JP4704286B2 - Content display device, content display method, program, and recording medium - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a content display device that displays content, a content display method, a content display program, and a recording medium.

  In recent years, portable terminal devices such as mobile phones that can display contents such as electronic books have been rapidly spreading. That is, high-functional devices having both a content display function and a communication function are being developed one after another. For this reason, in the future, it is expected that a friend will send a comment on the content to each other using the communication function.

  Here, some general word processing software has a function of writing a comment at an arbitrary position in a document. During the writing of the text, the user writes a comment separately from the text for a portion that particularly wants to alert other people. At this time, a message indicating that a comment has been written is displayed in the text. When the user places the mouse pointer on the comment association position or selects the position, the associated comment is displayed.

Moreover, there is Patent Document 1 as a document disclosing a device for storing and updating comments. In Patent Document 1, information such as books is displayed on an interface having a physical book structure such as a cover, a middle cover, a text page, and a back cover, imitating a paper book on a computer screen. Addition of book-type data difference that can save information such as notes and sticky notes added by the browsing user, including the position, if there is information added by the browsing user such as notes and sticky notes on the page An update method and apparatus are disclosed.
JP 2003-85162 A (published March 20, 2003)

  However, in general word processing software, a comment is not displayed unless the user explicitly selects a comment corresponding part. Therefore, when this technology is applied to content such as an electronic book, the user may skip a comment while browsing the content.

  Conversely, if a comment is displayed at the same time as the content is displayed, the comment will be seen before the content is read. In this case, the user may be distracted by the comments and may not be able to concentrate on browsing the content, or if the user reads the comments first and understands the content, the user may be distracted from reading. Absent.

  The technique of Patent Document 1 does not have any special idea regarding the display of comments. Therefore, it cannot contribute to the solution of the above problem.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and its purpose is to provide a content display device, a content display method, a content display program, and a content display device that display comments at an optimal timing for a user who browses content. And providing a recording medium.

(Basic configuration of content display device)
In order to solve the above problems, the content display device according to the present invention provides:
A content display device that displays content on a display,
Browsing judgment means for judging whether or not browsing of the comment corresponding part to which the comment is associated in the content being displayed on the display is completely completed;
It is characterized by comprising display means for displaying the comment on the display when it is determined by the browsing determination means that browsing of the comment corresponding portion has been completed.

  According to said structure, a content display apparatus displays a content on a display. Here, in the content display device, the browsing determination unit determines whether or not browsing of the comment corresponding portion with which the comment is associated in the content being displayed on the display is completely completed. When it is determined by the browsing determination unit that browsing of the comment corresponding part is completely completed, the display unit displays the comment associated with the comment corresponding part on the display.

  When it is considered that the user has browsed the comment corresponding part by the above processing, the comment associated with the part is displayed on the display. Therefore, for example, in the process of reading an electronic book as content, the user can surely see each comment without skipping each comment. In addition, a comment on an unread part is not read before browsing the content. In addition, you won't be distracted by your comments and can't concentrate on browsing content.

  Thus, the content display device can improve the convenience when the user browses the content. Specifically, an effect is provided that a comment can be displayed at an optimal timing for a user browsing the content.

(Content display method)
In order to solve the above problems, the content display method according to the present invention provides:
A content display method for displaying content on a display,
A browsing determination step for determining whether or not browsing of a comment-corresponding portion associated with a comment in the content being displayed on the display is completely completed;
The browsing determination step includes a display step of displaying the comment on the display when it is determined that browsing of the comment corresponding portion is completely completed.

  According to said structure, there exists an effect | action and effect similar to the content display apparatus which concerns on this invention.

(Judging the end of browsing according to instructions)
In the content display device according to the present invention, further,
An instruction input means for receiving an instruction for completely ending the display of the comment corresponding part;
It is preferable that the browsing determination unit determines that browsing of the comment corresponding portion is completely completed when the instruction is received.

  According to said structure, an instruction | indication input means receives the instruction | indication for ending the display of the comment corresponding | compatible part with which the comment is matched in the content currently displayed on a display. For example, a key input or the like for sending the display first in units of pages or lines is accepted.

  When the instruction input unit receives the above instruction, the browsing determination unit determines that browsing of the comment corresponding portion has been completed. Therefore, the display means displays the comment associated with the comment corresponding part on the display.

  When the content display apparatus receives an instruction for ending the display of the comment-corresponding portion by the above processing, the content display device considers that the user has finished reading the comment-corresponding portion. Only then will the comment associated with the location be displayed on the display. Therefore, for example, in the process of reading an electronic book as content, the user can surely see each comment without skipping each comment. In addition, a comment on an unread part is not read before browsing the content. In addition, you won't be distracted by your comments and can't concentrate on browsing content.

  Thus, the content display device can improve the convenience when the user browses the content. Specifically, an effect is provided that a comment can be displayed at an optimal timing for a user browsing the content.

(Comments and comment-corresponding part ranges are displayed simultaneously)
In the content display device according to the present invention, further,
The display means is
It is preferable that the comment and the comment corresponding part are displayed on the display in association with each other.

  According to the above configuration, the display unit displays the comment on the display in association with the comment corresponding part with which the comment is associated. For example, a balloon including a comment is displayed close to or superimposed on the comment corresponding part.

  Thereby, the content display apparatus has an effect of allowing the user to understand at a glance which comment corresponding part in the content is displayed on the display.

(Displayed parts are also displayed)
In the content display device according to the present invention, further,
The display means is
If there is a part that is a part of the comment-corresponding part and has already been displayed when it is determined by the browsing determining means that the browsing of the comment-corresponding part has been completed, at least the part It is preferable to display a part on the display.

  A comment is not always associated with only the part currently displayed on the display in the comment corresponding part. At the time when it is determined that browsing of the comment corresponding part has been completely completed, the part corresponding to the already displayed part in the comment corresponding part may be associated in the same manner. For example, one comment is associated with a comment corresponding position corresponding to three lines of an electronic book, and the display of two lines has already been completed, and an instruction to advance the last one line is given. Suppose that If the comment is simply displayed at this time, the user does not know that the comment is also associated with the deleted two lines.

  Therefore, in the above configuration, the display means has a part that is part of the comment corresponding part and has already been displayed when it is determined that the browsing determination part has completely browsed the comment corresponding part. In some cases, at least a part of the part is displayed on the display. As a specific example, the display line advance instruction was accepted in the state where the display for two lines of the corresponding part of the comment for three lines was already erased and only the remaining one line was displayed. At that time, the display means displays the two displayed lines on the display. That is, the comment is displayed after returning the content to the original two lines. Note that one line currently displayed and two lines that have been displayed may be simultaneously displayed on the display.

  As a result, the content display device has an effect of notifying the user of the exact location where the comment is associated.

(Display range is displayed so that they can be distinguished from each other)
In the content display device according to the present invention, further,
The display means is
It is preferable to display the comment corresponding part in a state in which the comment corresponding part can be distinguished from other parts not associated with the comment.

  According to said structure, a display means displays a comment corresponding | compatible location in the state which can be mutually distinguished from the other location which the said comment is not matched. For example, the comment corresponding part is displayed in a shaded area.

  Thereby, the content display apparatus has an effect of allowing the user to understand at a glance where the comment corresponding part is displayed on the display.

(Displays received comments immediately)
In the content display device according to the present invention, further,
Receiving means for receiving other comments transmitted from other devices;
A read determination unit that determines whether another comment corresponding portion to be associated with the content of the other comment received by the reception unit has been read;
The display means is
When the already-read determination unit determines that the other comment corresponding portion is already read, it is preferable to display the other comment on the display.

  According to said structure, a receiving means receives the other comment transmitted from another apparatus. For example, an e-mail containing other comments written by a user's friend or acquaintance is received.

  The already-read determination unit determines whether another comment-corresponding portion of the comment received by the receiving unit that should be associated with the content is already read. Here, when it is determined that it has been read, the read determination unit determines that there is no problem even if the user reads the comment. Therefore, the display means displays the comment on the display.

  In general, there is a high possibility that the user does not read back the already read portion. Therefore, simply associating other comments acquired by the content display device with other comment corresponding portions, the user may miss other comments written by friends or acquaintances.

  However, after receiving another comment, the content display device of this configuration immediately displays another comment if another comment corresponding portion that should be associated with another comment has already been read. Therefore, it is possible to reliably prevent the user from misreading other comments.

(Make other received comments correspond to other comment compatible parts)
In the content display device according to the present invention, further,
Receiving means for receiving other comments transmitted from other devices;
A read determination unit that determines whether or not another comment corresponding portion to be associated with the content of the other comment received by the reception unit has been read;
And a comment associating means for associating the other comment as the comment with the other comment corresponding part when the read determination means determines that the other comment corresponding part is unread. Preferably, according to the above configuration, the receiving unit receives another comment transmitted from another device. For example, an e-mail containing other comments written by a user's friend or acquaintance is received.

  The already-read determination unit determines whether another comment-corresponding portion to be associated with the content of another comment received by the receiving unit is already read. Here, when it is determined that it has not been read, the already-read determination unit determines that it is difficult for the user to read another comment.

  In other words, reading other comments about other unread comment-corresponding parts may be informed to the user without wanting to know the unknown content, and in some cases, the content browsing may be distracted. There is also.

  Therefore, when it is determined that the other comment corresponding part is unread, the comment associating unit associates the received other comment with the other comment corresponding part. For example, other comments are stored in a database for managing comments. Thereby, the content display apparatus has an effect of preventing the user from browsing other comments corresponding to other unread comment corresponding parts before browsing the other comment corresponding parts.

(Program and recording medium)
The content display apparatus may be realized by a computer. In this case, a program for realizing the content display device in the computer by operating the computer as each of the above means and a computer-readable recording medium on which the program is recorded also fall within the scope of the present invention.

  As described above, the content display device according to the present invention displays the comment after it is determined that browsing of the comment corresponding portion with which the comment is associated with the content being displayed on the display is completely completed. Since the display means for displaying is provided, the comment can be displayed at the optimum timing for the user browsing the content.

An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 9 (Outline of Content Display Device 1).
First, an outline of the content display device 1 will be described. The content display device 1 is a device that displays an electronic book (content) in which a comment is associated with each place. Specifically, it is realized as a portable terminal device or a personal computer.

  The electronic book here is a kind of so-called electronic content configured by only text, only an image, or a combination of text and image. It corresponds to the electronic version of novels and comics.

  The user using the content display device 1 can advance or return the display of the electronic book by an arbitrary input operation such as key input or screen pressing.

  The content display device 1 executes a special process for displaying a comment when the user's operation is to advance the display of the electronic book. Specifically, when it is assumed that the display postponing process corresponding to the operation is actually executed, it is determined whether or not the comment corresponding part in the electronic book currently displayed is completely erased from the screen. To do. When it is determined that the comment is erased, it is considered that the user has completely finished browsing (reading) the comment corresponding part, and the comment associated with the part is displayed.

  That is, the content display apparatus 1 displays a comment before proceeding with the display of the electronic book in the above situation even when an operation for requesting the display of the electronic book instead of the comment is received. Thereby, the convenience when a user reads an electronic book can be improved.

(Configuration of content display device 1)
The configuration of the content display device 1 according to the present embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a main configuration of a content display device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the content display device 1 includes a control unit 2, an input device 3, a wireless antenna 4, and a display 5.

(Control unit 2)
The control unit 2 is responsible for processing executed internally by the content display device 1. More specifically, the control unit 2 includes an input processing unit 10 (input unit), a communication unit 11 (reception unit), a read determination unit 12 (read determination unit), a comment determination unit 13 (browsing determination unit), and comment support. An attaching unit 14 (comment association unit), a comment display unit 15 (display unit), an electronic book display unit 16 (display unit), an electronic book database 17, and a comment database 18 are provided.

  The functions of these members and the processing to be executed will be described later.

(Input device 3)
The input device 3 is a device used by the user to input information to the content display device 1 or select information displayed on the display 5. For example, it is realized as a mouse or a keyboard. In the present embodiment, as will be described later, this is realized as a plurality of keys provided in the main body of the content display device 1.

(Wireless antenna 4)
The wireless antenna 4 is an antenna for transmitting and receiving wireless signals. In the present embodiment, as will be described later, it is used to send and receive a comment mail associated with an electronic book.

(Display 5)
The display 5 is a device that displays an electronic book or a comment, and is realized as, for example, a liquid crystal display device or a plasma display device. In the present embodiment, the display 5 is embedded in the main body of the content display device 1 as described later.

(Appearance of content display device 1)
The content display device 1 according to the present embodiment is a so-called portable terminal device. That is, the size is suitable for the user to easily carry around or use it quickly for the hand.

  Therefore, the appearance of the content display device 1 will be described below with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an appearance of the content display device 1.

  As shown in this figure, the content display device 1 is vertically long and has a size suitable for the user to use. In the content display device 1, the display 5 is embedded and integrated in the main body of the content display device 1. Moreover, it occupies a considerable part of the main body of the content display device 1 and is suitable for displaying electronic books.

  In the content display device 1, a determination key 20, a forward key 21, and a backward key 22 are provided below the display 5. These correspond to a part of the input device 3.

  The enter key 20 is a button for selecting one of the selection items displayed on the display 5. The user determines the electronic book to be read by pressing the button 20.

  The advance key 21 is a key for advancing the display of the electronic book. When the user presses the advance key 21, the display of the electronic book advances in units of pages or lines. Which unit is advanced depends on the setting in the content display device 1. This setting can be arbitrarily determined by the user.

  The return key 22 is a key for returning based on the display of the electronic book. When the user presses the back key 22, the display of the electronic book returns in units of pages or lines. Which unit is returned depends on the setting in the content display device 1. This setting can be arbitrarily determined by the user.

(Send comment email)
A user reads an electronic book using the content display device 1. Here, the user can write a comment in an arbitrary part of the electronic book. Specifically, the content display device 1 associates the comment input by the user with a comment corresponding portion in the electronic book.

  The content display device 1 does not only associate a comment with an electronic book managed by the content display device 1. A comment input by a user can also be transmitted to another content display device 1 used by another user.

  The point that the content display device 1 transmits the comment input by the user to another content display device 1 will be described below with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically illustrating how the content display device 1 transmits a comment input by the user to another content display device 1.

  As shown in this figure, two persons, that is, Mr. A and Mr. B, are both reading electronic books using the content display device 1. The electronic books that both are reading have the same content.

  In the example of FIG. 3, Mr. A inputs a comment to the content display device 1. The content display device 1 used by Mr. A generates an e-mail based on the input comment, and transmits it as a comment mail 30 to the content display device 1 used by Mr. B.

  The comment mail 30 shown in FIG. 3 includes a sender, a book name, a comment position, and comment content. “Sender” is information for identifying a user of an electronic book. Here, Mr. A is shown. “Book name” is information for specifying an electronic book to which a comment is associated. “Comment position” is information for identifying a comment corresponding part in an electronic book. Here, the text constituting the electronic book is specified in units of pages, lines, and characters. “Comment content” is the content of the comment input by the user.

(Flow of comment reception processing)
The content display device 1 that has received the comment mail 30 associates the comment with the comment corresponding portion in the electronic book. Therefore, hereinafter, processing when the content display apparatus 1 receives the comment mail 30 will be described below with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a processing flow when the content display device 1 receives the comment mail 30.

  As shown in this figure, in the content display device 1, the communication unit 11 receives a comment mail 30 (another comment) through the wireless antenna 4 (step S40).

  The input processing unit 10 analyzes the book name described in the received comment mail 30 and identifies the electronic book to be associated with the comment. The content display device 1 stores all electronic books managed by the content display device 1 in the electronic book database 17. Therefore, the input processing unit 10 determines whether or not the specified electronic book exists in the electronic book database 17 (step S41).

  When the result of the determination in step S41 is “false” (No), the processing shown in FIG. 4 ends. At this time, the input processing unit 10 discards the received comment mail 30.

  On the other hand, when the result of determination in step S <b> 41 is “true” (Yes), the input processing unit 10 outputs the received comment mail 30 to the read determination unit 12.

  The already-read determination unit 12 specifies, from the input comment mail 30, a position in the electronic book to which a comment should be associated, that is, a comment corresponding part (another comment corresponding part). Next, the already-read determination unit 12 specifies the final reading position of the user in the specified electronic book. Information representing this position is stored in a memory (not shown) in the content display device 1 every time the user reads the electronic book. For example, it is stored as information indicating a specific position in the electronic book such as “5th page” and “10th line”. Therefore, the already-read determination unit 12 refers to this information stored in the memory and specifies the final reading position of the user.

  The already-read determination unit 12 compares the position of the comment corresponding part specified from the comment mail 30 with the final reading position specified from the memory (step S42). Based on the comparison result, it is determined whether or not the user has read the electronic book up to the comment corresponding part (step S43).

(Display received comments)
When the result of the determination in step S43 is “true” (Yes), the already-read determination unit 12 determines that there is no problem even if the user reads the received comment. Because even if the user has already read the comment corresponding part to which this comment should be associated, and the comment conveys details or supplements to the part to the user, the user regrets having read the comment. This is because there is no such thing. Therefore, the already-read determination unit 12 outputs the input comment mail 30 to the comment display unit 15. The comment display unit 15 displays the comment included in the input comment mail 30 on the display 5 (step S44). This completes the process shown in FIG.

  In general, there is a high possibility that the user does not read back the already read portion. Therefore, if the comment acquired by the content display device 1 is simply associated with an unread portion in the electronic book, the user may miss a comment written by a friend or acquaintance.

  However, after receiving the comment mail 30, the content display device 1 immediately displays the comment if the comment corresponding portion has already been read. Therefore, it is possible to reliably prevent the user from losing the comment.

(Save received comments)
On the other hand, when the determination result in step S43 is “false” (No), the already-read determination unit 12 determines that there is a problem for the user to read the comment. That is, reading a comment about an unread part may be notified to the user without wanting to know the unknown content, and in some cases, there is a possibility that the reading will be frustrated.

  Therefore, the already-read determination unit 12 outputs the input comment mail 30 to the comment association unit 14. The comment associating unit 14 refers to the input comment mail 30 and specifies a comment corresponding part to be associated with a comment and the content of the comment to be associated.

  The comment association unit 14 associates the identified comment with the identified comment corresponding location. The content display device 1 stores comments on the electronic book in the comment database 18. Therefore, the comment determination unit 13 stores the specified comment and the position of the comment corresponding part in association with each other in a table for managing comments on the electronic book to be associated with the comment in the comment database 18 (step S45).

Through the above processing, the content display device 1
・ Skip comments on previously read text ・ Read comments on unread text before reading the text ・ Ensure that you are distracted by the comments and cannot concentrate on reading the text Can be prevented. Therefore, the convenience of the user who reads an electronic book can be improved compared with a prior art.

  Moreover, the content display apparatus 1 can increase the comment with respect to the electronic book which self manages by performing the above process. In the content display device 1, a comment written by the user himself / herself can be associated with the electronic book. In any case, there is no change in the degree of comment flexibility.

(Display processing of electronic books and comments)
The user reproduces and reads the electronic book associated with the comment using the content display device 1. Here, the content display device 1 of the present embodiment is characterized in that a comment is displayed.

  Hereinafter, processing when the content display device 1 displays an electronic book and a comment on the display 5 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing when the content display device 1 displays an electronic book and a comment on the display 5.

(Select e-book)
As shown in this figure, the user selects an electronic book (step S50). Specifically, the user uses the enter key 20 to select one electronic book to read. The input processing unit 10 receives this selection input.

  The input processing unit 10 outputs information about the electronic book selected by the user to the electronic book display unit 16. The electronic book display unit 16 refers to the input information, identifies the electronic book to be displayed on the display 5, and reads it from the electronic book database 17.

  The content display device 1 stores and manages information indicating the position in a memory (not shown) as a final reading position each time the user reads an electronic book and displays an undisplayed portion. Therefore, the electronic book display unit 16 reads the final reading position stored in the memory. As a result, the last page read by the user in the electronic book is opened (step S51).

  Here, “open” refers to a process of reading the page at the specified final reading position from the electronic book in the electronic book database 17 and displaying it on the display 5.

(Defer display of e-book)
The user browses the electronic book displayed on the display 5. That is, the user reads the text of an electronic book or sees an image. Here, when the user has finished reading the currently displayed text, the user normally presses the forward key 21 to display the next page.

  Therefore, in the content display device 1, the input processing unit 10 determines whether or not the user has pressed the advance key 21 (step S52).

  When the determination result in step S52 is “false” (No), the input processing unit 10 stands by until the user depresses the advance key 21. That is, the process of step S52 is repeated.

  On the other hand, when the result of the determination in step S52 is “true” (Yes), the input processing unit 10 notifies the comment determination unit 13 that the advance key 21 has been pressed by the user. In response to this notification, the comment determination unit 13 specifies a range currently displayed on the display 5 among the electronic books currently open. Then, when a comment is associated with at least one of the texts included in the specified range, it is determined whether or not the user has completely read (viewed) the comment corresponding part. (Step S53).

(Browsing judgment of comment corresponding part)
For example, it is assumed that the user instructs the content display device 1 to advance the page of the electronic book by pressing the advance key 21. Since this instruction means that the display of the comment corresponding part currently displayed on the display is completely erased, the comment determination unit 13 has finished reading (viewing is completed) the comment corresponding part currently displayed. Is determined. That is, since the determination result in step S53 is “true” (Yes), the comment display unit 15 reads the comment from the comment database 18 and displays it on the display 5 (step S54).

  On the other hand, when the determination result in step S53 is “false” (No), the electronic book display unit 16 reads the next page of the electronic book from the electronic book database 17 and displays it on the display 5 (step S55).

  That is, the content display apparatus 1 changes the information displayed on the display 5 according to the presence or absence of a comment, even though the user is pressing the same advance key 21.

  Regardless of the display of the comment or the page, after the user depresses the advance key 21, the input processing unit 10 determines whether or not the reading of the electronic book is finished (step S56). For example, the input processing unit 10 determines that the reading of the electronic book has ended when the user performs an end operation of the electronic book or when the electronic book display unit 16 ends the display to the end of the electronic book. To do.

  When the result of the determination in step S56 is “false” (No), the processing shown in FIG. 5 returns to step S52. At this time, the input processing unit 10 determines whether or not the user has pressed the advance key 21. In this way, the content display device 1 repeats the electronic book display process and the comment display process until a “true” result is obtained in the process shown in step S56.

(Reading end judgment)
When the result of determination in step S56 is “true” (Yes), the electronic book display unit 16 stores the final reading position in the memory (step S57). At this time, for example, information specifying the page displayed last on the display 5 such as “page 5” or “page 20” is stored in the memory.

  Finally, the content display device 1 closes the electronic book (step S58). Here, “close” means that the display of the electronic book is completely stopped.

  As described above, in the content display device 1, the input processing unit 10 receives an instruction for ending the display of the comment corresponding part with which the comment is associated among the contents being displayed on the display 5. For example, a key input or the like for sending the display first in units of pages or lines is accepted.

  When the input unit 10 receives the above instruction, the comment display unit 15 displays the comment associated with the comment corresponding part on the display.

  When the content display apparatus 1 receives an instruction to end the display of the comment-corresponding portion by the above processing, it is considered that the user has finished reading the comment-corresponding portion. Only then will the comment associated with the location be displayed on the display. Therefore, for example, in the process of reading an electronic book as content, the user can surely see each comment without skipping each comment. In addition, a comment on an unread part is not read before browsing the content. In addition, you won't be distracted by your comments and can't concentrate on browsing content.

  Thus, the content display device 1 can improve the convenience when the user browses the content. Specifically, the comment can be displayed at an optimal timing for the user browsing the content.

(Display example of e-book)
Specific examples of electronic books and comments displayed on the display 5 by the content display device 1 will be described below with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of an electronic book and a comment displayed on the display 5 by the content display device 1.

  In the following, an example in which the display of a text-type electronic book is switched in units of pages each time the user presses the advance key 21 will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 6, first, the content display device 1 displays the first page (first page) of the electronic book on the display 5 as a screen 60. When the user finishes reading the first page, the user presses the forward key 21 and inputs to the content display device 1 that the display of the electronic book is advanced.

  At this time, no comment is associated with the page of the electronic book displayed as the screen 60. Therefore, the content display device 1 displays the next page (second page) of the electronic book as a screen 61 without displaying a comment.

  At this time, although not displayed on the screen 61, a comment is associated with some text in the second page. However, the content display device 1 does not display the comment yet.

(View comments)
When the user finishes reading the second page, the user depresses the advance key 21. At this time, the content display apparatus 1 does not display the next page, that is, the third page, even though the advance key 21 is pressed. Instead, the screen 62 is displayed. This is because a comment is associated with a part of the second page displayed as the screen 61.

  When displaying the screen 62, the content display apparatus 1 displays the comment corresponding portion 62a in a state in which it can be distinguished from other portions. For example, the comment corresponding part 62a is displayed in a shaded manner. This allows the user to understand at a glance that the comment is associated with the comment corresponding portion 62a.

  At the same time, a comment associated with the comment corresponding location 62a is acquired from the comment database 18, and is displayed close to the comment corresponding location 62a as a balloon 62b together with the comment sender information.

  That is, the content display apparatus 1 displays the location where the comment is associated and the comment on the display 5 in association with each other. Thereby, the content display apparatus 1 can make a user understand at a glance which part of the content the comment is displayed on the display.

  In addition, after reading the second page, the user can read the comment associated with the text in the page. In other words, before reading the second page, more precisely, before reading the comment corresponding part in the second page, the user does not see a comment on the part.

  After reading the comment, the user presses the advance key 21. As a result, the content display apparatus 1 acquires the next page (third page) from the electronic book database 17 and displays it on the display 5 as the screen 63.

(Display example of e-book)
In the example of FIG. 6, the content display device 1 displays an electronic book on the display 5 in units of pages. However, the display of the electronic book may be in line units instead of page units. In this case as well, there is no change in that special processing that is not conventionally performed when displaying a comment is performed.

  Therefore, an example in which the content display device 1 displays an electronic book on the display 5 in units of rows will be described below with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of an electronic book and a comment displayed on the display 5 by the content display device 1.

  In the example of FIG. 7, each time the user presses the advance key 21, the content display device 1 advances the display of the electronic book in line units.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the content display device 1 reads a part of text constituting the electronic book from the electronic book database 17 and displays it as a screen 70 on the display 5. When the user finishes reading the rightmost line in the screen 70, the user presses the advance key 21 and performs an operation on the content display device 1 to advance the display of the electronic book one line ahead.

  At this time, the text in the screen 70 does not have a clear display, but is associated with a comment. However, even if the one-line display is advanced from the screen 70, not all corresponding parts of the comment disappear from the display 5. Therefore, the content display device 1 determines that there is no need to display the comment yet. Therefore, the current rightmost line is deleted, the line to be added to the left end is read from the electronic book database 17, and the line is advanced by one line and displayed as the screen 71.

(View comments)
Next, when the user presses the advance key 21, if the one-line display is sent in response to the press, the corresponding part of the comment disappears from the screen. At this time, the content display apparatus 1 determines that the user has finished reading the location associated with the comment, and displays the comment without sending the display of the electronic book.

  Specifically, the screen 72 is displayed after the screen 71. In the example of FIG. 7, a comment is associated with the rightmost text displayed on the screen 71. This comment is associated with the entire portion up to two adjacent lines (displayed portions) that have already been deleted from the screen 71.

  Therefore, before displaying the comment, the content display device 1 restores the display of the text to two lines so that the comment corresponding portion 72a is all displayed on the display 5. In this way, the content display device 1 displays the comment corresponding portion 72 a on the display 5.

  At this time, the content display apparatus 1 displays the comment corresponding portion 72a on the screen 72 in a state different from other portions. This allows the user to understand at a glance that the comment is associated with the comment corresponding portion 72a.

  At the same time, a comment associated with the comment corresponding location 72a is acquired from the comment database 18, and is overwritten and displayed on the body of the electronic book included in the screen 72 as a balloon 72b together with the comment sender information. As a result, the user can read the comment associated with the text in the page after reading the second page.

  Thus, a certain comment is not necessarily associated with only the part currently displayed on the display at the comment corresponding part. When an instruction to end the display of the comment corresponding part is received, the part that has already been displayed may be associated in the same manner. For example, one comment is associated with a comment corresponding position corresponding to three lines of an electronic book, and the display of two lines has already been completed, and an instruction to advance the last one line is given. Suppose that If the comment is simply displayed at this time, the user does not know that the comment is also associated with the deleted two lines.

  Therefore, at the time when the instruction to end the display of the comment corresponding part is received, the content display device 1 has at least a part of the comment corresponding part when the display has already ended. A part is displayed on the display 5. As a specific example, the display line advance instruction was accepted in the state where the display for two lines of the corresponding part of the comment for three lines was already erased and only the remaining one line was displayed. At this time, the content display device 1 displays two displayed lines on the display 5. That is, the comment is displayed after returning the content to the original two lines. Note that one line currently displayed and two lines already displayed may be simultaneously displayed on the display 5.

  Thereby, the content display apparatus 1 can notify a user of the exact location where the comment is matched.

(Display next line)
After reading the comment, the user presses the advance key 21. As a result, the content display apparatus 1 acquires the next line from the electronic book database 17 and displays it on the display 5 in a state of being included in the screen 73. At this time, the two lines returned to display the comment corresponding portion 72a are added and displayed. Specifically, the text on the screen 72 is advanced three lines and displayed as a screen 73.

  As described above, the content display device 1 conventionally displays the next screen 73 after the screen 71, but displays the next screen 72 after the screen 71 with a special process for displaying a comment in between. . In this way, after determining that the user has read the comment corresponding portion 72a, the comment is displayed, and then the next line is displayed. Thereby, the content display apparatus 1 can improve the convenience when a user reads an electronic book.

(Send comment email)
The example in which the content display device 1 displays an electronic book made of text on the display 5 has been described above. However, the electronic book displayed by the content display device 1 may be composed of not only text but also images, or both text and images.

  Therefore, in the following, an example in which the content display apparatus 1 associates a comment with an electronic book composed of images will be described below with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a diagram schematically illustrating a state in which the content display device 1 transmits a comment mail 80 including a comment input by the user to another content display device 1.

  As shown in this figure, two persons, that is, Mr. A and Mr. B, are both reading electronic books using the content display device 1. The electronic books that both are reading have the same content.

  In the example of FIG. 8, Mr. A inputs a comment to the content display device 1. The content display device 1 used by Mr. A generates an e-mail based on the input comment, and transmits it as a comment mail 80 to the content display device 1 used by Mr. B.

  The comment mail 80 includes a sender, a book name, a comment position, and comment content. “Sender” is information for identifying a user of an electronic book. “Book name” is information for specifying an electronic book to which a comment is associated. The “comment position” is information for specifying a comment association position in the electronic book. In this example, one frame in the page constituting the electronic book is designated as the comment position. “Comment content” is the content of the comment input by the user.

(Display example of e-book)
Hereinafter, an example in which the content display device 1 displays an electronic book including images on the display 5 in units of pages will be described below with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of an electronic book and a comment displayed on the display 5 by the content display device 1.

  In the example of FIG. 9, each time the user presses the advance key 21, the content display device 1 advances the display of the electronic book in units of pages.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the content display device 1 displays the first page of the electronic book on the display 5 as a screen 90. The first page includes images A to D. When the user finishes reading the first page, the user presses the advance key 21. That is, an operation for advancing the display of the electronic book one page ahead is performed on the content display device 1.

  At this time, no comment is associated with the first page of the electronic book displayed as the screen 90. Therefore, the content display device 1 displays the next page (second page) of the electronic book as a screen 91 without displaying a comment. The second page includes images E to I.

  When the user finishes reading the second page, the user depresses the advance key 21. At this time, although not displayed on the screen 91, a comment is associated with the image H in the second page. This comment is associated with Mr. B's content display device 1 by receiving the comment mail from Mr. A. Therefore, the content display apparatus 1 does not display the next page, that is, the third page, even though the advance key 21 is pressed.

(View comments)
Assume that the user presses the advance key 21 while the screen 91 is displayed. If the screen display is sent one page ahead in response to this press, the corresponding part of the comment, that is, the image H, disappears completely from the display 5. At this time, the content display apparatus 1 determines that the user has finished reading the comment corresponding portion, and displays the comment without deferring the page. Specifically, the screen 92 is displayed.

  At this time, the content display device 1 displays the comment corresponding portion 92a, that is, the image H on the screen 92 in a state different from the other images E to I. This allows the user to understand at a glance that the comment is associated with the comment corresponding portion 92a (image H).

  At the same time, a comment associated with the comment corresponding portion 92a is acquired from the comment database 18, and is displayed over the text of the electronic book included in the screen 72 as a balloon 92b together with the comment sender information. As a result, the user can read the comment associated with the text in the page after reading the second page.

(Display of the third page)
After reading the comment, the user presses the advance key 21. As a result, the content display apparatus 1 acquires the next page, that is, the third page from the electronic book database 17 and displays it on the display 5 as a screen 93. That is, the images J to L are displayed on the display 5.

  In this way, the content display apparatus 1 interposes a special process for displaying a comment before displaying the third page 3 next to the second page. In this way, after it is determined that the user has read the comment corresponding portion 92a, the comment is displayed, and then the next page is displayed again. Thereby, the content display apparatus 1 can improve the convenience when a user reads an electronic book.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to embodiment mentioned above. Those skilled in the art can make various modifications to the present invention within the scope of the claims. That is, a new embodiment can be obtained by combining appropriately changed technical means within the scope of the claims.

(Read / unread management)
Further, the content display device 1 may manage, for each page, whether or not the user has finished reading each page in the electronic book. For example, for a page skipped by the user halfway, a flag indicating that the page has not been read is set in the electronic book database 17. On the other hand, for a page displayed on the display 5 for longer than the reference time, a flag indicating that it has been read is set in the electronic book database 17.

(Multiple comments)
For example, it is assumed that a plurality of different comments are associated with the same location in an electronic book. In such a case, the comment display unit 15 may display a plurality of comments on the display 5 so as to overlap each other.

(Comment type)
The comment may be an image as well as text. Alternatively, a combination of text and an image may be used. That is, in the content display device 1, the comment form and display method are not limited to specific ones.

(Displayable content)
The content that the electronic book display unit 16 can display on the display 5 is not limited to the electronic book described above. That is, the content is not limited to an electronic book as long as it is electronic content that can be displayed and advanced by user operation. Also, the format for defining content is not limited to a specific format, and can be, for example, an HTML format, an XML format, an XMDF format, or the like.

(Example of not displaying comments)
While reading an electronic book, the user may skip a portion that is not interesting during the reading. For example, the content display device 1 may be operated to sequentially defer the pages in the middle in a short time until the location where the user really wants to read is displayed by pressing the advance key 21 quickly.

  At this time, the content display device 1 compares the time from when the user presses the advance key 21 until the user presses it again with a predetermined reference time. When it is determined that the former is shorter than the latter, the next page may be displayed without displaying the comment associated with the currently displayed page.

  It can be determined that sending the display of the electronic book one after another by the user is an expression of an intention to skip without reading the middle. Therefore, the content display apparatus 1 determines that the page that has been postponed within the reference time is a portion that the user does not want to read, and regards the comments in the page as being unnecessary for the user to read. For this reason, the process that the user originally desires, that is, the quick switching of pages, is executed without displaying the comment.

  Thereby, it is possible to prevent the comment from being displayed unnecessarily in a situation where the user does not need to read the comment.

(Program and recording medium)
Finally, each block included in the content display device 1 may be configured by hardware logic. Alternatively, it may be realized by software using a CPU (Central Processing Unit) as follows.

  That is, the content display apparatus 1 includes a CPU that executes instructions of a control program that realizes each function, a ROM (Read Only Memory) that stores the control program, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) that expands the control program into an executable format. ), And a storage device (recording medium) such as a memory for storing the control program and various data.

  With this configuration, the object of the present invention can also be achieved by a predetermined recording medium. The recording medium only needs to record the program code (execution format program, intermediate code program, source program) of the control program of the content display device 1 which is software that realizes the above-described functions so that it can be read by a computer. This recording medium is supplied to the content display device 1. Thereby, the content display device 1 (or CPU or MPU) as a computer may read and execute the program code recorded on the supplied recording medium.

  The recording medium that supplies the program code to the content display device 1 is not limited to a specific structure or type. That is, the recording medium includes, for example, a tape system such as a magnetic tape and a cassette tape, a magnetic disk such as a floppy (registered trademark) disk / hard disk, and an optical disk such as a CD-ROM / MO / MD / DVD / CD-R. System, a card system such as an IC card (including a memory card) / optical card, or a semiconductor memory system such as a mask ROM / EPROM / EEPROM / flash ROM.

  Even if the content display device 1 is configured to be connectable to a communication network, the object of the present invention can be achieved. In this case, the program code is supplied to the content display device 1 via the communication network. The communication network is not limited to a specific type or form as long as it can supply the program code to the content display device 1. For example, the Internet, an intranet, an extranet, a LAN, an ISDN, a VAN, a CATV communication network, a virtual private network, a telephone line network, a mobile communication network, a satellite communication network, or the like may be used.

  The transmission medium constituting the communication network may be any medium that can transmit the program code, and is not limited to a specific configuration or type. For example, wired communication such as IEEE 1394, USB (Universal Serial Bus), power line carrier, cable TV line, telephone line, ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line) line, infrared light such as IrDA or remote control, Bluetooth (registered trademark), 802. 11 wireless, HDR, mobile phone network, satellite line, terrestrial digital network, etc. can also be used. The present invention can also be realized in the form of a computer data signal embedded in a carrier wave in which the program code is embodied by electronic transmission.

  The present invention can be widely used as a content display device that displays electronic content such as an electronic book, that is, a portable terminal device or a personal computer.

It is a block diagram which shows the principal part structure of the content display apparatus which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the external appearance of a content display apparatus. It is a figure which shows typically a mode that the content display apparatus 1 transmits the comment input by the user to another content display apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process when a content display apparatus receives a comment mail. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process when a content display apparatus displays an electronic book and a comment on a display. It is a figure which shows the specific example of the electronic book and comment which a content display apparatus displays on a display. It is a figure which shows the specific example of the electronic book and comment which a content display apparatus displays on a display. It is a figure which shows typically a mode that a content display apparatus transmits the comment mail containing the comment which the user input to the other content display apparatus. It is a figure which shows the specific example of the electronic book and comment which a content display apparatus displays on the display.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Content display apparatus 2 Control part 3 Input device 4 Wireless antenna 5 Display 10 Input processing part (input means)
11 Communication unit (reception means)
12 Read determination unit (read determination means)
13 Comment determination part (browsing determination means)
14 Comment storage unit (comment association means)
15 Comment display (display means)
16 Electronic book display (display means)
17 Electronic book database 18 Comment database 20 Determination key 21 Forward key 22 Backward key

Claims (9)

A content display device that displays content on a display,
In the content being displayed on the display, and determines browsing determining means for determining whether or not a comment is viewing a comment corresponding locations are associated with each other completely finished,
By the browsing determining means, when viewing the comment corresponding portion is determined to completely terminated, and display means for displaying the comment on the display,
An instruction input means for receiving an instruction for completely ending the display of the comment corresponding part,
The content display device according to claim 1, wherein when the instruction is received, the browsing determination unit determines that browsing of the comment corresponding portion is completely completed . The display means is
The content display apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the comment and the comment corresponding part are displayed in association with each other on the display. The display means is
At the time the viewing is determined to completely ends the comment corresponding portion by said browsing determining means, when there is a portion which already display a part of the comments corresponding part has been completed for all of the partial The content display device according to claim 1, wherein the content is displayed on the display. The display means is
2. The content display apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the comment corresponding part is displayed in a state in which the comment corresponding part is distinguishable from other parts not associated with the comment. Receiving means for receiving other comments transmitted from other devices;
A read determination unit that determines whether another comment corresponding portion to be associated with the content of the other comment received by the reception unit is read;
The display means is
2. The content display device according to claim 1, wherein when the already-read determination unit determines that the other comment corresponding portion is already read, the other comment is displayed on the display. Receiving means for receiving other comments transmitted from other devices;
A read determination unit that determines whether or not another comment corresponding portion to be associated with the content of the other comment received by the reception unit has been read;
And a comment associating means for associating the other comment as the comment with the other comment corresponding part when the read determination means determines that the other comment corresponding part is unread. The content display device according to claim 1. A content display method for displaying content on a display,
In the content being displayed on the display, and viewing determination step of determining whether or not a comment is viewing a comment corresponding locations are associated with each other completely finished,
In the viewing determination step, when the viewing of the comments corresponding portion is determined completely finished, a display step of displaying the comment on the display,
An instruction input step for receiving an instruction for completely ending the display of the comment corresponding part,
The content display method according to claim 1, wherein when the instruction is received, the browsing determination step determines that browsing of the comment corresponding portion is completely completed . A content display program for operating the content display device according to any one of claims 1 to 6 , wherein the content display program causes a computer to function as each of the above means. A computer-readable recording medium on which the content display program according to claim 8 is recorded.

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