JP2002163560A - Storage medium, merchandise ordering method and device, and storage medium which stores merchandise ordering program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a merchandise ordering method which is able to select merchandise suited for customers offline. SOLUTION: Preferred music data is selected offline without connecting with network, when searching and downloading the preferred music data from music data stored on a music data distribution server. A hyper text file storage unit stores a number list described in hyper text format. Each number is linked to URLs on a profile screen 9b, which specifies music data on a number search and display screen generation unit 9 of the server. When a description related to the preferred number is clicked, targeted URL linked to the number is sent to the network through a communication control unit 4, and this screen is sent.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a recording medium used when a user orders a product via a network,
The present invention relates to a product ordering method and apparatus, and a recording medium on which a product ordering program is recorded. In particular, in a distribution service of information such as music data, the present invention is suitable for easily searching offline for information such as music pieces to be distributed.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A service of storing a large number of music data in a database on the Internet and distributing desired music data to a personal computer in response to access from a user via a network is provided. For example, "Mid Radio" (a trademark of Yamaha Corporation)
And has about 7,000 pieces of music data. FIG. 12 is an overall configuration diagram of the music data distribution system.
In the figure, 101 is an electronic musical instrument, 102 is a personal computer, 7 is a network such as the Internet, 103
Is an accounting server, 104 is a music data distribution server, 1
05 is a music data database. Reference numeral 106 denotes a speaker of a personal computer, 107 denotes a flexible magnetic disk, and 108 denotes a serial cable. The personal computer 102 is dial-up connected via a telephone line, for example.

[0003] The music data distribution server 104 is, for example, a WW
It is a W (World Wide Web) server. Database 10
Reference numeral 5 is connected to the music data distribution server 104.
The charging processing server 103 is operated by a credit company, a bank, or the like. A database is connected to the network 7 and stores customer billing information. The music data distribution server 104 distributes music data in response to a request from the personal computer 102. Before distribution, the music data distribution server 104 transmits the price of the music data to be distributed, payment conditions, and the like to the billing server for payment processing. The accounting server 103 accesses the personal computer 102 and charges the user of the personal computer 102. There are payment by credit card and payment by prepaid card. After completing the payment processing, the charging processing server 103 accesses the music data distribution server 104 to notify that the charging processing has been completed.

[0006] The music data distribution server 104 extracts a file of music data requested to be distributed from the database 105 and transmits the file to the personal computer 102. The personal computer 102 stores the distributed music data file in a predetermined directory on the hard disk. Music data files are SMF (Standard M
IDI File) format or a unique format. Typically, it consists of a plurality of sets of event data and timing data. The event data includes note-on, note-off, program change, and the like. The timing data indicates the elapsed time from the previous event.

If a personal computer has a built-in sound source or a sound source device is connected, the music data file can be played and sound can be emitted from the speaker 106. Alternatively, the music data file is copied to a flexible magnetic disk (FD) 107 and inserted into the electronic musical instrument 101 to perform. Alternatively, the music data file is transferred to the electronic musical instrument 101 via the serial cable 108 and played. The electronic musical instrument 101 uses the downloaded music data so that only a specific part is not pronounced.
It is possible to learn by making only a specific part sound, or to practice based on a key pressing instruction of a specific part.

By the way, in order to search for desired music data from a large number of music data, the user needs to input a music title into a text box on the screen. Alternatively, it takes time and effort to select and type search conditions for desired music data in accordance with the search steps presented on the screen. Also, it takes time to obtain a search result. Depending on the input search condition, it may not be possible to narrow down to one song, in which case it is necessary to select a song from a song name list displayed in the search results. Therefore, unfamiliar users require search time, communication charges,
It is difficult to use the distribution service because the increase in connection fee is a concern.

The music data includes karaoke data, guitar data, electronic piano data, etc., as shown in FIG. Therefore, if the search is performed without considering the data type as a condition, the music data whose music title matches may not be suitable for the electronic musical instrument or the tone generator used by the user. Therefore, every time music data is searched,
You need to specify the type of data. As described above, there is a problem in that it is burdensome for the user to narrow down to music data suitable for the device to be used.

[0008]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and is intended for offline use.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a recording medium, a commodity ordering method and apparatus, and a recording medium on which a commodity ordering program is recorded, in which a commodity can be selected from commodities suitable for a user.

[0009]

According to the present invention, when a user accesses a server on a network to place an order for a product, the user places an order from a screen for specifying the product. A computer-readable recording medium on which a file for use in a commodity ordering method that proceeds to step (a) is recorded, and the limited commodity forming a part of the plurality of commodities that can be ordered by accessing the server. A plurality of pieces of specific information respectively specifying the limited commodities forming a part thereof, or the plurality of pieces of specific information and information of related display objects are described in the file in a hyperlinkable format, The address of the screen that specifies the product specified by the specific information is linked to the display of the specific information and / or the related display object. It is. Therefore, by using the file recorded on this recording medium at the time of ordering the product, the product can be selected before accessing the server, and if the server is accessed, the product can be ordered promptly. Process becomes easier,
Network connection time can be reduced. Also,
Since a selection is made from limited products forming a part of all products handled by the server, it is easy to select a product suitable for the user. This recording medium may be a read-only medium such as a CD-ROM or a hard disk built into a computer.

[0010] In the second aspect of the present invention, in the recording medium according to the first aspect, the related display object is:
The display device has a plurality of types of display modes representing characteristics of a product specified by the allocated specific information, and the specific information includes at least one related display object having a different display mode. The information of the related display object is described in the file in a hyperlinkable format, and the display of the related display object specifies the address of the screen that specifies the product specified by the assigned specific information. Is what is linked. Therefore, since the characteristics of the product can be known from the display mode of the related display object, it is easy to select a product suitable for the user.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the recording medium according to the first or second aspect, information of a display object for network search is described in the file in a hyperlinkable format, and An address of a screen for performing a network search for the product is linked to the display of the display object. Therefore, it becomes easy to start a network search for a product not listed in the file.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the recording medium according to any one of the first to third aspects,
The information of the display object for version upgrade is described in the file in a hyperlinkable format, and an address for downloading a new file in which the content of the file is updated is linked to the display of the display object for upgrade. Is what it is. Therefore, even when the content described in the file becomes old, it is possible to easily access the network and obtain the upgraded file.

[0013] In a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a product ordering method in which when a user accesses a server on a network to order a product, the user proceeds from the display of a screen for specifying the product to the ordering procedure. A step of reading the file from the recording medium according to any one of claims 1 to 4, and displaying the plurality of pieces of specific information or the plurality of pieces of specific information and a related display on a screen. An address is linked to a step, a step of selecting a displayed specific information or a related display on the screen, and a display of the selected specific information or a selected related display. Requesting the server to display the screen, and proceeding to an order procedure from the screen. Therefore, an effect similar to that of the first aspect is achieved.

In the invention according to claim 6, when a user accesses a server on a network to order a product, a product ordering program for proceeding from the display of the product specifying screen to the ordering procedure is recorded. 5. A step of reading the file from the recording medium according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the plurality of pieces of specific information or the plurality of pieces of specific information and a related display are provided. Displaying on the screen, displaying the specific information displayed, or selecting a related display on the screen, displaying the selected specific information, or selecting the relevant display. Causing the server to request and display the screen with the address linked to the server, and proceeding to an order procedure from the screen. One in which because of the commodity order program is recorded. Therefore, it is possible to provide a product ordering program having the same effect as the first aspect of the invention.

[0015] In the invention according to claim 7, when a user accesses a server on a network to order a product, the product ordering apparatus proceeds from the display of the screen for specifying the product to the ordering procedure. The recording medium according to any one of claims 1 to 4, reading means for reading the file from the recording medium, and the plurality of specific information, or the plurality of specific information and a related display. Display control means for displaying on the screen, display of the displayed specific information, or input control means for selecting a related display on the screen, display of the selected specific information, or Hyperlink control means for requesting the server to display the screen with the address linked to the related display, and for proceeding to an order procedure from the screen. It is intended. Therefore, claim 1
The same effect as the invention described in (1) is exerted.

According to the invention described in claim 8, when a user accesses a server on a network to order a product, the user uses the product ordering method to proceed from the display of a screen for specifying the product to the ordering procedure. A computer-readable recording medium on which a file of
A plurality of pieces of specific information for specifying a plurality of products and information of related display objects are described in the file in a hyperlinkable format, and the related display objects have at least a first display mode and a second display mode. Wherein the specific information has at least one related display object having the different display mode assigned thereto, and the specific information to which the related display object of the first display mode is allocated includes: The limited product that forms a part of the plurality of products that can be accessed by accessing the server is specified, and the limited product that forms a part of the limited product is specified. The address of the screen that specifies the product specified by the allocated specific information is linked to the display of the display object to be displayed, and the related address of the second display mode is linked. A specific directory in the recording medium is linked to the display of the indication, and the specific information in which the related display in the second display mode is assigned under the specific directory is specified by the specific information. The product itself is recorded. Therefore,
By using the file recorded on the recording medium for ordering a product, the same effect as the first aspect of the present invention is achieved. In addition, the commodity itself is recorded on the recording medium, and the commodity recorded on the recording medium is accessed by selecting the related display object of the second display mode under the directory of the commodity. Can be easily done.

[0017]

FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of a music data distribution system for explaining an embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, when searching for and downloading desired music data from music data stored in a distribution server at a music data distribution site, selection of the desired music data is performed offline without connecting to a network. Is what you can do.

In the figure, 1 is a hypertext processing unit, 2 is a reading unit, and 3 is a hypertext file storage unit.
Reference numeral 4 denotes a communication control unit, which connects to the distribution server via the network 7. Reference numeral 5 denotes a distribution music data storage unit, and reference numeral 6 denotes a trial listening unit. The above is the functional configuration of the client device such as the personal computer 102 shown in FIG.
8 is a communication control unit, 9 is a song search and display screen creation unit,
10 is a display screen creation data storage unit, 11 is a distribution music database management unit, 12 is a distribution music database, 13
Denotes a sample music database management unit, and 14 denotes a sample music database. The above is the functional configuration of the music data distribution server.

Hypertext is a WWW (World Wide Wealth).
b) Used in web pages. The document has a linked document structure by defining the association of text data, still image data, moving image data, audio data, etc. with other data. It also has a hyperlink function for linking hypertexts at remote locations via a network. HTML (Hyper
In Text Markup Language), <AHREF = ”link UR
L ”> tag and </A> tag set. Here, the URL (Uniform Resource Locator) is a method of accessing information resources on the Internet (protocol name) and a type of information resources. A character string that specifies an address (paths and search parts are shown in a hierarchical structure below the server name.) By specifying a link destination using a URL, it is possible to create a hyperlink to the server's information resources. The bottom layer of this URL, depending on the server software, includes, for example, the program name and variables of the Common Gateway Interface (CGI).

The hypertext file storage unit 3 is a local storage unit on the client side, and stores a music list described in a hypertext format. Read-only CD-ROM (Compact Disk-Read Only Memor
y) may be used. In addition to the HTML described above, XML (Extensible Ma
rkup Language), PDF (Portable Document Forma)
t) etc. In this embodiment, PDF is used for the above-mentioned music list. To create a PDF file easily, for example, open an HTML file with Adobe Systems Incorporated “Acrobat (registered trademark)”
Save as a file. The PDF file is "Acroba
t "or a document file that can be read with" Acrobat Reader ". It is possible to display a screen similar to a paper print, add a page, and search for text in a document.

The music list is a list of music data of a plurality of music data suitable for a specific electronic musical instrument, a type of electronic musical instrument, and the like, among all the music data that can be downloaded from the distribution server. , Along with the song title, artist, composer, lyricist, etc., is shown in a list of a plurality of arrays. Since it has a configuration similar to a "song book" of karaoke, the user can easily search even if a large number of songs are arranged. Each piece of music is stored in a music piece search and display screen creation unit 9 on the server side described later.
A link is provided to the URL of the profile screen 9b for specifying the music data, and a request is made to the server to transmit this screen. The URL of the profile screen 9b is set to a number with a unique number (ID or file name) corresponding to the music data.

The reading section 2 reads out the music list stored in the hypertext file storage section 3 and outputs it to the hypertext processing section 1. Hypertext processing unit 1
Displays the hypertext on the screen of the display according to the screen control information in the text. The user searches for a desired music piece while viewing a plurality of music pieces on the display screen. By clicking on a display related to a desired music piece on the screen, the music piece is finally selected, and the URL of the link destination linked to this music piece is transmitted to the network 7 via the communication control unit 4. This URL is the URL of the “profile screen” 9b for specifying the music data described above.

In the same manner as in the prior art, the hypertext processing unit 1 also issues instructions such as a preview request, a distribution request, online music title search, music title selection, etc., to the server side, via the communication control unit 4, the network 7, and the communication control unit. The music data is transmitted to the music piece search and display screen creation unit 9 via the control unit 8. The description of the procedure with the accounting server 103 shown in FIG. 12 will be omitted. The song search and display screen creation unit 9 causes a search for the song to be performed using the display screen of the hypertext. The display screen creation data storage unit 10 also has a function of creating a display screen using display material for display screen formation, including display data of all pieces of music stored in the distribution music database. For example, when the user accesses the top page screen 9a and completes the search, the process advances to the search result screen 9c, and then jumps to the order screen 9d. Note that a function of jumping to the profile screen 9b may be provided, or the order screen 9c may also serve as a profile screen.

Thereafter, the process is once passed to the accounting server 103 shown in FIG. 12, and after the settlement is completed, the process proceeds to the download screen 9e. After that, the distribution music database management unit 11
The music data of the selected music piece is extracted from the distribution music database 12 and downloaded to the distribution music data storage unit 5 via the communication control unit 8, the network 7, and the communication control unit 4. If you click the "listen" button on the display screen while searching for songs,
The trial music database management unit 13 is activated, retrieves the selected trial music data from the trial music database 14, and executes the communication control unit 8, the network 7, and the communication control unit 4.
The music data is transmitted to the cache memory of the trial listening section 6 via the.

In the figure, the functions of the communication control unit 4 and the hypertext processing unit 1 are executed by WWW browser software operating on an operating system of a personal computer. In this embodiment, PDF is used for the hypertext file. Therefore, in addition to the WWW browser software, the above-mentioned “Acrobat” or “Acrobat Reader” is installed in the personal computer. The music list has a small file size because only the music of music data suitable for a specific model or the like is extracted and edited. The trial listening section 6 can be executed by installing software of a “Mid Radio” (trademark of Yamaha Corporation) player.

In FIG. 1, the display screen creation data storage unit 10, the distribution music database 12, and the trial music database 14 on the server side are shown as separate storage devices.
These may be an integrated database. The sample music data may be created by processing music data obtained from the distribution music database. In addition, the servers provided with the respective databases may be operated separately through the network 7 as separate servers. A WWW server is used as a server, and a music piece search and display screen creation unit 9, a music database management unit 11, and a trial music database management unit 1
The second function is a common gateway interface (CGI: Co
The gateway may be processed by using the mmon Gateway Interface).

Next, in the embodiment shown in FIG.
The configuration of the music list stored in the hypertext file storage unit 3 and a method of using the music list will be described. From the music data stored in the distribution server, the music data of music data suitable for a specific product is extracted in advance, a music music list is created, and the music data is stored on a recording medium suitable for distribution such as CD-ROM. Store it. This hypertext file is provided to the user by attaching it to a specific product of an electronic musical instrument or a specific product of a sound source device. Also, it is downloaded from a server device on the network and provided to the user. It can be used in the state of being stored on a CD-ROM, or may be used by being installed on a hard magnetic disk of a personal computer. As described above, the hypertext file is a PDF file, and HTML (Hyper Text Marku
p Language). Even in this case, the arrangement of the music list may be laid out in a list format.

Using a personal computer, a user reads out a file stored on a CD-ROM, and searches for a tune of desired music data offline. By linking to the operation of selecting the display item of the desired music data to be downloaded, the WWW browser software is automatically started to connect to the Internet, and the URL of the hyperlinked profile screen 9b is accessed. Clicking a predetermined position on this screen jumps to an order screen for the specified music data. Note that the WWW browser software may be activated first and already connected to the Internet. When using the downloaded music data for an electronic musical instrument, first download the music data to a personal computer and load the downloaded music data to the electronic musical instrument via a removable recording medium, or
Load via a serial interface such as DI.

FIG. 2 shows the link structure of the display screen of the music list stored in the hypertext file storage unit 3 of FIG. 1, and the hypertext created and transmitted by the music search and display screen creation unit 9 of FIG. It is an explanatory view of a link structure of a text screen. For some display screens,
This is illustrated in FIGS. In FIG. 2, the underlined items indicate items that are simply selected by clicking the display or items in which a plurality of options are displayed in a drop-down manner below a text box. Items surrounded by a frame are items that the user types in a text box. By clicking the above-mentioned display, a display related to this display, or a display indicating progress, the display jumps to the next display screen on condition of the item associated with the display and the item input to the text box.

The top page of the music list stored in the hypertext file storage unit 3 is a music list cover screen 21. When any one of the Japanese music menu, the Western music menu, and the instruction manual is clicked, the search input of Japanese music is performed. The screen jumps to a screen 22, a Western music search input screen 23, and an instruction manual (not shown) (see FIG. 11). On the search input screen 22 for Japanese music, the song title, artist, lyricist,
For each composer, a Japanese syllabary is displayed. Jump to the next stage by clicking on the display of the initial of any category. Western music search input screen 2
The same applies to 3 except that a numeral table and an alphabet table are displayed instead of the Japanese syllabary table.

When an initial is selected from the syllabary of the song title on the search input screen 22 for Japanese music, the first page having the selected initial is selected from a plurality of pages arranged in the order of the song title. Is the first page 24 of the initials selected in the order of song names
Jump to (see FIG. 3). The song title and other information are displayed in a one-line frame and arranged in a column direction. When the display of each song title or the display of the selection button related thereto is clicked, the display jumps to the profile screen 31 (see FIG. 7) of the distribution server linked to this display. Here, when the "price" display is clicked, the display jumps to the order screen 32. When an initial letter is selected from the Japanese syllabary of the artist, lyricist, and composer on the Japanese music search input screen 22, a plurality of pages arranged in order of the name of each category are displayed. Jump to the first page 25-27 with the selected initial.

The above-mentioned music list can be linked as a plurality of PDF files to pages in lower layers by a link function, or can be a single PDF file as a whole. When the whole is one PDF file, or by song title, artist name, lyricist name,
When the composer name order is one PDF file each, it is also possible to specify the page number and search for the corresponding page.

On the other hand, the display screen created by the song search and display screen creation unit 9 on the server side and transmitted to the client side starts from the top screen 28 of the distribution server (see FIG. 4). On the top screen 28, the user directly inputs the song title or artist into the text box, and the search result screen 3
Jump to 0 (see FIG. 6). Normally, the user clicks the “Go to detailed search” button to jump to the search input screen 29 (see FIG. 5).

On the search input screen 29, items such as data type, model selection, genre, song title, artist, composer, lyricist, and song start are input. If a plurality of items are selected, the search is performed under the AND condition. The display order and the number of displayed items are inputs for selecting display conditions of the search result output list. Reference numeral 30 denotes a search result screen (see FIG. 6). If the user clicks the “price” display related to the display of each song on the screen, the display jumps to the order screen 32. If the “details” button related to the display of each music is clicked, the screen jumps to the profile screen 31.

On the profile screen 31 (see FIG. 7),
Only one song is displayed. Since the song title may be the same and the composer or the like may be different, the term song is used to distinguish them. However, a plurality of pieces of music data different in artist (singer, performer), data type, model, or the like may exist for the same music piece. Even in such a case, a mark indicating that one of the songs is currently being searched is displayed. Profile screens 31 with different marks are treated as different profile screens 31 even if other display contents are the same. That is, the unique number of the music data assigned as a variable to the URL of the display screen is different.

When the model, data type, and artist are set on the search screen, or when an off-line search is performed in the music list, a mark is attached to the music that matches the search condition. When no condition is set, a mark is attached to one music piece under a predetermined priority condition. On this screen, by clicking on a song that is not selected, the selected song data can be switched. When the “price” display is clicked on the profile screen 31, the screen jumps to the order screen 32. On this screen, a product name, a price, and the like are displayed, and buttons such as “cancel purchase”, “next procedure”, “redisplay”, and “purchase another product” are provided. As a plurality of music data are purchased, the number of products displayed on the order counter increases.

3 to 6 will be briefly described. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a specific example of the first page 24 of the initials of the song title order selection. In the figure, the hatched part
The specific song name, artist name, composer name, and lyricist name are entered. Each song title is displayed in a row-by-line array. However, each item may be displayed in several lines within the width of each line. By pointing the pointer to the "access" button on the right end and clicking the mouse, this song title is selected and jumped to the link destination. On this page, the Japanese music menu, the top page, the previous page, and a black triangle indicating a jump to the next page are also displayed.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a specific example of the top screen 28. As shown in FIG. Various displays are made on the top screen. Here, only the part related to the search input of the music piece is shown. Click the white circle radio button attached to the song title or artist to display a black dot, enter the song title or artist name in the text box, and click [GO
! Clicking the "" button display jumps to the search result screen 30 of FIG. Also, "Advanced search"
Clicking the button display jumps to the search input screen 29 shown in FIG.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a specific example of the search input screen 29 shown in FIG. FIG. 5A shows a display screen, and FIG.
(B) shows options to be displayed when a triangle button attached to each list box is clicked on the display screen. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a specific example of the search result screen 30 shown in FIG. In the upper half, the conditions input on the search input screen 29 are shown as they are, and the search can be performed again by clicking the "search" button. In the lower half, a list of a plurality of songs that satisfy the search condition is displayed. A row is used as a display unit, and a check box, a "listen" button, a song name, an artist, a song, a data type, a "price", and a "detail" button are displayed. Clicking the "listen" button allows you to listen, and clicking the "listen continuously" button allows you to listen to the song selected by the check box.

FIG. 7 shows the profile screen 3 shown in FIG.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a specific example of FIG. In the example shown in the figure, two pieces of music are displayed in an array in the case where there are pieces of music data of different data types such as karaoke and XG in the same piece of music.
Among them, the music pieces with the triangle mark are the music pieces selected by the search. Clicking on "Price" under "Purchase" at the top of the screen jumps to the order screen 32 for ordering music data of the tune indicated by the triangle mark. Illustration of the order screen is omitted. On this screen, there are also buttons for artist search, composer search, lyricist search, and display items that link to music scores and other related products.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the embodiment shown in FIG. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing details of the steps of the offline search S41 shown in FIG. Referring to FIG. 8, the case where an online search is performed will be described first. The client terminal sets the URL on the top screen of the distribution server and accesses the top screen 28 of the distribution server (see FIGS. 2 and 4). In S61 on the server side, it is determined whether or not the client terminal has been accessed. If there is, the process proceeds to S62, and if not, the process returns to S61. In S62,
It is determined whether the received URL is the URL of the profile screen 31 or the URL of the top screen. Other URL
In the case of, the process proceeds to the URL.

Since the URL is the URL of the top screen 28, the process proceeds to S64. Hereinafter, the description of the response of the client apparatus is omitted up to S66. In S64, the HTML file of the top screen is transmitted. On the client device, a top screen 28 (see FIGS. 2 and 4) is displayed. In S65, the HTML file of the search input screen is transmitted. On the client device, a search input screen 29 (see FIGS. 2 and 5) is displayed.

In S66, the HTML file of the search result screen is transmitted. On the client device, a search result screen 30 (see FIGS. 2 and 6) is displayed. On this screen, when the user of the client device selects the purchase of the music data of the specific music, the process proceeds to S67, but when the user clicks the detailed selection button, the process proceeds to S63.
Then, the HTML file of the profile screen 31 (see FIGS. 2 and 7) of the specific song is transmitted. After that, it is the same as the case of performing the offline search.

The offline search will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. When the hypertext file of the music list stored in the CD-ROM is read in S81, the music list cover screen 21 (see FIGS. 2 and 11) is displayed first. On the screen, selection buttons for "Western music menu", "Japanese music menu", and "Instruction manual" are displayed. In S82, it is detected whether or not any of the selection buttons has been clicked. If not detected, the process is repeated. When the "Western music menu" is clicked, the process proceeds to S83, and when the "Japanese music menu" is clicked, the process proceeds to S84.

In S83, the Western music search input screen 23 of FIG. 2 is displayed. On the screen, 0 to 9 (only for song titles) and alphabets are displayed in each category of song title, artist, lyricist, and composer. In S85, it is determined whether or not a click of the initial letter has been detected for any of the categories.
The process proceeds to 86, and if not detected, the process is repeated. In S86, the page of the song whose name of each category is the selected initial is displayed. In S85,
When an alphanumeric click on the song title is detected,
A page for western music similar to the first page 24 of the initials selected in the order of music titles shown in FIG. 3 is displayed.

As described above, in the offline search, an output format is used in which a page of the corresponding music list is displayed using a link. Keyword search is available for some software. As shown in FIG. 3, a selection button is displayed as "access" for each song. In S89, it is determined whether or not a click on the “access” button has been detected. If detected, the process proceeds to S90, and if not detected, the detection process is repeated. Since a hyperlink is provided on the “access” button, a WWW browser software program is started, and the URL is transmitted to the network.

Returning to S42 of FIG. 8, the description will be continued. The URL transmitted from the client device is finally received by the distribution server, and in S61, an access from the client is detected. In S62, this time
The URL accesses the profile screen 31. Therefore, the process proceeds to S63, and the HTML file of the profile screen 31 of the specific song is transmitted. In S42 of the client device, based on the received HTML file, the profile screen 31 (FIG. 2, FIG.
(See FIG. 7).

In S43, it is determined whether or not a click has been detected on the screen. When "price" is clicked, the process proceeds to S44. A description of when another button is clicked is omitted. If no click is detected, the detection process is repeated. In S44, a purchase request is transmitted. In S67 of the distribution server, it is determined whether any request has been received. If a purchase request has been received, the process proceeds to S68, and if another request has been received, a process corresponding to the request is performed. When the request is not received, the receiving process is repeated.

In S68, the HTML file of the order screen is transmitted. In S45 of the client device, the HTML file of the order screen is received, and the order screen 32 (see FIG. 2) is displayed. In S46, a payment method is selected,
Enter other necessary information and click "Next" to be sent. Payment methods include a credit card payment and a prepaid card payment. In S69 on the distribution server side, it is determined whether or not the payment method and necessary items have been received.
The process proceeds to 0, and when no reception is performed, the reception process is repeated. In S70, the process is passed to the accounting server and the settlement is waited for.

In S47 of the client device, the settlement file is completed by receiving and displaying the HTML file of the settlement screen from the billing server and performing a predetermined input. At S71 on the distribution server side, the download start screen
Submit an HTML file. When compressing and transmitting music data, a menu of the compression format (for example, LZH, ZI
Display P) and let the user select it. S48 of the client device
, Receives and displays the HTML file of the download start screen, and requests download. Delivery server S
At 72, it is determined whether there is a download request, and if so, the process proceeds to S73, and if not, the determination process is repeated. In S73, the specific music data is downloaded, and the process returns to the initial processing. In S49 of the client device, the downloaded specific music data is received and stored. In S50,
If the distribution service is not to be terminated, the process returns to S41 and repeats the process.

In the above description, the music list stored in the hypertext file storage unit 3 of FIG. 1 is created by selecting only music suitable for a specific model or data type. The songs listed in the song list were not particularly distinguished in order. However, it is also possible to display the order distinction between the songs.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a music list for explaining the second embodiment of the present invention. The first page 24 of the selected initials in the order of the song titles shown in FIG. 3 is used and exemplified, but the same applies to any page. In FIG. 10A, the display position of the “access” button is divided into three places and used in three types. Each row should have at least one column for beginners, intermediates, and advanced players
Each has an "access" button. The downloaded music data may be used by the user as an example of practice, but the user's performance ability varies. Therefore, advanced users need music data with abundant performance expressions, and beginners need easy music data. However, the difficulty level of the song is not clear just by looking at the song list.

Therefore, when creating a music list, the degree of difficulty is determined for each music, and the display position of the "access" button is changed. With this display, the user can search for a tune corresponding to the performance level, and purchase and download the tune data. It is more preferable that the distribution server creates music data of different difficulty levels for one tune and stores it in the distribution tune database. In this case, two or more “access” buttons are provided for one tune. indicate. In the illustrated example, the display position of the “access” button has been changed.
The color and shape of the "access" button, the characters to be displayed, etc.
The display mode may be changed so that they can be distinguished.

On the other hand, in FIG. 10B, the display position of the "access" button is divided into two places and used in two types. One is displayed under "Install from CD-ROM" and the other is displayed under "Download from server". The music list is often stored on a CD-ROM, attached to a product such as an electronic musical instrument, and distributed to users. In this case, it is possible to store and provide a plurality of music data for a sample on the same CD-ROM. The user appropriately supplies desired music data from the CD-ROM to the electronic musical instrument via a flexible magnetic disk or a serial cable. In this case, it is troublesome to search for desired music data while looking at the directory of the CD-ROM.

However, the music data stored on the CD-ROM is also included in the music list, and the music data can be easily transferred from the CD-ROM to a hard disk or a flexible disk by clicking the "access" button. Can be copied to a magnetic disk. The URL of the hyperlink associated with the "access" button is not limited to a server via a network. This URL may be set under a predetermined directory on the hard disk of the personal computer to create a music list. Also in this example, instead of changing the display position of the “access” button, the display mode such as the color and shape of the “access” button and the characters to be displayed may be changed so as to be distinguishable.

Since the above-mentioned music list is distributed together with the purchase of the electronic musical instrument, it is necessary to provide a method for corresponding to a new music released afterwards. FIG. 11 shows a third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of a music list for describing the embodiment. The song list cover screen 21 shown in FIG. 2 is used as an example, but any page may be used. The new song may be accessed online by accessing the search page of the distribution server. Therefore, a "network search" button is also displayed, and when this button is clicked, the top screen 28 of the distribution server designated as the hyperlink destination is displayed.
Alternatively, the user can jump to the search input screen 29. However, it is an online search.

Since the music list is a PDF file, it can be easily downloaded from the server. Therefore, the distribution server only has to upload a song list that has been revised and upgraded for each model or data type. Also in this case, a “download new song list” button is displayed so that the user can easily download the revised song list. This display can be hyperlinked by associating the URL of the start screen for downloading the new song list with HTTP or FTP.

In the above description, as the music data, MI
The DI data file is exemplified. However, it may be sampled musical sound or voice data. In that case,
It is preferable to use audio compressed data such as MP3 (MPEG1 Audio Layer3). In the above description, the music data was downloaded via the storage unit of the personal computer. Instead, the electronic musical instrument is provided with a communication interface for network connection, and
With the function of the hypertext processing unit 1 described above, the music data can be downloaded by directly connecting to the distribution server on the network 7. In place of the personal computer, a mobile phone, a fixed telephone, a television, or a game machine having an Internet connection function can be used. In this case, these devices can also perform using the downloaded music data.

In the above description, an example in which the present invention is applied to a music data distribution service has been described. However, in addition to music data and audio data, information products that can be distributed over networks, such as music data, still images such as photographs and paintings, moving images such as movies, game software, news, and statistical materials, so-called digital contents. In the purchase, the embodiment of the present invention can be used to search for the information product. In addition to the distribution service, in a service for ordering a general product on a network, the embodiment of the present invention can be used to search for the product in ordering the product.

In the above description, the music list stored in the hypertext file storage unit 3 is created by selecting only music suitable for a specific model or data type. However, depending on information products and general products, it is not necessary to limit the types of products recorded in the local hypertext file from those that can be searched online. Alternatively, depending on the information product or general product, only a part of contents previously selected from products that can be searched online according to the user's preference, age, gender, etc. are posted, and the scope of the offline search is adapted to the user. It can be something.

[0061]

As is clear from the above description, according to the present invention, it is possible to proceed to the ordering process of music data in a state in which a desired product, for example, music data is selected offline, so that time can be reduced. To search for a desired product, and there is no need to use a network during the search, so that the cost required for the search can be greatly reduced. In addition, an order file, for example, a music list is created with only some selected products in advance, for example, only music data suitable for a specific electronic musical instrument or sound source device. There is an effect that a search can be performed. The offline search can be searched in a different method from the network search because time constraints and the amount of data required for the search are different from the network search. For example, it is possible to use a technique similar to the technique that a person has performed using a paper medium, and to perform a search that is easy for the user to use.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of a music data distribution system for describing an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows a link structure of a song list display screen stored in the hypertext file storage unit 3 of FIG. 1 and a hypertext screen created and transmitted by the song search and display screen creation unit 9 of FIG. It is explanatory drawing of a link structure.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a specific example of a “first page of initials selected in song title order” 24 shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of a “top screen” 28 illustrated in FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a specific example of a “search input screen” 29 shown in FIG.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a specific example of a “search result screen” 30 shown in FIG.

7 is a diagram showing a specific example of a “profile screen” 31 shown in FIG.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing details of an offline search step shown in FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a music list for explaining a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of a music list for explaining a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is an overall configuration diagram of a music data distribution system.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 hypertext processing unit, 2 reading unit, 3 hypertext file storage unit, 4 communication control unit, 7 network, 5 distribution music data storage unit, 8 communication control unit, 9 tune search and display screen creation unit, 10 display screen creation Data storage unit, 11 distributed music database management unit, 12 distributed music database

Continuation of the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat II (Reference) G06F 12/00 546 G06F 12/00 546B G10K 15/02 G10K 15/02 (72) Inventor Yasuhiko Asahi Nakazawa, Shizuoka Prefecture 10-1 Yamaha F-term in Yamaha Corporation (reference) 5B082 HA05

Claims (8)

[Claims] When a user accesses a server on a network to place an order for a product, a computer stores a file for use in a product ordering method for proceeding from the display of a product specifying screen to the ordering procedure. A plurality of pieces of identification information, each of which is a readable recording medium, and specifies a limited product that forms a part of the plurality of products that can be ordered by accessing the server. Or, the plurality of specific information and the information of the related display object are described in the file in a hyperlinkable format, and the display of each of the specific information and the related display object is performed by the specific information. The address of the screen that specifies the product to be linked is linked. 2. The related display object has a plurality of types of display modes representing characteristics of a product specified by the allocated specific information, and the specific information includes different display modes. At least one related display object is assigned, information of the related display object is described in the file in a hyperlinkable format, and the display of the related display object is performed according to the specific information assigned. The recording medium according to claim 1, wherein an address of the screen that specifies the specified product is linked. 3. The information of the display object for network search is described in the file in a hyperlinkable format, and the display of the display object for network search is linked with the address of the screen for performing the network search for the product. The recording medium according to claim 1, wherein: 4. The information of the display object for version upgrade is described in the file in a hyperlinkable format, and a new file in which the content of the file is updated is downloaded to the display of the display object for version upgrade. The recording medium according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the addresses are linked. 5. A product ordering method in which a user accesses a server on a network to order a product, and proceeds from a display of a screen for specifying the product to an ordering procedure. Reading the file from the recording medium according to claim 1; displaying the plurality of pieces of specific information or the plurality of pieces of specific information and a related display on a screen; Requesting the server to display information or a related display on the screen; and requesting the server to display the screen in which the address is linked to the selected specific information display or the selected related display. Causing the display to proceed to an order procedure from the screen. 6. A recording medium on which a product ordering program for proceeding from a display of a product specifying screen to an ordering procedure when a user accesses a server on a network to order a product, A step of causing the file to be read from the recording medium according to any one of Items 1 to 4, and a step of displaying the plurality of specific information or the plurality of specific information and a related display on a screen. Selecting a display of the displayed specific information or a related display on the screen; and displaying the selected specific information or a screen with an address linked to the selected related display. Requesting the server to display, and proceeding to the ordering procedure from the screen. But the recorded recording medium. 7. A product ordering apparatus which proceeds from a display of a screen for specifying a product to an order procedure when a user accesses a server on a network to order a product. The recording medium according to any one of claims 1 to 4, reading means for reading the file from the recording medium, and display control for displaying the plurality of pieces of specific information or the plurality of pieces of specific information and related display on a screen. Means, input control means for selecting a display of the displayed specific information or a related display on the screen, and an address linking the display of the selected specific information or the selected related display Hyperlink control means for requesting the server to display the displayed screen and displaying the requested screen, and proceeding to an ordering procedure from the screen. apparatus. 8. A computer in which, when a user accesses a server on a network and places an order for a product, a file for use in a product ordering method for proceeding from the display of the product specifying screen to the ordering procedure is recorded. A readable recording medium, wherein a plurality of specific information items each specifying a plurality of products and information of a related display item are described in the file in a hyperlinkable format, and the related display item is at least The display device has first and second display modes, and the specific information is assigned at least one related display object having the different display mode, and the related display object of the first display mode. Is assigned to a limited product that forms part of a plurality of products that can be ordered by accessing the server. And a display address of the related display object of the first display mode, wherein an address of the screen that specifies the product specified by the allocated specific information is linked. A specific directory in the recording medium is linked to the display of the related display object in the second display mode, and the link of the second display mode is displayed under the specific directory. The product itself specified by the specific information to which the display object to be assigned is assigned is recorded.