constructs a screen including a box corresponding to product-related information that corresponds to a layer one hierarchically lower than the information corresponding to the one box; The screen output unit An electronic catalog device that outputs the screen configured by the screen configuration unit.

8. An electronic catalog output method realized by a product information storage unit that stores two or more pieces of product information having different product-related information about products in each of two or more layers including a first layer and a second layer, in association with two or more product identifiers, a first screen configuration unit, a first screen output unit, a selection receiving unit, a second screen configuration unit, and a second screen output unit, a first screen composing step in which the first screen composing unit refers to the product information storage unit and composes a first screen including a second box using second information that is product-related information of a second layer of one product, and one or more first boxes using first information that is product-related information of a first layer of other products other than the one product; a first screen output step in which the first screen output unit outputs the first screen; a selection receiving step in which the selection receiving unit receives a first selection for one first box among the first boxes of the one or more other products that configure the first screen; a second screen composing step of, when the first selection is accepted in the selection accepting step, the second screen composing unit constructs a second screen in which a second box using second information of another product corresponding to the one first box corresponding to the first selection is arranged in place of the second box on the first screen; a second screen output step in which the second screen output unit outputs the second screen.

9. an electronic catalog output method realized by a product information storage unit that stores two or more pieces of product information, each of which has different product-related information about a product in each of two or more layers, in association with two or more product identifiers; a display information storage unit that stores two or more pieces of display information to which any one or more of the two or more pieces of product information corresponds; a screen definition storage unit that stores two or more pieces of screen definition information, each of which has one or more type identifiers that are types of information constituting a screen, and a screen identifier of a screen to which a transition occurs when one or more type identifiers of the one or more type identifiers are selected, in association with two or more screen identifiers; an initial screen identifier that identifies an initial screen; a screen configuration unit; a screen output unit; a selection receiving unit; and a screen transition unit, a screen configuration step in which the screen configuration unit configures a screen including boxes corresponding to one or more pieces of product-related information and display information of a type identified by one or more type identifiers corresponding to the initial screen identifier; a screen output step in which the screen output unit outputs the screen constructed in the screen construction step; a selection receiving step in which the selection receiving unit receives a selection for one box included in the screen outputted in the screen outputting step; a screen transition step of acquiring, when the selection is accepted in the selection accepting step, a screen identifier of a next screen to be transitioned to, which is a screen identifier corresponding to the one box for the selection and which is paired with a type identifier corresponding to the one box, from the screen definition storage unit; When the screen configuration unit acquires a screen identifier of a screen to be transitioned to next in the screen transition step, the screen configuration unit configures a screen including one or more boxes using each piece of information that is one or more pieces of product-related information or one or more pieces of display information identified by one or more type identifiers paired with the screen identifier and that is hierarchically connected to the information corresponding to the one box; when the screen configuration unit does not acquire a screen identifier of a screen to be transitioned to next in the screen transition step, the screen configuration unit configures a screen including a box corresponding to product-related information that corresponds to a layer one hierarchically lower than the information corresponding to the one box; The screen output unit outputs the screen configured by the screen configuration unit.

10. a computer that can access a product information storage unit that stores two or more pieces of product information having different product-related information about products in each of two or more layers including a first layer and a second layer, the product information storage unit being associated with each of two or more product identifiers; a first screen configuration unit that references the product information storage unit and configures a first screen including a second box using second information that is product-related information of a second layer of one product, and one or more first boxes using first information that is product-related information of a first layer of other products than the one product; a first screen output unit that outputs the first screen; a selection receiving unit that receives a first selection for one first box among the first boxes of the one or more other products that configure the first screen; a second screen configuration unit that, when the selection receiving unit receives the first selection, configures a second screen in which a second box using second information of another product corresponding to the one first box corresponding to the first selection is arranged in place of the second box on the first screen; A program for causing the second screen output unit to function as a second screen output unit that outputs the second screen.

11. a computer that can access a product information storage unit that stores two or more pieces of product information, each of which has different product-related information about a product in each of two or more layers, in association with each of two or more product identifiers; a display information storage unit that stores two or more pieces of display information to which any one or more of the two or more pieces of product information corresponds; a screen definition storage unit that stores two or more pieces of screen definition information, each of which has one or more type identifiers that are types of information constituting a screen, and a screen identifier of a screen to which a transition occurs when each of the one or more type identifiers is selected, in association with each of the two or more screen identifiers; and an initial screen identifier that identifies an initial screen; a screen configuration unit that configures a screen including boxes corresponding to one or more pieces of product-related information and display information of a type identified by one or more type identifiers corresponding to the initial screen identifier; a screen output unit that outputs the screen constructed by the screen construction unit; a selection receiving unit that receives a selection for one box included in the screen output by the screen output unit; when the selection receiving unit receives the selection, the screen transition unit functions as a screen transition unit that acquires, from the screen definition storage unit, a screen identifier of a next screen to be transitioned to, which is a screen identifier corresponding to the one box for the selection and which is paired with a type identifier corresponding to the one box; The screen configuration unit When the screen transition unit acquires a screen identifier of a screen to be transitioned to next, the screen transition unit constructs a screen including one or more boxes using each piece of information that is one or more pieces of product-related information or one or more pieces of display information identified by one or more type identifiers paired with the screen identifier and that is hierarchically connected to the information corresponding to the one box; when the screen transition unit does not acquire a screen identifier of a screen to be transitioned next, the screen transition unit constructs a screen including a box corresponding to product-related information that corresponds to a layer one hierarchically lower than the information corresponding to the one box; The screen output unit A program for causing the computer to function as a device for outputting the screen constructed by the screen construction unit.

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