Information processing systems and programs

Abstract

To enable comparing files even if a display of a display portion is switched.SOLUTION: When a corresponding image 370 is selected, a cursor is positioned on the corresponding image 370. In this case, an enlargement instruction image is displayed on the corresponding image 370. When a user clicks the enlargement instruction image, a first enlarged image 360A corresponding to the corresponding image 370 is displayed on the right side of a second enlarged image 360B corresponding to a third file icon 310h, which has already been displayed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 12

Description

Technical Field

[0004] , , , , , , , , , ,

[0003] , , , , ,

[0005]

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

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a configuration that recognizes an operation by a user on a screen displaying an image based on document data and a thumbnail image of the document data as operation information, and determines display conditions for enlarging and displaying the image on the screen based on the operation information on the recognized thumbnail image, and enlarges and displays the image according to the determined display conditions.

Prior Art Document

Patent Document

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] If each of a plurality of file images displayed on a display unit corresponding to files is selected, an image corresponding to this file image and having a display size larger than this file image can be displayed, for example, making it easier to compare files. By the way, when the display on the display unit is switched, the file image that has been displayed until then becomes non-displayed, and it becomes difficult to compare the file corresponding to this file image with the file corresponding to the file image displayed after the display switch. An object of the present invention is to enable comparison between files even when the display on the display unit is switched.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The invention described in claim 1 is an information processing system equipped with a processor, wherein the processor causes a display unit to display a display image that includes a file image which is an image corresponding to a file, and switches the display in response to instructions so that other display images that include a file image are displayed on the display unit, and when the file image included in the display image displayed on the display unit is selected, an enlarged image of the corresponding file image which has a larger display size than the file image is displayed on the display unit, and when one display image is displayed on the display unit, the corresponding image which is an image that is a corresponding image of the file image included in other display images and the corresponding image showing the file image The corresponding image is displayed on the display unit, and when the corresponding image is selected, the enlarged image corresponding to the file image is displayed. Furthermore, when both the selection of the corresponding image and the selection of the file image included in the first display image are performed, the enlarged image corresponding to the corresponding image and the enlarged image corresponding to the file image are displayed on a common display screen. It is an information processing system. The invention described in claim 2 is such that when both the selection of the corresponding image and the selection of a file image included in the first display image are performed, the processor corresponds to the corresponding image. The aforementioned Enlarged image The first enlarged image And the corresponding file image The aforementioned Enlarged image This is the second enlarged image. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the two are displayed side by side. The invention described in claim 3 is an information processing system according to claim 2, wherein the processor causes the first enlarged image and the second enlarged image to be displayed in a state where there is no overlap between them. The invention described in claim 4 is an information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the processor performs different processing when determining the display position of the enlarged image corresponding to the file image depending on whether the file image included in the first display image is selected when the corresponding image is not displayed on the display unit, or when the file image included in the first display image is selected when the corresponding image is displayed on the display unit. The invention described in claim 5 is an information processing system according to claim 4, wherein the processor determines the display position of the enlarged image based on the position of the file image when a file image included in the first display image is selected while the corresponding image is not displayed, and determines a pre-registered display position as the display position of the enlarged image when a file image included in the first display image is selected while the corresponding image is displayed. The invention described in claim 6 is an information processing system according to claim 5, wherein the pre-registered display position is a position close to at least one of the four sides of the rectangular display unit, and when a file image included in the first display image is selected while the corresponding image is being displayed, the processor determines the position close to at least one side as the display position of the enlarged image. The invention described in claim 7 is an information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the processor causes the corresponding image to be displayed on the display unit when the one display image is displayed on the display unit and predetermined conditions are met. The invention described in claim 8 is an information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the processor displays an image corresponding to a file image selected by the user from among the file images included in the other display image as the corresponding image. The invention described in claim 9 is an information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the processor causes the display unit to display an image corresponding to a file image included in the other display image, which is the file image on which the enlarged image has been displayed. The invention described in claim 10 is an information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the processor causes the display unit to display an image corresponding to a file image that corresponds to a file among the file images included in the other display image whose user reference level is greater than a predetermined threshold, as the corresponding image. Claim 11The invention described above is such that the processor displays the corresponding image in a location on the display unit that is outside the display area where the first display image and the other display image are displayed, according to claims 1 to 10 It is an information processing system described in one of the following. Claim 12 The invention described herein includes a function to display an image containing a file image, which is an image corresponding to a file, on the display unit, and a function to switch the display in response to an instruction so that another display image containing a file image is displayed on the display unit, and when the file image included in the display image displayed on the display unit is selected, an enlarged image of the corresponding file image, which has a larger display size than the file image, is displayed on the display unit, and when one display image is displayed on the display unit, a corresponding image, which is an image corresponding to the file image included in another display image and the corresponding image showing the file image The display unit is shown, and when the corresponding image is selected, the enlarged image corresponding to the file image that the corresponding image is linked to is displayed. When both the selection of the corresponding image and the selection of a file image included in the first display image are performed, a function is provided to display the enlarged image corresponding to the corresponding image and the enlarged image corresponding to the file image on a common display screen. This is a program that enables a computer to implement this. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to the invention of claim 1, it is possible to compare files even when the display on the display unit is switched. According to the invention of claim 2, it is possible to refer to the first and second enlarged images more easily than when all of one of the first and second enlarged images is located behind the other enlarged image. According to the invention of claim 3, it is possible to make it easier to refer to the first and second enlarged images compared to the case in which the first and second enlarged images are displayed in a state where there is an overlap between them. According to the invention of claim 4, the display position of the enlarged image corresponding to the file image can be made different depending on whether the file image is selected when the corresponding image is not displayed on the display unit or when the file image is selected when the corresponding image is displayed on the display unit. According to the invention of claim 5, when a file image is selected while the corresponding image is not displayed, the display position of the enlarged image can be determined based on the position of this file image, and when a file image is selected while the corresponding image is displayed, a pre-registered display position can be determined as the display position of the enlarged image. According to the invention of claim 6, when a file image is selected while a corresponding image is displayed, an enlarged image can be displayed at a position close to one side of the display unit. According to the invention of claim 7, a corresponding image can be displayed on the display unit when predetermined conditions are met. According to the invention of claim 8, it becomes possible to display an image corresponding to a file image selected by the user as the corresponding image. According to the invention of claim 9, it becomes possible to display the image corresponding to the file image on which the enlarged image has been displayed as the corresponding image. According to the invention of claim 10, it becomes possible to display as a corresponding image an image corresponding to a file image corresponding to a file whose user reference level is greater than a predetermined threshold. Claim 11 According to this invention, a corresponding image can be displayed in a location outside the display area of ​​the display image that contains the file image. Claim 12 According to this invention, it is possible to compare files even when the display on the display unit is switched. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] This diagram shows an example of the overall configuration of an information processing system. [Figure 2]It is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a server device. [Figure 3] It is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a terminal device. [Figure 4] It is a diagram showing an example of display in a display unit. [Figure 5] It is a diagram showing the state of the display unit when an enlarged instruction image of a first file icon is clicked. [Figure 6] It is a diagram showing another example of display in the display unit. [Figure 7] It is a diagram showing another example of display in the display unit. [Figure 8] It is a diagram showing another example of display in the display unit. [Figure 9] It is a diagram showing the state of the display unit after switching of a workspace is performed. <00,00096 It is a diagram showing another example of display in the display unit. <00,00098 It is a diagram showing the state of the display unit when a file icon is selected before a corresponding image. [Figure 12] It is a diagram showing another example of display in the display unit. [Figure 13] It is a diagram showing another example of display in the display unit. [[ID=,34]] [Figure 14] It is a diagram showing another example of display in the display unit. [Figure 15] It is a diagram showing another example of display in the display unit. [Figure 16] It is a diagram showing another example of display in the display unit. [Figure 17] It is a diagram showing another example of display in the display unit. [Figure 18] It is a diagram showing another example of display in the display unit. [[ID=,49]] [Figure 19] It is a diagram showing another example of display in the display unit.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0008] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of the information processing system 1 to which this embodiment is applied. The information processing system 1 according to this embodiment is configured such that a server device 10 for managing files and terminal devices 20 (20a, 20b, ...) used by users to view files are connected via a communication line 80. The communication line 80 is, for example, an internet connection and is used for information communication between the server device 10 and the terminal device 20. In this embodiment, the information processing system 1 allows the terminal device 20 to view and edit files uploaded to the server device 10.

[0009] In this embodiment, "file" refers to an electronic file stored in the server device 10 or the like. This file may contain images in addition to text, or it may consist only of images without any text. Furthermore, the file may contain not only document data and image data, but also information used when converting document data to images, as well as attribute information such as the file's modification date and time, paper size, number of pages, and keywords within the file.

[0010] The server device 10 is a device for managing files uploaded from the terminal device 20. Files managed by the server device 10 can be shared by multiple users and edited by one or more users. The server device 10 is implemented, for example, by a computer device. The server device 10 may be configured by a single computer, or it may be implemented by distributed processing using multiple computers.

[0011] Terminal device 20 is a device used to view and edit files managed by server device 10. The terminal device 20 has a display unit that displays images corresponding to files. The terminal device 20 is equipped with a computer. Examples of the form of the terminal device 20 include desktop computers, laptop computers, tablet computers, smartphones, and game consoles.

[0012] The hardware configuration of server device 10 will be described below. Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the server device 10 according to this embodiment. The server device 10 includes an arithmetic processing unit 11 that performs digital arithmetic processing according to a program that enables file management, a secondary storage unit 12 where files and the like are recorded, and a communication unit 13 that sends and receives information via a communication line 80 (see Figure 1). The secondary storage unit 12 is implemented using existing information storage devices such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), semiconductor memory, or magnetic tape.

[0013] The arithmetic processing unit 11 is equipped with a CPU 11a, which is an example of a processor. This CPU 11a controls the entire server device 10. Furthermore, the arithmetic processing unit 11 includes RAM 11b, which is used as working memory for the CPU 11a, and ROM 11c, which stores programs executed by the CPU 11a. Furthermore, the arithmetic processing unit 11 includes a non-volatile memory 11d that is rewritable and can retain data even if the power supply is interrupted, and an interface unit 11e that controls various parts such as the communication unit 13 connected to the arithmetic processing unit 11.

[0014] The non-volatile memory 11d is composed of, for example, SRAM or flash memory backed up by a battery, and stores file information and correspondence information that associates files with each other. In addition, the secondary storage unit 12 stores files and other data, as well as programs executed by the arithmetic processing unit 11. In this embodiment, the arithmetic processing unit 11 reads the program stored in the secondary storage unit 12, thereby executing each process of the server device 10. The arithmetic processing unit 11, the secondary storage unit 12, and the communication unit 13 are connected via a bus or signal lines.

[0015] The server device 10 performs processes such as acquiring new files, extracting files, mapping files together, and reflecting file updates in response to requests from the terminal device 20. Furthermore, the server device 10 provides various types of information to the terminal device 20, such as files, search results, and update information, in response to requests from the terminal device 20. In this embodiment, the secondary storage unit 12 stores files and the like. The communication unit 13 receives requests from the terminal device 20 and transmits the requested files and the like.

[0016] The program executed by the CPU 11a on the server device 10 can be provided to the server device 10 while stored on a computer-readable recording medium such as a magnetic recording medium (magnetic tape, magnetic disk, etc.), an optical recording medium (optical disk, etc.), a magneto-optical recording medium, or a semiconductor memory. Alternatively, the program executed by the CPU 11a may be provided to the server device 10 using communication means such as the internet.

[0017] Next, the hardware configuration of the terminal device 20 will be described. Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the terminal device 20. Each terminal device 20 according to this embodiment includes an arithmetic processing unit 21 that performs image display processing according to a program, a secondary storage unit 22 that records files and the like, and a communication unit 23 that sends and receives information via a communication line 80 (see Figure 1).

[0018] Furthermore, each terminal device 20 has an input unit 24 that receives input operations from the user and a display unit 25 that displays images, text information, etc. to the user. This display unit 25 is made up of, for example, a liquid crystal display panel or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display panel. The secondary storage unit 22 is implemented using existing information storage devices such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), semiconductor memory, or magnetic tape.

[0019] The arithmetic processing unit 21 includes a CPU 21a, which is an example of a processor. This CPU 21a controls the entire terminal device 20. Furthermore, the arithmetic processing unit 21 includes RAM 21b, which is used as working memory for the CPU 21a, and ROM 21c, which stores programs executed by the CPU 21a. Furthermore, the arithmetic processing unit 21 includes a rewritable non-volatile memory 21d that can retain data even if the power supply is interrupted, and an interface unit 21e that controls various parts such as the communication unit 23 connected to the arithmetic processing unit 21.

[0020] The non-volatile memory 21d consists of, for example, SRAM or flash memory backed up by a battery, and stores files, update information, etc. In addition, the secondary storage unit 22 stores files and other data, as well as programs executed by the arithmetic processing unit 21. The arithmetic processing unit 21 reads the programs stored in this secondary storage unit 22, thereby executing each process of the terminal device 20. The arithmetic processing unit 21, the secondary storage unit 22, and the communication unit 23 are connected via buses and signal lines.

[0021] The input unit 24 is a pointing device or the like that the user operates when inputting information. For example, if the input unit 24 is a mouse, the user can specify the position on the display screen shown on the display unit 25, specify the image displayed on the display unit 25, or move the specified image by moving the cursor or clicking. Furthermore, if the input unit 24 is a touch panel, the user can perform operations such as touching the touch panel with their finger or moving the finger that is touching the touch panel. This allows the user to specify a position on the display screen shown on the display unit 25, specify an image displayed on the display unit 25, or move the specified image.

[0022] In addition, the terminal device 20 may be equipped with a touch panel, in which case the input unit 24 and the display unit 25 will be provided as a single unit. Furthermore, the input unit 24 may be a keyboard that performs input operations using keys, in addition to the pointing device and the like described above.

[0023] The program executed by the CPU 21a in the terminal device 20 can be provided to the terminal device 20 while stored on a computer-readable recording medium such as a magnetic recording medium (magnetic tape, magnetic disk, etc.), an optical recording medium (optical disk, etc.), a magneto-optical recording medium, or a semiconductor memory. Alternatively, the program executed by the CPU 21a may be provided to the terminal device 20 using communication means such as the Internet.

[0024] In this specification, "processor" refers to a processor in a broad sense, including general-purpose processors (e.g., CPU: Central Processing Unit, etc.) and specialized processors (e.g., GPU: Graphics Processing Unit, ASIC: Application Specific Integrated Circuit, FPGA: Field Programmable Gate Array, programmable logic device, etc.). Furthermore, the operation of the processor may not be performed by a single processor, but may be performed by multiple processors located in physically separate locations working together. Also, the order of the processor's operations is not limited to the order described in this embodiment, and may be changed.

[0025] <Display in display unit 25> Next, the display on the display unit 25 provided in the terminal device 20 will be explained using Figure 4 (a diagram showing an example of the display on the display unit). In this embodiment, a CPU 11a (see Figure 2), which is an example of a processor, provided in the server device 10, generates information used to control the display on the display unit 25 provided in the terminal device 20. The terminal device 20 then performs display control according to this information. As a result, the display unit 25 of the terminal device 20 displays various screens, which will be described below. Furthermore, the information used to control the display on the display unit 25 of the terminal device 20 may be generated by the terminal device 20, not the server device 10. Also, some of the information used for this control may be generated by the server device 10, and other parts may be generated by the terminal device 20.

[0026] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 4, the workspace 400 on the so-called file handling software is displayed on the display unit 25 provided on the terminal device 20. This file handling software is designed to manage digitized files and has features that facilitate the unified management of both paper and electronic files. The display unit 25 also displays a cursor 200 indicating the user's operating position. The cursor 200 moves in response to the user's mouse operation. The user moves the cursor 200 to their desired position within the display unit 25 and selects an element displayed on the display unit 25.

[0027] In this embodiment, multiple icons 310 are displayed on the workspace 400 shown on the display unit 25. Furthermore, in this embodiment, an enlargement instruction image 311 is displayed on some of the icons 310 to receive instructions from the user to enlarge them.

[0028] In this embodiment, when the user moves the cursor 200 over the icon 310, the enlarged instruction image 311 is displayed on the icon 310. Also in this embodiment, when the cursor 200 moves away from the icon 310, the enlarged instruction image 311 is hidden. In addition to the icons 310, the display unit 25 also displays a context menu 320 and a search window 330.

[0029] The context menu 320 is an image for receiving instructions from the user. In this embodiment, for example, when the cursor is positioned over icon 310 and a right-click is performed, the context menu 320 is displayed. The context menu 320 displays multiple options. In this embodiment, when the user selects an option from these options, the process corresponding to the selected option is executed.

[0030] Search box 330 is an image used to receive searches from users. In this embodiment, the user enters a string into the search window 330. When a string is entered into the search window 330, a search process is executed using the entered string, for example, targeting files on the workspace 400 displayed on the display unit 25. Furthermore, the scope of the search process is not limited to the workspace 400 displayed on the display unit 25; it may also include other workspaces 400, or all files stored in the server device 10 and terminal device 20 may be included within the scope of the search process.

[0031] Icon 310 is an image displayed on the display unit 25, corresponding to each of the user-selectable elements. Icon 310 can display pictures, symbols, text information, etc. Each of the icons 310 can also be considered a thumbnail image. In the example shown in Figure 4, workspace A is displayed as workspace 400, and multiple icons 310 are displayed on workspace A.

[0032] In this embodiment, the icons 310 display a first file icon 310a and a second file icon 310e, respectively, corresponding to files named "Sample1" and "Sample2". Additionally, workspace A displays tray icons 310b corresponding to trays named "Tray-01" and "Tray-02," folder icons 310c corresponding to folders, and mailbox icons 310d corresponding to mailboxes.

[0033] The first file icon 310a and the second file icon 310e, which are examples of file images, are images that correspond to and represent files. The first file icon 310a and the second file icon 310e are composed of images that represent the contents of the file, for example, using pictures, symbols, or text information. The first file icon 310a and the second file icon 310e, when the corresponding file is image data, will display a reduced version of the image represented by that image data as the file icon.

[0034] Furthermore, if the files corresponding to the first file icon 310a and the second file icon 310e are multi-page documents, for example, a reduced image of a representative page, such as the first page, will be displayed as the file icon. Additionally, the first file icon 310a and the second file icon 310e function as icons for opening the corresponding files.

[0035] Tray icon 310b is the icon corresponding to the tray in which files are stored. When selecting a tray, the user selects this tray icon. Folder icon 310c is the icon corresponding to the folder containing the files, and the user selects this folder icon when selecting a folder.

[0036] The mailbox icon 310d is an icon provided for each user operating the terminal device 20. In this embodiment, files provided by a third party to the user operating the terminal device 20 are stored in the information storage area corresponding to this mailbox icon 310d. When the user wants to access the files stored in this information storage area, they select this mailbox icon 310d.

[0037] The enlargement instruction image 311 is an image used to receive instructions from the user to display the enlargement image 360, which will be described later. In Figure 4, the enlargement instruction image 311 is displayed associated with the first file icon 310a. The enlargement instruction image 311 shown in Figure 4 is an image used to receive instructions from the user to display the enlargement image 360 ​​(described later) corresponding to the first file icon 310a of the file name "Sample1".

[0038] As will be described later, in this embodiment, when the enlargement instruction image 311 is selected by the user, an enlarged image 360 ​​is displayed, which corresponds to the first file icon 310a on which the enlargement instruction image 311 is displayed, and which has a larger display size than the first file icon 310a.

[0039] In this embodiment, based on user actions on the enlarged instruction image 311, the system accepts either an instruction to "temporarily display the enlarged image 360" or an instruction to "maintain the display of the enlarged image 360". In this embodiment, when a mouseover operation is performed on the enlarged instruction image 311, this operation is accepted as an operation to temporarily display the enlarged image 360. While the mouseover operation continues, the enlarged 360-degree image will be displayed, and when the mouseover operation ends, the enlarged 360-degree image will disappear.

[0040] Furthermore, in this embodiment, if a click operation is performed on the enlarged instruction image 311, this operation is accepted as an operation to maintain the display of the enlarged image 360. If a click operation is performed on the enlarged image 311, the display of the enlarged image 360 ​​will be maintained even if the cursor moves away from the enlarged image 311.

[0041] In this case, when the display of the enlarged image 360 ​​ends, the user clicks on the enlarged instruction image 311 again. This hides the enlarged image 360. In addition, the enlarged image 360 ​​can also be hidden in other ways, for example, when the user clicks while the cursor is located outside the display area of ​​the enlarged image 360.

[0042] In this embodiment, the enlarged instruction image 311 is displayed in the upper right corner of the first file icon 310a. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the display size of the enlarged instruction image 311 is smaller than the display size of the first file icon 310a.

[0043] Alternatively, the enlargement instruction image 311 may be made semi-transparent so that the portion of the first file icon 310a located behind the enlargement instruction image 311 is visible through it. Furthermore, the enlarged instruction image 311 may be displayed in association with other icons, such as the second file icon 310e, tray icon 310b, folder icon 310c, and mailbox icon 310d, in addition to the first file icon 310a. In this case, the other icons can also be displayed as 360-degree enlarged images.

[0044] Figure 5 shows the state of the display unit 25 when the enlarged instruction image 311 of the first file icon 310a is clicked. In Figure 5, the display unit 25 shows workspace A, which is an example of a display image, as described above, and the first file icon 310a, which is an example of a file image, is displayed on workspace A.

[0045] In this embodiment, when the first file icon 310a corresponding to "Sample1" included in the workspace A is selected, an enlarged image 360 ​​corresponding to the first file icon 310a, which has a larger display size than the first file icon 310a, is displayed on the display unit 25, as shown in Figure 5. More specifically, in this embodiment, when the enlarged instruction image 311, which is associated with the first file icon 310a, is clicked, an enlarged image 360, which has a larger display size than the first file icon 310a, is displayed on the display unit 25.

[0046] Here, "large display size" is synonymous with "large display area." Similarly, in this specification, "large display size" refers to a large display area. Conversely, "small display size" refers to a small display area.

[0047] In this embodiment, the enlarged image 360 ​​is displayed at a position (hereinafter referred to as the "normal position") based on the position of the first file icon 310a that was the source of the display of the enlarged image 360. Specifically, the enlarged image 360 ​​is displayed around the first file icon 310a, which was the source of the display of the enlarged image 360. The enlarged image 360 ​​is also displayed in a location adjacent to the first file icon 310a. Furthermore, the enlarged image 360 ​​is displayed on the side where the larger of the two margins on either side of the first file icon 310a lies.

[0048] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the first file icon 310a is selected by the user and the enlarged image 360 ​​is displayed, an image 71 indicating that the first file icon 310a is selected is attached to it. Specifically, in order to clarify the first file icon 310a from which the enlarged image 360 ​​was displayed, a rectangular image 71, which is a colored image such as light blue or yellow, is displayed around the outer edge of this first file icon 310a that was the source of the display.

[0049] In this embodiment, when a user clicks on the enlargement instruction image 311 of the first file icon 310a, an enlargement image 360 ​​corresponding to the first file icon 310a on which the enlargement instruction image 311 is displayed is shown, and the enlargement image 360 ​​has a larger display size than the first file icon 310a.

[0050] In this embodiment, the shape of the first file icon 310a and the shape of the enlarged image 360 ​​are similar. Furthermore, the display format is not limited to this example; the enlarged image 360 ​​may display content different from that of the first file icon 310a. Also, the shape of the enlarged image 360 ​​and the shape of the first file icon 310a may not be similar. In this embodiment, "enlarged image 360" refers to an image with a larger display size than the first file icon 310a.

[0051] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the enlarged image 360 ​​corresponding to the first file icon 310a is displayed, the corresponding image 370 is also displayed. In this embodiment, the corresponding image 370 is displayed at the bottom of the display unit 25. Corresponding image 370 is the image corresponding to the file represented by the first file icon 310a, which was the source of the display of enlarged image 360. The corresponding image 370 is composed of an image that represents the contents of the file represented by the first file icon 310a, for example, using pictures, symbols, and text information. In this embodiment, the corresponding image 370 is included in the file name "Sample1".

[0052] The corresponding image 370 may be the same image as the first file icon 310a, or it may be an image that differs from the first file icon 310a in at least one of the following: shape, display size, color, or content. In this embodiment, the display size of the corresponding image 370 is smaller than the display size of the first file icon 310a.

[0053] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when an enlarged image 360 ​​corresponding to the first file icon 310a is displayed, a corresponding image display area 375, which is a display area for displaying the corresponding image 370, is displayed at the bottom of the display unit 25. The corresponding image 370 is displayed within this corresponding image display area 375. The corresponding image display area 375 is displayed below workspace 400 and is shown as a separate area from workspace 400. The corresponding image display area 375 may be displayed above the workspace 400, or to the right or left of the workspace 400, and the display position of the corresponding image display area 375 is not particularly limited.

[0054] In this embodiment, a workspace display area 410 is provided, which is a display area where the workspace 400 is displayed, and the corresponding image display area 375 is displayed as a separate area from this workspace display area 410. In this embodiment, the rectangular area indicated by the dashed line 5A is the workspace display area 410 where the workspace 400 is displayed, and the rectangular area indicated by the dashed line 5B is the corresponding image display area 375, which is the display area of ​​the corresponding image 370.

[0055] In the example shown in Figure 5, a reception image 376 is also displayed to receive requests from the user to show or hide the corresponding image display area 375. In this embodiment, when the reception image 376 is selected by the user, the corresponding image display area 375 is hidden, as shown in Figure 6 (a diagram showing another display example of the display unit 25).

[0056] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 6, the enlarged image 360 ​​is further enlarged, and the enlarged image 360 ​​is also displayed in the area where the corresponding image display area 375 (see Figure 5) was previously displayed. Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the user selects the reception image 376 from the state shown in Figure 6, the display on the display unit 25 returns to the display shown in Figure 5.

[0057] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 5, the CPU 11a of the server device 10 ensures that the corresponding image 370 is displayed in a location on the display unit 25 that is outside the workspace display area 410 where the workspace 400 is displayed. In this embodiment, as described above, the corresponding image display area 375 is provided separately from the workspace display area 410, and the corresponding image 370 is displayed in a location outside the workspace display area 410.

[0058] In this embodiment, the display of workspace 400 is switched in response to a user instruction to switch the display. More specifically, in this embodiment, an image (not shown) for switching workspaces 400 is displayed on the display unit 25, and the user switches workspaces 400 by performing operations on this image. In this embodiment, when the display of workspace 400 is switched, the display in the workspace display area 410 is switched. As a result, other workspaces 400, such as workspace B described later, are displayed in the workspace display area 410.

[0059] In this embodiment, when the workspace 400 displayed in the workspace display area 410 is switched from workspace A to workspace B, workspace A, which is an example of another display image, was displayed before workspace B, which is an example of one display image. In this embodiment, even when switching from workspace A to workspace B, the display of the corresponding image display area 375 is maintained, as will be described later. In this case, the display of the corresponding image 370 is also maintained.

[0060] The CPU 11a of the server device 10 ensures that the display of the corresponding image 370 is maintained even when the display is switched and workspace B is displayed. Specifically, the CPU 11a of the server device 10 ensures that even when workspace B is displayed, the display of the corresponding image 370 that corresponds to the first file icon 310a included in workspace A, which was displayed previously, is maintained. In other words, the CPU 11a of the server device 10 ensures that the corresponding image 370 for the first file icon 310a selected by the user from among the file icons included in workspace A is also displayed when workspace B is displayed.

[0061] As a result, in this embodiment, as will be described later, it becomes possible to display an enlarged image 360 ​​based on the corresponding image 370, and the enlarged image 360 ​​based on the corresponding image 370 and the enlarged image 360 ​​that is displayed when a file icon on workspace B is selected will be displayed simultaneously.

[0062] [Files to which the corresponding image will be displayed] As mentioned above, one example of a file that can be used to display the corresponding image 370 is the file on which the enlarged image 360 ​​was displayed. In addition, other files that may be the target of display of the corresponding image 370 include, for example, files that are frequently referenced by the user, and the corresponding image 370 for files that are frequently referenced by the user may be displayed on the display unit 25.

[0063] To display corresponding images 370 for files that are frequently accessed by users, the CPU 11a of the server device 10 identifies, for example, files among those corresponding to file icons in workspace A whose user access frequency exceeds a predetermined threshold. Then, the CPU 11a of the server device 10 causes the corresponding image 370 that corresponds to the identified file to be displayed on the display unit 25. Specifically, the CPU 11a of the server device 10 causes the corresponding image 370 to be displayed in the corresponding image display area 375 (see Figure 5).

[0064] The frequency of file access can be determined, for example, based on the display time of the enlarged image 360. Alternatively, the frequency of file access can be determined, for example, based on the number of times the enlarged image 360 ​​has been displayed. Alternatively, the frequency of file access may be determined, for example, based on the number of times a dedicated application program for opening the file has been launched. Alternatively, the frequency of file access may be determined, for example, based on the amount of time the file has been open by this application program.

[0065] The CPU 11a of the server device 10 determines the extent to which users are accessing files based on information about time and the number of times. Then, if the identified reference level exceeds a predetermined threshold, the CPU 11a of the server device 10 causes the corresponding image 370 corresponding to this file to be displayed in the corresponding image display area 375.

[0066] To determine the level of reference for a file, this level is determined for each file. Then, for files whose level of reference exceeds a predetermined threshold, the corresponding image 370 is displayed. Furthermore, when determining the degree of reference, it is preferable to determine the degree of reference within a predetermined specific period.

[0067] More specifically, it is preferable to, for example, identify the degree to which a file has been accessed within the most recent period, and then determine whether or not this identified degree of access exceeds a predetermined threshold. In this case, the determination of the degree of reference based on information about older references to the file is suppressed.

[0068] In addition, other examples of files that may be displayed as corresponding image 370 include files that have been directly selected by the user. Specifically, in this case, for example, if a user selects a particular file on workspace A as described above, the corresponding image 370 for that selected file will be displayed.

[0069] In this case, when the user selects a file, for example, the user moves a file displayed on workspace A (see Figure 5) to the corresponding image display area 375. More specifically, for example, the user performs an operation to move a file displayed on workspace A to the corresponding image display area 375 by dragging and dropping. As a result, in this case, the CPU 11a of the server device 10 determines that a specific file has been selected by the user, and the corresponding image 370 for this specific file is displayed in the corresponding image display area 375.

[0070] Furthermore, when a user selects a specific file, for example, the user may right-click with cursor 200 positioned over a file displayed on workspace A. The user then selects the option to select this file from the multiple options that appear. As a result, in this case as well, the CPU 11a of the server device 10 determines that a specific file has been selected by the user, and the corresponding image 370 for this specific file is displayed in the corresponding image display area 375.

[0071] In the display example shown above, we explained a case where, if the user selects the enlarged image 311 (see Figure 4), the enlarged image 360 ​​(see Figure 5) is displayed, and then the corresponding image 370 is also displayed. By the way, this is not the only option; if the user selects any part of the first file icon 310a other than the enlargement instruction image 311, the enlarged image 360 ​​may be displayed, and furthermore, the corresponding image 370 may be displayed. In order to display the corresponding image 370 along with the enlarged image 360, the enlarged image 360 ​​may be displayed not only when the enlargement instruction image 311 is selected, but also when an area other than the enlargement instruction image 311 is selected, and in addition, the corresponding image 370 may be displayed.

[0072] In addition, other files that may be subject to display of corresponding image 370 include, for example, files that a user has prohibited other users from editing. Furthermore, other examples of files that can be displayed in corresponding image 370 include, for example, files located in a personal workspace (not shown) prepared for each individual user.

[0073] In other words, an example of a file that can be displayed as corresponding image 370 is a file located in a specific workspace. Specifically, an example would be a file stored in a personal information storage area prepared for each individual user. Furthermore, other files that may be displayed in the corresponding image 370 include, for example, files stored in the information storage area associated with the mailbox icon 310d provided for each individual user.

[0074] [Display of the corresponding image display area] In this embodiment, the corresponding image display area 375 is displayed on the display unit 25 when predetermined conditions are met. As a result, in this embodiment, if predetermined conditions are met, for example, the corresponding image 370 corresponding to the first file icon 310a included in the workspace A will be displayed on the display unit 25.

[0075] Specifically, in this embodiment, as described above, when a user clicks on, for example, the enlarged image 311 to display the enlarged image 360, the corresponding image display area 375 is displayed on the display unit 25. Furthermore, in this embodiment, for example, if there is a file that is frequently referenced by the user, the corresponding image display area 375 is displayed on the display unit 25.

[0076] Furthermore, other predetermined conditions for the corresponding image display area 375 to be displayed include, for example, the presence or absence of instructions from the user. The corresponding image display area 375 may be displayed only when instructed by the user, and not displayed when there is no instruction from the user.

[0077] When a user instructs the display of the corresponding image display area 375, for example, by right-clicking with the mouse, the selection items that appear should include an option to instruct the display of the corresponding image display area 375. Then, when the user selects this option to instruct the display of the corresponding image display area 375, the corresponding image display area 375 will be displayed.

[0078] In other words, in this case, the display unit 25 is configured to display a mode in which the corresponding image display area 375 is displayed, such as by displaying a selection item for instructing the display of the corresponding image display area 375. In this case, if the user sets the display mode on the display unit 25 to the mode in which the corresponding image display area 375 is displayed, the corresponding image display area 375 will be displayed.

[0079] In addition, the display of the corresponding image display area 375 may be performed automatically without user instruction. Specifically, for example, the corresponding image display area 375 may be automatically displayed when the user selects the enlarged image 311 and the enlarged image 360 ​​is displayed, or when the user's level of file referencing exceeds a predetermined threshold.

[0080] In addition, the corresponding image display area 375 may be displayed on the display unit 25 at all times. In this case, if there is no corresponding image 370 to be displayed, the corresponding image display area 375 will be displayed as empty. If there is a corresponding image 370 to be displayed, the corresponding image 370 will be displayed within the corresponding image display area 375.

[0081] Furthermore, the above explanation described an example in which the corresponding image display area 375 is provided separately from the workspace display area 410, as shown in Figure 5. By the way, this is not the only option; as shown in Figure 7 (a diagram showing other display examples of the display unit 25), a reception image 378 for receiving instructions from the user to display the corresponding image 370 may also be displayed on the workspace 400. In this case, when the user selects the reception image 378, the corresponding image 370 is displayed in workspace A, as shown in Figure 8 (a diagram showing another display example of the display unit 25). In the display example shown in Figure 8, the reception image 378 is an icon.

[0082] If the corresponding image 370 for a file in workspace A is to be displayed when workspace B or other workspaces are displayed, using the reception image 378, the user first moves, for example, the first file icon 310a or the second file icon 310e on workspace A, as shown in Figure 7, to the display position of the reception image 378. Specifically, the user drags and drops the first file icon 310a and the second file icon 310e on workspace A to the display position of the reception image 378. As a result, the files represented by the first file icon 310a and the second file icon 310e are associated with this reception image 378.

[0083] Then, in this case, if the user later selects this reception image 378 (see Figure 8), the corresponding image 370 that corresponds to the file associated with this reception image 378 will be displayed, as described above. Note that the files that can be associated with this reception image 378 are not limited to these. As described above, files that meet the conditions for displaying the corresponding image 370, such as files for which the enlarged image 360 ​​has been displayed, or files whose reference level exceeds a predetermined threshold, may also be associated with this reception image 378.

[0084] When using the reception image 378, the display of this reception image 378 is maintained even if the workspace 400 displayed on the display unit 25 is switched to another workspace 400. If a user wants to refer to the corresponding image 370 while another workspace 400 is displayed, they select the reception image 378. As a result, the corresponding image 370 associated with this reception image 378 is displayed on the display unit 25, as shown in Figure 8. Furthermore, in this case, if the user selects the corresponding image 370, an enlarged image 360 ​​corresponding to the corresponding image 370 will be displayed, as will be described later.

[0085] [Retention of information about corresponding images] In this embodiment, the CPU 11a of the server device 10 holds information about the files to be displayed as corresponding images 370 (hereinafter referred to as "corresponding image file information"). Specifically, the CPU 11a of the server device 10 holds information for identifying each of the files to be displayed as corresponding images 370. The CPU 11a of the server device 10 holds this corresponding image file information on a file-by-file basis. When displaying the corresponding image 370, the CPU 11a of the server device 10 identifies the file to display the corresponding image 370 based on the corresponding image file information it holds, and then displays the corresponding image 370 corresponding to this identified file on the display unit 25.

[0086] In this embodiment, a corresponding image 370 is generated in advance for each file, and this pre-generated corresponding image 370 is registered in the secondary storage unit 12 (see Figure 2) of the server device 10. When displaying the corresponding image 370, the CPU 11a of the server device 10 reads and acquires the corresponding image 370 from the secondary storage unit 12 based on the corresponding image file information it holds. The CPU 11a of the server device 10 then outputs the read corresponding image 370 to the terminal device 20. As a result, the corresponding image 370 is displayed on the display unit 25 of the terminal device 20.

[0087] Furthermore, when displaying the corresponding image 370, the CPU 11a of the server device 10 may output the file information for the corresponding image it holds to the terminal device 20. In this case, the terminal device 20 retrieves the corresponding image 370 registered in its secondary storage unit 22 (see Figure 3) based on this corresponding image file information. In this case as well, the corresponding image 370 is displayed on the display unit 25 of the terminal device 20.

[0088] Here, the corresponding image file information held by the CPU 11a of the server device 10 may be deleted at a predetermined specific timing. For example, the corresponding image file information could be deleted when a user logs in or out. Furthermore, an upper limit (for example, 10) on the number of corresponding image file information entries may be predetermined, and the CPU 11a of the server device 10 may delete any corresponding image file information entries that exceed this upper limit.

[0089] Additionally, even if a file has had its corresponding image file information retrieved, if that file is subsequently deleted, the corresponding image file information for that file may be deleted. Furthermore, if the corresponding image 370 is not registered in the secondary storage unit 12 of the server device 10 or the secondary storage unit 22 of the terminal device 20, and the corresponding image 370 does not exist for that file, the server device 10 may be prevented from retaining the file information for the corresponding image.

[0090] [Explanation of corresponding images] In this embodiment, as described above, the first file icon 310a and the corresponding image 370 that corresponds to the file represented by the first file icon 310a are different. Specifically, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 5, the display size of the corresponding image 370 that corresponds to the file represented by the first file icon 310a is smaller than the display size of the first file icon 310a included in workspace A. Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the cursor 200 is positioned over the corresponding image 370, the enlarged instruction image 311 corresponding to the corresponding image 370 is displayed.

[0091] In this embodiment, the area ratio between the enlarged instruction image 311 displayed in correspondence with the first file icon 310a and the first file icon 310a is different from the area ratio between the enlarged instruction image 311 displayed in correspondence with the corresponding image 370 and the corresponding image 370.

[0092] Specifically, in this embodiment, the area ratio between the corresponding image 370 and the enlarged instruction image 311 displayed in correspondence with the first file icon 310a is smaller than the area ratio between the first file icon 310a and the enlarged instruction image 311 displayed in correspondence with the first file icon 310a.

[0093] In the example shown in Figure 5, the display size of the corresponding image 370, indicated by symbol 4B, which corresponds to the file represented by the first file icon 310a included in workspace A, is smaller than the display size of the first file icon 310a included in workspace A. On the other hand, the display size of the enlarged instruction image 311 associated with this first file icon 310a is approximately equal to the display size of the enlarged instruction image 311 associated with this corresponding image 370. In this case, as described above, the area ratios will differ, and the area ratio between the corresponding image 370 and the enlarged instruction image 311 displayed in correspondence with the first file icon 310a will be smaller than the area ratio between the first file icon 310a and the enlarged instruction image 311 displayed in correspondence with the first file icon 310a.

[0094] In this specification, the area ratio between the first file icon 310a and the enlarged instruction image 311 displayed in correspondence with the first file icon 310a refers to the value obtained by dividing the area of ​​the first file icon 310a by the area of ​​the enlarged instruction image 311. Furthermore, in this specification, the area ratio between the corresponding image 370 and the enlarged instruction image 311 displayed in correspondence with the corresponding image 370 refers to the value obtained by dividing the area of ​​the corresponding image 370 by the area of ​​the enlarged instruction image 311. In addition, the display size of the first file icon 310a and the display size of the corresponding image 370 may be the same, while the display size of the enlargement instruction image 311 displayed in accordance with the first file icon 310a and the display size of the enlargement instruction image 311 displayed in accordance with the corresponding image 370 may be different. More specifically, for example, the display size of the first file icon 310a and the display size of the corresponding image 370 may be the same, while the display size of the enlargement instruction image 311 displayed in conjunction with the first file icon 310a may be made larger than the display size of the enlargement instruction image 311 displayed in conjunction with the corresponding image 370.

[0095] [Display after switching workspaces] Figure 9 shows the state of the display unit 25 after the workspace 400 has been switched. In this embodiment, as described above, it is possible to switch workspaces 400, and the display example shown in Figure 9 shows the state after workspace 400 has been switched from workspace A to workspace B.

[0096] In this embodiment, the CPU 11a of the server device 10 switches the display in response to instructions from the user. As a result, workspace B, which is an example of another display image that includes the third file icon 310h, is displayed on the display unit 25 of the terminal device 20. In workspace B shown in Figure 9, a third file icon, 310h, is displayed, which corresponds to "Sample3," a file different from "Sample1" and "Sample2" mentioned above.

[0097] In this embodiment, multiple workspaces 400, such as workspace A and workspace B, can be displayed. Each workspace, including workspace A and workspace B, displays a file icon corresponding to a file. The CPU 11a of the server device 10 ensures that a workspace 400, which is an example of a display image containing file icons (images corresponding to files), is displayed on the display unit 25. Furthermore, the CPU 11a of the server device 10 switches the displayed workspace 400 according to user instructions.

[0098] As described above, the CPU 11a of the server device 10 ensures that the workspace 400 is displayed in the workspace display area 410, which is a predetermined area of ​​the display unit 25. When the CPU 11a of the server device 10 switches the display in response to a user instruction to display workspace B, which is another workspace 400, it ensures that workspace B is displayed in the workspace display area 410.

[0099] In this embodiment, even when the display of the workspace 400 is switched, the corresponding image display area 375 and the corresponding image 370 are maintained in a displayed state.

[0100] In other words, the CPU 11a of the server device 10 ensures that when workspace B, which is an example of one display image, is displayed on the display unit 25, the corresponding image 370 that corresponds to the first file icon 310a included in workspace A, which is another example of a display image, is displayed on the display unit 25. Furthermore, the CPU 11a of the server device 10 ensures that the corresponding image 370 is displayed in a way that allows the user to select it. By enabling the selection of corresponding image 370, the enlarged image 360 ​​corresponding to this image 370 can be displayed (see below).

[0101] In this embodiment, among the corresponding images 370 displayed in the corresponding image display area 375, for example, the corresponding image 370 corresponding to a file that the user no longer has permission to view will only display the file name, as shown in Figure 10 (a diagram showing another display example of the display unit 25). More specifically, only the file name will be displayed, preventing users from understanding the content of the corresponding image 370. Examples of files that a user no longer has permission to access include files sent to another user's mailbox or files that have been deleted.

[0102] [Handling when a file icon on the workspace is selected first] Figure 11 shows the state of the display unit 25 when the third file icon 310h, displayed in workspace B as shown in Figure 9, is selected before the corresponding image 370. In other words, Figure 11 shows the display unit 25 when the third file icon 310h, which is displayed after switching the display of workspace 400, is selected before the corresponding image 370.

[0103] In this embodiment, when the third file icon 310h displayed in workspace B is selected, an enlarged image 360, which is the image corresponding to this third file icon 310h, is displayed, as shown in Figure 11. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 11, when the corresponding image 370 is displayed, the enlarged image 360 ​​is displayed at a pre-registered display position.

[0104] In other words, in this embodiment, when the corresponding image 370 is displayed within the corresponding image display area 375, the enlarged image 360 ​​displayed when the third file icon 310h is selected is displayed at a pre-registered display position, rather than the normal position described above. Even if the corresponding image display area 375 is displayed, if the corresponding image 370 is not displayed within this corresponding image display area 375, the enlarged image 360 ​​may be displayed in the normal position as described above.

[0105] In this embodiment, when the corresponding image 370 is displayed on the display unit 25, the enlarged image 360, which is displayed in conjunction with the selection of the third file icon 310h, is displayed at a pre-registered display position. Specifically, in this embodiment, the pre-registered display position is located near at least one of the four sides of the rectangular display unit 25. In this embodiment, the enlarged image 360 ​​is displayed at this position near one of the sides.

[0106] More specifically, in this embodiment, the display unit 25 has four sides: an upper side 25U, a lower side 25D, a left side 25L, and a right side 25R. In this embodiment, the pre-registered display position is located closer to the left side 25L. The enlarged image 360, which is displayed when the third file icon 310h is selected, is positioned towards the left edge 25L. As a result, in this embodiment, the enlarged image 360 ​​is displayed on the left side of the display unit 25.

[0107] In this embodiment, the workspace display area 410 is also formed in a rectangular shape and has four sides: an upper side 410U, a lower side 410D, a left side 410L, and a right side 410R. In this embodiment, the enlarged image 360 ​​is displayed at a position close to the left side 410L of these four sides. Furthermore, the enlarged image 360 ​​is not limited to being displayed on one side; it may also be displayed on two sides, such as the top edge 25U and left edge 25L of the display unit 25, or the top edge 410U and left edge 410L of the workspace display area 410. In this case, the enlarged image 360 ​​is displayed in the upper left corner of the display unit 25 or the workspace display area 410.

[0108] Furthermore, the initial display position of the enlarged image 360, which appears when the third file icon 310h is selected, may be the display position described in Figure 5. That is, the initial display position of the enlarged image 360 ​​may be the normal position described above. Specifically, the initial display position of the enlarged image 360 ​​may be around the third file icon 310h (see Figure 9), or on the side with the larger margin around the third file icon 310h. Furthermore, for example, when the corresponding image 370 (see Figure 9) is selected, or when the cursor 200 moves to the corresponding image display area 375, the enlarged image 360 ​​may be moved to the pre-registered display position (see Figure 11).

[0109] In this embodiment, when the corresponding image 370 is displayed, the enlarged image 360 ​​displayed upon selection of the third file icon 310h is displayed at a pre-registered display position. Specifically, it is displayed at a position close to the left edge 25L of the display unit 25. As a result, in this embodiment, an area for displaying the enlarged image 360 ​​(described later) that is displayed when the corresponding image 370 is selected is formed to the right of the enlarged image 360 ​​that is displayed when the third file icon 310h is selected.

[0110] Here, the pre-registered display positions may be prepared for each state in which the display unit 25 is vertically oriented or horizontally oriented. When the display unit 25 is vertically oriented, the display position may be a position close to the top edge 25U of the display unit 25. In this case, the area for displaying the enlarged image 360, which is displayed when the corresponding image 370 is selected, is formed below the enlarged image 360 ​​displayed when the third file icon 310h is selected.

[0111] Furthermore, when the display unit 25 is in a horizontally elongated state, the display position may be set to a position closer to the left edge 25L of the display unit 25. In this case, the area for displaying the enlarged image 360, which is displayed when the corresponding image 370 is selected, is formed to the right of the enlarged image 360, which is displayed when the third file icon 310h is selected.

[0112] Next, in this example, the user selects the corresponding image 370 displayed in the corresponding image display area 375. When the corresponding image 370 is selected from the state shown in Figure 11, the CPU 11a of the server device 10 displays an enlarged image 360 ​​corresponding to the first file icon 310a (see Figure 5), which is the file icon of the file corresponding to the corresponding image 370, as shown in Figure 12 (a diagram showing another display example of the display unit 25).

[0113] In this embodiment, when the corresponding image 370 (see Figure 11) is selected, the cursor 200 is positioned on the corresponding image 370. In this case, the enlargement instruction image 311 (not shown in Figure 11) is displayed on the corresponding image 370. Then, when the user clicks on this enlarged instruction image 311, as shown in Figure 12, an enlarged image 360 ​​corresponding to the corresponding image 370 is displayed to the right of the already displayed enlarged image 360 ​​corresponding to the third file icon 310h.

[0114] In this embodiment, when the cursor 200 is positioned over the corresponding image 370 (see Figure 11), a colored frame image 374 surrounding the corresponding image 370 is displayed.

[0115] In this embodiment, when the user selects a corresponding image 370 (see Figure 11), first, the user selects an enlarged instruction image 311 (not shown) that is displayed in correspondence with the corresponding image 370. Accordingly, in this embodiment, as described above, an enlarged image 360 ​​corresponding to the first file icon 310a (see Figure 5), which is the file icon of the file corresponding to the corresponding image 370, is displayed on the display unit 25 as shown by reference numeral 12A in Figure 12.

[0116] In this embodiment, similar to the corresponding image 370, an enlarged image 360 ​​is registered in advance. When the CPU 11a of the server device 10 displays the enlarged image 360 ​​corresponding to the file icon and the corresponding image 370, it reads and retrieves the pre-registered enlarged image 360 ​​and displays this enlarged image 360 ​​on the display unit 25. Specifically, the CPU 11a of the server device 10 reads and acquires the enlarged image 360 ​​corresponding to the file icon and the corresponding image 370, and displays this enlarged image 360 ​​on the display unit 25.

[0117] More specifically, the CPU 11a of the server device 10 outputs the magnified image 360 ​​that it has read and acquired to the terminal device 20. As a result, the magnified image 360 ​​is displayed on the display unit 25 of the terminal device 20. In addition, the CPU 11a of the server device 10 may output information for identifying the enlarged image 360 ​​to the terminal device 20. The terminal device 20 may then read and acquire the enlarged image 360 ​​it holds based on this identification information. In this case as well, the enlarged image 360 ​​will be displayed on the display unit 25 of the terminal device 20.

[0118] In this embodiment, an example will be described in which a pre-registered enlarged image 360 ​​and a corresponding image 370 are read and acquired. By the way, this is not the only option; when displaying the enlarged image 360 ​​and the corresponding image 370, the enlarged image 360 ​​and the corresponding image 370 may be generated each time from the file information, and these generated enlarged image 360 ​​and the corresponding image 370 may be displayed on the display unit 25.

[0119] In this embodiment, the CPU 11a of the server device 10 is configured to display, as shown in Figure 12, an enlarged image 360 ​​corresponding to the corresponding image 370 (hereinafter referred to as "first enlarged image 360A") and an enlarged image 360 ​​displayed when the third file icon 310h on workspace B is selected (hereinafter referred to as "second enlarged image 360B") side by side.

[0120] In other words, when both the selection of the corresponding image 370 and the selection of the third file icon 310h on workspace B are performed, the CPU 11a of the server device 10 ensures that the first enlarged image 360A corresponding to the corresponding image 370 and the second enlarged image 360B corresponding to the third file icon 310h are displayed side by side. The CPU 11a of the server device 10 ensures that the first enlarged image 360A and the second enlarged image 360B are displayed without any overlap between them.

[0121] Furthermore, the display of the first enlarged image 360A and the second enlarged image 360B is not limited to the first enlarged image 360A and the second enlarged image 360B being displayed without any overlap between them; these enlarged images may be displayed in other ways. For example, the first enlarged image 360A and the second enlarged image 360B may be displayed in a state where a portion of the first enlarged image 360A and a portion of the second enlarged image 360B overlap.

[0122] If all of one of the enlarged images, the first enlarged image 360A and the second enlarged image 360B, is hidden behind the other enlarged image, then it becomes impossible to compare the two enlarged images 360. In contrast, if a portion of the first enlarged image 360A and a portion of the second enlarged image 360B overlap, the remaining portion of the first enlarged image 360A and the remaining portion of the second enlarged image 360B will be displayed simultaneously.

[0123] In the above explanation, we used the example shown in Figure 12, where the first enlarged image 360A corresponding to the corresponding image 370 and the second enlarged image 360B corresponding to the third file icon 310h are displayed side by side. By the way, the display format of the first enlarged image 360A and the second enlarged image 360B is not limited to this. For example, if the display unit 25 is vertically oriented, the first enlarged image 360A and the second enlarged image 360B may be displayed side by side, one above the other.

[0124] In addition, the display unit 25 may also display an indication that the corresponding image 370 corresponds to the first enlarged image 360A that corresponds to the corresponding image 370. In this case, even if multiple corresponding images 370 are displayed in the corresponding image display area 375, it becomes clearer which corresponding image 370 corresponds to the first enlarged image 360A.

[0125] Here, an example of an indication showing correspondence is the display of a line L1 connecting the corresponding image 370 and the first enlarged image 360A. This line L1 may be a straight line or a curved line. In addition, other ways of indicating compatibility include, for example, assigning a common color to both the compatible image 370 and the first enlarged image 360A. In this case, it is preferable to display frames surrounding both the corresponding image 370 and the first enlarged image 360A, and to use the same color for these frames.

[0126] In addition, another way to indicate compatibility is through a so-called speech bubble display. In this speech bubble display, for example, as shown in Figure 13 (a diagram showing another example of display of the display unit 25), a frame 13A surrounding the first enlarged image 360A is displayed, and an image 13B extending from this frame 13A toward the corresponding image 370 is also displayed.

[0127] Other ways to indicate compatibility include, for example, displaying it in an animated format. In this animation format, for example, a video is displayed showing that the corresponding image 370 is gradually enlarged until it becomes the first enlarged image 360A.

[0128] In this embodiment, as described above, an example was explained in which the enlarged image 360 ​​is displayed when the user selects the enlarged instruction image 311 displayed in accordance with the file icon or the enlarged instruction image 311 displayed in accordance with the corresponding image 370. By the way, this is not the only option; the enlargement instruction image 311 may be hidden, and the enlarged image 360 ​​may be displayed when the cursor 200 is positioned over the file icon or the corresponding image 370, as described above.

[0129] Furthermore, as mentioned above, the enlarged image 360 ​​corresponding to the file icon may initially be displayed in its normal position, rather than being limited to being displayed aligned to the left of the display unit 25. Furthermore, for example, if a corresponding image 370 is selected, or if the cursor 200 is positioned within the corresponding image display area 375, the enlarged image 360 ​​corresponding to the file icon may be moved to the left side of the display unit 25.

[0130] Furthermore, as described above, the first enlarged image 360A and the second enlarged image 360B are not limited to being displayed side by side, but may also be displayed side by side vertically. Alternatively, for example, the orientation of the display unit 25 may be specified as either horizontal or vertical, and depending on the orientation of the display unit 25, it may be decided whether to display the first enlarged image 360A and the second enlarged image 360B side by side, or to display the first enlarged image 360A and the second enlarged image 360B side by side vertically.

[0131] Furthermore, the above explanation described, as an example, the case in which the corresponding image display area 375 is automatically displayed when the corresponding image file information has been acquired and the corresponding image 370 is ready to be displayed. Specifically, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 5, we will explain as an example the case in which the corresponding image display area 375 is automatically displayed when the first file icon 310a is selected and the enlarged image 360 ​​is displayed.

[0132] By the way, even if the corresponding image file information is obtained, the corresponding image display area 375 may not be displayed immediately. Instead, as described above, the corresponding image display area 375 may be displayed only when other predetermined conditions are met. Specifically, for example, if the corresponding image file information has been acquired, the corresponding image display area 375 may be displayed when instructed by the user.

[0133] More specifically, for example, if the user selects an option that instructs the system to display the enlarged image 360 ​​side by side, the corresponding image display area 375 may be displayed. Alternatively, for example, if the user selects the option "Show corresponding image," the corresponding image display area 375 may be displayed.

[0134] Furthermore, in this embodiment, if the enlarged instruction image 311, which is displayed in association with the corresponding image 370, is selected, the first enlarged image 360A, which is the enlarged image 360 ​​corresponding to the corresponding image 370, is displayed. By the way, as mentioned above, the display of the enlargement instruction image 311 is not mandatory, and it is also possible to hide the enlargement instruction image 311.

[0135] If the enlargement instruction image 311 is not displayed, for example, if one of the corresponding images 370 is selected by the user, the first enlargement image 360A corresponding to this corresponding image 370 will be displayed. In this case, the entire corresponding image 370 will serve as the enlargement instruction image 311. The same applies to file icons; the entire file icon may be assigned the role of an enlargement instruction image 311, and when any of the file icons is selected, the enlargement image 360, which is the second enlargement image 360B described above, may be displayed.

[0136] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when displaying the enlarged image 360, the enlarged image 360 ​​corresponding to the latest file is displayed. Specifically, in this embodiment, when displaying the second enlarged image 360B based on the third file icon 310h on workspace B (see Figure 12) and the first enlarged image 360A based on the corresponding image 370, the enlarged image 360 ​​corresponding to the latest file is displayed.

[0137] Furthermore, this is not the only option; for example, the system may also prompt the user to ask whether or not to display the 360-degree enlarged image corresponding to an older version of the file. Furthermore, if a user wishes to view a 360-degree enlarged image corresponding to an older version of the file, this 360-degree enlarged image corresponding to the older version of the file may be displayed.

[0138] In this embodiment, the CPU 11a of the server device 10 performs different processing when determining the display position of the second enlarged image 360B, which is displayed when the third file icon 310h on the workspace B (see Figure 12) is selected, depending on whether or not the corresponding image display area 375 is displayed. In other words, the CPU 11a of the server device 10 performs different processing when determining the display position of the second enlarged image 360B, which is displayed according to the selection of the third file icon 310h, depending on whether or not the corresponding image 370 is displayed on the display unit 25.

[0139] Specifically, the CPU 11a of the server device 10 performs different processing when determining the display position of the second enlarged image 360B corresponding to the third file icon 310h, depending on whether the third file icon 310h is selected when the corresponding image 370 is not displayed on the display unit 25 (see Figure 12) or when the third file icon 310h is selected when the corresponding image 370 is displayed on the display unit 25.

[0140] When the third file icon 310h is selected while the corresponding image 370 is not displayed on the display unit 25, the CPU 11a of the server device 10 determines the display position of the second enlarged image 360B corresponding to the third file icon 310h based on the position of the third file icon 310h. Specifically, in this case, the CPU 11a of the server device 10 determines the display position of the second enlarged image 360B corresponding to the third file icon 310h to the normal position described above.

[0141] On the other hand, when the corresponding image 370 is displayed on the display unit 25 and the third file icon 310h included in workspace B is selected, the CPU 11a of the server device 10 determines the pre-registered display position described above as the display position for the second enlarged image 360B. In this case, as described above, the second enlarged image 360B is displayed at a position close to one of the four sides of the display unit 25.

[0142] Specifically, when the third file icon 310h is selected while the corresponding image 370 is not displayed on the display unit 25, the CPU 11a of the server device 10 determines the location adjacent to the third file icon 310h as the display position for the second enlarged image 360B, as explained in Figure 5. More specifically, in this case, the CPU 11a of the server device 10 determines the location adjacent to the third file icon 310h, on the side where the larger of the two margins on either side of the third file icon 310h exists, as the display position for the second enlarged image 360B.

[0143] On the other hand, when the third file icon 310h is selected while the corresponding image 370 is displayed, the CPU 11a of the server device 10 determines the pre-registered display position described above as the display position for the second enlarged image 360B. Specifically, in this case, the CPU 11a of the server device 10 determines the display position of the second enlarged image 360B to be a position close to at least one of the four sides of the rectangular display unit 25, as shown in Figure 11.

[0144] If the third file icon 310h is selected while the corresponding image 370 is displayed, it is expected that the corresponding image 370 will be selected again after this selection, and the first enlarged image 360A corresponding to the corresponding image 370 will be displayed. Therefore, in this embodiment, if the third file icon 310h is selected while the corresponding image 370 is displayed, the second enlarged image 360B corresponding to this third file icon 310h is displayed aligned to one side of the display unit 25.

[0145] On the other hand, if the third file icon 310h is selected when the corresponding image 370 is not displayed, it can be assumed that the user only wants to view the enlarged image 360 ​​that corresponds to this third file icon 310h. In this case, as described above, based on the position of the third file icon 310h, the enlarged image 360 ​​will be displayed on the side with the larger margin.

[0146] There are two possible states in which the corresponding image 370 is not displayed on the display unit 25: a first state in which the corresponding image display area 375 is not displayed at all, and a second state in which the corresponding image display area 375 is displayed but the corresponding image 370 is not displayed. In this second state, if the user selects the third file icon 310h included in workspace B, the previously registered display position may be determined as the display position of the second enlarged image 360B. In this case, although the corresponding image 370 is not displayed, the corresponding image display area 375 is displayed, so the above-mentioned display position, which has been registered in advance, may be determined as the display position for the second enlarged image 360B.

[0147] In addition, as described above, even when the corresponding image 370 is displayed, the enlarged image 360 ​​may be displayed in its normal position until the corresponding image 370 is selected or until the cursor 200 moves to the corresponding image display area 375. If the third file icon 310h on workspace 400 is selected first, there are two possibilities: the user may want to view only the enlarged image 360 ​​corresponding to this third file icon 310h, or the user may want to view both this enlarged image 360 ​​and the enlarged image 360 ​​corresponding to the corresponding image 370.

[0148] Therefore, when the third file icon 310h on workspace 400 is selected first, the enlarged image 360 ​​corresponding to this third file icon 310h may be displayed in its normal position. Then, if other conditions are met, such as the selection of the corresponding image 370, the enlarged image 360 ​​may be moved to the edge of the display unit 25.

[0149] In this embodiment, as described above, the enlarged image 360 ​​of the file displayed in workspace A is displayed on the display unit 25 when workspace B is displayed. As a result, in this embodiment, although the storage locations of the files displayed in workspace A and the storage locations of the files displayed in workspace B are different, even though the storage locations of the files are different, the enlarged images 360 corresponding to each of these files are displayed on a common display screen.

[0150] In this embodiment, two enlarged images 360 are displayed on a common display screen shown on the display unit 25. In this embodiment, when the two enlarged images 360 are displayed in this manner, first, information about a file located on one workspace 400 is stored as described above. In this embodiment, based on this stored information, the system identifies the file to be displayed when another workspace 400 is displayed on the display unit 25. Then, it displays the enlarged image 360 ​​corresponding to this identified file on the display unit 25.

[0151] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the enlarged image 360 ​​corresponding to the identified file and the enlarged images 360 corresponding to other files in the workspace 400 are displayed side by side.

[0152] In this embodiment, there is a mode in which multiple enlarged images 360 are displayed side by side (hereinafter referred to as the "multiple display mode"). This transition to multiple display mode occurs, for example, when the system changes from a state where the corresponding image file information has not been acquired to a state where the corresponding image file information has been acquired.

[0153] In other words, the transition to the multiple display mode occurs when predetermined conditions are met, such as when the enlarged image 360 ​​(see Figure 5) corresponding to the first file icon 310a is displayed, or when the degree of file referencing exceeds a predetermined threshold. Furthermore, the transition to this multi-display mode may occur, for example, if the user instructs the system to allow the transition to this multi-display mode.

[0154] Furthermore, this multiple display mode is deactivated, for example, when the corresponding image file information is deleted or otherwise no longer retained. Additionally, the multiple display mode may be deactivated, for example, when the user logs out. Furthermore, the multiple display mode may also be deactivated, for example, upon user instruction.

[0155] When the multiple display mode is disabled, even if a file displayed in workspace B is selected, the corresponding enlarged image 360 ​​will not be displayed aligned to the edge, but will instead be displayed around the file icon on the side with the larger margin, as explained in Figure 5. In other words, when the multiple display mode is disabled, the enlarged 360 image corresponding to the file displayed in workspace B will be displayed in the normal position described above.

[0156] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 12, the enlarged images 360, such as the first enlarged image 360A and the second enlarged image 360B, are displayed within the workspace display area 410. As a result, in this embodiment, the enlarged image 360 ​​and the corresponding image display area 375 do not overlap. In this case, the corresponding image 370 will not be positioned behind the enlarged image 360.

[0157] In this embodiment, there are two types of enlarged images 360: a first enlarged image 360A that is displayed when the corresponding image 370 is selected, and a second enlarged image 360B that is displayed when the third file icon 310h on the workspace 400 is selected. In this embodiment, both of these enlarged images 360 are displayed within the workspace display area 410.

[0158] In this embodiment, the user cannot perform any editing or other operations on the first enlarged image 360A that is displayed when the corresponding image 370 is selected; the user can only view the first enlarged image 360A. However, the system is not limited to this; in response to the selection of the corresponding image 370, a menu bar such as the context menu 320 shown in Figure 4 may be displayed. In other words, the system may be configured to allow editing of the file represented by the first enlarged image 360A.

[0159] Furthermore, in this embodiment, for files represented by the corresponding image 370 that the user no longer has access to, the enlarged image 360 ​​will not be displayed even if the user selects the corresponding image 370 for that file. Furthermore, even if a user deletes a file represented by corresponding image 370, the enlarged image 360 ​​will not be displayed even if the user selects corresponding image 370 for that file.

[0160] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the user can delete the corresponding image 370 displayed in the corresponding image display area 375. To enable this deletion, for example, when the cursor 200 is over the corresponding image 370, the user can right-click and a selection menu will appear that includes an option to delete the corresponding image 370. Then, when the user selects this option, the corresponding image 370 will be deleted. This allows users to delete corresponding images 370 that they do not wish to display in enlarged 360 format, corresponding images 370 for deleted files, and corresponding images 370 for files for which they no longer have access rights.

[0161] [Processing when the corresponding image is selected first] Next, we will explain the process that occurs when the corresponding image 370 is selected before the third file icon 310h on workspace B. The CPU 11a of the server device 10 ensures that even if the corresponding image 370 is selected first, the first enlarged image 360A corresponding to the corresponding image 370 is displayed, as shown in Figure 14 (a diagram showing other display examples of the display unit 25). More specifically, when the corresponding image 370 is selected, the CPU 11a of the server device 10 ensures that a first enlarged image 360A, which has a larger display size than the first file icon 310a included in workspace A (see Figure 5), is displayed on the display unit 25.

[0162] In this embodiment, the corresponding image 370 can also be considered as a file image, which corresponds to a file and is displayed on the display unit 25. In other words, in this embodiment, not only the file icons displayed on the workspace 400, but also the corresponding image 370 are images that represent files, and the corresponding image 370 can also be considered as a file image corresponding to a file.

[0163] In this embodiment, even if the corresponding image 370, which is an example of a file image, is selected first, the CPU 11a of the server device 10 ensures that a first enlarged image 360A, which corresponds to the corresponding image 370 and has a larger display size than the corresponding image 370, is displayed on the display unit 25, as shown in Figure 14.

[0164] More specifically, in this case, the CPU 11a of the server device 10 ensures that the first enlarged image 360A is displayed aligned to the left side 25L of the display unit 25. In this embodiment, as described above, the display size of the first enlarged image 360A corresponding to the corresponding image 370 is larger than the display size of the first file icon 310a (see Figure 5), which is the file icon of the file represented by the corresponding image 370.

[0165] Subsequently, in this example, the user selects the third file icon 310h on workspace B (see Figure 14). In this case, as with the above, the second enlarged image 360B corresponding to this third file icon 310h is displayed on the display unit 25, as shown in Figure 15 (a diagram showing another display example of the display unit 25). Specifically, in this case as well, the second enlarged image 360B corresponding to the third file icon 310h is displayed at a predetermined, registered display position.

[0166] Specifically, in this case, the pre-registered display position is to the right of the first enlarged image 360A corresponding to the corresponding image 370, and the second enlarged image 360B corresponding to the third file icon 310h is displayed to the right of this first enlarged image 360A. In other words, the second enlarged image 360B, which corresponds to the third file icon 310h, is displayed closer to the center of the display unit 25 than the first enlarged image 360A. As a result, in this case as well, two enlarged 360-degree images will be displayed side by side.

[0167] If the user selects the corresponding image 370 first, it is highly likely that the user wants to display multiple enlarged images 360 and compare them with each other. Therefore, in this embodiment, as described above, if the corresponding image 370 is selected first, the first enlarged image 360A displayed in conjunction with the selection of the corresponding image 370 is displayed aligned to the left side 25L, which is one side of the display unit 25. In other words, this first enlarged image 360A is displayed aligned to the edge of the display unit 25.

[0168] Subsequently, in this embodiment, the third file icon 310h is selected. In this embodiment, the second enlarged image 360B displayed in conjunction with this selection is displayed to the right of the first enlarged image 360A displayed in conjunction with the selection of the corresponding image 370. As a result, in this case as well, two enlarged 360-degree images will be displayed side by side.

[0169] In this embodiment, a situation may occur where the third file icon 310h is located behind the first enlarged image 360A that is displayed when the corresponding image 370 is selected. In the display example shown in Figure 14, the third file icon 310h is displayed on the right side of the display unit 25. Therefore, even when the first enlarged image 360A is displayed as shown in Figure 14, the third file icon 310h will not be positioned behind the first enlarged image 360A. In contrast, if the third file icon 310h is located to the left of the display unit 25, the third file icon 310h will be positioned behind the first enlarged image 360A. In this case, the third file icon 310h will be hidden, and it will not be possible to select the third file icon 310h.

[0170] In this embodiment, if the third file icon 310h is located behind the first enlarged image 360A and predetermined conditions are met, information about this third file icon 310h will be displayed on the display unit 25. Specifically, in this embodiment, the CPU 11a of the server device 10 ensures that information about the third file icon 310h is displayed on the display unit 25 when the third file icon 310h is located behind the first enlarged image 360A displayed in conjunction with the selection of the corresponding image 370 and predetermined conditions are met.

[0171] Here, the third file icon 310h, which is positioned behind the first enlarged image 360A, can be considered as a background image, which is the image positioned behind the first enlarged image 360A. In this embodiment, information about this background image (hereinafter referred to as "background image information 95") is displayed on the display unit 25. Furthermore, the CPU 11a of the server device 10 ensures that this background image information 95 is displayed in a state where the user can select it.

[0172] Referring specifically to Figure 16 (a diagram showing other display examples of the display unit 25), in this embodiment, a situation may occur where the third file icon 310h, which is located on workspace B, is positioned behind the first enlarged image 360A that is displayed when the corresponding image 370 is selected. In this embodiment, the display unit 25 displays information about the third file icon 310h as background image information 95. Specifically, in this embodiment, the third file icon 310h is displayed as background image information 95. Note that this third file icon 310h displayed as background image information 95 has a smaller display size than the third file icon 310h displayed on workspace B.

[0173] As a result, even if the third file icon 310h on workspace B is located behind the first enlarged image 360A that is displayed when the corresponding image 370 is selected, the user can select the third file icon 310h by performing the operation to select background image information 95. In this embodiment, when the third file icon 310h displayed as background image information 95 is selected, a second enlarged image 360B corresponding to this third file icon 310h is displayed, similar to the case shown in Figure 15. Specifically, this second enlarged image 360B is displayed to the right of the first enlarged image 360A. As a result, in this case as well, the two enlarged images 360 are displayed side by side.

[0174] In this embodiment, if the user first selects the third file icon 310h on the workspace 400, the corresponding image 370 that the user may select later will not be positioned behind the second enlarged image 360B that corresponds to the third file icon 310h. In contrast, if the user first selects the corresponding image 370, a situation may arise where the third file icon 310h, which the user may select later, is positioned behind the first enlarged image 360A that corresponds to the corresponding image 370.

[0175] In this embodiment, if the third file icon 310h, which is located on workspace B, is positioned behind the first enlarged image 360A that is displayed when the corresponding image 370 is selected, information about this third file icon 310h is displayed in a selectable state. This allows the user to select a file corresponding to this third file icon 310h. Once a file is selected, a magnified image 360 ​​of that file can be displayed.

[0176] The CPU 11a of the server device 10 determines whether or not a file icon is located behind the first enlarged image 360A, which corresponds to the corresponding image 370, when the first enlarged image 360A is displayed. In making this determination, the CPU 11a of the server device 10 first identifies the centroid position of the file icon present on workspace B. Then, the CPU 11a of the server device 10 determines whether this identified centroid position is within the display area of ​​the first enlarged image 360A.

[0177] Then, if the CPU 11a of the server device 10 determines that the center of gravity is within the display area of ​​the first enlarged image 360A, it determines that the file icon is located behind the first enlarged image 360A. In this case, the CPU 11a of the server device 10 ensures that information about the file icon, i.e., background image information 95, is displayed on the display unit 25.

[0178] In addition, for example, if a portion of the display area of ​​the first enlarged image 360A overlaps with a portion of the file icon, information about the file icon may be displayed. In this case, information about the file icon will be displayed even if the centroid of the file icon is outside the display area of ​​the first enlarged image 360A. Furthermore, in this embodiment, if multiple file icons are located behind the display area of ​​the first enlarged image 360A, information about each of these file icons will be displayed, and multiple pieces of information about the file icons will be displayed.

[0179] In the example shown in Figure 16, the background image information 95 is displayed outside the workspace display area 410. In this embodiment, a background image information display area 970, which is an area for displaying background image information 95, is provided separately from the workspace display area 410, and the background image information 95 is displayed in this background image information display area 970.

[0180] In addition, in this embodiment, background image information 95 is displayed outside the display area where the enlarged image 360 ​​is displayed. In Figure 16, the rectangular area indicated by reference numeral 16A is the display area where the enlarged image 360 ​​is displayed. In this embodiment, background image information 95 is displayed outside this display area. In addition, in this embodiment, a background image information display area 970 is provided separately from the corresponding image display area 375, and in this embodiment, the background image information 95 is displayed in a location separate from the corresponding image display area 375.

[0181] In this embodiment, an icon is displayed as background image information 95. This icon contains the file name of the file represented by this icon. Specifically, in Figure 16, the file name "Sample3" is displayed. The background image information 95 can be in any format as long as the user can recognize the file, and it is not limited to being displayed as an icon; it may also be displayed in text format.

[0182] In this embodiment, the background image information 95 is displayed when the display mode in the display unit 25 is a specific mode. Specifically, in this embodiment, the CPU 11a of the server device 10 ensures that the background image information 95 is displayed when the display mode is a mode in which two enlarged images 360 are displayed side by side as described above.

[0183] Specifically, the CPU 11a of the server device 10 ensures that background image information 95 is displayed on the display unit 25 when the display mode is one in which the first enlarged image 360A corresponding to the corresponding image 370 and the second enlarged image 360B corresponding to the third file icon 310h are displayed in a predetermined positional relationship. More specifically, in this embodiment, the CPU 11a of the server device 10 ensures that the background image information 95 is displayed on the display unit 25 when the display mode is such that the first enlarged image 360A and the second enlarged image 360B are displayed side by side without overlapping.

[0184] More specifically, in this embodiment, the CPU 11a of the server device 10, for example, when the display mode is such that the first enlarged image 360A, which is displayed first, is positioned closer to the edge of the display unit 25 than the second enlarged image 360B, and the second enlarged image 360B is displayed closer to the center of the display unit 25 than the first enlarged image 360A, the background image information 95 is displayed on the display unit 25.

[0185] In the above explanation, we described the case where background image information 95 is displayed when corresponding image 370 is selected first. However, it is also possible to make it so that background image information 95 is displayed when the third file icon 310h on workspace 400 is selected first. More specifically, background image information 95 may also be displayed if other file icons exist behind the second enlarged image 360B, which is displayed when the third file icon 310h on workspace 400 is selected first.

[0186] For example, a user might realize that their initial selection of the third file icon, 310h, was incorrect, and want to select a different file icon. In this case, displaying the background image information 95 will inform the user that there are other file icons behind the enlarged image 360 ​​corresponding to the previously selected third file icon 310h. Furthermore, if background image information 95 is displayed in this case, the user can select other file icons located behind the enlarged image 360 ​​corresponding to the previously selected third file icon 310h.

[0187] The above example illustrates how background image information 95 is displayed outside the display area of ​​the enlarged image 360 ​​to notify the user of information about the third file icon 310h, which is located behind the enlarged image 360. However, this notification may also be carried out in other ways, as described below. In the display example shown in Figure 17 (a diagram showing other display examples of the display unit 25), the background image information 95 is displayed on the display unit 25 in such a way that the background of the first enlarged image 360A, which is displayed in conjunction with the selection of the corresponding image 370, is visible.

[0188] In this display mode shown in Figure 17, the transparency of the first enlarged image 360A, which is displayed when the corresponding image 370 is selected, is increased so that the area behind the first enlarged image 360A is visible. Furthermore, in this example display, when the user presses a specific key on the keyboard, the target of the user's mouse operation switches to the third file icon 310h located behind the first enlarged image 360A. This allows the user to perform operations on the third file icon, 310h, in this example display.

[0189] In other words, in this processing example, when there is a specific operation by the user on the input unit 24 (see FIG. 3), the target of the operation by the user switches to the third file icon 310h existing behind the first enlarged image 360A. As a result, in this case, the user can perform an operation on this third file icon 310h, such as selecting the third file icon 310h. In addition, when there is a specific operation by the user on the input unit 24, a process of further increasing the transparency of the first enlarged image 360A or making the first enlarged image 360A non-display may be further performed.

[0190] Another display example of the background image information 95 will be described. In addition, when making the background image information 95 displayed, for example, by moving the workspace 400 which is an example of the display image, the background image information 95 may be displayed at a location outside the display area of the first enlarged image 360A.

[0191] More specifically, as shown in FIG. 18 (a diagram showing another display example of the display unit 25), by moving the entire workspace 400, the third file icon 310h which can be a background image is displayed, and the background image information 95 may be displayed. More specifically, in the display example shown in FIG. 18, by moving the entire workspace 400 to the right direction in the figure, the third file icon 310h which can be a background image is displayed, and it is in a display form where the background image information 95 is displayed.

[0192] In this embodiment, when the user first selects the corresponding image 370, the first enlarged image 360A displayed along with the selection of this corresponding image 370 is displayed in the area on the left side of the workspace B. In the display example shown in FIG. 18, the entire workspace B is moved to the right direction so that the third file icon 310h which is an example of the background image is displayed at a location outside the display area of this first enlarged image 360A.

[0193] This prevents the third file icon 310h, which can be a background image, from being hidden behind the first enlarged image 360A. In this display example, when the user wants to view other parts of the workspace B, the user can scroll the workspace B to enable viewing of these other parts.

[0194] In the present embodiment, the workspace 400 including the third file icon 310h that can be a background image is displayed on the display unit 25. In the display example shown in FIG. 18, by moving the entire workspace 400, the third file icon 310h that can be a background image is displayed at a location outside the display area of the first enlarged image 360A. This enables the display of information about the third file icon 310h located behind the first enlarged image 360A even when the first enlarged image 360A is displayed, allowing the user to view and select this third file icon 310h.

[0195] Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 19 (a diagram showing another display example of the display unit 25), by reducing the size of the workspace B, which is an example of the display image, the third file icon 310h that can be a background image is displayed at a location outside the display area of the first enlarged image 360A. Also in this case, information about the third file icon 310h that can be a background image is displayed on the display unit 25, and in this case as well, this third file icon 310h can be selected. Thus, by reducing the size of the workspace 400, the third file icon 310h that can be a background image is also displayed at a location outside the display area of the first enlarged image 360A.

[0196] In the display examples shown in FIGS. 16 to 19, the case where an icon is displayed as the background image information 95 has been described. However, as described above, the background image information 95 may be other than an icon. For example, the background image information 95 could be displayed in text format, such as, "Behind the enlarged image 360, there is a file named File X."

[0197] Furthermore, when notifying the user of the background image information 95, the file names of the files represented by the file icons may be displayed in a list format. In addition, background image information 95 may be displayed only when instructed by the user to display it. Furthermore, notification of background image information 95 to the user may be made only when instructed by the user. Specifically, the display processes shown in Figures 16 to 19 may be performed only when instructed by the user.

[0198] Here, this instruction from the user is received, for example, via the input unit 24 (see Figure 3). When a specific operation is performed on the input unit 24, background image information 95 is displayed. Specifically, the background image information 95 will be displayed when, for example, a specific operation is performed with the mouse or a specific key is pressed on the keyboard. In this embodiment, as described above, the background image information 95 is displayed on the display unit 25 when the third file icon 310h is located behind the first enlarged image 360A and predetermined conditions are met. These predetermined conditions may include instructions from the user, and the background image information 95 may be displayed on the display unit 25 when instructions are given by the user.

[0199] Furthermore, although the above describes a case where the user can select background image information 95, a configuration in which this selection is not possible is also possible. Even in configurations where selection is not possible, if background image information 95 is provided to the user, the user can recognize the file located behind the first enlarged image 360A. In this case, the user can then select this file, for example, by manually temporarily hiding the first enlarged image 360A. [Explanation of symbols]

[0200] 1…Information processing system, 10…Server device, 11a…CPU, 20…Terminal device, 25…Display unit, 95…Background image information, 310a…First file icon, 360…Enlarged image, 360A…First enlarged image, 360B…Second enlarged image, 370…Corresponding image, 400…Workspace

Claims

1. It is an information processing system equipped with a processor, The aforementioned processor, The display unit will show a display image that includes the file image, which is the image corresponding to the file, and will also switch the display according to instructions so that other display images that include the file image are shown on the display unit. When a file image included in the display image displayed on the display unit is selected, an enlarged image corresponding to that file image, which has a larger display size than the file image, is displayed on the display unit. When one display image is displayed on the display unit, a corresponding image that is an image corresponding to a file image included in another display image, and that corresponding image is displayed on the display unit, and when the corresponding image is selected, the enlarged image corresponding to the file image that the corresponding image is linked to is displayed. When both the selection of the corresponding image and the selection of a file image included in the first display image are performed, the enlarged image corresponding to the corresponding image and the enlarged image corresponding to the file image are displayed on a common display screen. Information processing system.

2. The aforementioned processor, When both the selection of the corresponding image and the selection of the file image included in the first display image are performed, the first enlarged image, which is the enlarged image corresponding to the corresponding image, and the second enlarged image, which is the enlarged image corresponding to the file image, are displayed side by side. The information processing system according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned processor, The first enlarged image and the second enlarged image are displayed in such a way that there is no overlap between them. The information processing system according to claim 2.

4. The aforementioned processor, An information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the process for determining the display position of the enlarged image corresponding to the file image differs depending on whether a file image included in one of the display images is selected when the corresponding image is not displayed on the display unit, or when a file image included in one of the display images is selected when the corresponding image is displayed on the display unit.

5. The aforementioned processor, If a file image included in the first displayed image is selected while the corresponding image is not displayed, the display position of the enlarged image is determined based on the position of the file image. When the corresponding image is displayed and a file image included in the first displayed image is selected, the display position of the enlarged image is determined to be a pre-registered position. The information processing system according to claim 4.

6. The aforementioned pre-registered display position is a position located near at least one of the four sides of the rectangular display unit. The aforementioned processor, When the corresponding image is displayed and a file image included in the first displayed image is selected, the position close to at least one side is determined as the display position of the enlarged image. The information processing system according to claim 5.

7. The aforementioned processor, When the first display image is displayed on the display unit and predetermined conditions are met, the corresponding image is displayed on the display unit. An information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The aforementioned processor, As the corresponding image, the image displayed will correspond to the file image selected by the user from among the file images included in the other displayed images. An information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The aforementioned processor, As the corresponding image, the display unit will display an image that corresponds to a file image included in the other display image, which is the file image on which the enlarged image was displayed. An information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

10. The aforementioned processor, As the corresponding image, the display unit will display an image corresponding to a file image among the file images included in the other display images, where the user's level of reference is greater than a predetermined threshold. An information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

11. The aforementioned processor, The corresponding image is displayed in a portion of the display unit that is outside the display area where the first display image and the other display image are displayed. An information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. The display unit will show a display image containing the file image, which is the image corresponding to the file, and will also have a function to switch the display according to instructions so that other display images containing the file image are shown on the display unit. A function that, when a file image included in the display image displayed on the display unit is selected, displays an enlarged image corresponding to the file image, which has a larger display size than the file image, on the display unit. When one display image is displayed on the display unit, a corresponding image that is an image corresponding to a file image included in another display image, and that indicates the file image, is displayed on the display unit, and when the corresponding image is selected, the enlarged image corresponding to the file image that the corresponding image corresponds to is displayed. When both the selection of the corresponding image and the selection of a file image included in the first display image are performed, a function is provided to display the enlarged image corresponding to the corresponding image and the enlarged image corresponding to the file image on a common display screen. A program to make a computer realize this.

Images