JP2004145604A - Browser terminal and browser program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To download a browser application with a plug-in functional module attached, and use the plug-in functional module from a browser core. <P>SOLUTION: When executing a browser application 12, a browser core control part 17 rewrites an entry in a function/functional module correspondence database 18 about each plug-in functional module 13. When executing the browser application 12, the browser core control part 17 determines whether to use a function in processing, and if using a function in processing, searches the function/functional module correspondence database 18 with a function ID as a key to acquire a module ID registered in correspondence with the function ID, and executes the functional module of the module ID. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a browser terminal and a browser program, and particularly to a replacement method and an extension method of a browser function of the browser terminal and the browser program.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a browser mounted on a browser terminal that can be connected to the Internet, such as a mobile phone terminal, a portable information terminal, and an information home appliance, is generally stored in a non-rewritable area such as a ROM (Read Only Memory). And could not be changed. In particular, built-in function modules in a browser are often stored in non-rewritable areas, and in many cases these functions themselves cannot be updated. Therefore, conventionally, if a bug is found in the browser after the shipment of the browser terminal, a measure of collecting the browser terminal has been taken as a countermeasure.
[0003]
On the other hand, a browser function is provided to the browser terminal as a browser core, and a browser application using the browser function is made downloadable so that a new service using the browser function can be easily added to the browser terminal. Can be
[0004]
In addition, although a technology in which a client system includes a Web browser and a Web browser extension function unit is also known, this technology does not extend the function of the Web browser itself (for example, see Patent Document 1).
[0005]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-11-7405 (pages 5-6, FIG. 2)
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In the conventional technology described above, even if a browser function is provided as a browser core, a browser application using the browser function can be downloaded, and a new service using the browser function can be easily added to the browser terminal, The services that can be provided are limited to those that depend on browser functions such as the expressive power of the user interface, and there is a problem that it is not possible to realize a browser application that requires extension of the functions of the browser core itself.
[0007]
In addition, as a content provider that provides Web content, there are cases where it is desired to create content that employs a display layout function of a unique specification different from the display layout function of a browser core incorporated in a browser terminal. There is also a request to update an existing function without adding a function, but there was a problem that this could not be handled.
[0008]
Furthermore, built-in function modules in a browser terminal are often stored in a non-rewritable area, and in many cases, updating these functions itself is not possible. When this was discovered, a means of collecting browser terminals was taken as a countermeasure, but there was a problem that means for easily fixing bugs was required.
[0009]
An object of the present invention is to download a browser application by adding a new function of a browser, a plug-in function module such as a patch for fixing a bug, and installing the plug-in function module in a browser terminal. It is to provide a browser terminal that can be used from a browser core.
[0010]
Another object of the present invention is to provide a browser program for realizing the above-mentioned browser terminal.
[0011]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
A browser terminal according to the present invention includes a browser terminal having a browser including a downloadable browser application and a browser core having an embedded function module that provides various functions necessary for realizing the browser function in the browser application. The browser application downloaded by adding the in-function module and the plug-in function module and the built-in function module are searched in the order of execution when the browser application is executed. And a browser core for executing the module.
[0012]
Further, the browser terminal of the present invention is a browser terminal having a browser including a downloadable browser application and a browser core including an embedded function module that provides various functions necessary for realizing the browser function in the browser application. A browser application downloaded with a plug-in function module added thereto, a general-purpose function module storage area for storing the plug-in function module as a general-purpose function module, and the plug-in function module and the general-purpose function when the browser application is executed. And a browser core that executes the function module when the function module having the same function is searched in the order of the module and the built-in function module.
[0013]
Furthermore, the browser terminal of the present invention includes an embedded function module that provides various functions necessary for realizing the browser function, a browser application downloaded with a plug-in function module added, the embedded function module and the plug-in. A function / function module correspondence database that manages the correspondence between the function identifier of the function provided by the in-function module and the module identifier of the function module that implements the function, and the plug-in function module The function / function module correspondence database is rewritten for each entry, and the function / function module correspondence database is searched for the function identifier of the function module for each function used in the processing to obtain a module identifier. A browser core control unit for executing the built-in function module or the plug-in function module of the module identifier, and when downloading the browser application, and when the browser application or the browser core obtains Web content via a network. A network interface unit for transmitting and receiving data.
[0014]
Still further, the browser terminal of the present invention includes a built-in function module that provides various functions necessary for realizing the browser function, a browser application downloaded by adding a plug-in function module, and a Inquiring whether there is a plug-in function module having the same function as the built-in function module based on the function identifier of the function module for each function used in the processing, and if the corresponding plug-in function module exists, the plug-in function A browser core control unit for executing the module and executing the embedded function module having the function identifier if the corresponding plug-in function module does not exist; Or the browser core and having a network interface unit for transmitting and receiving data through the network to obtain the Web content.
[0015]
Further, the browser terminal of the present invention includes a built-in function module that provides various functions necessary for realizing a browser function, a browser application downloaded by adding a plug-in function module, and a module of the plug-in function module. A general-purpose function module storage area for rewriting identifiers and storing them as general-purpose function modules, function identifiers of functions provided by the built-in function modules, the plug-in function modules and the general-purpose function modules, and modules of the function modules realizing the functions A function / function module correspondence database for managing association with identifiers, and the function / function module for each of the general-purpose function module and the plug-in function module when the browser application is executed. An entry of the correspondence database is rewritten, and the function / function module correspondence database is searched by the function identifier of the function module for each function used in the processing to obtain a module identifier, and the embedded function module and the plug-in function module of the module identifier are obtained. Alternatively, a browser core control unit that executes the general-purpose function module, and a network interface unit that transmits and receives data via a network when downloading the browser application and when the browser application or the browser core acquires Web content And characterized in that:
[0016]
Further, the browser terminal of the present invention includes a built-in function module that provides various functions necessary for realizing the browser function, a browser application downloaded by adding a plug-in function module, and a module of the plug-in function module. A plug-in function having a function equivalent to the built-in function module by a function identifier of a function module for each function used in processing when the browser application is executed, and a general function module storage area for rewriting an identifier and storing the function module as a general function module A query is made as to whether a module exists, and if the corresponding plug-in function module exists, the plug-in function module is executed. If the corresponding plug-in function module does not exist, the embedded function module is identified by the function identifier. Inquires whether there is a general-purpose function module having the same function as that of the module, executes the general-purpose function module if the corresponding general-purpose module exists, and executes the general-purpose function module if there is no corresponding general-purpose function module. A browser core control unit that executes an embedded function module; and a network interface unit that transmits and receives data via a network when downloading the browser application and when the browser application or the browser core acquires Web content. It is characterized by having.
[0017]
On the other hand, the browser program of the present invention searches a computer in the order of the browser application downloaded with the plug-in function module added thereto, and the plug-in function module and the embedded function module when the browser application is executed. When a function module having a function is found, the function module is made to function as a browser core that executes the function module.
[0018]
Further, the browser program of the present invention may include a computer, a browser application downloaded with a plug-in function module added thereto, a general-purpose function module storage area for storing the plug-in function module as a general-purpose function module, The plug-in function module, the general-purpose function module, and the embedded function module are searched in this order, and when a function module having an equivalent function is searched, the function module is made to function as a browser core that executes the function module.
[0019]
Further, the browser program according to the present invention is a computer that can be used to provide a computer with a built-in function module that provides various functions necessary for realizing a browser function, a browser application downloaded by adding a plug-in function module, the built-in function module, A function / function module correspondence database that manages the correspondence between the function identifier of the function provided by the plug-in function module and the module identifier of the function module that implements the function, and the plug-in function module when the browser application is executed For each of the above, the function / function module correspondence database entry is rewritten, and the function / function module correspondence database is searched by the function identifier of the function module for each function used in the processing, and the module is searched. Give Yuru identifier, wherein the function as the browser core controller to perform the built-in function module or the plug-in function modules of the module identifier.
[0020]
Still further, the browser program of the present invention provides a computer, a built-in function module that provides various functions necessary for realizing a browser function, a browser application downloaded by adding a plug-in function module, and execution of the browser application. Sometimes, for each function used in the processing, it is asked whether there is a plug-in function module having the same function as the built-in function module by the function identifier of the function module, and if the corresponding plug-in function module exists, the plug-in The function module is executed, and if there is no corresponding plug-in function module, the function module is made to function as a browser core control unit that executes the embedded function module with the function identifier.
[0021]
Further, the browser program of the present invention includes a computer, a built-in function module that provides various functions necessary for realizing the browser function, a browser application downloaded by adding a plug-in function module, and a plug-in function module. A general-purpose function module storage area for rewriting and storing a module identifier as a general-purpose function module, function identifiers of the functions provided by the embedded function module, the plug-in function module, and the function provided by the general-purpose function module, and a module of the function module realizing the function A function / function module correspondence database for managing association with identifiers, and when executing the browser application, the general function module and the plug-in function module Rewriting the entry of the function / function module correspondence database, searching the function / function module correspondence database by the function identifier of the function module for each function used in the processing, and obtaining a module identifier; The plug-in function module or the general-purpose function module functions as a browser core control unit that executes the module.
[0022]
Further, the browser program according to the present invention includes a computer, a built-in function module for providing various functions necessary for realizing a browser function, a browser application downloaded by adding a plug-in function module, and a plug-in function module. A general-purpose function module storage area for rewriting a module identifier and storing it as a general-purpose function module, a plug-in function having a function equivalent to the built-in function module by a function identifier of a function module for each function used in processing when the browser application is executed. Inquires whether a module exists, and executes the plug-in function module if the corresponding plug-in function module exists, and executes the plug-in function module if the corresponding plug-in function module does not exist. Inquires whether there is a general-purpose function module having the same function as that of the built-in function module, and executes the general-purpose function module if the relevant general-purpose module exists; It is characterized in that it functions as a browser core control unit that executes the built-in function module of the identifier.
[0023]
In the browser terminal of the present invention, when downloading a browser application in a browser terminal having a browser core for providing a browser function to a browser application which can be downloaded later, a new function of the browser, a patch for fixing a bug, and the like are downloaded. It is characterized in that the provided plug-in function modules are added and downloaded, and these function modules can be used from a browser core incorporated in a browser terminal.
[0024]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
[0025]
[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the browser terminal 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The main part of the browser terminal 10 according to the present embodiment includes a browser core 11, a browser application 12, a plug-in function module 13 added to the browser application 12, and a network interface unit 15. .
[0026]
The browser core 11 incorporates various functions necessary for realizing the browser function, such as acquisition of Web contents, parsing of contents, operation of an object tree generated by the parse processing, control of display layout, and the like. It comprises a function module 16, a browser core control unit 17 for controlling these embedded function modules 16, and a function / function module correspondence database 18.
[0027]
The built-in function module 16 provides the browser application 12 with various functions necessary for realizing the browser function, and is generally stored in a non-rewritable area such as a ROM. It is assumed that the embedded function module 16 includes a function identifier for uniquely identifying the function and a module identifier for uniquely identifying the embedded function module 16 itself. In the first embodiment, a function ID is used as a function identifier of a function, and a module ID is used as a module identifier of an embedded function module itself (the same applies to the following embodiments).
[0028]
The browser application 12 is an application for providing a service using a browser function to the user. The browser application 12 is downloaded through the network interface unit 15 and rewrites DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory), SRAM (Static Random Access Memory), or the like. It is stored in a possible area. The browser application 12 has zero or more plug-in function modules 13 added thereto.
[0029]
The plug-in function module 13 provides a new function of the browser, a patch for correcting a bug, and the like, and is stored in a rewritable area such as a DRAM or an SRAM, like the browser application 12. Like the embedded function module 16, the plug-in function module 13 includes a function ID for uniquely identifying the function and a module ID for uniquely identifying the function module itself. .
[0030]
The network interface unit 15 transmits and receives data via a network (not shown) when downloading the browser application 12 and when the browser application 12 or the browser core 11 acquires Web content.
[0031]
The function / function module correspondence database 18 is a database that manages the correspondence between the function IDs of the functions provided by the built-in function module 16 and the plug-in function module 13 and the module IDs of the function modules that realize the functions. (See FIGS. 3 and 4).
[0032]
Referring to FIG. 2, the process of the browser core control unit 17 includes a database entry rewriting step S101, a function use determination step S102, a corresponding function module presence / absence determination step S103, and a corresponding function module execution step S104.
[0033]
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the browser core control unit 17 rewrites entries of the function / function module correspondence database 18 for each of the plug-in function modules 13 when the browser application 12 is executed.
[0034]
FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a function ID registered with reference to the function / function module correspondence database 18 and a function module corresponding to the module ID when an actual execution process of the browser application 12 is performed. It is.
[0035]
Next, the operation of the browser terminal 10 according to the first embodiment configured as described above will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0036]
When the browser application 12 is executed, the browser core control unit 17 rewrites the entry of the function / function module correspondence database 18 for each of the plug-in function modules 13 (step S101). More specifically, if the browser core 11 does not have the function provided by the plug-in function module 13 as the built-in function module 16 and the entry of the function is not registered in the function / function module correspondence database 18, a new entry The function ID and the module ID of the plug-in function module 13 are registered in the function / function module correspondence database 18. Conversely, if the browser core 11 has the function of the plug-in function module 13 as the built-in function module 16 and the entry of the function is registered in the function / function module correspondence database 18, the module ID of the entry is changed. The module ID of the current built-in function module 16 is rewritten to the module ID of the corresponding plug-in function module 13.
[0037]
For example, as shown in FIG. 3A, the function ID and module ID of each embedded function module 16 are (F1, E1), (F2, E2), (F3, E3), (F4, E4), (F5). , E5), and if the function ID and module ID of each plug-in function module 13 are (F1, A1), (F7, A2), (F5, A3), the browser core control unit 17 The first and fifth entries of the module correspondence database 18 are rewritten to (F1, A1) and (F5, A3), and (F7, A2) is registered in the sixth entry.
[0038]
Thereafter, when the actual execution processing of the browser application 12 is performed, the browser core control unit 17 determines whether or not to use the function in the processing (step S102). Is used as a key to search the function / function module correspondence database 18 (step S103), obtain a registered module ID corresponding to the function ID, and execute the function module with this module ID (step S104).
[0039]
For example, as shown in FIG. 4B, assuming that the function IDs of the functions used in the processing are F1, F2, F3, F4, F5, and F7, first, the function module with the function ID = F1 is used. Therefore, the browser core control unit 17 searches the first entry (F1, A1) of the function / function module correspondence database 18 using the function ID = F1 as a key, and executes the plug-in function module 13 with the module ID = A1. . Next, since the function module with the function ID = F2 is used, the browser core control unit 17 searches the second entry (F2, E2) of the function / function module correspondence database 18 using the function ID = F2 as a key. , The embedded function module 16 having the module ID = E2 is executed. In this way, if the function IDs of the functions used in the processing are F1, F2, F3, F4, F5, and F7, the plug-in function module 13 of module ID = A1, E2, E3, E4, A3, A2 or The built-in function module 16 is executed.
[0040]
According to the first embodiment, by downloading a browser application 12 in which a function module that is not included in the browser core 11 as an embedded function module 16 is added as a plug-in function module 13, the browser core 10 is downloaded to the browser terminal 10. A function that is not incorporated as a new function can be added.
[0041]
In addition, by adding a function module having the same function as the built-in function module 16 but having different operation details to the browser application 12 as the plug-in function module 13, the function can be customized for each browser application 12. Thereby, for example, when the content provider wants to change the display layout function provided by the browser core 11, the content provider can add the display layout function module unique to the content provider to the browser application 12 as the plug-in function module 13. It is also possible to provide your own display layout.
[0042]
Further, when a bug is found in the built-in function module 16 of the browser core 11, the bug can be easily corrected by adding a bug correction patch to the browser application 12 as the plug-in function module 13. As a result, the vendor of the browser terminal 10 does not collect the browser terminal 10 for the bug found after the sales start of the browser terminal 10, but installs the browser application 12 to which the bug correction patch is added as the plug-in function module 13. It can be handled by distributing.
[0043]
[Second embodiment]
FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the browser terminal 10 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The browser terminal 10 according to the present embodiment is different from the browser terminal 10 according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 in that the function / function module correspondence database 18 is not required. And a browser core control unit 17 that controls these built-in function modules 16.
[0044]
The other parts not specifically mentioned are configured and operate in the same manner as the corresponding parts in the browser terminal 10 according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. The detailed description of is omitted.
[0045]
Referring to FIG. 6, the processing of the browser core control unit 17 in the second embodiment includes a function use determination step S201, a corresponding plug-in function module presence / absence determination step S202, a corresponding plug-in function module execution step S203, It comprises a corresponding embedded function module presence / absence determination step S204 and a corresponding embedded function module execution step S205.
[0046]
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the browser core control unit 17 inquires whether a plug-in function module 13 having the same function as the built-in function module 16 exists. Here, for the function modules used in the processing, the plug-in function module 13 and the built-in function module 16 are searched in this order, and the function module is executed at the searched stage.
[0047]
Next, the operation of the browser terminal 10 according to the second embodiment configured as described above will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0048]
When the browser application 12 is executed, the browser core control unit 17 determines whether or not to use the function in the process (step S201), and if the function is to be used in the process, executes the built-in function module 16 of the function ID. First, the browser application 12 is inquired about whether or not a plug-in function module 13 having the same function ID as the built-in function module 16 exists (step S202).
[0049]
If there is a plug-in function module 13 having the same function ID as a result of the inquiry, the browser core control unit 17 executes the plug-in function module 13 having the returned module ID (step S203).
[0050]
As a result of the inquiry, if the plug-in function module 13 having the same function ID does not exist, the browser core control unit 17 executes the embedded function module 16 of the called function ID as it is (steps S204 and S205).
[0051]
For example, as shown in FIG. 7, if the function IDs of the functions used in the processing are F1, F2, F3, F4, F5, and F7, first, the function module with the function ID = F1 is used. The core control unit 17 obtains the module ID = A1 as a result of the inquiry, and executes the plug-in function module 13 with the module ID = A1. Next, since the function module with the function ID = F2 is used, the browser core control unit 17 obtains as a result of the inquiry that the corresponding plug-in function module 13 does not exist, and obtains the function ID = F1 (module ID = The embedded function module 16 of E2) is executed as it is. In this way, if the function used in the processing is function ID = F1, F2, F3, F4, F5, F7, the plug-in function module 13 of module ID = A1, E2, E3, E4, A3, A2 or The built-in function module 16 is executed.
[0052]
According to the second embodiment, such a procedure is performed every time the built-in function module 16 is called, so that the built-in function module 16 or the plug-in function module 13 having a function equivalent thereto is executed and the processing proceeds. Therefore, an execution process equivalent to that of the first embodiment can be realized without the function / function module correspondence database 18.
[0053]
[Third Embodiment]
FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the browser terminal 10 according to the third embodiment of the present invention. The browser terminal 10 according to the present embodiment is configured such that a general-purpose function module storage area 14 is added to the browser terminal 10 according to the first embodiment shown in FIG.
[0054]
The general-purpose function module storage area 14 is a rewritable area such as a DRAM or an SRAM. The plug-in function module 13 to be used not only from a specific browser application 12 but also from all browser applications 12 is installed as a general-purpose function module. This is a storage area for storing.
[0055]
The other parts not specifically mentioned are configured and operate in the same manner as the corresponding parts in the browser terminal 10 according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. The detailed description of is omitted.
[0056]
Referring to FIG. 9, the processing of the browser core control unit 17 in the third embodiment includes a plug-in function module installation step S301, a module ID modification step S302, a database entry rewriting step S303 of a general-purpose function module, a plug-in function module It comprises a database entry rewriting step S304 of the in-function module, a function use determination step S305, a corresponding function module presence / absence determination step S306, and a corresponding function module execution step S307.
[0057]
FIG. 10 shows that among the plug-in function modules 13, the plug-in function modules 13 to be used by all the browser applications 12 are installed as general-purpose function modules in the general-purpose function module storage area 14, and the function / function module FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining how an entry in a correspondence database is rewritten.
[0058]
FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining how the entry of the function / function module correspondence database 18 is rewritten for each of the plug-in function modules 13 of the browser application 12 executed when another browser application 12 is executed.
[0059]
FIG. 12 illustrates how a function module corresponding to a registered module ID is called by referring to the function / function module correspondence database 18 when a function module is called when an actual execution process of the browser application 12 is performed. FIG.
[0060]
Next, the operation of the browser terminal 10 according to the third embodiment configured as described above will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0061]
When the plug-in function modules 13 that are desired to be used by all the browser applications 12 among the plug-in function modules 13 added to and downloaded to the browser application 12 are installed in the general-purpose function module storage area 14 as general-purpose function modules (step). S301), the browser core control unit 17 rewrites the module ID of the installed general-purpose function module and stores the module ID in the general-purpose function module storage area 14 (step S302).
[0062]
For example, as shown in FIG. 10 (1), the plug-in function module 13 whose function ID and module ID are (F1, A1), (F7, A2), (F5, A3) is stored in the general-purpose function module storage area 14. Upon installation, the browser core control unit 17 changes the module ID to G1, G2, and G3, respectively, as shown in FIG. 10B, and sets the function ID and the module ID to (F1, G1), (F7, G2). ), (F5, G3) are stored in the general-purpose function module storage area 14 as general-purpose function modules.
[0063]
Next, the browser core control unit 17 rewrites the entry of the function / function module correspondence database 18 for each of the general-purpose function modules (step S303). More specifically, if the browser core 11 does not have the function provided by the installed general-purpose function module as the embedded function module 16 and the entry of the function is not registered in the function / function module correspondence database 18, the new As an entry, the function ID of the function module and the module ID are registered in the function / function module correspondence database 18. Conversely, if the browser core 11 has the function of the general-purpose function module as the built-in function module 16 and the entry of the function is registered in the function / function module correspondence database 18, the module ID of the entry is set to the current module ID. The module ID of the built-in function module 16 is rewritten to the module ID of the corresponding plug-in function module 13.
[0064]
For example, as shown in FIG. 10 (3), the function ID and module ID of each entry of the function / function module correspondence database 18 are (F1, E1), (F2, E2), (F3, E3), (F4, E4), (F5, E5), and when the function ID and module ID of each general-purpose function module in the general-purpose function module storage area 14 are (F1, G1), (F7, G2), (F5, G3), The browser core control unit 17 rewrites the first and fifth entries of the function / function module correspondence database 18 to (F1, G1) and (F5, G3), and registers (F7, G2) in the sixth entry.
[0065]
Thereafter, when another browser application 12 to which a different plug-in function module 13 is added is downloaded and the browser application 12 is executed, the browser core control unit 17 executes the function / The entry of the functional module correspondence database 18 is rewritten (step S304). Specifically, the browser core 11 does not have the function provided by the plug-in function module 13 as the built-in function module 16 or the general-purpose function module, and the entry of the function is not registered in the function / function module correspondence database 18. For example, the function ID and the module ID of the function module are registered in the function / function module correspondence database 18 as a new entry. Conversely, if the browser core 11 has the function of the plug-in function module 13 as the built-in function module 16 or the general-purpose function module, and the entry of the function is registered in the function / function module correspondence database 18, the entry Is rewritten from the current module ID of the built-in function module 16 or the general-purpose function module to the module ID of the corresponding plug-in function module 13.
[0066]
For example, as shown in FIG. 11 (4), each entry in the function / function module correspondence database 18 is (F1, G1), (F2, E2), (F3, E3), (F4, E4), (F5, G3), (F7, G2), and when the function ID and module ID of each plug-in function module 13 are (F1, A1), (F2, A2), (F4, A3), the browser core control unit 17 Rewrites the first, second and fourth entries of the function / function module correspondence database 18 to (F1, A1), (F2, A2), (F4, A3).
[0067]
Thereafter, when the actual execution processing of the browser application 12 is performed, the browser core control unit 17 determines whether or not to use the function in the processing (step S305). Is used as a key to search the function / function module correspondence database 18 (step S306), to obtain a registered module ID corresponding to the function ID, and to execute the function module of this module ID (step S307).
[0068]
For example, as shown in FIG. 12 (5), if the function IDs of the functions used in the processing are F1, F2, F4, and F7, first, the function module with the function ID = F1 is used. The control unit 17 refers to the first entry (F1, A1) of the function / function module correspondence database 18 and executes the plug-in function module 13 with module ID = A1. Next, since the function module of the function ID = F2 is used, the browser core control unit 17 refers to the second entry (F2, A2) of the function / function module correspondence database 18 and inserts the plug of the module ID = A2. The in-function module 13 is executed. Further, since the function module with the function ID = F4 is used, the browser core control unit 17 refers to the fourth entry (F4, A3) of the function / function module correspondence database 18 and inserts the plug-in with the module ID = A3. Execute the function module 13. Furthermore, since the function module with the function ID = F7 is used, the browser core control unit 17 refers to the sixth entry (F7, G2) of the function / function module correspondence database 18 and uses the general-purpose module with the module ID = G2. Execute the function module. Therefore, if the function used in the processing is function ID = F1, F2, F4, F7, the plug-in function module 13 or the general-purpose function module with the module ID = A1, A2, A3, G2 is executed. For example, when the function module with the function ID = F3 is called, it goes without saying that the built-in function module 16 with the module ID = E3 is executed.
[0069]
According to the third embodiment, by providing the general-purpose function module storage area 14, it is desired to use not only a specific browser application 12 but also any browser application 12 such as a bug correction function module of the browser core 11. The function module can be incorporated as a general-purpose function module, and can be used from all the browser applications 12.
[0070]
[Fourth Embodiment]
FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the browser terminal 10 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. The browser terminal 10 according to the present embodiment is different from the browser terminal 10 according to the third embodiment shown in FIG. 8 in that the function / function module correspondence database 18 is not required. And a browser core control unit 17 that controls these built-in function modules 16.
[0071]
It should be noted that other parts not specifically mentioned are configured and operate in the same manner as the corresponding parts in the browser terminal 10 according to the third embodiment shown in FIG. The detailed description of is omitted.
[0072]
Referring to FIG. 14, the processing of the browser core control unit 17 in the fourth embodiment includes a plug-in function module installation step S401, a module ID modification step S402, a function use determination step S403, and a corresponding plug-in function module. Presence / absence determination step S404, pertinent plug-in function module execution step S405, pertinent general purpose function module presence / absence determination step S406, pertinent general purpose function module execution step S407, pertinent embedded function module presence / absence determination step S408, pertinent pertinent embedded function module execution It consists of step S409.
[0073]
FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a general-purpose function module storage area 14 is provided in the browser terminal 10, and among the plug-in function modules 13, the function modules desired to be used by all the browser applications 12 are installed as general-purpose function modules. It is.
[0074]
FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the browser core control unit 17 inquires of the general-purpose function module storage area 14 whether there is a general-purpose function module having the same function as the built-in function module 16.
[0075]
Next, the operation of the browser terminal 10 according to the fourth embodiment configured as described above will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0076]
When the plug-in function modules 13 that are desired to be used by all the browser applications 12 among the plug-in function modules 13 added to and downloaded to the browser application 12 are installed in the general-purpose function module storage area 14 as general-purpose function modules (step). In step S401, the browser core control unit 17 rewrites the module ID of the installed general-purpose function module and stores the module ID in the general-purpose function module storage area 14 (step S402).
[0077]
For example, as shown in FIG. 15 (1), the plug-in function module 13 whose function ID and module ID are (F1, A1), (F7, A2), (F5, A3) is stored in the general-purpose function module storage area 14. Upon installation, the browser core control unit 17 changes the module IDs to G1, G2, and G3, respectively, as shown in FIG. 15 (2), and sets the function ID and the module ID to (F1, G1), (F7, G2). ), (F5, G3).
[0078]
Thereafter, when another browser application 12 is executed, the browser core control unit 17 determines whether or not to use the function in the process (step S403). If the function is to be used in the process, the built-in function module of the function ID is used. Before executing step 16, the browser application 12 is inquired as to whether a plug-in function module 13 having the same function ID as the built-in function module 16 exists (step S404).
[0079]
As a result of the inquiry, if there is a plug-in function module 13 with the same function ID (step S404), the browser core control unit 17 executes the plug-in function module 13 with the returned module ID (step S405).
[0080]
As a result of the inquiry, if the plug-in function module 13 having the same function ID does not exist, the browser core control unit 17 searches whether the general-purpose function module having the same function ID exists in the general-purpose function module storage area 14 (step S1). S406) If there is a general-purpose function module with the same function ID, the browser core control unit 17 executes the general-purpose function module with the retrieved module ID (step S407).
[0081]
As a result of the search, if there is no general-purpose function module having the same function ID, the browser core control unit 17 executes the embedded function module 16 of the called function ID as it is (steps S408 and S409).
[0082]
For example, if the function IDs of the functions used in the processing are F1, F2, F4, and F7 as shown in FIG. 16 (3), first, the function module with the function ID = F1 is used. The control unit 17 inquires whether the plug-in function module 13 exists, and returns the module ID = A1, so that the plug-in function module 13 with the module ID = A1 is executed. Next, since the function module with the function ID = F2 is used, the browser core control unit 17 inquires whether the plug-in function module 13 with the function ID = F2 exists, and the module ID = A2 is returned. The plug-in function module 13 of module ID = A2 is executed. Subsequently, since the function module with the function ID = F4 is used, the browser core control unit 17 inquires whether the plug-in function module 13 with the function ID = F4 exists, and the module ID = A3 is returned. The plug-in function module 13 of module ID = A3 is executed. Next, since the function module with the function ID = F7 is used, the browser core control unit 17 inquires whether or not the plug-in function module 13 with the function ID = F7 exists. 13 is returned, it is further searched whether or not the general-purpose function module with the function ID = F7 exists in the general-purpose function module storage area 14, and the module ID = G2 is obtained, and the general-purpose function with the module ID = G2 is obtained. Execute the module. Therefore, if the function used in the processing is function ID = F1, F2, F4, F7, the plug-in function module 13 or the general-purpose function module with the module ID = A1, A2, A3, G2 is executed. For example, when the function module with the function ID = F3 is called, the embedded function module 16 with the module ID = E3 is of course executed.
[0083]
According to the fourth embodiment, an execution process equivalent to that of the third embodiment can be realized without the function / function module correspondence database 18.
[0084]
[Fifth Embodiment]
FIG. 17 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the browser terminal 10 according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 17, browser terminal 10 according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention is different from browser terminal 10 according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. ing.
[0085]
The browser program 100 is read by the browser terminal 10 which is a computer, and performs the operations of the browser terminal 10 on the browser core 11 (embedded function module 16, browser core control unit 17, function / function module correspondence database 18), browser application 12 Is controlled as the plug-in function module 13. The operation of the browser terminal 10 under the control of the browser program 100 is exactly the same as the operation of the browser terminal 10 according to the first embodiment shown in FIG.
[0086]
[Sixth Embodiment]
FIG. 18 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the browser terminal 10 according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 18, the browser terminal 10 according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention is different from the browser terminal 10 according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. ing.
[0087]
The browser program 200 is read by the browser terminal 10 which is a computer, and performs the operation of the browser terminal 10 as the browser core 11 (the built-in function module 16 and the browser core control unit 17), the browser application 12, and the plug-in function module 13. Control. The operation of the browser terminal 10 under the control of the browser program 200 is exactly the same as the operation of the browser terminal 10 according to the second embodiment shown in FIG. 5, and thus the detailed description is omitted.
[0088]
[Seventh Embodiment]
FIG. 19 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the browser terminal 10 according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 19, browser terminal 10 according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention is different from browser terminal 10 according to the third embodiment shown in FIG. ing.
[0089]
The browser program 300 is read by the browser terminal 10 which is a computer, and performs the operation of the browser terminal 10 on the browser core 11 (embedded function module 16, browser core control unit 17, function / function module correspondence database 18), browser application 12 And a plug-in function module 13 and a general-purpose function module storage area 14. The operation of the browser terminal 10 under the control of the browser program 300 is exactly the same as the operation of the browser terminal 10 according to the third embodiment shown in FIG. 8, and thus the detailed description is omitted.
[0090]
[Eighth Embodiment]
FIG. 20 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the browser terminal 10 according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 20, browser terminal 10 according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention is different from browser terminal 10 according to the fourth embodiment shown in FIG. ing.
[0091]
The browser program 400 is read by the browser terminal 10 which is a computer, and performs the operation of the browser terminal 10 on the browser core 11 (the built-in function module 16 and the browser core control unit 17), the browser application 12, the plug-in function module 13, and the like. , As a general-purpose function module storage area 14. The operation of the browser terminal 10 under the control of the browser program 400 is completely the same as the operation of the browser terminal 10 according to the fourth embodiment shown in FIG. 13, and thus the detailed description is omitted.
[0092]
【The invention's effect】
As a first effect, a function that is not incorporated in the browser terminal as a browser core can be newly added. This can be realized by downloading a browser application in which a function module that is not included as a built-in function module in the browser core is added as a plug-in function module.
[0093]
As a second effect, by adding a function module having the same function as the built-in function module but different operation details to the browser application as a plug-in function module, the function can be customized for each browser application. Thus, for example, when a content provider wants to change the display layout function provided by the browser core, the content provider can add a unique display layout function module to the browser application as a plug-in function module to provide a unique display. It is also possible to provide a layout.
[0094]
As a third effect, when a bug is found in the built-in function module of the browser core, the bug can be easily corrected by adding a bug correction patch to the browser application as a plug-in function module. As a result, browser terminal vendors can respond to bugs found after the launch of browser terminal sales by distributing browser applications that add bug fix patches as plug-in function modules instead of collecting browser terminals It becomes.
[0095]
As a fourth effect, if a general-purpose function module storage area is provided, a function module that is desired to be used not only from a specific browser application but also from any browser application, such as a function module for bug correction of a browser core, as a general-purpose function module. It can be embedded and used from all browser applications.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a browser terminal according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating processing of a browser core control unit according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a manner in which a browser core control unit in FIG. 1 rewrites an entry in a function / function module correspondence database for each plug-in function module when a browser application is executed.
FIG. 4 shows a function ID and a function module corresponding to the module ID registered by the browser core control unit in FIG. 1 with reference to a function / function module correspondence database when the actual execution processing of the browser application is performed. It is a figure explaining a mode that it performs.
FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a browser terminal according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating processing of a browser core control unit according to the second embodiment.
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the browser core control unit in FIG. 5 inquires whether a plug-in function module having a function equivalent to the built-in function module exists.
FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a browser terminal according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating processing of a browser core control unit according to the third embodiment.
10 provides a general-purpose function module storage area in the browser terminal in FIG. 8, installs a function module desired to be used by all browser applications among the plug-in function modules as a general-purpose function module, and sets each of the general-purpose function modules. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining how to rewrite an entry in a function / function module correspondence database.
FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining how the browser core control unit in FIG. 8 rewrites an entry in the function / function module correspondence database for each of the plug-in function modules of the browser application executed when another browser application is executed. is there.
FIG. 12 is a functional module corresponding to a module ID registered by referring to a function / functional module correspondence database by calling a functional module when the browser core control unit in FIG. 8 performs actual execution processing of a browser application; FIG.
FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a browser terminal according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating processing of a browser core control unit according to the fourth embodiment.
FIG. 15 is a view for explaining a state in which a general-purpose function module storage area is provided in the browser terminal in FIG. 13, and among the plug-in function modules, the function modules desired to be used in all browser applications are installed as general-purpose function modules. It is.
16 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the browser core control unit in FIG. 13 inquires whether a plug-in function module and a general-purpose function module having the same functions as the built-in function module exist.
FIG. 17 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a browser terminal according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 18 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a browser terminal according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 19 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a browser terminal according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 20 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a browser terminal according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
10 Browser terminal
11 Browser core
12 Browser application
13 Plug-in function module
14 General-purpose function module storage area
15 Network interface
16 Embedded Function Module
17 Browser core control unit
18 Function / Function Module Support Database
100, 200, 300, 400 Browser program

Claims (12)

In a browser terminal having a browser including a downloadable browser application and a browser core including an embedded function module that provides various functions necessary for realizing the browser function in the browser application,
A browser application downloaded with a plug-in function module added,
A browser core that executes the function module when the plug-in function module and the embedded function module are searched in order and a function module having an equivalent function is searched when the browser application is executed. Browser terminal. In a browser terminal having a browser including a downloadable browser application and a browser core including an embedded function module that provides various functions necessary for realizing the browser function in the browser application,
A browser application downloaded with a plug-in function module added,
A general-purpose function module storage area for storing the plug-in function module as a general-purpose function module,
A browser core that executes the function module when the plug-in function module, the general-purpose function module, and the embedded function module are searched in the order of execution of the browser application and a function module having an equivalent function is searched. A browser terminal characterized in that: A built-in function module that provides various functions necessary to realize the browser function,
A browser application downloaded with a plug-in function module added,
A function / function module correspondence database that manages a correspondence between a function identifier of a function provided by the built-in function module and the plug-in function module and a module identifier of a function module realizing the function;
At the time of execution of the browser application, the function / function module correspondence database is rewritten for each of the plug-in function modules, and the function / function module correspondence database is searched by the function identifier of the function module for each function used in the processing. A browser core control unit for executing the embedded function module or the plug-in function module of the module identifier by obtaining the module identifier,
A browser terminal, comprising: a network interface unit that transmits and receives data via a network when downloading the browser application and when the browser application or the browser core acquires Web content. A built-in function module that provides various functions necessary to realize the browser function,
A browser application downloaded with a plug-in function module added,
At the time of execution of the browser application, an inquiry is made as to whether there is a plug-in function module having a function equivalent to the built-in function module based on the function identifier of the function module for each function used in the processing, and the corresponding plug-in function module exists. A browser core control unit that executes the plug-in function module, and executes the embedded function module having the function identifier if the corresponding plug-in function module does not exist;
A browser terminal, comprising: a network interface unit that transmits and receives data via a network when downloading the browser application and when the browser application or the browser core acquires Web content. A built-in function module that provides various functions necessary to realize the browser function,
A browser application downloaded with a plug-in function module added,
A general-purpose function module storage area for rewriting a module identifier of the plug-in function module and storing the module identifier as a general-purpose function module;
A function / function module correspondence database that manages the correspondence between the function identifiers of the functions provided by the embedded function module, the plug-in function module, and the general-purpose function module and the module identifiers of the function modules that realize the functions;
When the browser application is executed, entries of the function / function module correspondence database are rewritten in the order of the general-purpose function module and the plug-in function module, and the function / function is identified by a function identifier of the function module for each function used in processing. A browser core control unit that executes a module identifier by searching a module correspondence database and executes the embedded function module, the plug-in function module or the general-purpose function module of the module identifier;
A browser terminal, comprising: a network interface unit that transmits and receives data via a network when downloading the browser application and when the browser application or the browser core acquires Web content. A built-in function module that provides various functions necessary to realize the browser function,
A browser application downloaded with a plug-in function module added,
A general-purpose function module storage area for rewriting a module identifier of the plug-in function module and storing the module identifier as a general-purpose function module;
At the time of execution of the browser application, an inquiry is made as to whether there is a plug-in function module having a function equivalent to the built-in function module based on the function identifier of the function module for each function used in the processing, and the corresponding plug-in function module exists. Then, the plug-in function module is executed, and if the corresponding plug-in function module does not exist, it is inquired whether or not there is a general-purpose function module having the same function as the built-in function module by the function identifier. A browser core control unit that executes the general-purpose function module if a function module exists, and executes the embedded function module with the function identifier if the corresponding general-purpose function module does not exist;
A browser terminal, comprising: a network interface unit that transmits and receives data via a network when downloading the browser application and when the browser application or the browser core acquires Web content. The computer was searched for the browser application downloaded with the plug-in function module added thereto, and in order of the plug-in function module and the embedded function module when the browser application was executed, a function module having an equivalent function was searched. A browser program for functioning as a browser core that executes the function module in a stage. A browser application downloaded with a plug-in function module added thereto, a general-purpose function module storage area for storing the plug-in function module as a general-purpose function module, the plug-in function module when the browser application is executed, and the general-purpose function A browser program for functioning as a browser core that executes the function module when a function module having an equivalent function is searched in the order of the module and the embedded function module. A built-in function module that provides various functions necessary for realizing a browser function of a computer, a browser application downloaded by adding a plug-in function module, a function provided by the built-in function module and the plug-in function module Function / function module correspondence database that manages the correspondence between the function identifier of the function module and the module identifier of the function module that implements the function, and the function / function module correspondence for each of the plug-in function modules when the browser application is executed. The function / function module correspondence database is searched by the function identifier of the function module for each function used in the processing, and the module identifier is obtained by rewriting the database entry. The built-in function modules or a browser program for functioning as a browser core controller for executing the plug-in function modules. A computer, a built-in function module that provides various functions necessary for realizing a browser function, a browser application downloaded by adding a plug-in function module, and a function for each function used in processing when the browser application is executed. The function identifier of the module is used to inquire whether there is a plug-in function module having the same function as the built-in function module. If the corresponding plug-in function module exists, the plug-in function module is executed, and the corresponding plug-in function module is executed. A browser program for functioning as a browser core control unit that executes the embedded function module having the function identifier if the function module does not exist. The computer can be used as a general-purpose function module by rewriting the module identifier of the plug-in function module by adding a built-in function module that provides various functions necessary for realizing the browser function, a plug-in function module, and the plug-in function module. A function for managing the association between the function identifiers of the functions provided by the general-purpose function modules, the built-in function modules, the plug-in function modules, and the general-purpose function modules, and the module identifiers of the function modules that realize the functions. A function / function module database and the function / function module database in the order of the general-purpose function module and the plug-in function module when the browser application is executed. The function / function module correspondence database is searched by the function identifier of the function module for each function used in the process to obtain a module identifier, and the embedded function module, the plug-in function module or A browser program for functioning as a browser core control unit that executes the general-purpose function module. The computer can be used as a general-purpose function module by rewriting the module identifier of the plug-in function module by adding a built-in function module that provides various functions necessary for realizing the browser function, a plug-in function module, and the plug-in function module. A general-purpose function module storage area to be saved, when executing the browser application, inquire whether there is a plug-in function module having a function equivalent to the built-in function module by a function identifier of the function module for each function used in processing, If the corresponding plug-in function module exists, the corresponding plug-in function module is executed. If the corresponding plug-in function module does not exist, a function equivalent to the embedded function module is determined by the function identifier. It inquires whether there is one general-purpose function module, and executes the general-purpose function module if the corresponding general-purpose function module exists, and executes the built-in function module of the function identifier if the corresponding general-purpose function module does not exist. Browser program to function as the browser core control unit.

Images