JP7818758B2 - Electronic catalog device, electronic catalog output method, and program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an electronic catalog device that outputs electronic catalogs.

Previously, there were systems that scanned paper catalogs, converted them into electronic catalogs, and then managed and output those electronic catalogs (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2009-151466 A

However, conventional technology provided electronic catalogs consisting of many pages, which did not make it easy to browse a large number of products.

The electronic catalog device of the first invention comprises: a product information storage unit that stores two or more pieces of product information, each having different product-related information for a product, in two or more layers, including a first layer and a second layer, in association with two or more product identifiers; a first screen composition unit that references the product information storage unit and composes a first screen including a second box using second information that is product-related information in the second layer for one product and one or more first boxes using first information that is product-related information in the first layer for other products other than the first product; a first screen output unit that outputs the first screen; a selection receiving unit that accepts a first selection for one of the first boxes for one or more other products that composes the first screen; a second screen composition unit that, when the selection receiving unit accepts the first selection, composes a second screen in which a second box using second information for another product that corresponds to the one first box corresponding to the first selection is placed in place of the second box on the first screen; and a second screen output unit that outputs the second screen.

This configuration makes it possible to provide an electronic catalog that makes it easy to browse a large number of products.

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

This configuration makes it possible to provide an electronic catalog that makes it easy to browse a large number of products.

Furthermore, the electronic catalog device of the third invention is an electronic catalog device in which, compared to the second invention, the second screen configuration unit places the first box of one product in the position of the first box of another product corresponding to the first selection, thereby configuring the second screen.

This configuration makes it possible to provide an electronic catalog that makes it easy to browse a large number of products.

Furthermore, the electronic catalog device of the fourth invention, compared to any one of the first to third inventions, further comprises a display information storage unit that stores two or more display information items corresponding to one or more of the two or more pieces of product information; a first layer configuration unit that configures a first layer screen including two or more upper boxes using each of the two or more display information items; and a first layer output unit that outputs the first layer screen; the selection receiving unit accepts a second selection for one of the two or more upper boxes that configure the first layer screen; and, when the selection receiving unit accepts the second selection, the electronic catalog device further comprises a third screen configuration unit that configures a third screen including the upper box corresponding to the second selection and one or more first boxes using first information contained in each of the one or more pieces of product information that corresponds to the display information for the upper box; and a third screen output unit that outputs the third screen.

This configuration makes it possible to provide an electronic catalog that makes it easy to browse a large number of products.

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

This configuration makes it possible to provide an electronic catalog that makes it easy to browse a large number of products.

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

This configuration makes it possible to provide an electronic catalog that makes it easy to browse a large number of products.

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

This configuration makes it possible to provide an electronic catalog that makes it easy to browse a large number of products.

The electronic catalog device of the present invention can provide an electronic catalog that makes it easy to browse a large number of products.

Conceptual diagram of catalog system A in embodiment 1 Block diagram of the catalog system A Block diagram of the electronic catalog device 1 1 is a flowchart illustrating a first example of the operation of the electronic catalog device 1. 1 is a flowchart illustrating a first example of the operation of the electronic catalog device 1. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a second example of the operation of the electronic catalog device 1. A flowchart illustrating an example of the screen configuration process. A diagram showing the hierarchical information that makes up the electronic catalogue A diagram showing the product-related information management table FIG. 10 shows the display information management table. A diagram showing the screen definition table Figure showing an example of the output Figure showing an example of the output Figure showing an example of the output Overview of the computer system Block diagram of the computer system

Embodiments of electronic catalog devices and the like will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that components with the same reference numerals in the embodiments perform similar operations, and therefore may not be described again.

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

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

Figure 1 is a conceptual diagram of catalog system A in this embodiment. Catalog system A includes an electronic catalog device 1 and one or more terminal devices 2.

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

The terminal device 2 is a device used by a user to view the electronic catalog. The terminal device 2 may be, for example, a personal computer, a tablet terminal, a smartphone, or the like, and the type of device is not important.

Figure 2 is a block diagram of catalog system A in this embodiment. Figure 3 is a block diagram of electronic catalog device 1.

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

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

The storage unit 11 that constitutes the electronic catalog device 1 stores various types of information. Examples of such information include product information (described below), display information (described below), and screen definition information (described below).

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

Product-related information is information about a product. Product-related information is usually information that introduces or explains a product. While product-related information is preferably a still image, it can also be video, text, or information containing multiple data types, and the data type is not important. In a hierarchy of two or more levels, the lower the level, the more detailed the product-related information is preferably.

It is preferable that product information corresponds to one or more product attribute values. Product attribute values include, for example, product type, category, and price. Note that product type and category may be the same information.

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

The display information and product information can be associated in any way. The display information and product information can be associated by a link or by a product attribute value condition. A product attribute value condition is information about one or more product attribute values. Examples of product attribute value conditions are "Category = Natural," "Category = Modern," and "Product Type = Office Furniture." In other words, the display information can correspond to a product attribute value condition.

The displayed information is preferably a still image, but can also be a video, a string of characters, or information containing multiple data types; the data type is not important.

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

The type identifier is information that identifies the type of information that makes up the screen, such as "display information," "first-level product-related information (which may also be called first information)," "second-level product-related information (which may also be called second information)," or "third-level product-related information (which may also be called third information)."

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

The screen definition storage unit 113 stores an initial screen identifier. The initial screen identifier is information that identifies the first screen to be displayed. The storage of an initial screen identifier is equivalent to the existence of the first screen to be displayed.

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

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

The selection receiving unit 121 accepts a selection for one of one or more boxes that make up the screen. A box is a user interface component that contains product-related information or display information and can be selected by the user. A box may be, for example, a button, but the type of box is not important. A selection for a box may also be referred to as a selection for information (e.g., display information, product-related information). The boxes may be, for example, a higher-level box containing display information, a first box containing first information, or a second box containing second information. The display information and the higher-level box may be considered the same. The first information and the first box may be considered the same. Furthermore, the second information and the second box may be considered the same. Product-related information typically includes information about a single product, but may also include information about two or more products, such as products sold as a set. The two or more products do not have to be sold as a set.

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

A first screen is a screen that includes a second box corresponding to one product and one or more first boxes corresponding to products other than the one product. The first box is a box constructed using first information. The second box is a box constructed using second information. The first information is product-related information at the first level among the product-related information that constitutes a hierarchical structure. The second information is product-related information at the second level among the product-related information that constitutes a hierarchical structure.

The second screen, described below, has the same structure as the first screen. The second screen, described below, is the first screen that appears when you transition from one first screen to another first screen that contains different information.

The selection receiving unit 121 receives, for example, a second selection for one of two or more upper boxes that make up the first layer screen. The first layer screen is a screen that includes two or more upper boxes. The upper boxes are boxes that are configured using display information.

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

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

The selection receiving unit 121, for example, receives a first selection for one of one or more first boxes on the third screen.

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

The processing unit 13 performs various types of processing. These types of processing include, for example, processing performed by the screen composition unit 131 and the screen transition unit 132.

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

The screen composition unit 131 composes the screen to be output. The output screen composes an electronic catalog. The screen composition unit 131 composes the screen using one or more of the product-related information and display information stored in the product information storage unit 111. Compose a screen using product-related information is equivalent to compose a screen using boxes containing the product-related information. Compose a screen using display information is equivalent to compose a screen using upper boxes containing the display information.

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

For example, when the screen transition unit 132 acquires the next screen identifier (transition screen identifier), the screen configuration unit 131 configures a screen including one or more boxes using one or more pieces of product-related information or one or more pieces of display information identified by one or more type identifiers paired with the screen identifier, and which are hierarchically connected to the information corresponding to the selected box. Note that the hierarchically connected pieces of information are typically product-related information one level lower.

For example, if the screen transition unit 132 does not obtain the screen identifier of the next screen to transition to, the screen configuration unit 131 configures a screen that includes a box corresponding to product-related information that corresponds to the next lower hierarchical level, in relation to the information corresponding to the selected box.

The first layer configuration unit 1311 configures a first layer screen that includes two or more upper boxes using two or more pieces of display information. The first layer screen is usually the initial screen.

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

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

The third screen includes a higher-level box and one or more first boxes. The first boxes included in the third screen are boxes that use first information at a lower level in the display information for the higher-level box included in the third screen. The first information at a lower level in the display information is first information contained in the product information corresponding to the display information.

Here, the first screen configured by the first screen configuration unit 1312 is a screen in which, instead of the higher-level boxes of the third screen, a second box corresponding to one first box corresponding to a first selection is arranged. A second box corresponding to a first box is a box containing second information at a lower level than the first information contained in the first box. It is also preferable that the first screen configured by the first screen configuration unit 1312 is a screen that includes at least one first box that was not selected among the first boxes of the third screen. Note that a box corresponding to a selection is a selected box.

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

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

It is preferable that the second screen configuration unit 1313 configures the second screen by placing the first box of one product in the position of the first box of another product corresponding to the first selection. In such a case, it is preferable that the second screen does not have a first box of the other product corresponding to the first selection, but it may have such a first box.

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

It is preferable that the third screen configuration unit 1314 configures a third screen in which the position of the top box corresponding to the second selection does not change relative to the first layer screen.

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

The screen transition unit 132 determines the next screen to transition to. For example, the screen transition unit 132 obtains a transition screen identifier that identifies the next screen to transition to.

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

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

The output unit 14 outputs various information. The various information may be, for example, various screens. The various screens constitute an electronic catalog.

Here, output typically means transmission to terminal device 2, but it may also include the concept of displaying on a display, projecting using a projector, printing on a printer, storing on a recording medium, or passing on the processing results to another processing device or another program, etc.

The screen output unit 141 outputs the screen constructed by the screen construction unit 131.

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

The first screen output unit 1412 outputs the first screen constructed by the first screen construction unit 1312.

The second screen output unit 1413 outputs the second screen configured by the second screen configuration unit 1313.

The third screen output unit 1414 outputs the third screen constructed by the third screen construction unit 1314.

The terminal storage unit 21 that constitutes the terminal device 2 stores various types of information. For example, this information may be a user identifier.

The terminal reception unit 22 receives various types of information or instructions. Examples of various types of information or instructions include output instructions, order instructions, and various selections. An output instruction is an instruction to output an electronic catalog. An order instruction is an instruction to order a product using an electronic catalog.

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

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

The terminal transmission unit 24 transmits various instructions and information. Examples of such instructions and information include output instructions, order instructions, and various selections.

The terminal receiving unit 25 receives various information. This information may be, for example, various screens that make up an electronic catalog.

The terminal output unit 26 outputs various types of information. For example, various types of information are the various screens that make up an electronic catalog. Here, "output" typically refers to displaying on a display, but it may also include projection using a projector, storage on a recording medium, or transfer of processing results to another processing device or another program.

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

The process by which information is stored in the storage unit 11, etc. is not important. For example, information may be stored in the storage unit 11, etc. via a recording medium, information transmitted via a communication line, etc. may be stored in the storage unit 11, etc., or information input via an input device may be stored in the storage unit 11, etc.

The reception unit 12, selection reception unit 121, and terminal reception unit 25 are preferably implemented using wireless or wired communication means, but may also be implemented using broadcast reception means, device drivers for input means such as touch panels and keyboards, or control software for menu screens.

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

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

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

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

Next, we will explain an example of the operation of catalog system A. First, we will explain a first example of the operation of electronic catalog device 1 using the flowcharts in Figures 4 and 5.

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

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

(Step S403) The screen composition unit 131 assigns 1 to counter i.

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

(Step S405) The first layer construction unit 1311 constructs a top box containing the i-th display information.

(Step S406) The screen composition unit 131 increments counter i by 1. Return to step S404.

(Step S407) The first layer construction unit 1311 constructs a first layer screen including one or more upper boxes obtained in step S404.

Note that the first layer configuration unit 1311 may configure a first layer screen that includes boxes other than the upper box. It is preferable that the boxes other than the upper box are first boxes. The first layer configuration unit 1311 configures a first layer screen that includes, for example, one or more upper boxes and one or more first boxes in a lower layer below one of the upper boxes.

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

The first layer screen and other screens (e.g., first screen, second screen, third screen, fourth screen) output by the screen output unit 141 are typically screen information that constitutes the screen displayed on the terminal device 2. The screen information is realized, for example, by HTML, XML, a program, etc., but the application in which it is realized is not important.

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

Note that the second selection here refers to a selection for one of the top boxes on the first layer screen output on the device used by the user.

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

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

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

(Step S413) The third screen output unit 1414 outputs the third screen configured in step S412.

(Step S414) The selection receiving unit 121 determines whether a third selection has been accepted for the output third screen. If a third selection has been accepted, the process proceeds to step S415; if not, the process proceeds to step S417.

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

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

(Step S417) The selection receiving unit 121 determines whether or not a first selection has been accepted for the output third screen. If a first selection has been accepted, the process proceeds to step S418; if not, the process returns to step S414.

(Step S418) The first screen configuration unit 1312 obtains, from the product information storage unit 111, second information at a lower level than the first information corresponding to the first selection received in step S417.

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

(Step S420) The first screen configuration unit 1312 configures a first screen in which the second box configured in step S419 is placed in place of the upper box of the third screen. It is preferable that the first screen have at least one first box, excluding the first box corresponding to the first selection, from among the one or more first boxes of the third screen.

(Step S421) The first screen output unit 1412 outputs the first screen configured in step S420.

(Step S422) The selection receiving unit 121 determines whether a first selection has been accepted for the output first screen. If a first selection has been accepted, the process proceeds to step S423; if not, the process proceeds to step S427.

(Step S423) The second screen configuration unit 1313 obtains, from the product information storage unit 111, second information at a lower level than the first information for the first box corresponding to the first selection.

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

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

(Step S426) The second screen output unit 1413 outputs the second screen configured in step S425. The process returns to step S422. Note that since the second screen has the same structure as the first screen, after returning to step S422, the screen being output is the first screen.

(Step S427) The selection receiving unit 121 determines whether a fourth selection has been received for the output first screen. If a fourth selection has been received, proceed to step S428; if not, return to step S422.

(Step S428) The third screen composition unit 1314 obtains display information of a higher hierarchical level of the second information corresponding to the second block for the fourth selection from the display information storage unit 112.

(Step S429) The third screen composition unit 1314 composes a parent box containing the display information obtained in step S428.

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

(Step S431) The third screen output unit 1414 outputs the third screen configured in step S430. Proceed to step S414.

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

Next, a second example of operation of the electronic catalog device 1 will be explained using the flowchart in Figure 6.

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

(Step S602) The screen configuration unit 131 obtains the initial screen identifier from the screen definition storage unit 113.

(Step S603) The screen composition unit 131 performs screen composition processing using the acquired screen identifier. An example of the screen composition processing is described using the flowchart in Figure 7.

(Step S604) The screen output unit 141 outputs the screen created in step S603. Return to step S601.

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

(Step S606) The screen composition unit 131 obtains the type identifier (e.g., "Display Information," "First Information," or "Second Information") of a box corresponding to the selection accepted in step S605.

(Step S607) The screen composition unit 131 determines whether a transition screen identifier that pairs with the screen identifier identifying the output screen and that pairs with the type identifier acquired in step S606 exists in the screen definition storage unit 113. If the transition screen identifier exists, the process proceeds to step S603; if not, the process proceeds to step S608. Note that if the transition screen identifier exists, the screen composition unit 131 acquires the transition screen identifier.

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

(Step S609) The screen transition unit 132 obtains the screen identifier of the most recently displayed higher-level screen. The screen hierarchy is, for example, "first layer screen → third screen → first screen (second screen)." It is also assumed that information identifying the screen hierarchy is managed, for example, in the screen definition storage unit 113.

(Step S610) The screen output unit 141 outputs the screen identified by the screen identifier obtained in step S609. Return to step S601. Note that in addition to information about the currently output screen, information about screens output in the past is assumed to be stored, for example, in a buffer (not shown).

(Step S611) The screen composition unit 131 obtains product-related information at a lower level than the information in the box corresponding to the selection accepted in step S605.

(Step S612) The screen configuration unit 131 configures a lower-level box containing the product-related information for the lower level obtained in step S611.

(Step S613) The screen composition unit 131 composes a screen including the box composed in step S612.

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

(Step S614) The screen output unit 141 outputs the screen created in step S613. Return to step S601.

Next, an example of the screen configuration process in step S603 will be explained using the flowchart in Figure 7.

(Step S701) The screen composition unit 131 assigns 1 to counter i.

(Step S702) The screen configuration unit 131 determines whether the i-th type identifier that pairs with the acquired screen identifier exists in the screen definition storage unit 113. If the i-th type identifier exists, proceed to step S703; if not, proceed to step S706.

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

(Step S704) The screen composition unit 131 acquires one or more boxes each containing one or more pieces of information acquired in step S703.

(Step S705) The screen composition unit 131 increments counter i by 1. Return to step S702.

(Step S706) The screen composition unit 131 composes a screen on which one or more boxes are arranged for each type identifier obtained in step S704. The process returns to the upper-level process.

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

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

Below, we will explain a specific example of the operation of catalog system A in this embodiment.

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

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

Figure 10 shows an example of a display information management table that manages display information from the hierarchical information shown in Figure 8. The display information management table has "display information identifier," "display information," and "product attribute value condition." Here, the "product attribute value condition" links (hierarchically organizes) the "display information" with one or more pieces of "first information." In other words, below the "display information" are connected one or more pieces of "first information" that are paired with attribute values that satisfy the "product attribute value condition."

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

Furthermore, the screen definition storage unit 113 stores the initial screen identifier "first layer screen."

In this situation, let's say the user inputs an output instruction into the terminal device 2. Next, the terminal device 2 accepts the output instruction and sends it to the electronic catalog device 1.

Next, the reception unit 12 of the electronic catalog device 1 receives the output instruction. Next, the screen configuration unit 131 obtains the initial screen identifier "first layer screen" from the screen definition storage unit 113.

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

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

Then, the terminal device 2 receives and outputs the first layer screen. An example of such output is shown in Figure 12(a).

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

Next, the selection reception unit 121 of the electronic catalog device 1 receives selection information including the display information identifier "IMG1."

Next, the screen composition unit 131 obtains the type identifier "display information" from the display information identifier "IMG1" contained in the received selection information. Next, the screen composition unit 131 obtains the transition screen identifier "third screen" that pairs with the screen identifier "first layer screen" of the output screen and with the obtained type identifier "display information" from the screen definition table (Figure 11).

Next, the screen configuration unit 131 obtains the type identifiers "display information" and "first information" that are paired with the transition screen identifier "third screen" from the screen definition table (Figure 11). Next, the screen configuration unit 131 obtains the display information (image of IMG1) that corresponds to the type identifier "display information" and is paired with the display information identifier "IMG1" that corresponds to the received selection information from the display information management table (Figure 10). The screen configuration unit 131 also obtains the product attribute value condition "Category = Natural" that is paired with the display information identifier "IMG1" that corresponds to the selection from the display information management table (Figure 10). Then, the screen configuration unit 131 obtains n pieces of first information (IMG11, IMG12, ..., IMG1n) that correspond to the obtained type identifier "first information" and satisfy the product attribute value condition from the product-related information management table (Figure 9). Next, the screen configuration unit 131 obtains layout information paired with the screen identifier "third screen" from the screen definition table (Figure 11). Then, in accordance with this layout information, the screen configuration unit 131 configures a third screen in which an upper box containing display information "IMG1" and n first boxes containing n pieces of first information (IMG11, IMG12, ..., IMG1n) are arranged. Note that here, the number of first boxes, n, is assumed to be 11.

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

Then, the terminal device 2 receives and outputs the third screen. An example of such output is shown in Figure 12(b).

Next, the user selects one box 1202 in Figure 12 (b). Next, the terminal device 2 accepts the selection and transmits it to the electronic catalog device 1. Note that the transmitted selection information includes information identifying the selected box (here, the identifier of the first information, "IMG11").

Next, the selection reception unit 121 of the electronic catalog device 1 receives selection information including the first information identifier "IMG11."

Next, the screen composition unit 131 obtains the type identifier "First Information" from the first information identifier "IMG11" contained in the received information. Next, the screen composition unit 131 obtains the transition screen identifier "First Screen" that pairs with the screen identifier "Third Screen" of the screen being output and that pairs with the obtained type identifier "First Information."

Next, the screen configuration unit 131 obtains the type identifiers "First Information" and "Second Information" that are paired with the screen identifier "First Screen" from the screen definition table (Figure 11). Next, the screen configuration unit 131 obtains the product-related information "IMG111" that corresponds to the selected "IMG11" and the obtained type identifier "Second Information" from the product information management table (Figure 9). The screen configuration unit 131 also obtains 10 pieces of first information that correspond to the obtained type identifier "First Information" and are first information excluding the selected "IMG11", and that correspond to the boxes of the third screen that have been temporarily stored in the buffer.

Next, the screen composition unit 131 acquires a second box containing the acquired second information "IMG111" and first boxes corresponding to each of the acquired 10 pieces of first information. The screen composition unit 131 then constructs a first screen in which the second box of "IMG111" and the first boxes of 10 are arranged according to the layout information paired with the screen identifier "first screen" (see Figure 11).

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

Then, the terminal device 2 receives and outputs the first screen. Examples of such output are shown in Figure 12(c) or Figure 13(a).

Next, the user selects one box 1301 in Figure 13(a). Next, the terminal device 2 accepts the selection and transmits it to the electronic catalog device 1. Note that the transmitted selection information includes information identifying the selected box (here, the first information identifier "IMG12").

Next, the selection reception unit 121 of the electronic catalog device 1 receives selection information including the first information identifier "IMG12."

Next, the screen composition unit 131 obtains the type identifier "First Information" from the first information identifier "IMG12" contained in the received information. Next, the screen composition unit 131 determines that it is unable to obtain a transition screen identifier that pairs with the screen identifier "First Screen" of the screen being output and that pairs with the obtained type identifier "First Information" (see Figure 11).

Next, the screen composition unit 131 references the product information management table (Figure 11) and determines that the information "IMG12" for the box corresponding to the accepted selection is not the lowest-level product-related information. Next, the screen composition unit 131 obtains, from the product information management table, second information (lower-level product-related information) "IMG121" that pairs with the information "IMG12" for the box corresponding to the accepted selection. The screen composition unit 131 then composes a second box that includes the second information "IMG121".

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

Next, the screen composition unit 131 composes a first screen by arranging the second box of "IMG121" and the 10 acquired first boxes according to the layout information paired with the screen identifier "first screen."

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

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

Next, the user selects one box 1302 in Figure 13 (b). Next, the terminal device 2 accepts the selection and transmits it to the electronic catalog device 1. Note that the transmitted selection information includes information identifying the selected box (here, the second information identifier "IMG121").

Next, the selection reception unit 121 of the electronic catalog device 1 receives selection information including the second information identifier "IMG121."

Next, the screen composition unit 131 obtains the type identifier "Second Information" from the second information identifier "IMG121" contained in the received information. Next, the screen composition unit 131 obtains the transition screen identifier "Third Screen" that pairs with the screen identifier "First Screen" of the output screen and with the obtained type identifier "Second Information" (see Figure 11).

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

The screen composition unit 131 also obtains the first information corresponding to the type identifier "first information" and contained in the immediately preceding screen from the screen information stored in a buffer (not shown). The screen composition unit 131 also obtains the first information "IMG12", which is higher in the hierarchy and pairs with the second information identifier "IMG121". As a result, the screen composition unit 131 obtains 11 pieces of first information. The screen composition unit 131 then obtains 11 first boxes containing each of the 11 pieces of first information.

Next, the screen configuration unit 131 configures the third screen by arranging the acquired top box and the 11 first boxes in accordance with the layout information paired with the screen identifier "third screen" (see Figure 11).

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

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

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

Then, the terminal device 2 receives and outputs the first layer screen. An example of such output is shown in Figure 12(a).

As described above, this embodiment provides an electronic catalog that makes it easy to browse a large number of products.

In particular, this embodiment provides an electronic catalog that makes it easy to browse a large number of products by dynamically changing the product-related information displayed according to the block selected, without the need for the concept of pages or the operation of turning pages.

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

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

Also, when 1403 is selected in Figure 14(a), the screen transitions to the screen in Figure 14(b) by the operation described above. The second information corresponding to the first information in 1403 is 1404.

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

In this embodiment, the electronic catalog device 1 may also be a standalone device. In such a case, the reception unit 12 and selection reception unit 121 receive selections from the user. Furthermore, the output unit 14, screen output unit 141, first layer output unit 1411, first screen output unit 1412, second screen output unit 1413, and third screen output unit 1414 typically display an electronic catalog screen or the like on a display.

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

The software for realizing the electronic catalog device 1 in this embodiment is, for example, the following program. That is, this program includes a computer that can access a product information storage unit that stores two or more pieces of product information, each having different product-related information about a product in two or more hierarchical levels, associated with two or more product identifiers; a display information storage unit that stores two or more pieces of display information to which at least one of the two or more pieces of product information is associated; a screen definition storage unit that stores two or more pieces of screen definition information, each associated with two or more screen identifiers, having one or more type identifiers that indicate the type of information that constitutes the screen and, for each of one or more type identifiers among the one or more type identifiers, a screen identifier of a screen to which the screen transitions when selected; a screen configuration unit that configures a screen including boxes corresponding to one or more pieces of product-related information and display information of a type identified by one or more type identifiers that correspond to the initial screen identifier; a screen output unit that outputs the screen configured by the screen configuration unit; and a program that receives a selection for one of the boxes included in the screen output by the screen output unit. a selection receiving unit configured to receive the selection from the screen definition storage unit; and a screen transition unit that, when the selection receiving unit receives the selection, retrieves from the screen definition storage unit a screen identifier of a next screen to be transitioned to that is a screen identifier corresponding to the one box for the selection and that pairs with the type identifier corresponding to the one box; when the screen transition unit retrieves the screen identifier of the next screen to be transitioned to, the screen configuration unit configures a screen including one or more boxes using one or more pieces of product-related information or one or more pieces of display information identified by one or more type identifiers that pair with the screen identifier and that are hierarchically connected to the information corresponding to the one box; when the screen transition unit does not retrieve the screen identifier of the next screen to be transitioned to, configures a screen including a box corresponding to product-related information that is one hierarchically lower in the hierarchy than the information corresponding to the one box; and the screen output unit outputs the screen configured by the screen configuration unit.

Figure 15 also shows the appearance of a computer that executes the programs described herein to realize the electronic catalog device 1 and other embodiments described above. The above-described embodiments can be realized by computer hardware and computer programs executed on the computer hardware. Figure 15 is an overview of this computer system 300, and Figure 16 is a block diagram of system 300.

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

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

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

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

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

Furthermore, the computer that executes the above program may be a single computer or multiple computers. In other words, it may perform centralized processing or distributed processing.

It goes without saying that in each of the above embodiments, two or more communication means present in one device may be physically realized using a single medium.

Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments, each process may be realized by centralized processing on a single device, or may be realized by distributed processing on multiple devices.

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

As described above, the electronic catalog device of the present invention has the effect of providing an electronic catalog that allows easy browsing of a large number of products, and is useful as a server that provides electronic catalogs, etc.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Electronic catalog device 2 Terminal device 11 Storage unit 12 Reception unit 13 Processing unit 14 Output unit 21 Terminal storage unit 22 Terminal reception unit 23 Terminal processing unit 24 Terminal transmission unit 25 Terminal reception unit 26 Terminal output unit 111 Product information storage unit 112 Display information storage unit 113 Screen definition storage unit 121 Selection reception unit 131 Screen configuration unit 132 Screen transition unit 141 Screen output unit 1311 First layer configuration unit 1312 First screen configuration unit 1313 Second screen configuration unit 1314 Third screen configuration unit 1411 First layer output unit 1412 First screen output unit 1413 Second screen output unit 1414 Third screen output unit

Claims (11)

a product information storage unit that stores two or more pieces of product information having different product-related information about products in each of two or more layers including a first layer and a second layer, in association with each of two or more product identifiers;
a first screen configuration unit that references the product information storage unit and configures a first screen including a second box using second information that is product-related information of a second layer of one product, and one or more first boxes using first information that is product-related information of a first layer of other products than the one product;
a first screen output unit that outputs the first screen;
a selection receiving unit that receives a first selection for one first box among the first boxes of the one or more other products that configure the first screen;
a second screen configuration unit that, when the selection receiving unit receives the first selection, configures a second screen in which a second box using second information of another product corresponding to the one first box corresponding to the first selection is arranged in place of the second box on the first screen;
and a second screen output unit that outputs the second screen. The second screen composition unit
The electronic catalog device of claim 1, wherein when the selection receiving unit receives the first selection, a second box using second information of another product corresponding to the one first box corresponding to the first selection is placed in place of the second box on the first screen, and a first box using first information of the one product is placed in place of the first box of the other product corresponding to the first selection. The second screen composition unit
3. The electronic catalog device according to claim 2, wherein the second screen is configured by arranging the first box of the one product in the position of the first box of the other product corresponding to the first selection. a display information storage unit that stores two or more pieces of display information to which one or more pieces of product information correspond;
a first layer construction unit that constructs a first layer screen including two or more upper boxes using each of the two or more pieces of display information;
a first layer output unit that outputs the first layer screen,
The selection receiving unit
accepting a second selection for one of the two or more upper boxes constituting the first layer screen;
a third screen configuration unit that, when the selection receiving unit receives the second selection, configures a third screen including a higher order box corresponding to the second selection and one or more first boxes using first information contained in one or more pieces of product information corresponding to display information for the higher order box;
4. The electronic catalog device according to claim 1, further comprising a third screen output unit that outputs the third screen. The selection receiving unit
accepting a third selection for the top box on the third screen;
a screen transition unit that determines the first layer screen instead of the third screen when the selection receiving unit receives the third selection,
The first layer output unit
outputting the first layer screen instead of the third screen in accordance with the decision of the screen transition unit;
The selection receiving unit
receiving, on the third screen, a first selection for one of the one or more first boxes;
The first screen configuration unit
when the selection receiving unit receives the first selection while the third screen is being output, a first screen is configured in which a second box using second information corresponding to one of the first boxes is arranged in place of the upper box,
The first screen output unit
5. The electronic catalog device according to claim 4, wherein the first screen is output. The third screen composition unit is
6. The electronic catalog device according to claim 4, wherein the third screen is configured such that the position of the one upper box is not changed relative to the first layer screen. a product information storage unit that stores two or more pieces of product information, each of which has different product-related information relating to a product in each of two or more layers, in association with each of two or more product identifiers;
a display information storage unit that stores two or more pieces of display information to which one or more pieces of product information correspond;
a screen definition storage unit that stores, in association with each of the two or more screen identifiers, two or more pieces of screen definition information each having one or more type identifiers that are types of information constituting a screen, and a screen identifier of a screen to which the screen transitions when selected for each of the one or more type identifiers, and an initial screen identifier that identifies an initial screen;
a screen configuration unit that configures a screen including boxes corresponding to one or more pieces of product-related information and display information of a type identified by one or more type identifiers corresponding to the initial screen identifier;
a screen output unit that outputs the screen constructed by the screen construction unit;
a selection receiving unit that receives a selection for one box included in the screen output by the screen output unit;
a screen transition unit that, when the selection receiving unit receives the selection, acquires from the screen definition storage unit a screen identifier of a next screen to be transitioned to, which is a screen identifier corresponding to the one box for the selection and which is paired with a type identifier corresponding to the one box;
The screen configuration unit
When the screen transition unit acquires a screen identifier of a screen to be transitioned to next, the screen transition unit constructs a screen including one or more boxes using each piece of information that is one or more pieces of product-related information or one or more pieces of display information identified by one or more type identifiers paired with the screen identifier and that is hierarchically connected to the information corresponding to the one box; when the screen transition unit does not acquire a screen identifier of a screen to be transitioned next, the screen transition unit constructs a screen including a box corresponding to product-related information that corresponds to a layer one hierarchically lower than the information corresponding to the one box;
The screen output unit
An electronic catalog device that outputs the screen configured by the screen configuration unit. An electronic catalog output method realized by a product information storage unit that stores two or more pieces of product information having different product-related information about products in each of two or more layers including a first layer and a second layer, in association with two or more product identifiers, a first screen configuration unit, a first screen output unit, a selection receiving unit, a second screen configuration unit, and a second screen output unit,
a first screen composing step in which the first screen composing unit refers to the product information storage unit and composes a first screen including a second box using second information that is product-related information of a second layer of one product, and one or more first boxes using first information that is product-related information of a first layer of other products other than the one product;
a first screen output step in which the first screen output unit outputs the first screen;
a selection receiving step in which the selection receiving unit receives a first selection for one first box among the first boxes of the one or more other products that configure the first screen;
a second screen composing step of, when the first selection is accepted in the selection accepting step, the second screen composing unit constructs a second screen in which a second box using second information of another product corresponding to the one first box corresponding to the first selection is arranged in place of the second box on the first screen;
a second screen output step in which the second screen output unit outputs the second screen. an electronic catalog output method realized by a product information storage unit that stores two or more pieces of product information, each of which has different product-related information about a product in each of two or more layers, in association with two or more product identifiers; a display information storage unit that stores two or more pieces of display information to which any one or more of the two or more pieces of product information corresponds; a screen definition storage unit that stores two or more pieces of screen definition information, each of which has one or more type identifiers that are types of information constituting a screen, and a screen identifier of a screen to which a transition occurs when one or more type identifiers of the one or more type identifiers are selected, in association with two or more screen identifiers; an initial screen identifier that identifies an initial screen; a screen configuration unit; a screen output unit; a selection receiving unit; and a screen transition unit,
a screen configuration step in which the screen configuration unit configures a screen including boxes corresponding to one or more pieces of product-related information and display information of a type identified by one or more type identifiers corresponding to the initial screen identifier;
a screen output step in which the screen output unit outputs the screen constructed in the screen construction step;
a selection receiving step in which the selection receiving unit receives a selection for one box included in the screen outputted in the screen outputting step;
a screen transition step of acquiring, when the selection is accepted in the selection accepting step, a screen identifier of a next screen to be transitioned to, which is a screen identifier corresponding to the one box for the selection and which is paired with a type identifier corresponding to the one box, from the screen definition storage unit;
When the screen configuration unit acquires a screen identifier of a screen to be transitioned to next in the screen transition step, the screen configuration unit configures a screen including one or more boxes using each piece of information that is one or more pieces of product-related information or one or more pieces of display information identified by one or more type identifiers paired with the screen identifier and that is hierarchically connected to the information corresponding to the one box; when the screen configuration unit does not acquire a screen identifier of a screen to be transitioned to next in the screen transition step, the screen configuration unit configures a screen including a box corresponding to product-related information that corresponds to a layer one hierarchically lower than the information corresponding to the one box;
The screen output unit outputs the screen configured by the screen configuration unit. a computer that can access a product information storage unit that stores two or more pieces of product information having different product-related information about products in each of two or more layers including a first layer and a second layer, the product information storage unit being associated with each of two or more product identifiers;
a first screen configuration unit that references the product information storage unit and configures a first screen including a second box using second information that is product-related information of a second layer of one product, and one or more first boxes using first information that is product-related information of a first layer of other products than the one product;
a first screen output unit that outputs the first screen;
a selection receiving unit that receives a first selection for one first box among the first boxes of the one or more other products that configure the first screen;
a second screen configuration unit that, when the selection receiving unit receives the first selection, configures a second screen in which a second box using second information of another product corresponding to the one first box corresponding to the first selection is arranged in place of the second box on the first screen;
A program for causing the second screen output unit to function as a second screen output unit that outputs the second screen. a computer that can access a product information storage unit that stores two or more pieces of product information, each of which has different product-related information about a product in each of two or more layers, in association with each of two or more product identifiers; a display information storage unit that stores two or more pieces of display information to which any one or more of the two or more pieces of product information corresponds; a screen definition storage unit that stores two or more pieces of screen definition information, each of which has one or more type identifiers that are types of information constituting a screen, and a screen identifier of a screen to which a transition occurs when each of the one or more type identifiers is selected, in association with each of the two or more screen identifiers; and an initial screen identifier that identifies an initial screen;
a screen configuration unit that configures a screen including boxes corresponding to one or more pieces of product-related information and display information of a type identified by one or more type identifiers corresponding to the initial screen identifier;
a screen output unit that outputs the screen configured by the screen configuration unit;
a selection receiving unit that receives a selection for one box included in the screen output by the screen output unit;
when the selection receiving unit receives the selection, the screen transition unit functions as a screen transition unit that acquires, from the screen definition storage unit, a screen identifier of a next screen to be transitioned to, which is a screen identifier corresponding to the one box for the selection and which is paired with a type identifier corresponding to the one box;
The screen configuration unit
When the screen transition unit acquires a screen identifier of a screen to be transitioned to next, the screen transition unit constructs a screen including one or more boxes using each piece of information that is one or more pieces of product-related information or one or more pieces of display information identified by one or more type identifiers paired with the screen identifier and that is hierarchically connected to the information corresponding to the one box; when the screen transition unit does not acquire a screen identifier of a screen to be transitioned next, the screen transition unit constructs a screen including a box corresponding to product-related information that corresponds to a layer one hierarchically lower than the information corresponding to the one box;
The screen output unit
A program for causing the computer to function as a device for outputting the screen constructed by the screen construction unit.