Information processing method, information processing device, system, and information storage medium

Abstract

The present invention makes it possible to effectively utilize time during data transfer in an application.　In the present invention, in a first screen of a first application that is being executed and displayed full screen on a display, a selection of data to be uploaded to a server from among data stored in storage is received, and uploading of the target data is started in response to a start operation received from a user. When prescribed conditions including the uploading of the target data being continued are met and a switching operation is received to switch the application displayed full screen on the display to another application different from the first application or to display a home screen, a second screen of the first application is displayed at a size smaller than the full screen size, and the uploading is continued. When the prescribed conditions are not met and a switching operation is received, the first application is switched to be inactive and the second screen is not displayed.

Description

Information Processing Method, Information Processing Apparatus, System, and Information Storage Medium

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing method, an information processing apparatus, a system, and an information storage medium.

[0002] There is known a system in which image data such as photos and videos taken by a user using a user terminal such as a smartphone is uploaded to a server for management and shared with other users as needed. Also, there is known a technique for displaying the progress of uploading when uploading data such as documents to a server (see Patent Document 1).

[0003] Japanese Patent No. 6855268

[0004] In a user terminal such as a smartphone, a plurality of applications can be launched. However, the launched application is displayed full-screen, and when the application is switched, the application before the switch may be deactivated and the processing may stop. In such a case, there may be a waiting time while the launched application is kept open until the upload of data to the server is completed. The present disclosure aims to enable effective use of the time while data transfer is being performed in an application.

[0005] An information processing method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is an information processing method that causes a computer equipped with a display and storage to accept the selection of data to be uploaded to a server from among the data stored in the storage on the first screen of a first application that is running and displayed in full screen on the display, to start uploading the target data in response to a start operation received from the user, and when predetermined conditions are met, including that the upload of the target data is in progress, the computer accepts a switching operation to switch the application displayed in full screen on the display to another application different from the first application or to display the home screen, to display the second screen of the first application in a size smaller than the full screen size and continue the upload, and when the predetermined conditions are not met, the computer accepts the switching operation, to deactivate the first application and execute a process to not display the second screen.

[0006] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, during the period when a running application is uploading data to a server, the application that was running before the switch can be displayed in a smaller window and continue to run even after the application has been switched. This makes it possible to switch applications without interrupting the data upload. This makes it possible to effectively utilize the time while the application is transferring data.

[0007] This is a diagram showing an example of a system configuration. This is a diagram showing an example of a server hardware configuration. This is a diagram showing an example of a terminal hardware configuration. This is a diagram showing an example of a plan selection screen 100. This is a diagram showing an example of an upload image selection screen 200. This is a diagram showing an example of an upload image selection screen 200. This is a diagram showing an example of a home screen 300. This is a diagram showing an example of a home screen 300. This is a diagram showing an example of a home screen 300. This is a diagram showing an example of an application selection screen 400. This is a diagram showing an example of a second application screen 500. This is a diagram showing an example of a third application screen 600. This is a diagram showing an example of a home screen 300. This is a diagram showing an example of a home screen 300. This is a diagram showing an example of a download data selection screen 700. This is a diagram showing an example of a home screen 300. This is a diagram showing an example of a plan management table. This is a diagram showing an example of an upload status management table. This is a diagram showing an example of an application management table. This is a diagram showing an example of a terminal-server communication sequence diagram. This is a diagram showing an example of a PIP mode switching sequence diagram.

[0008] <System Configuration> Figure 1 shows an example of the system configuration of System 1 according to this embodiment. System 1 shown in Figure 1 comprises a server 10 (data management server) and one or more terminals 20. The server 10 and the terminals 20 are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate via a communication network N such as the Internet, intranet, wireless LAN, or mobile communication.

[0009] Server 10 is an information processing device that performs some of the functions necessary for terminal 20 to provide data management, such as managing various information about the user and executing some data management processes. Server 10 may consist of one or more information processing devices, or it may be configured using a virtual server (such as a cloud server). Server 10 may also be called a computer. In this embodiment, Server 10 stores image data, including the user's photos and videos, in a storage device 12 in association with the user, and performs processing such as providing the image data stored in the storage device 12 to the user's terminal 20 and the terminals 20 of other users associated with the user (for example, the user's family).

[0010] Terminal 20 is an information processing device that provides data management to the user, and the user can perform data management (including data uploading) according to this embodiment by operating Terminal 20. Terminal 20 is, for example, a computer such as a mobile phone (including a smartphone), a tablet, or a personal computer. Terminal 20 may also be called a computer.

[0011] <Hardware Configuration> Figure 2 shows an example of the hardware configuration of server 10. Server 10 has one or more processors 11 such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a GPU (Graphical Processing Unit), a storage device 12 such as memory (e.g., RAM (Random Access Memory) or ROM (Read Only Memory)), an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) and / or an SSD (Solid State Drive), a communication interface 13 for wired or wireless communication, an input device 14 for receiving input operations, and an output device 15 for outputting information. The input device 14 is, for example, a keyboard, a touch panel, a mouse and / or a microphone. The output device 15 is, for example, a display (touch panel display) and / or a speaker. Note that server 10 does not necessarily have to have an input device 14 and an output device 15, and may perform input / output processing by sending and receiving data with other computers via the communication interface 13.

[0012] Figure 3 shows an example of the hardware configuration of terminal 20. Terminal 20 has one or more processors 21 such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a GPU (Graphical Processing Unit), a storage device 22 such as memory (e.g., RAM (Random Access Memory) or ROM (Read Only Memory)), an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) and / or an SSD (Solid State Drive), a communication interface 23 for wired or wireless communication, an input device 24 for receiving input operations, an output device 25 and a camera 26. The input device 24 is, for example, a keyboard, a touch panel, a mouse and / or a microphone. The output device 25 is, for example, a display (touch panel display) and / or a speaker. The camera 26 may be provided on both or one of the front surface of terminal 20, which is the display side, and the back surface, which is the opposite side. Image data such as photographs and videos taken by the camera 26 are stored in the storage device 22.

[0013] Next, with reference to Figures 4 to 15, the processing performed in System 1 according to this embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, the processing is achieved by the processor 11 of the server 10 operating each part of the server 10's hardware based on a program stored in the storage device 12, and by the processor 21 of the terminal 20 operating each part of the terminal 20's hardware based on a program stored in the storage device 22.

[0014] First, as shown in the home screen 300 in Figure 7, multiple applications are installed on the terminal 20. For example, the home screen 300 includes an icon 310 for launching the first application, an icon 312 for launching the second application, and an icon 314 for launching the third application. Here, the first application is an album management application that manages the user's image data, such as photos and videos, in association with the user and for sharing with other users. The second application is an information viewing application such as a web browser, and the third application is a video playback application.

[0015] Here, we assume that the icon 310 for the first application is tapped on terminal 20 to launch the first application, and the screen of the first application is displayed in full screen on the display of terminal 20. Then, when an operation to select a subscription plan for the first application is performed on terminal 20, the screen shown in Figure 4 is displayed on terminal 20.

[0016] Figure 4 shows an example of a plan selection screen 100 displayed on the terminal 20's display. The plan selection screen 100 includes a first plan display area 110, a second plan display area 120, and a selection button 130. In this embodiment, the first application can be used even if no plan is selected from the multiple plans shown on the plan selection screen 100. However, by selecting a plan shown on the plan selection screen 100, functions that are unavailable when no plan is selected become available.

[0017] For example, Plan A is a specific plan (billing plan), and additional functions are available, including the ability to continue uploading by switching to picture-in-picture (PIP) mode during upload in this embodiment. Additional functions may include providing printed materials based on image data associated with the user, improving the image quality, etc. For example, for Plan A, an object 112 for selecting an annual plan and an object 114 for selecting a monthly plan may be available, as shown in Plan A display area 110.

[0018] For example, the second plan is a billing plan that is not a specific plan, and additional functions other than the upload continuation function by switching to picture-in-picture (PIP) mode during upload in this embodiment are available. The second plan may also be available with a plan that corresponds to the subscription period.

[0019] On the plan selection screen 100, the user selects their desired plan, taps the selection button 130, and completes the prescribed payment process, after which they can use the desired plan.

[0020] Next, with reference to Figure 5, the process of selecting data (image data) to be uploaded to the server 10, which is performed on the terminal 20, will be explained. Figure 5 is an example of the upload image selection screen 200 (an example of the first screen). The upload image selection screen 200 includes a date-based image selection area 210, a first publication destination selection button 220, and a second publication destination selection button 230. Image data such as photos and videos stored in the storage device 22 of the terminal 20 are displayed in a list by date, and image data to be uploaded to the server 10 can be selected.

[0021] The date-based image selection area 210 includes a batch selection object 212 and an image display area 214. By selecting the batch selection object 212, all image data corresponding to a given date can be selected at once. Individual images can also be selected by selecting the individual image data shown in the image display area 214. Selected image data can be identified by checking the individual selection object 216.

[0022] After the user selects the desired image data to upload to the server 10 on the upload image selection screen 200, the upload of the selected image data (an example of the target data) to the server 10 begins when the user selects either the first destination selection button 220 or the second destination selection button 230. The first destination selection button 220 is for making the uploaded image data public to family members associated with the user, and the second destination selection button 230 is for making the image data public to the user (administrator) only. Note that the above is just an example, and the settings for the destination are not limited to the above. Furthermore, the operation of the user selecting the first destination selection button 220 and the second destination selection button 230 is an example of the start operation.

[0023] When the first destination selection button 220 (or the second destination selection button 230) is selected on the upload image selection screen 200, the upload start notification object 240 shown in Figure 6 is displayed, and the data is uploaded from the communication interface 23 of the terminal 20 to the server 10, with the checked image data as the upload target. In the example shown in Figure 6, the upload image selection screen 200 has been updated by deleting the image data selected in Figure 5 and updating the list of image data.

[0024] Next, we will explain an example of screen transitions and related processes when switching the display from the upload image selection screen 200 to the home screen 300 in Figure 6. Switching to the home screen 300 may be performed by a specific home screen display operation.

[0025] As a first example, we will explain the process when the user has not subscribed to (selected) the first plan. In this case, when the display is switched from the upload image selection screen 200 in Figure 6 to the home screen 300, the home screen 300 shown in Figure 7 is displayed, the state of the first application is switched to an inactive state, and the upload process is interrupted even if it is in progress. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 7, the screen corresponding to the first application is not displayed on the home screen 300 either.

[0026] Next, as a second example, the process when the user has subscribed to (selected) the first plan will be described. In this case, when the display is switched from the upload image selection screen 200 in Figure 6 to the home screen 300, the home screen 300 shown in Figure 8 is displayed, and the PIP mode screen 320, which indicates that the first application is operating in picture-in-picture mode, is displayed, and the upload of the target data continues in the background. In this embodiment, when the user has subscribed to the first plan (specific plan) and the first application is uploading data to the server 10, and the processor receives an operation to switch the first application to another application or the home screen 300 (switching operation), the first application is switched to PIP mode and displayed. The PIP mode screen 320 has a smaller screen size than the normal full-screen display, and its position can be changed at the user's discretion. The default position and size of the PIP mode screen 320 may be different depending on the home screen and application screen currently displayed on the terminal 20's display.

[0027] As shown in Figure 8, the PIP mode screen 320 may display information regarding the upload progress. This information may include one or more of the following: image data being uploaded, the number of uploaded items (total or remaining), the remaining time or elapsed time until the upload is complete, and a progress gauge.

[0028] When the PIP mode screen 320 is tapped, a cancel icon 322 and a pause icon 324 are displayed superimposed on the PIP mode screen 320, as shown in Figure 9. Here, tapping the cancel icon 322 cancels the currently ongoing data upload process, and tapping the pause icon 324 pauses the currently ongoing data upload process.

[0029] As the upload process progresses and predetermined conditions for upload completion are met, a notification object 330 is displayed on the home screen 300, as shown in Figure 10. The predetermined conditions for upload completion may be, for example, when the number of remaining uploads falls below a predetermined number, or when the remaining upload time falls below a predetermined time. Also, as shown in Figure 10, the progress display on the PIP mode screen 320 is updated according to the progress of the upload. The notification object 330 may be set up so that the terminal 20 detects the remaining time for upload and notifies the terminal 20, or the server 10 may detect the remaining amount of data to be uploaded from the terminal 20 and notify the terminal 20.

[0030] When a notification object 330 is selected on the home screen 300 in Figure 10, the application screen of the first object is displayed in full screen on the terminal 20's display. The screen displayed on the terminal 20 when the notification object 330 is selected may be, for example, the upload image selection screen 200.

[0031] Furthermore, the notification object 330 may be added to a notification screen that displays a list of notification objects on the terminal 20, and when the notification object 330 is selected on the notification screen, the application screen of the first object may be displayed in full screen on the terminal 20's display.

[0032] Once the data upload from terminal 20 to server 10 is complete, terminal 20 stops processing the first application in PIP mode and switches the first application to an inactive state. In other words, once the data upload from terminal 20 to server 10 is complete, the home screen 300 shown in Figure 7 will be displayed on the display of terminal 20.

[0033] The above describes an example of transitioning from the upload image selection screen 200 in Figure 6 to the home screen 300 of the terminal 20. An example of transitioning to another application will be described below.

[0034] Figure 11 shows an application selection screen 400 for selecting an application to activate from among the applications running on terminal 20. The application selection screen 400 may be displayed in response to a predetermined application selection operation.

[0035] In the example shown in Figure 11, the application selection screen 400 displays the first application 410, the second application 412, and the third application 414. When the application selection screen 400 receives an operation to switch the application to be activated to the second application 412, the second application screen 500, shown in Figure 12, is displayed.

[0036] In the example shown in Figure 12, the second application screen 500 displays an object display area 510 that is displayed according to the second application, and a PIP mode screen 520 that indicates that the first application is running in PIP mode. The PIP mode screen 520 may display information regarding the progress of data upload. In the example shown in Figure 12, the PIP mode screen 520 is positioned at the bottom edge of the display by default.

[0037] Furthermore, when the application selection screen 400 in Figure 11 accepts an operation to activate the third application 414, the third application screen 600 shown in Figure 13 is displayed, for example.

[0038] In the example shown in Figure 13, the third application screen 600 displays a video display area 610 that is displayed according to the third application, and a PIP mode screen 620 that indicates that the first application is running in PIP mode. The PIP mode screen 620 may display information regarding the progress of data upload. In the example shown in Figure 13, the PIP mode screen 620 is positioned at the top of the display by default. As described above, at least one of the screen size and position in PIP mode for the first application may be made different depending on the application displayed on the terminal 20's display.

[0039] Furthermore, in the home screen 300 of Figure 8, for example, by accepting an operation to swipe the PIP mode screen 320 to the left (a minimization operation), the PIP mode screen 320 may be switched to a PIP mode compatible icon 340 and positioned at the edge (left, right, top, or bottom) of the display. This allows the upload to continue and ensures that the screen of the first application that is uploading does not interfere with the display of other applications or the home screen.

[0040] In the home screen 300 shown in Figure 14, the upload progress is not displayed on the PIP mode compatible icon 340, but a notification object 330 is displayed as shown in Figure 15 when the upload is completed. Alternatively, the notification object 330 may be displayed when the first application is in the display mode of the PIP mode compatible icon 340 rather than the PIP mode screen 320, and not displayed when it is the PIP mode screen 320.

[0041] Even if the user has subscribed to (selected) the first plan, if data is not being uploaded to the server 10 while the first application is running on the terminal 20, and the system accepts an operation to switch to the home screen 300 or another application, the first application may be deactivated without running it in PIP mode. Here, the system may control whether or not to switch the first application to PIP mode display depending on whether or not data uploads are being performed, regardless of the plan. Furthermore, while data is being uploaded on the terminal 20, the display of the PIP mode screen 320 and the PIP mode compatible icon 340 may be updated at predetermined time intervals to prevent the data upload from being terminated prematurely even if the terminal 20 is locked.

[0042] [Modifications] This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above. In the above example, the uploaded data was image data (including still images and videos), but the uploaded data is not limited to image data. Also, in the above embodiment, the first application is not limited to an image management application, but may be a game application or a content playback application.

[0043] In the example above, when each application is running in an active state on terminal 20, it is assumed that it will be displayed in full screen on the display. However, it is also possible to display it in the first screen size (which can be changed as desired) instead of full screen. In this case as well, the PIP mode screen may be smaller than the first screen size.

[0044] In the above example, an example of switching the first application of the terminal 20 to the PIP mode while uploading data from the terminal 20 to the server 10 has been described. However, while the terminal 20 is downloading data from the server 10, the first application of the terminal 20 may be switched to the PIP mode for display, and the download of the data may be continued. In the above example, the UI and notification processes executed for uploading may be similarly executable for downloading.

[0045] FIG. 16 shows an example of a download data selection screen 700 for selecting data to be downloaded from the server 10 to the terminal 20 in the first application of the terminal 20. The configuration of the date-based image selection area 210 is the same as that at the time of uploading, so the description thereof is omitted. Each image data displayed on the download data selection screen 700 may be stored in the storage device 12 of the server 10, and data that can be downloaded from the server 10 is displayed on the download data selection screen 700. Then, when the terminal 20 selects the data to be downloaded from the data shown on the download data selection screen 700 and taps the download button 710, the download of the selected target data is started.

[0046] Similar to the case of uploading data, when the user has subscribed (selected) to the first plan, for example, when switching the display from the download data selection screen 700 in FIG. 16 to the home screen 300 during the download of data, the home screen 图 17 is displayed, and a PIP mode screen 350 indicating that the first application is operating in the picture-in-picture mode is displayed, and the download of the target data continues in the background. Note that the notification before the completion of the download of the data and the processing after the completion of the download are the same as those in the case of uploading, so the description thereof is omitted.

[0047] In the above example, it was decided whether to execute the PIP mode switching during data upload according to the plan, but it may be possible to execute the PIP mode switching during data upload regardless of the plan.

[0048] Also, it may be possible to set whether to display a notification for each application. For example, in the second application screen 500 shown in FIG. 12, a notification object may be displayed, and in the third application screen 600 shown in FIG. 13, the notification object may not be displayed.

[0049] Also, based on the duration for which the PIP mode can be continued and the communication speed of the terminal 20, the number of image data that can be selected on the upload image selection screen 200 shown in FIG. 5 may be controlled.

[0050] <Data management structure> FIG. 18A shows an example of a plan management table in this embodiment. The plan management table manages by associating a user ID with a contract plan type, and realizes control that permits only the users of the first plan (specific plan) to use the PIP function. Thereby, the control of the PIP mode switching function by the specific plan is technically implemented.

[0051] FIG. 18B shows an example of an upload status management table. This table manages a data ID, a file name, a file size, a progress rate, a remaining time, a processing status, and a publication destination setting, and functions as an information source for progress display on the PIP mode screen 320. In particular, the "PIP continuation" state indicates the continuation of upload during the PIP mode.

[0052] FIG. 18C shows an example of an application management table. This table manages the display mode (full screen, PIP mode, icon), screen size, arrangement coordinates, reference signs, and notification display availability of each application. Dynamic layout adjustment for each application and notification object display control are technically realized based on the management information of this table.

[0053] <Details of Terminal-Server Communication Processing> Figure 19 shows an example of a communication sequence between terminal 20 and server 10. The processing content of each step is described in detail below.

[0054] In step 1, the processor 21 of terminal 20 executes a first application based on a program stored in the storage device 22 and performs data selection processing. The processor 21 displays the upload image selection screen 200 on the display 25 and accepts selection operations from the user via the input device 24.

[0055] In step 2, the processor 21 of terminal 20 controls the communication interface 23 to send an upload start request to server 10. The processor 21 includes the file information of the selected data and the publication destination setting information in the request message and sends it.

[0056] In step 3, the processor 11 of the server 10 receives a request from the terminal 20 via the communication interface 13 and generates an acknowledgment response. The processor 11 generates an upload ID and sends a response message containing a start notification to the terminal 20. The processor 21 of the terminal 20 receives this response and displays an upload start notification object 240 on the display 25.

[0057] In step 4, the processor 11 of the server 10 starts the process of saving the received data and prepares to write it to the storage device 12.

[0058] In step 5, the processor 21 of terminal 20 reads image data from the storage device 22 and controls the communication interface 23 to perform segmented transmission to server 10. The processor 11 of server 10 receives the data sequentially via the communication interface 13.

[0059] In step 6, the processor 21 of terminal 20 accepts a switching operation to another application or the home screen via the input device 24.

[0060] In step 7, the processor 21 of terminal 20 performs a predetermined condition check, and if the condition is met, it executes the PIP mode display process. The processor 21 controls the display 25 to display the PIP mode screen 320 in a small size.

[0061] In step 8, the processor 21 of terminal 20 continues to execute data transfer processing by the first application even while PIP mode is displayed. The processor 21 maintains communication with server 10 via communication interface 23 without interruption.

[0062] In step 9, the server 10's processor 11 monitors the reception progress and controls the communication interface 13 to send a progress notification to the terminal 20. The terminal 20's processor 21 receives this notification and updates the display content of the PIP mode screen 320.

[0063] In step 10, the processor 11 of the server 10 detects that the upload is nearing completion and sends a completion notification to the terminal 20. The processor 11 performs a determination based on predetermined conditions.

[0064] In step 11, the processor 21 of the terminal 20 receives a near-completion notification and controls the display 25 to display the notification object 330 on the home screen 300 or another application screen.

[0065] In step 12, the processor 11 of the server 10 confirms that all data has been received and controls the communication interface 13 to send an upload completion notification to the terminal 20.

[0066] In step 13, the processor 21 of terminal 20 receives a completion notification and executes the PIP mode termination process. The processor 21 deactivates the first application and terminates the display of the PIP mode screen 320.

[0067] In step 14, the processor 11 of the server 10 saves all received data to the storage device 12, completing the data management process.

[0068] <Details of PIP Mode Switching Process> Figure 20 shows an example of the internal processing sequence for PIP mode switching. In this figure, "OS" refers to the operating system executed by the processor 21 of the terminal 20. The OS is responsible for controlling the switching between the first application and other applications, managing the display area on the display 25, and the basic control of PIP mode display. The OS is realized by the processor 21 executing a system program stored in the storage device 22. The processing content of each step between the first application, the OS, and the display 25 will be described in detail below.

[0069] In step 1, the processor 21 of terminal 20 receives a switching operation via the input device 24 while executing the first application and notifies the OS of the switching request.

[0070] In step 2, the processor 21 performs conditional judgment processing within the first application. The processor 21 checks the contract status of a specific plan (first plan) by referring to the plan information stored in the storage device 22, and further determines the upload continuation status.

[0071] In step 3, the processor 21 executes the OS, performs screen switching, and controls the display 25 to display other applications or the home screen 300.

[0072] In step 4, the processor 21 issues a request to the OS to start and continue PIP mode from the first application, based on the condition determination result in step 2.

[0073] In step 5, the processor 21 executes the OS and controls the PIP screen display on the display 25, displaying the PIP mode screen 320 in a small size.

[0074] In step 6, processor 21 performs layout adjustment processing within the first application. Processor 21 performs dynamic calculations of size and position based on the currently displayed application information.

[0075] In step 7, the processor 21 executes the first application to generate progress information and controls the display 25 to update the display content of the PIP mode screen 320. The processor 21 continues to perform periodic update processing.

[0076] In step 8, the processor 21 detects a tap operation on the PIP mode screen 320 via the input device 24 and sends an operation notification to the first application.

[0077] In step 9, the processor 21 executes the first application to generate the operation menu and controls the display 25 to display the cancel icon 322 and the pause icon 324.

[0078] In step 10, the processor 21 detects a swipe operation (reduce operation) via the input device 24 and notifies the first application of the reduction request.

[0079] In step 11, the processor 21 performs icon conversion processing within the first application. The processor 21 converts the display data of the PIP mode screen 320 into the format of a PIP mode compatible icon 340.

[0080] In step 12, the processor 21 controls the display 25 to position and display the PIP mode-compatible icon 340 at the edge of the display 25.

[0081] In step 13, the processor 21 monitors the upload progress within the first application and detects when it is nearing completion based on predetermined conditions.

[0082] In step 14, the processor 21 executes the first application, performs the completion notification generation process, and controls the display 25 to display the notification object 330.

[0083] In step 15, the processor 21 performs the upload completion process within the first application and deactivates the application.

[0084] In step 16, the processor 21 executes the OS to perform PIP mode termination control and terminate the PIP mode display on the display 25.

[0085] <Technical Effects of Sequence Processing> The sequence processing shown in Figures 19 and 20 enables the processor 21 of terminal 20 to achieve the following technical effects.

[0086] Firstly, in steps 6-8 of Figure 19, the processor 21 achieves improved communication efficiency and reduced processing load by continuing to execute data transfer processing without interruption even after the application switching operation. Secondly, in steps 2 and 6 of Figure 20, the processor 21 improves the user experience and efficiently utilizes system resources by integrating plan management determination and layout adjustment processing within the first application. Thirdly, throughout the entire sequence in both figures, the processor 21 technically realizes continuous data processing in a multitasking environment.

[0087] <Integration with Data Management> The processor 21 of terminal 20 executes the sequence processing shown in Figures 19-20 in conjunction with the data tables shown in Figures 18A-C. The processor 21 refers to the information in the plan management table (Figure 18A) in step 2 of Figure 20, updates the information in the upload status management table (Figure 18B) in step 9 of Figure 19, and utilizes the information in the application management table (Figure 18C) in step 6 of Figure 20.

[0088] <Details of Technical Effects> The technical improvements in this embodiment are described in detail below. (1) Optimization of Processing Load In conventional applications, background processing is forcibly stopped, resulting in unnecessary processing load on the terminal processors 11 and 21. In this embodiment, processing is continued by displaying in PIP mode, enabling efficient use of processor resources and reducing the overall system processing load. (2) Improved Communication Efficiency Retransmission processing caused by interrupted data uploads leads to wasted communication bandwidth. This disclosure guarantees the continuation of uploads, improving bandwidth utilization efficiency in the communication interfaces 13 and 23 and reducing the communication load with the server 10. (3) Technological Innovation of User Interface Dynamic size and layout adjustment of the PIP mode screen 320 is achieved by adaptive layout technology according to the display application. This minimizes screen occupancy while maintaining visibility and improves user operation efficiency.

[0089] <Ensuring Data Integrity> In this embodiment, the data synchronization accuracy between the server 10 and the storage device 12 is improved by avoiding interruptions to the upload process. In particular, in the transfer of large amounts of image data, the integrity of the data stored in the storage device 12 is ensured by preventing data loss during the transfer.

[0090] This disclosure is not limited to the examples given above, and the examples above can be combined as appropriate.

[0091] <Note> [General Issues] One of the purposes of this disclosure is to enable effective use of the time while data transfer is being performed in a running application. Another purpose of this disclosure is to enable data transfer to continue even when switching applications.

[0092] [Note 1] A program that causes a computer equipped with a display and storage to accept the selection of data to be uploaded to a server from among the data stored in the storage on the first screen of a first application that is running and displayed in full screen on the display; to start uploading the selected data in response to a start operation received from the user; when predetermined conditions are met, including that the uploading of the selected data is in progress, the program accepts a switching operation to switch the application displayed in full screen on the display to another application different from the first application or to display the home screen, and displays the second screen of the first application in a size smaller than the full screen size and continues the upload; when the predetermined conditions are not met, the program accepts the switching operation and switches the first application to inactive, and does not display the second screen.

[0093] [Note 2] The program described in Note 1, which causes the computer to execute a process to terminate the display of the second screen and deactivate the first application when the upload of the target data is complete.

[0094] [Note 3] The program described in Note 1, wherein if the user selects to use a specific plan, the specific plan is associated with the user and stored in memory; if the specific plan is associated with the user and the upload of the target data is in progress, the program displays the second screen and continues the upload; and if the specific plan is not associated with the user and the upload of the target data is in progress, even if the program accepts the switching operation, the program deactivates the first application and does not display the second screen.

[0095] [Note 4] The program described in Note 1, which, when the upload of the target data is completed, displays a notification object on the display to notify that the upload is complete, if another application or home screen different from the first application is displayed on the display.

[0096] [Note 5] The program described in Note 4, which, when a selection operation to select the notification object is received, causes the screen of the first application to be displayed in full screen on the display.

[0097] [Note 6] The program according to Note 4, wherein, when the above predetermined conditions are met, at least one of the size of the second screen and its placement on the display is different when switching from the first application to the second application and when switching to the third application.

[0098] [Note 7] The program described in Note 6, which displays the notification object when the screen of the second application is displayed on the display, and does not display the notification object when the screen of the third application is displayed.

[0099] [Note 8] The program described in Note 1, which displays information on the second screen indicating the progress of uploading the target data.

[0100] [Note 9] The program described in Note 8, which, while the second screen is being displayed, switches the second screen to an icon display located at the edge of the display in response to user operation.

[0101] [Note 10] The program described in Note 1, which interrupts or cancels the upload in response to an operation received on the second screen.

[0102] [Note 11] The program described in Note 1, which updates the display of the second screen at predetermined time intervals even when the computer is locked.

[0103] [Note 12] An information processing method comprising: a processor allowing the user to select data to be uploaded to a server from among the data stored in the terminal's storage on the first screen of a first application that is running and displayed in full screen on the terminal's display; the processor starting the upload of the selected data in response to a start operation received from the user; when the processor meets predetermined conditions, including that the upload of the selected data is continuing, and receives a switching operation to switch the application displayed in full screen on the display to another application different from the first application or to display the home screen, the processor displaying the second screen of the first application in a size smaller than the full screen size and continuing the upload; and when the processor does not meet the predetermined conditions and receives the switching operation, the processor deactivating the first application and not displaying the second screen.

[0104] [Note 13] Information processing device connected to a terminal in a communicative manner, wherein, on the first screen of a first application that is running and displayed in full screen on the terminal's display, the terminal accepts the upload of target data selected from data stored in the terminal's storage, and when predetermined conditions are met, including that the upload of the target data is in progress, the terminal accepts a switching operation to switch the application displayed in full screen on the display to another application different from the first application or to display the home screen, the second screen of the first application is displayed in a size smaller than the full screen size, the upload continues, and, when the second screen is displayed on the terminal, the terminal displays a notification object on the display to notify that the upload is complete, depending on the timing when the upload of the target data is completed.

[0105] [Note 14] A system comprising a server and a terminal, wherein the terminal comprises a display and storage, and on the first screen of a first application that is running and displayed in full screen on the display, the terminal accepts the selection of data to be uploaded to the server from the data stored in the storage, and in response to a start operation received from the user, the system starts uploading the selected data, and when predetermined conditions are met, including that the upload of the selected data is in progress, the system accepts a switching operation to switch the application displayed in full screen on the display to another application different from the first application or to display the home screen, and displays the second screen of the first application in a size smaller than the full screen, and continues the upload, and when the predetermined conditions are not met, the system accepts the switching operation, and switches the first application to inactive, and does not display the second screen.

[0106] [Note 15] A program for a computer equipped with a display and storage, which, in response to a start operation received from a user, starts downloading target data from a server on the first screen of a first application that is running and displayed in full screen on the display, and when a switching operation is received to switch the application displayed in full screen on the display to another application different from the first application or to display the home screen, displays the second screen of the first application in a size smaller than the full screen size and continues the download, and when the switching operation is received and the predetermined conditions are not met, switches the first application to inactive and does not display the second screen.

[0107] [Note 16] The program described in Note 15, which causes the computer to perform a process to terminate the display of the second screen and deactivate the first application when the download of the target data is complete.

[0108] [Note 17] The program described in Note 15, wherein if the user selects to use a specific plan, the specific plan is associated with the user and stored in memory; if the specific plan is associated with the user and the download of the target data is in progress, the program displays the second screen and continues the download; and if the specific plan is not associated with the user and the download of the target data is in progress, even if the program accepts the switching operation, the program deactivates the first application and does not display the second screen.

[0109] [Note 18] The program described in Note 15, which, when the download of the target data is completed, displays a notification object on the display to notify that the download is complete, if another application or home screen different from the first application is displayed on the display.

[0110] [Note 19] The program described in Note 18, which, when a selection operation to select the notification object is received, causes the screen of the first application to be displayed in full screen on the display.

[0111] [Note 20] The program according to Note 19, wherein, when the above predetermined conditions are met, at least one of the size of the second screen and its placement on the display is different when switching from the first application to the second application and when switching to the third application.

[0112] [Note 21] The program described in Note 20, which displays the notification object when the screen of the second application is displayed on the display, and does not display the notification object when the screen of the third application is displayed.

[0113] [Note 22] The program described in Note 15, which displays information on the second screen indicating the progress of the download of the target data.

[0114] [Note 23] The program described in Note 22, which, in response to user operation while the second screen is being displayed, switches the second screen to an icon display located at the edge of the display.

[0115] [Note 24] The program described in Note 15, which interrupts or cancels the download in response to an operation received on the second screen.

[0116] [Note 25] The program described in Note 15, which updates the display of the second screen at predetermined time intervals even when the computer is locked.

[0117] [Note 26] A program for a computer equipped with a display and storage, which, in response to a start operation received from a user, initiates communication of target data with a server on the first screen of a first application that is running and displayed in full screen on the display; when predetermined conditions are met, including that the communication of the target data is continuing, the program receives a switching operation to switch the application displayed in full screen on the display to another application different from the first application or to display the home screen, and displays the second screen of the first application at a size smaller than the full screen size to continue the communication; and when the predetermined conditions are not met, the program receives the switching operation and switches the first application to inactive, preventing the display of the second screen.

[0118] N Network 1 System 10 Server 11 Processor 12 Storage Device 13 Communication Interface 14 Input Device 15 Output Device (Display) 20 Terminal 21 Processor 22 Storage Device 23 Communication Interface 24 Input Device 25 Output Device 26 Camera 100 Plan Selection Screen 110 First Plan Display Area 112 Annual Plan Selection Object 114 Monthly Plan Selection Object 120 Second Plan Display Area 130 Selection Button 200 Upload Image Selection Screen 210 Image Selection Area by Date 212 Batch Selection Object 214 Image Display Area 216 Individual Selection Object 220 First Destination Selection Button 230 Second Destination Selection Button 240 Upload Start Notification Object 300 Home Screen 310 First Application Icon 312 Second Application Icon 314 Third Application Icon 320 PIP Mode Screen 322 Cancel icon 324 Pause icon 330 Notification object 340 PIP mode compatible icon 350 PIP mode screen 400 Application selection screen 410 First application 412 Second application 414 Third application 500 Second application screen 510 Object display area 520 PIP mode screen 600 Third application screen 610 Video display area 620 PIP mode screen 700 Download data selection screen 710 Download button

Claims

1. An information processing method for a computer equipped with a display and storage, which allows the computer to receive a selection of data to be uploaded to a server from among the data stored in the storage on the first screen of a first application that is running and displayed in full screen on the display; to start uploading the selected data in response to a start operation received from the user; when predetermined conditions are met, including that the uploading of the selected data is in progress, the computer receives a switching operation to switch the application displayed in full screen on the display to another application different from the first application or to display the home screen, and displays the second screen of the first application at a size smaller than the full screen, and continues the upload; and when the predetermined conditions are not met, the computer receives the switching operation, and switches the first application to inactive, and does not display the second screen.

2. The information processing method according to claim 1, which causes the computer to perform a process to terminate the display of the second screen and deactivate the first application when the upload of the target data is completed.

3. The information processing method according to claim 1, wherein if the user selects to use a specific plan, the specific plan is associated with the user and stored in memory; if the specific plan is associated with the user and the upload of the target data is in progress, when the switching operation is received, the second screen is displayed and the upload is continued; and if the specific plan is not associated with the user and the upload of the target data is in progress, when the switching operation is received, the first application is deactivated and the second screen is not displayed.

4. The information processing method according to claim 1, wherein, at the time the upload of the target data is completed, if another application or the home screen different from the first application is displayed on the display, a notification object for notifying that the upload is complete is displayed on the display.

5. The information processing method according to claim 4, wherein when a selection operation for selecting the notification object is received, the screen of the first application is displayed in full screen on the display.

6. The information processing method according to claim 4, wherein, when the predetermined conditions are met, at least one of the size of the second screen and its placement on the display is different when switching from the first application to the second application and when switching to the third application.

7. The information processing method according to claim 6, wherein the notification object is displayed when the screen of the second application is displayed on the display, and the notification object is not displayed when the screen of the third application is displayed.

8. The information processing method according to claim 1, wherein the second screen displays information indicating the progress of uploading the target data.

9. The information processing method according to claim 8, wherein, in response to user operation while the second screen is being displayed, the second screen is switched to an icon display located at the edge of the display.

10. The information processing method according to claim 1, wherein the upload is interrupted or canceled in response to an operation received on the second screen.

11. The information processing method according to claim 1, wherein the display of the second screen is updated at predetermined time intervals even when the computer is locked.

12. Information processing device connected to a terminal in a communicative manner, wherein, on the first screen of a first application that is running and displayed in full screen on the terminal's display, the device accepts from the terminal the upload of target data selected from data stored in the terminal's storage, and when predetermined conditions are met, including that the upload of the target data is in progress, the device accepts a switching operation from the terminal to switch the application displayed in full screen on the display to another application different from the first application or to display the home screen, the device displays the second screen of the first application in a size smaller than the full screen size, the upload continues, and, when the second screen is displayed on the terminal, displays a notification object on the display to notify the terminal that the upload of the target data is complete, depending on the timing when the upload of the target data is completed.

13. A system comprising a server and a terminal, wherein the terminal comprises a display and storage, and on the first screen of a first application that is running and displayed in full screen on the display, the terminal accepts the selection of data to be uploaded to the server from the data stored in the storage, and in response to a start operation received from the user, the system starts uploading the selected data, and when predetermined conditions are met, including that the upload of the selected data is in progress, the system accepts a switching operation to switch the application displayed in full screen on the display to another application different from the first application or to display the home screen, and displays the second screen of the first application in a size smaller than the full screen, and continues the upload, and when the predetermined conditions are not met, the system accepts the switching operation, and switches the first application to inactive, and does not display the second screen.

14. Information storage medium storing a program for a computer equipped with a display and storage, which, in response to a start operation received from a user, initiates communication of target data with a server on the first screen of a first application that is running and displayed in full screen on the display; when predetermined conditions are met, including that the communication of the target data is continuing, the system receives a switching operation to switch the application displayed in full screen on the display to another application different from the first application or to display the home screen, and displays the second screen of the first application at a size smaller than the full screen size to continue the communication; and when the predetermined conditions are not met, the system receives the switching operation, it switches the first application to inactive and does not display the second screen.

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