Abstract:
Graphs drawn by using economic statistics data are easily and quickly displayed on a display in the form enabling easy recognition and appropriate mutual comparison. Index data  25   1  . . . including graphs drawn by using economic statistics data and attribute information are recorded in a content-by-index storage section ( 222 ) of a graph display ( 2 ) serving as a Web server. The graph display ( 2 ) has a graph display section ( 211 ) for allowing a Web browser ( 131 ) of a client terminal ( 1 ) to display a graph, a call button display section ( 212 ) for allowing the Web browser ( 131 ) to display an array of graph call buttons associated with the respective displayable graphs, and a graph display change section ( 213 ) for changing the graph to the graph associated with the call button according to the command from the client terminal ( 1 ).

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    1. Technical Field 
         [0002]    The present invention relates to a technology for displaying economic statistical data, for example, money market data, security exchange data, industry data, commercial data, manufacturing industry data etc., on a computer interface. 
         [0003]    2. Background Art 
         [0004]    The economic statistical information being formed by statistics corresponding to economic activity concerning fields of money market, security exchange, industry, commerce or manufacturing industry etc. are very important for investors, experts at economy or security exchange, and companies or individual following purchase and offer of securities (i.e. stock, bond etc.), M&amp;A (mergers and acquisitions), investment and financing (hereinafter called ‘investors etc.’), when they judge about investment or offer of financial products. In recent years, the number of individual investors tends to increase, and so the necessity to provide information for accurate judging to various kinds of investors etc. is tending upward. For that reason, the database services collecting and managing the data corresponding to the economic statistical information (hereinafter, called merely ‘economic statistical data’), and provide them to the users by using the internet or other kind of communication network. The users of the database service calculate and/or process the acquired data if necessary, make graphs and/or lists, and use them. 
         [0005]    There is a conventional art to download the economic statistical data stored in the database of the server into the database provided in the computer of investor etc., and display them (For example, the patent document 1 described below). 
         [0000]    Patent document 1: Japanese laid-open publication No. H10-320469 
       DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION 
     Problems To Be Solved By The Invention 
       [0006]    Generally, the economical statistical data contains a large number of items and large quantities of information, and so, in many cases, advances expertise are necessary for extracting user&#39;s desired information from the displayed information. However, the art of the patent document 1 only can display one graph on a screen at the same time, so a search button displayed on the upper area of the screen must be clicked when another item of the information is desired to be displayed, and so a large efforts and times are necessary when the user compares and contrasts plural kinds of economic statistical information. Additionally, not only one graph but also plural graphs related each other must be studied when the data are analyzed logically, however it is very difficult to select the related graphs. The invention of the patent document 1 does not have a structure to supply the information necessary for the users to understand the displayed data, and so the invention has a problem that it can only be used by analysts or a part of the investors having advanced expertise. 
         [0007]    The present invention is achieved to solve the above-mentioned problems. The purpose of the present invention is to supply a graph display system in which the graphs formed from the economic statistics data can be displayed at a state easy to view and easy to adequately compare, with simple structure and quick motion, that is, a graph display system which can improve usability for many kinds of the investors etc. 
       Means for Solving the Problems 
       [0008]    (1) For solving the problems described above, the first aspect of the present invention accords to the graph display device connected to a client terminal via a network and makes a display means of the client terminal to display plural graphs generated based on economic statistical data, comprises: a storage means for storing graphs generated based on the economic statistical data and attribute information related to the graph; a graph display means for displaying the graphs stored in the storing means on the specified area of a graph display area; a call button display means for displaying plural graph call buttons, which are related to the individual graphs capable of being displayed on the graph display area and which display graphs on the graph display area, in order on a call button display area provided in the display area; a graph display switch means for inputting a call instruction corresponding to one of the call button from a operation means in the client terminal, and switching the displayed graph on the graph display area to the graph related to the call button corresponding to the input call instruction. 
         [0009]    (2) According to the graph display system relating to (1); the storage means stores the topic info indication, which is generated according to kind etc. of information indicated by the individual graphs, as attribute information of the related graph; the call button display means displays the topic information related to the individual graph on the corresponding call button of the call button display area; the graph display switch means switches the displayed graph on the graph display area to the graph corresponding to a call instruction, by using the attributed information related to the call button corresponding to the call instruction. 
         [0010]    (3) According to the graph display system relating to (2); the call instruction corresponding to the call button is a mouse over against the call button displayed on the display means, performed by operating the operation means of the client terminal. 
         [0011]    (4) According to the graph display system relating to either one of (1) to (3); when the instruction to continue the graph displaying is input from the operation means of the client terminal, the graph display means continues displaying of the graph corresponding to the instruction. 
         [0012]    (5) According to the graph display system relating to either one of (1) to (4); the graph display means displays plural graphs being related each other in advance on the graph display area simultaneously. 
         [0013]    (6) According to the graph display system relating to either one of (1) to (5); the graph display means generates the graph in which coordinate of horizontal axis is time information, and; the graph display means displays the graphs in which each of the graphs displayed at the same position has the horizontal axis of substantially the same coordinate and substantially the same position. 
         [0014]    (7) According to the graph display system relating to either one of (1) to (6); the graph display means displays the graphs in which each of the graphs displayed at the same position has the vertical axis of substantially the same position and substantially the same length. 
         [0015]    (8) According to the graph display system relating to either one of (2) to (7); the graph display system comprises a storage means for storing a category information which contains the topic information and is related to the corresponding graph as the attribute information; a category information display means for displaying a category display area containing the graph display area and the topic display area on the display area of the client terminal; a category display switch means for switching the displayed category information on the category display area to the category information corresponding to an instruction, when the instruction corresponding to one of the category information is input from the operation means of the client terminal. 
         [0016]    (9) According to the graph display system relating to either one of (1) to (8); the graph display system comprises a detailed information display means for displaying detailed information, which indicates detailed information of the graph stored in the storage means and is related to the corresponding graph, on the display means of the client terminal based on an instruction from the operation means of the client terminal. 
         [0017]    (10) For solving the problems described above, the second aspect of the present invention accords to the program for making a computer to work as the graph display system according to either one of (1) to (9). 
       EFFECTS OF THE INVENTION 
       [0018]    The present invention according to (1) comprises the storage means storing the graph generated based on the economic statistical data and the attribute information of the stored graph, so the economic statistical data can be supplied to the client terminal as graph information easy to understand visually. Moreover, the present invention comprises the graph display system having the graph display means for displaying the graphs stored in the storage means on the specified position of the graph display area, so the graph based on the economic statistical data can be displayed by the client terminal. Furthermore, the present invention comprises the call button display means for displaying the call buttons, which is used for displaying the graphs on the graph display area, on the call button display area provided in the display area of the client terminal in order, so the present invention can select the desired graph form plural graphs quickly and appropriately, and display it. In addition, the switched graph is always displayed on the specified area in the graph display area, so the graphs can be compared easily in a visual and feeling manner. Additionally, the present invention can display only the necessary graphs on the graph display area, so the graphs can be displayed on the display means in a condition easy to view even if compared graphs are many. As a result, the present invention can display easily and quickly the graphs generated in connection with the economic statistical data in the condition easy to view and easy to compare appropriately, so the usability for many kinds of investors etc. can be improved. 
         [0019]    According to the present invention of (2), the storage means stores the topic information generated according to kind etc. of information indicated by the individual graphs and being related to the corresponding graph as attribute information, the call button display means displays the topic information related to the individual graphs when the call button is operated, the graph display switch means switches the displayed graph on the graph display area to a graph corresponding to a call instruction, by using the attribute information related to the call button corresponding to the call instruction. Therefore, the investors etc. using the client terminal can make each of the call buttons to display the topic information closely related to the meanings and contents of the graph, and make the graph to be displayed on the graph display area while viewing the displayed topic information. As a result, the graph can be selected more quickly and easily, and so the usability for many kinds of investors etc. can be improved. 
         [0020]    According to the present invention of (3), the operation of the operation means for performing the call instruction to the call button is a mouse over toward the call button displayed on the display means, so the graph can be switched quickly by performing a mouse over by the mouse cursor toward the call button located in order. In addition, the graphs displayed on the display means can be switched continuously and speedily by continuously performing mouse over of the mouse cursor toward the plural call buttons. As a result, the graph can be selected more quickly and easily, and so the usability for many kinds of investors etc. can be improved. 
         [0021]    According to the present invention of (4), the graph display means continues the graph displaying based on the instruction input from the operation means of the client terminal. Therefore, the present invention can keep the displaying of graph in the case where keeping of the graph displaying is necessary, and so the usability for many kinds of investors etc. can be improved. 
         [0022]    According to the present invention of (5), the graph display means can simultaneously display plural graphs being related each other in advance, so the closely related graphs can be displayed simultaneously on single graph display area. As a result, the closely related graphs can be compared easily, and so the usability for many kinds of investors etc. can be improved. 
         [0023]    According to the present invention of (6), the graph display means generates a graph in which the horizontal axis indicates time information, and the graph display means displays the graphs in which each of the graphs displayed at the same position has the horizontal axis of substantially the same coordinate and substantially the same position. Therefore, the graph display area can effectively unify the coordinates and displayed positions of time axis between the graphs corresponding to the economic statistical data of time series. As a result, it is easy for the users to visually compare the information of the graphs, because all of time information of the graphs are unified. Consequently, the present invention can makes it easier to compare the graphs in a visual and feeling manner, and so the usability for many kinds of investors etc. can be improved. 
         [0024]    According to the present invention of (7), the graph display means makes the graph display area to display graphs in which each of the graphs displayed at the same position has the vertical axis of substantially the same position and substantially the same length. As a result, the present invention can make the height of the graphs substantially the same between all graphs of the same position. Consequently, the present invention can makes it easier to compare the graphs in a visual and feeling manner, and so the usability for many kinds of investors etc. can be improved. 
         [0025]    According to the present invention of (8), the storage means stores the category information, each of which relates to plural topic information containing the graphs and attribute information. Moreover, the present invention comprises the category information display means making the display area of the client terminal to display the category display area containing the graph display area and the topic display area. Furthermore, the present invention comprises the category display switch means switching the displayed category information on the category display area to the category information corresponding to an instruction, which is input from the operation means of the client terminal, to display the specified category information. Consequently, the present invention can make the client terminal to display the graphs under the state that the graphs are divided into plural groups based on the meanings and contents of the graphs. Moreover, the investors etc. can search their desired information by using the category information that is closely related to the meanings and contents of the graphs. Therefore, the users can select the graphs more quickly and easily, and so the usability for many kinds of investors etc. can be improved. In addition, the users can put the complex economic statistical data in order by categories and topics of the financial products, can easily acquire the information necessary for making decision about investment, and can make appropriate decision. 
         [0026]    According to the present invention of (9), the detailed information display means makes the display means of the client terminal to display the detailed information that are related to the graphs and indicate the detailed information of the graphs stored in the storage means. Therefore, the investors etc. can grasp the detail of information of the graphs and related information easily, and can decide whether investment should be executed or not. Therefore, the usability for many kinds of investors etc. can be improved. 
         [0027]    According to the present invention of (10), the graph display system of the present invention can be achieved on many kinds of computers by performing programs. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0028]      FIG. 1  is a functional block diagram showing the system structure of the graph display system according to an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0029]      FIG. 2  is a conceptual diagram showing a data structure of the index data stored into the graph display system of the embodiment. 
           [0030]      FIG. 3  is a conceptual diagram showing a menu contents screen (that is, an initial screen of the graph display system) of the embodiment. 
           [0031]      FIG. 4A  is a flowchart showing the procedures for switching the display of the initial screen when the ‘GENERAL ECONOMY’ is selected among the categories.  FIG. 4B  is a flowchart showing the procedures for switching the displaying from the initial screen when the ‘STOCK AND INDUSTRY’ is selected among the categories.  FIG. 4C  is a flowchart showing the procedures for switching the displaying from the initial screen when the ‘INTEREST AND EXCHANGE’ is selected among the categories.  FIG. 4D  is a flowchart showing the procedures for switching the displaying from the initial screen when the ‘PRODUCTS AND REAL PROPERTY’ is selected among the categories. 
           [0032]      FIG. 5  is a flowchart showing the procedures of the initial processing for displaying the screen of the selected category. 
           [0033]      FIG. 6  is a conceptual diagram showing the screen of the selected category on a Web browser. 
           [0034]      FIG. 7A  is a flowchart showing procedures when a cursor moves on the call buttons displayed on the screen of the selected category.  FIG. 7B  is a flowchart showing procedures when the call button displayed on the screen of the selected category is clicked by using the cursor. 
           [0035]      FIG. 8  is a conceptual diagram showing the screen of the selected category on a Web browser. 
           [0036]      FIG. 9A  is a flowchart showing the procedures for displaying the simple explanation information on the graph display area.  FIG. 9B  is a flowchart showing the procedures when a mouse cursor leaves from the graph on which the simple explanation information is displayed.  FIG. 9C  is a flowchart showing the procedures when a plotted area of the displayed graph is clicked. 
           [0037]      FIG. 10  is a conceptual diagram showing a graph display area of a Web browser on which the simple explanation information is displayed. 
           [0038]      FIG. 11  is a conceptual diagram showing the detailed information displayed on the Web browser. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0039]    Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention is described with referencing  FIGS. 1 to 11 . 
       First Embodiment 
       [0040]      FIG. 1  is a functional block diagram showing the system structure of the graph display system according to an embodiment of the invention. As shown in  FIG. 1 , the graph display system  1 A is a client server system, and comprises client terminals  1   1 ,  1   2 , . . .  1   n  (n is larger than 1) at the client side, and comprises a graph display device  2 , an indexed content generation device  3 , a database log statistical processing device  4  and a database server  5  at the server side. A graph display device  2 , an indexed content generation device  3 , a database log statistical processing device  4  and a database server  5  are connected each other by using interface devices which are not shown in  FIG. 1 , furthermore, the client terminals  1   1 ,  1   2 , . . .  1   n  and the graph display device  2  are connected to the internet  6 . Incidentally, the client terminals  1   1 ,  1   2 , . . .  1   n  have the same structure, and so called ‘client terminal  1 ’ hereinafter for making the description simpler, except for the case that the distinction of the client terminals  1   1 ,  1   2 , . . .  1   n  is necessary. 
         [0041]    The client terminal  1  is a computer that can connect to a communication network, for example, a personal computer, a workstation or a mobile telephone. The client terminal  1  comprises a control unit  11 , an operation unit  12  as the ‘operation means’, a display unit  13  as the ‘display means’, a storage unit  14  and a communication interface (I/F) unit  15 . Incidentally, each of the client terminals  1   2 , . . .  1   n  has the same structure as the client terminal  1   1 , though  FIG. 1  does not show. 
         [0042]    The control unit  11  comprises a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and controls the whole processing of client terminal  1  by performing calculating and processing of OS (Operating System) program in the storage unit  14  and various kinds of application programs. 
         [0043]    The operation unit  12  is a mouse, a keyboard or other kind of input device that is used for inputting various kinds of instructions. The display unit  13  comprises a LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or other kind of display device that displays the various kinds of instructions input by using the operation unit  12  and various kinds of pictures. The display unit  13  displays screens of a Web browser  131  that displays the pictures corresponding to the information sent from the server by using HTTP (Hyper Text Transfer Protocol) communication. 
         [0044]    The storage unit  14  comprises a ROM into which loading program etc. are stored in advance, a RAM which temporarily stores programs and data and works as a working area of the control unit  11  (namely the CPU), an EEPROM which stores data necessary for rewriting, a hard disk which stores various kinds of file data etc. The OS program and plural kinds of application programs are stored into the hard disk. 
         [0045]    The communication interface unit  15  comprises a UTP cable port or optical cable port, and one or more kinds of device drivers. The communication interface unit  15  is connected to a LAN cable or an optical cable, and performs processing necessary for the data communication with the graph display device  2 . 
         [0046]    Incidentally, the graph display device  2  is a Web server and comprises a control unit  21  having the same structure as the control unit  11  of the client terminal  1 , a storage unit  22  having the same structure as the storage unit  14  of the client terminal  1 , and the communication interface units  23   a  and  23   b  having the same structure as the communication interface unit  15 . 
         [0047]    The control unit  21  forms a graph display unit  211  as the ‘graph display means’, a call button display unit  212  as the ‘call button display means’, a graph display switch unit  213  as the ‘graph display switch means’, a category information display unit  214  as the ‘category information display means’, a category display switch unit  215  as the ‘category display switch means’ and a detailed information display unit  215  as the ‘detailed information display means’ by using an application program contained in the menu contents (described below) stored in the storage unit  22  or other technologies for realizing these functions. 
         [0048]    The graph display unit  211  makes the graphs in the index data (described below) stored in the indexed content storage unit of the storage unit  22  to be displayed on the specified position of the graph display area (described below) provided in the display unit  13  of a client terminal  1 . 
         [0049]    The call button display unit  212  displays call buttons in order, each of which corresponds to the graphs being able to be displayed by the graph display unit  211 , on the call button display area (described below) provided in the display area of the client terminal  1 . 
         [0050]    The graph display switch unit  213  switches the displayed graph on the graph display area to the graph corresponding to one of the call button (described below) operated by using the operation unit  12  of the client terminal  1 . 
         [0051]    The category information display unit  214  makes the display area (described below) of the client terminal  1  to display the category display area containing the graph display area (described below) and the topic display area (described below). 
         [0052]    The category display switch unit  215  switches the displayed category information on the category display area (described below) to the category information corresponding to the display instruction input from the operation unit  12  of the client terminal  1 . 
         [0053]    The detailed information display unit  216  makes the display unit  13  of the client terminal  1  to display the detailed information corresponding to the instruction input from the operation unit  12  of the client terminal  1 . 
         [0054]    Incidentally, a part of the functions of the graph display unit  211 , the call button display unit  212 , the graph display switch unit  213 , the category information display unit  214 , the category display switch unit  215  and the detailed display unit  216  can be realized by the client terminal  1 . 
         [0055]    The storage unit  22  stores the menu contents  221  and comprises the indexed contents storage unit  222  as the “storage means”. 
         [0056]    The menu contents  221  contains the data of HTML format and the programs, and is used for making the Web browser  131  of the client terminal  1  to form the screen structure and to display various kinds of data. The graph display unit  211 , the call button display unit  212 , the graph display switch unit  213 , the category information display unit  214 , the category display switch unit  215  and the detailed display unit  216 , which are means for realizing the above described functions, are formed by using these programs and so forth. 
         [0057]    The indexed contents storage unit  222  stores plural index data  25   1 ,  25   2 , . . . ,  25   m  (m is larger than 1), each of which is used for making the client terminal  1  to display the data. Incidentally, the index data  25   1 ,  25   2 , . . .  25   m  have the same data structure, and so called ‘index data  25 ’ hereinafter for making the description simpler, except for the case that the distinction of the index data  25   1 ,  25   2 , . . .  25   m  is necessary. 
         [0058]      FIG. 2  is a conceptual diagram showing a data structure of the index data. As shown in  FIG. 2 , each of the index data  25  contains the category information  251 , the topic information  252 , the graph data  253 , the graph titles  254 , the series point information  255 , the ID information  256 , the detailed information  257  and the simple explanation information  258 . The graph data  253  contains a first graph data  253   1 , a second graph data  253   2 , a third graph data  253   3  and a fourth graph data  253   4 , and the graph titles  254  contains a first graph title  254   1 , a second graph title  254   2 , a third graph title  254   3  and a fourth graph title  254   4 . Each category information  251  of the index data  25  is related to plural topic information  252 , and each of the topic information  252  is related to one first graph data  253   1 , one second graph data  253   2 , one third graph data  253   3  and one fourth graph data  253   4 . Each of the graph data  253   1  to  253   4  is related to one of graph titles  254   1  to  254   4 . Each of the graph data  253 , for example the first graph data  253   1 , is related to plural number of the series point information  255  (explanation according to the number of the series point information  255  is described below). Each of the series point information  255  is related to one of ID information  256 , one of detailed information  257  and one of simple explanation information  258 . The category information  251 , the topic information  252 , the detailed information  257  and simple explanation information  258  are respectively the attribute information of a first graph, a second graph, a third graph or a fourth graph (all of their graphs are described below) contained in each of graph data  253   1  to  253   4 . Incidentally, the second graph data  253   2 , the third graph data  253   3  and the fourth graph data  253   4  are respectively related to one of series point information  255  as well as the first graph data  253   1 , though not shown in  FIG. 2 . 
         [0059]    The category information  251  is the information of the highest rank in the hierarchy of the economic statistical data processed by the graph display device  2 . The present embodiment contains ‘GENERAL ECONOMY’, ‘STOCK AND INDUSTRY’, ‘INTEREST AND EXCHANGE’ and ‘PRODUCTS AND REAL PROPERTY’ as the categories. 
         [0060]    The topic information  252  is the information of the second rank from the top of the hierarchy. Each of the topic information  252  corresponds to one of the category information  251 . 
         [0061]    Each of the first to fourth graph data  253   1  to  253   4  contains image data corresponding to a graph and file name information which specify the names of the file used in the indexed contents storage unit  222 . For example, the first graph data  253   1  contains the first graph  253   1a  that is an image data for displaying a graph, and the first file name information  253   1b  that is the name of the first graph  253   1a . The first graph  253   1a  corresponds to one of four items belonging to one economic statistics data, for example, the stock price, the interest, the manager&#39;s mind or the business activity of the specified business. Similarly, the second graph data  253   2  contains the second graph  253   2a  similar to the first graph  253   1a  and the second file name information  253   2b  that is the name of the second graph  253   2a , the third graph data  253   3  contains the third graph  253   3a  similar to the first graph  253   1a  and the third file name information  253   3b  that is the name of the third graph  253   3a , the fourth graph data  253   4  contains the fourth graph  253   4a  similar to the first graph  253   1a  and the fourth file name information  253   4b  that is the name of the fourth graph  253   4a . Incidentally, the first to fourth file name information  253   1b  to  253   4b  contains the address information that indicates the physical location into which the first to fourth graph  253   1a  to  253   4a  are stored. 
         [0062]    The first graph  253   1a , the second graph  253   2a , the third graph  253   3a  and the fourth graph  253   4a  have plural points which are plotted for specifying the series of graphs and plotted for specifying the point in time or other values of the data on the line graph, the bar chart or other kind of graph. In the present embodiment, the first graph  253   1a  has points of W (W is more than or equal to 1), that is, P 1 , P 2 , . . . P W , the second graph  253   2a  has points of X (X is more than or equal to 1), that is, Q 1 , Q 2 , . . . Q X , the third graph  253   3a  has points of Y (Y is more than or equal to 1), that is, R 1 , R 2 , . . . R Y  and the fourth graph  253   4a  has points of Z (Z is more than or equal to 1), that is, S 1 , S 2 , . . . S Z . 
         [0063]    The first to fourth graph titles  254   1  to  254   4  are text data indicating the titles of the first to fourth graph  253   1a  to  253   4a . 
         [0064]    The series point information  255  is the data indicating the series of graphs that are minimum unit of data group in the economic statistical data of the present embodiment. Hereinafter the series of graphs is called merely ‘series’. The number of series is N′ (N′ is more than or equal to 1). In other words, N′ is corresponding to point number of one of the first to fourth graphs  253   1a  to  253   4a , that is, P 1 , . . . P W , Q 1 , . . . Q X , R 1 , . . . R Y  or S 1 , . . . S Z . For example, as shown in  FIG. 2 , the first graph data  253   1  is related to the series point information  255  of W that is the same as the number of points P 1 , . . . P W  of the first graph  253   1a . Similarly, the second graph data  253   2  is related to the series point information  255  of X that is the same as the number of points Q 1 , . . . Q X  of the second graph  253   2a , the third graph data  253   3  is related to the series point information  255  of Y that is the same as the number of points R 1 , . . . R Y  of third graph  253   3a , the fourth graph data  253   4  is related to the series point information  255  of Z that is the same as the number of points S 1 , . . . S Z  of the fourth graph  253   4a , although not shown in  FIG. 2 . 
         [0065]    Each of these series point information  255  is depended to one of ID information  256 , one of detailed information  257  and one of simple explanation information  258 . 
         [0066]    The ID information  256  is an information for specifying one of the series point information  255 . 
         [0067]    The detailed information  257  is a text data or an image data indicating the detailed information corresponding to the individual point of P 1 , . . . P W , Q 1 , . . . Q X , R 1 , . . . R Y  or S 1 , . . . S Z . For example, the information provided from the line graph or the bar chart, and the tendency of the line graph can be employed as the detailed information  257 . The detailed information  257  comprises a file data  257   a  containing the content of information and a file name information  257   b  containing the file name of the file data  257   a . Incidentally, the file name information  257   b  contains the address information that indicates the physical location of the indexed contents storage unit  222  into which the file data  257   a  is stored. 
         [0068]    The simple explanation information  258  is a simple text data indicating the summary of information corresponding to the individual point of P 1 , . . . P W , Q 1 , . . . Q X , R 1 , . . . R Y  or S 1 , . . . S Z . The simple explanation information  258  comprises a file data  258   a  containing the text data and a file name information  258   b  containing the file name of the file data  258   a . Incidentally, the file name information  258   b  contains the address information that indicates the physical location of the indexed contents storage unit  222  into which the file data  258   a  is stored. 
         [0069]    As described above, the indexed contents storage unit  222  stores plural index data  25  of such structure. The number of index data  25  is equal to the number of the category information  251 . 
         [0070]    Incidentally, the first to fourth graph data  253   1  to  253   4 , the first to fourth graphs  253   1a  to  253   4a , the first to fourth file name information  253   1b  to  253   4b  and the points P 1 , . . . P W , Q 1 , . . . Q X , R 1 , . . . R Y  or S 1 , . . . S Z  have basically the same structure each other, and so called the graph data  253 , the graph  253   a , the file name information  253   b , the point P, the point Q, the point R and the point S, except for the case that the distinctions of them are necessary. 
         [0071]    As shown in  FIG. 1 , the database server  5  stores a large quantity of the economic statistical data. The index data  25  are generated based on the economic statistical data stored in the database server  5 . The database log statistical processing system  4  automatically extracts the data, which satisfies the predetermined condition for being used for generating the index data  25 , from the economic statistical data stored in the database server  5 , and sends the information of the extracted data to the graph display device  2 . The indexed contents generation system  3  generates new index data  25  and renews the previously generated index data  25  at the time when the economic statistical data stored in the database server  5  is published. The results of the renewals are sent to the graph display device  2 . The graph display device  2  stores the received data into the indexed contents storage unit  222 . 
         [0072]      FIG. 3  through  FIG. 11  are flowcharts showing the procedures of processing executed in the graph display system of the present embodiment and the conceptual diagrams showing the screen made by the procedures in accordance with the flowcharts. Hereinafter, the processing of the graph display system  1 A, specifically the processing of the graph display device  2 , is described. 
       &lt;Displaying of the Initial Screen&gt; 
       [0073]    Firstly, the user of the client terminal  1  makes the display unit  13  to display the Web browser  131 , and access to the graph display device  2 . The graph display unit  211 , the call button display unit  212  and the category information display unit  214  of the graph display device  2  send the data and the programs corresponding to the menu contents screen stored as the menu contents  221 , by using the HTTP communication. Thereafter the graph display unit  211  makes the Web browser  131  to display the menu contents screen  16 A as the initial screen. The menu contents screen  16 A is the initial screen for the user of the client terminal  1  to search and view the detailed economic statistical data. 
         [0074]      FIG. 3  is a conceptual diagram showing a menu contents screen. As shown in  FIG. 3 , four category tabs  161   1 ,  161   2 ,  161   3  and  161   4  are arranged in a row near the top end of the menu contents screen  16 A. The category tabs  161   1 ,  161   2 ,  161   3  and  161   4  are displayed under the control of the category information unit  214 , and are used for selecting user&#39;s desired category display area. The category tabs  161   1 ,  161   2 ,  161   3  and  161   4  are formed corresponding to the category information  251  in the index data  25 , and so ‘GENERAL ECONOMY’, ‘STOCK AND INDUSTRY’, ‘INTEREST AND EXCHANGE’ and ‘PRODUCTS AND REAL PROPERTY’ are displayed on the tabs. The category display area  163   a  is displayed under the category tabs  161   1 ,  161   2 ,  161   3  and  161   4 . 
         [0075]    On the left part of the category display area  163   a , the call button display area  162 , which is corresponding to the ‘topic display area’ of the present invention, is displayed under the control of the call button display unit  212 . 
         [0076]    On the right part of the category display area  163   a , the graph display area  163  is displayed under the control of the graph display unit  211 . The graph display area  163  is further divided into four small areas for displaying single graph individually, that is, the first graph display area  161   1  of upper-left, the second graph display area  161   2  of upper-right, the third graph display area  163   3  of lower-left and the fourth graph display area  161   4  of lower-right. As described below, the graph display areas  163   1  to  161   4  individually display the first to fourth graphs  253   1a  to  253   4a  contained in the first to fourth graph data  253   1  to  253   4  of the index data  25 . The graph titles  254   1  to  254   4  of the index data  25  are displayed on the upper side of each of the graph display areas  161   1  to  161   4 . 
         [0077]    When the user of the client terminal  1  clicks one of category tabs  161   1 ,  161   2 ,  161   3  and  161   4  by using mouse  121  (i.e. the operation unit  12 ), the category display switch unit  215  switches the menu contents screen  16 A to the screen of the selected category, so the category display area  163   a  displayed on the menu contents screen  16 A is replaced to the category display area  163   a  instructed by the user. 
         [0078]    Concretely, as shown in the flowchart of  FIG. 4A , when the ‘GENERAL ECONOMY’ tab  161   1  is clicked (see step S 1   1 ), the category display switch unit  215  and the category display unit  214  acquire the index data  25  containing the category information  251  corresponding to the ‘GENERAL ECONOMY’, make the Web browser  131  to display the screen corresponding to the ‘GENERAL ECONOMY’ (not shown), and make the screen (not shown) to display the acquired index data  25  (see step S 2   1 ). 
         [0079]    Similarly, as shown in the flowchart of  FIG. 4B , when the ‘STOCK AND INDUSTRY’ tab  161   2  is clicked (see step S 1   2 ), the category display switch unit  215  and the category display unit  214  acquire the index data  25  containing the category information  251  corresponding to the ‘STOCK AND INDUSTRY’ from the indexed storage unit  222 , make the Web browser  131  to display the screen  16 B corresponding to the ‘STOCK AND INDUSTRY’ shown in  FIG. 6 , and make the screen to display the acquired index data  25  (see step S 2   2 ). As shown in the flowchart of  FIG. 4C , when the ‘INTEREST AND EXCHANGE’ tab  161   3  is clicked (see step S 1   3 ), the category display switch unit  215  and the category display unit  214  acquire the index data  25  containing the category information  251  corresponding to the ‘INTEREST AND EXCHANGE’ from the indexed content storage unit  222 , make the Web browser  131  to display the screen corresponding to the ‘INTEREST AND EXCHANGE’ (not shown), and make the screen (not shown) to display the acquired index data  25  (see step S 2   3 ). Moreover, As shown in the flowchart of  FIG. 4D , when the ‘PRODUCTS AND REAL PROPERTY’ tab  161   4  is clicked (see step S 1   4 ), the category display switch unit  215  and the category display unit  214  acquire the index data  25  containing the category information  251  corresponding to the ‘PRODUCTS AND REAL PROPERTY’ from the indexed content storage unit  222 , make the Web browser  131  to display the screen corresponding to the ‘PRODUCTS AND REAL PROPERTY’ (not shown), and make the screen (not shown) to display the acquired index data  25  (see step S 24 ). 
         [0080]    Incidentally, the screen corresponding to the ‘GENERAL ECONOMY’ (not shown), the screen corresponding to the ‘INTEREST AND EXCHANGE’ (not shown) and the screen corresponding to the ‘PRODUCTS AND REAL PROPERTY’ (not shown) have screen structures similar to the screen  16 B corresponding to the ‘STOCK AND INDUSTRY’, which is shown in  FIG. 6  as a conceptual diagram, and are controlled in the same way as the screen  16 B. Therefore, only the procedures when the screen  16 B corresponding to the ‘STOCK AND INDUSTRY’ is displayed on the Web browser  131  (see step S 22 ) are described hereinafter. 
       &lt;Initial Processing for the Menu Contents Screen of the Selected Category&gt; 
       [0081]      FIG. 5  is a flowchart showing the procedures of the initial processing for displaying the screen  16 B corresponding to the selected category. As shown in  FIG. 5 , when the ‘STOCK AND INDUSTRY’ tab  161   2  displayed on the menu contents screen  16 A of the Web browser  131  in the client terminal  1  is clicked (see step S 21 ), the graph display unit  211  acquires the index data  25  containing the category information  251  of ‘STOCK AND INDUSTRY’ from the indexed contents storage unit  222 . Moreover, the graph display unit  211  stores the setting information corresponding to the first topic information  252 , which is (1) to (4) described below, into the predetermined row (not shown) of the random access memory (RAM) provided in the storage unit  14 . The first topic information may be stored into the first row of the RAM, and may be stored into the j-th (‘j’ is equal to or more than 1, and equal to or less than N) row of the RAM. 
         [0000]    (1) N′ units of the ID information  256  which are related to the first to fourth graph data  253   1  to  253   4  of the first topic information  252 , via the series point information  255 
 
(2) The first to fourth file name information  253   1b  to  253   4b  contained in the first to fourth graph data  253   1  to  253   4  that correspond to the first topic information  252 
 
(3) The graph titles  254   1  to  254   4  that correspond to the first topic information  252 
 
(4) The file name information  257   b  of the detailed information  257  that correspond to the first topic information  252 
 
         [0082]    The setting process (1) through (4) described above are repeated the same frequency as the number of the topic information  252  being related to the index data  25  (i.e. ‘N’, see step S 23 ). 
         [0083]    After the completion of all settings, the graph display unit  211  makes the Web browser  131  of client terminal  1  to display the screen corresponding to the category ‘STOCK AND INDUSTRY’ (see step S 24 ). 
         [0084]      FIG. 6  is a conceptual diagram showing the screen  16 B of the selected category displayed on the Web browser  131 . As shown in  FIG. 6 , four category tabs  161   1 ,  161   2 ,  161   3  and  161   4  are displayed in a horizontal row near the top end of the screen  16 B, the category display area  163   a  is displayed under the category tabs  161   1 ,  161   2 ,  161   3  and  161   4 , the call button display area  162  is displayed in the left part of the category display area  163   a  and the graph display area  163  is displayed in the right part of the category display area  163   a , similar to the menu contents screen  16 A. 
         [0085]    Among four category tabs  161   1 ,  161   2 ,  161   3  and  161   4 , only the ‘STOCK AND INDUSTRY’ tab, which is selected by using the menu contents screen  16 A, is reversing displayed. The call buttons  162   1 ,  162   2 , . . .  162   N , the number of which is equal to the number of topic information  252  related to the index data  25 , are displayed in a vertical line on the call button display area  162 . The call buttons  162   1 ,  162   2 , . . .  162   N  are arranged in the same order as the topic information. Each of the call buttons  162   1 ,  162   2 , . . .  162   N  is individually related to one of the topic information  252 . Each of the topic information  252  is displayed as a text information, for example, ‘General’, ‘First Section of Tokyo Stock Exchange’, ‘Second Section of Tokyo Stock Exchange’, etc. 
         [0086]    Additionally, the graph display unit  211  displays the first to fourth graphs  253   1a  to  253   4a  related to the call button displayed at the top of the call button display area  162  (i.e. related to the first topic information  252 ) on the graph display area  163 . Concretely, the first graph  253   1a  is displayed on the first graph display area  161   1 , the second graph  253   2a  is displayed on the second graph display area  161   2 , the third graph  253   3a  is displayed on the third graph display area  161   3 , the fourth graph  253   4a  is displayed on the fourth graph display area  161   4 . Furthermore, the graph titles  254   1 ,  254   2 ,  254   3  and  254   4  are displayed. 
         [0087]    Next, the graph display unit  211  sets the call button hold flag and the simple explanation reading flag, both of which are located in the memory of the client terminal  1 , to ‘False’ (see step S 25 ). The call button hold flag is used for making the displaying of the graph  253   a  to be continued. The simple explanation reading flag is used for controlling the pop-up displaying on the graph  253   a . The ‘false’ means that the corresponding processing is not performed. 
       &lt;First Processing of Mouse Cursor on the Call Button&gt; 
       [0088]      FIG. 7A  is a flowchart showing procedures when a mouse cursor  121  moves on the call buttons  162   1 ,  162   2 , . . .  162   N  displayed on the selected category screen  16 B. 
         [0089]      FIG. 7A  shows the state that the mouse cursor  121  is overlapped with the k-th call button (for example, the eighth call button  162   8  from the top) among the call buttons  162   1 ,  162   2 , . . .  162   N  under the operation of the operation unit  12  in the client terminal  1  (see step S 31 ). The state that the mouse cursor  121  is overlapped with one of the call button is simply called ‘mouse over’ in the present specification. In such case, the graph display switch unit  212  replaces the graph displayed on the graph display area  163  with the graph corresponding to the call button  162   8  being overlapped with the mouse cursor  121 . 
         [0090]    Concretely, in the case where the call button hold flag located in the memory of the client terminal  1  is set to ‘false’ (this case corresponds to ‘Yes’ of the step S 32 ), the graph display switch unit  212  acquires the data of the corresponding first graph  253   1a , the corresponding second graph  253   2a , the corresponding third graph  253   3a  and the corresponding fourth graph  253   4a  from the indexed contents storage unit  222 , by using the first file name information  253   1b  through the fourth file name information  253   4b  stored in the memory&#39;s row related to the call button performing the ‘mouse over’ by the mouse cursor  121 , that is, the eighth call button  162   8  from the top. Moreover, the graph display switch unit  212  makes the first through fourth graph display areas  161   1  through  161   4  to display the acquired first through fourth graphs  253   1a - 253   4a , instead of the first through fourth graphs  253   1a - 253   4a  displayed until then (see step S 33 ). Furthermore, the graph display switch unit  212  makes the first through fourth graph display areas  161   1  through  161   4  to display the graph titles  254   1 ,  254   2 ,  254   3  and  254   4  stored in the memory&#39;s row corresponding to the eighth call button  162   8  from the top (see step S 33 ). 
         [0091]    Then, the graph display unit  211  makes the background colors of all call buttons  162   1  through  162   N  to be returned (see step S 34 ). As a result, the coloration of the first (i.e. top) call button  162   1 , in which the background color has been reversed, returns to the original state. Additionally, the graph display unit  211  makes the call button  162   8 , which is the eighth button from the top and is selected by ‘mouse over’ by the mouse cursor  121 , to be reversing displayed (see step S 34 ). Moreover, the graph display unit  211  sets the simple explanation reading flag, which is located in the memory, to ‘False’ (see step S 35 ). 
         [0092]    Incidentally, in the case where the call button hold flag is not set to ‘False’, the process after step S 33  are not performed even if the mouse cursor  121  overlaps with the call button  162   8  (this case corresponds to ‘No’ of the step S 32 ). 
         [0093]    By performing the procedures described above, the screen  16 B corresponding to the selected category, which is shown in  FIG. 8 , is generated and displayed on the Web browser  131 . As shown in  FIG. 8 , the eighth call button from the top, that is the call button  162   8 , is selected by ‘mouse over’ by the mouse cursor  121  and the coloration of it is reversed. In addition, the graphs  253   a  belonging to the topic ‘IRON AND STEEL’ corresponding to the call button  162   8  are displayed on the graph display area  163 . 
         [0094]    In such condition, when the mouse cursor  121  moves while performing ‘mouse over’ through the ninth call button  162   9 , the tenth call button  162   10 , etc., the targeted call button for ‘mouse over’ is switched continuously based on the movement of the mouse cursor  121 , and so the processing from step S 31  to S 35  are repeated. Therefore, the passage of the mouse cursor  121  while performing ‘mouse over’ toward the call buttons  162   9 ,  162   10 , etc. causes the switching of the call button of reversed displaying. Furthermore, because of the movement, the graph  253   a  displayed on the graph display area  163  is switched quickly and continuously to the graph  253   a  corresponding to the topic (i.e. the topic information  252 ) displayed on the call button  162   9 ,  162   10 , etc., that is, the graph  253   a  corresponding to the topic information  252  of the call button  162   9 ,  162   10 , etc. selected by ‘mouse over’ by the mouse cursor  121 . As a result, the graph  253   a  displayed on the web browser  131  of the display unit  13  in the client terminal  1  can be switched quickly and continuously. 
         [0095]    Incidentally, as shown in  FIGS. 6 and 8 , whenever the graph display unit  211  displays the graph display area  163  related to one of the topics of the screen  16 B corresponding to the selected category, each of the first graphs  253   1a , each of the second graphs  253   2a , each of the third graphs  253   3a  and each of the fourth graphs  253   4a  are respectively displayed so that the positions of the vertical axis, the positions of the horizontal axis, the sizes toward the vertical direction, the sizes toward the horizontal direction and the scales are the same between the corresponding graphs of each category. 
         [0096]    For example, the Y-axis of the first graph  253   1a  of the first graph display area  161   1  and the third graph  253   3a  of the third graph display area  161   3  are respectively set on the line L 1  at both of the  FIGS. 6 and 8 . Similarly, the Y-axis of the second graph  253   2a  of the second graph display area  161   2  and the fourth graph  253   4a  of the fourth graph display area  161   4  are respectively set on the line L 2  at both of the  FIGS. 6 and 8 . 
         [0097]    Moreover, the X-axis of the first graph  253   1a  of the first graph display area  161   1  and the second graph  253   2a  of the second graph display area  161   2  are respectively set on the line L 3  at both of the  FIGS. 6 and 8 . Similarly, the X-axis of the third graph  253   3a  of the third graph display area  161   3  and the fourth graph  253   4a  of the fourth graph display area  161   4  are respectively set on the line L 4  at both of the  FIGS. 6 and 8 . 
         [0098]    As a result, when the screens shown in  FIGS. 6 and 8  are switched for comparison, the positions are the same between the first graphs  253   1a  of both screens, the second graphs  253   2a  of both screens, the third graphs  253   3a  of both screens and the fourth graphs  253   4a  of both screens, concerning both of the X-axis direction and Y-axis direction. Therefore, the comparisons between the graphs  253   a  displayed at the same locations of  FIGS. 6 and 8  become easier. 
         [0099]    In addition, the X-axis scale intervals L 51 , L 52 , L 53 , . . . are the same between the first graphs  253   1 , on the first graph display area  161   1  of  FIGS. 6 and 8 , the X-axis scale intervals L 61 , L 62 , L 63 , . . . are the same between the second graphs  253   2a  on the second graph display area  161   2  of  FIGS. 6 and 8 , the X-axis scale intervals L 71 , L 72 , L 73 , . . . are the same between the third graphs  253   3a  on the third graph display area  163   3  of  FIGS. 6 and 8  and the X-axis scale intervals L 81 , L 82 , L 83 , . . . are the same between the fourth graphs  253   4a  on the fourth graph display area  161   4  of  FIGS. 6 and 8 . In other words, the scales of time direction are the same between the graphs  253   a  displayed on the same location. 
         [0100]    As a result, the comparison between the graphs  253   a  displayed at the same location of  FIGS. 6 and 8  become easier. 
         [0101]    Moreover, the plot area&#39;s height T 1  are the same between the first graphs  253   1a  on the first graph display area  161   1  of  FIGS. 6 and 8 , the plot area&#39;s height T 2  are the same between the second graphs  253   2a  on the second graph display area  161   2  of  FIGS. 6 and 8 , the plot area&#39;s height T 3  are the same between the third graphs  253   3a  on the third graph display area  161   3  of  FIGS. 6 and 8 , the plot area&#39;s height T 4  are the same between the fourth graphs  253   4a  on the fourth graph display area  161   4  of  FIGS. 6 and 8 . In other words, the sizes of height direction are the same between the graphs  253   a  displayed on the same location. 
         [0102]    As a result, the comparison between the graphs  253   a  displayed at the same location of  FIGS. 6 and 8  become easier. 
       &lt;Second Processing of the Mouse Cursor on the Call Button&gt; 
       [0103]      FIG. 7B  is a flowchart showing procedures when the call buttons  162   1 ,  162   2 , . . .  162   N  displayed on the screen  16 B of the selected category are clicked by using the cursor  121 . As shown in the  FIG. 7B , under the operation of the operation unit  12  in the client terminal  1 , the mouse cursor  121  clicks the k-th call button (for example, the call button  162   8  which is the eighth call button from the top, under the state shown in  FIG. 8 ) among the call buttons  162   1 ,  162   2 , . . .  162   N (see step S 41 ). In such case, the graph display unit  211  continues the displaying of the graph being displayed on the graph display area  163  at that time. Concretely, in the case where the call button hold flag is set to ‘False’ (this case corresponds to ‘Yes’ of the step S 42 ), the graph display unit  211  sets the call button hold flag to ‘True’, changes the displaying condition of the call button display area  162  to the condition that the displaying of the clicked call button  162   8  is kept to be reversed, and sets the simple explanation reading flag to ‘False’ (see step S 43 ). 
         [0104]    Incidentally, in the case where the call button hold flag is not set to ‘False’ (this case corresponds to ‘No’ of the step S 42 ), the graph display unit  211  sets the call button hold flag to ‘False’, and changes the displaying condition of the call button display area  162  to the condition that the reversed displaying of the specified call button (for example, the call button  162   2 ) is canceled (see step S 44 ). 
         [0105]    By performing the procedures described above, it become possible that the graph  253   a  displayed on the graph display area  163  is not changed, that is, identical graph  253   a  is kept to be displayed on the graph display area  163 , even if the mouse cursor  121  leaves from the eighth call button  162   8 , as shown in  FIG. 10  for example. 
       &lt;First Processing of the Mouse Cursor on the Graph&gt; 
       [0106]      FIG. 9A  is a flowchart showing the procedures for displaying the simple explanation information  258  on the graph display area  163 . As shown in  FIG. 9A , when the ‘mouse over’ by the mouse cursor  121  toward one of the point P (or point Q, point R, point S) on the graph (i.e. a line graph, a bar chart etc.) is executed by the user&#39;s operation of the operation unit  12  provided in the client terminal  1  (see step S 51 ), the graph display unit  211  displays the simple explanation information  258  related to the point P (or point Q, point R, point S) with using a pop-up screen. Concretely, when the ‘mouse over’ is performed toward one of the points, for example point P 1 , on the graph  253   i  (‘i’ is one of 1 through 4) displayed on the first to fourth graph display area  161   1  through  161   4  as shown in  FIG. 10  (in this case, the graph  253   i  is corresponding to the graph displayed on the first graph display area  161   1 ), the graph display unit  211  checks whether the simple explanation reading flag, which is located in the memory (i.e. RAM) provided in the client terminal  1 , is ‘False’. In the case where the simple explanation reading flag is ‘False’ (this case corresponds to ‘Yes’ of the step S 52 ), the graph display unit  211  reads the file data  258   a  of the corresponding simple explanation information  258  from the indexed contents storage unit  222  based on the ID information  256  and the file name information  258   b  in the simple explanation information  258  related to the point P 1  to which the ‘mouse over’ by the mouse cursor  121  is performed. Next, the graph display unit  211  stores the read file data  258   a  into the memory of the client terminal  1 . In the present embodiment, not only the file data  258   a  in connection with the point to which the ‘mouse over’ is performed, but also all file data  258   a  of all simple explanation information  258  in connection with all other points of the graph data  253  (i.e., points P 2 , . . . P W  in this case) are stored into the memory of the client terminal  1  by the graph display unit  211 . 
         [0107]    Then, the graph display unit  211  sets the simple explanation reading flag to ‘True’ (see step S 53 ). Furthermore, the graph display unit  211  sets the simple explanation information  258  to ‘pop-up’, and makes it to be displayed on the graph display area  163  with using a pop-up screen (see step S 54 ). 
         [0108]    Incidentally, in the case where the point P 1 &#39;s simple explanation reading flag stored in the client memory  1  is not set to ‘False’ (this case corresponds to ‘No’ of the step S 52 ), the graph display unit  211  sets the point P 1 &#39;s simple explanation information  258  to ‘pop-up’ without performing the procedure of the step S 53 , and makes it to be displayed on the graph display area  163  with using a pop-up screen (see step S 54 ). 
         [0109]      FIG. 10  is a conceptual diagram showing the graph display area  163  of the Web browser  131  on which the simple explanation information  258  is displayed. As shown in  FIG. 10 , the graph display area  163  displays the text information corresponding to the simple explanation information  258  of the point P 1  to which the ‘mouse over’ is performed by the mouse cursor  121 . 
         [0110]    Incidentally, when the ‘mouse over’ by the mouse cursor  121  is performed toward other points P 2 , . . . P W  on the first graph  253   1a , the points Q on the second graph  253   2a , the points R on the third graph  253   3a  or the points S on the fourth graph  253   4a , the procedures from the step S 51  to the step S 54  are executed and the simple explanation information  258  is displayed by using a pop-up screen. 
       &lt;Second Processing of Mouse Cursor on the Graph&gt; 
       [0111]      FIG. 9B  is the flowchart showing the procedures of processing when the mouse cursor  121  leaves from one of the points P, for example the point P 1 , under the situation that the simple explanation information  258  is displayed on the graph display area  163 . As shown in the step  854  of  FIG. 9B , after the mouse cursor  121  leaves from the point P, for example the point P 1 , to which the ‘mouse over’ is performed (see step S 61 ), the graph display unit  211  makes the simple explanation information  258  to be non-displayed (see step S 62 ). 
         [0112]    In other words, after the ‘mouse over’ by the mouse cursor  121  toward the point P 1  is performed as shown in  FIG. 10 , the mouse cursor  121  leaves from the point P 1 , then, the simple explanation information  258  shown in  FIG. 10  becomes non-displayed. 
         [0113]    As a result, the displayed simple explanation information  258  related to the graph  253   a  is switched quickly and continuously with following the movement of the mouse cursor  121  on the graph  253   a , because the processing from the step S 51  to S 54  executes the pop-up displaying of the simple explanation information  258  related to the point P, Q, R or S to which the mouse cursor performs the ‘mouse over’ and the processing of the step S 61  and S 62  erases the pop-up displaying of the simple explanation information  258 . Therefore, the simple explanation information  258  displayed on the web browser  131  of the display unit  13  provided in the client terminal  1  can be switched quickly and continuously. 
       &lt;Third Processing of Mouse Cursor on the Graph&gt; 
       [0114]      FIG. 9C  is a flowchart showing the procedures when one of the points P plotted on the graph  253   a  (for example, on the line of the line graph, on the bar of the bar chart, etc.) displayed on the graph display area  163  is clicked. 
         [0115]    As shown in  FIG. 9C , when the mouse cursor  121  is moved to one of the points P, (or one of the points Q, R or S) plotted on the graph (for example, on the line of the line graph, on the bar of the bar chart, etc.) and the mouse is clicked under the operation of the operating unit  12  provided in the client terminal  1 , the detailed information display unit  216  makes the detailed information  257  related to the clicked point belonging to the points P (or points Q, R or S) to be displayed on the web browser  131 . Concretely, when one of the points P, for example the point P 1 , plotted on the line of the graph  253   i  (‘i’ is one of 1 through 4, the graph  253   i  is the graph of the first graph display area  161   1  in this explanation) displayed on one of the first graph display area  161   1  to the fourth graph display area  161   4 , is clicked (see step S 71 ), the detailed information display unit  216  acquires the file data  257   a  related to the point P 1  from the indexed contents storage unit  222  based on the ID information  256  and the file name information  257   b  of clicked point P 1 , and makes the file data  257   a  to be displayed as the detailed information  257  (see step S 72 ). 
         [0116]      FIG. 11  is a conceptual diagram showing the detailed information  257  displayed on the Web browser  131 . As sown in  FIG. 11 , the detailed information  257  contains the text information for minutely explaining about the point P 1  plotted on the line of graph  253   i  displayed on the first graph display area  161   1 . The investors etc. using the client terminal  1  can deeply understand and accurately perform the decision about the investment by using the detailed information  257 . 
         [0117]    Incidentally, the procedures of the step S 71  and S 72  are processed and the detailed information  257  related to one of the points P 2 , . . . P W , Q, R or S is displayed when one of other points P 2 , . . . P W  on the first graph  253   1 , one of the points Q displayed on the second graph  253   2 , one of the points R, displayed on the third graph  253   3  or one of the points S displayed on the fourth graph  253   4  is clicked. 
         [0118]    As described above, the present embodiment can supply the economic statistical data to the client terminal  1  as graph information easy to understand visually, because the graph display device  2  comprises the indexed contents storage unit  222  which stores the graphs  253   a  generated corresponding to the economic statistical data and the attribute information of the graph  253   a . Moreover, the present embodiment can make the client terminal  1  to display the graphs based on the economic statistical data, because the present embodiment comprises the graph display unit  211  that displays the graph  253   a  stored in the indexed contents storage unit  222  on the graph display area  163  provided in the display unit  13 . Furthermore, the present invention can quickly and appropriately select the user&#39;s desired graph  253   a  from plural of the graphs, and display it, because the display unit  13  of the client terminal  1  displays plural of the call button display areas  162  in the state arranged in a line, the call button display area  162  displays the call buttons  162   1 ,  162   2 , . . .  162   N  which are related to the graph  253   a  being able to displayed on the graph display area  163  and are used for displaying them, and the graph display switch unit  213  switches the graph  253   a  displayed on the graph display area  163  to the graph  253   a  related to the call buttons  162   1 ,  162   2 , . . .  162   N  corresponding to the input call instruction. Additionally, the present embodiment can easily execute the comparison of plural graphs because the switched graphs  253   a  are displayed in the same specified area on the graph display area  163 . Moreover, the present embodiment can display the graphs easy to view on the display unit even if the number of the compared graphs  253   a  is large, because only the necessary graphs  253   a  can be selected from the plural graphs  253   a  and can be displayed on the graph display area  163 . As a result, the present embodiment can display the graphs, which are generated from the economic statistical data, at the state easy to view, easy to compare appropriately, and easy and quickly to display. 
         [0119]    According to the present embodiment, the indexed contents storage unit  222  stores the topic information  252 , which are generated according to the kind etc. of the information corresponding to the graph  253   a  etc., as an attribute information of the graph  253   a . In addition, the call button display unit  212  makes the call button display area  162  to display the topic information  252  related to the individual graphs  253   a  on the corresponding call button  162   1 ,  162   2 , . . .  162   N . The graph display switch unit  213  switches the displayed graph  253   a  on the graph display area  163  to the graph  253   a  related to the attribute information of the instructed call buttons  162   1 ,  162   2 , . . .  162   N . As a result, the call button  162   1 ,  162   2 , . . .  162   N  can display the topic information  252  which are closely related to the meanings and contents of the graphs  253   a , and so the investors using the client terminal  1  can make the graph display area  163  to display the desired graph  253   a  while viewing the displayed topic information  252 . 
         [0120]    The graph display unit  211  of the present embodiment can continue the displaying of the graph  253   a , when it is necessary to be displayed in long time. That is because the graph display unit  211  continues the displaying of the graphs  253   a , when it inputs the command to keep the display of graphs from the operation unit  12  of the client terminal  1 . 
         [0121]    The graph display unit  211  of the present embodiment can display the first graph  253   1a , the second graph  253   2a , the third graph  253   3a  and the fourth graph  253   4a  on the graph display area  163  at the same time, in other words, the graph display unit  211  can make the graph display area  163  to display the graphs  253   1a  to  253   4a  closely related to each other at the same time. Therefore, the present embodiment can makes it easier to compare the graphs  253   1a  to  253   4a , which are closely related to each other 
         [0122]    According to the present embodiment, the graph display unit  211  generates the graphs  253   a , in which the horizontal axis is the time axis, and makes the graph display area  163  to display graphs in which each of the graphs displayed at the same position has the horizontal axis of substantially the same coordinate and substantially the same position. As a result, the present embodiment can make the coordinate and displayed position of the time axis substantially the same between all of the corresponding graphs of the time series economic statistical data. Therefore, it is easy for the users to compare the information of the graphs  253   a  visually, because all time information of the graphs  253   a  are unified. Consequently, the present embodiment can makes it easier to compare the graphs  253   a  in a visual and feeling manner. 
         [0123]    According to the present embodiment, the graph display unit  211  makes the graph display area  163  to display graphs in which each of the graphs displayed at the same position has the vertical axis of substantially the same position and substantially the same length. As a result, the present embodiment can make the height of the graphs  253   a  substantially the same between all graphs of the same position. Consequently, the present embodiment can makes it easier to compare the graphs  253   a  in a visual and feeling manner. 
         [0124]    According to the present embodiment, the indexed contents storage unit  222  stores the category information  251 , each of which relates to plural units of topic information  252  containing the graphs  253   a  and attribute information. Moreover, the present embodiment comprises the category information display unit  214  making the Web browser  131 , which is provided in the display unit  13  in the client terminal  1 , to display the category display area containing the graph display area  163  and the call button display area  162 . Furthermore, the present embodiment comprises the category display switch unit  215  for switching the category information  251  displayed on the category display area  163   a  to the instructed category information  251  based on the instruction, which is input from the operation unit  12  in the client terminal  1 , to display the specified category information. Consequently, the present embodiment can make the client terminal  1  to display the graphs  253   a  under the state that the graphs  253   a  are divided into groups based on meanings and contents of the graphs  253   a . The investors etc. can search their desired information by using the category information  251  that is closely related to the meanings and contents of the graph  253   a . As a result, the users can select the graphs more quickly and easily, can put the complex economic statistical data in order by categories and topics of the financial products, can easily acquire the information necessary for making decision about investment, and can decide appropriately. 
         [0125]    The present embodiment comprises the detailed information display unit  216  that makes the display unit  13  of the client terminal  1  to display the detailed information  257  which are related to the graphs  253   a  and indicate the detailed information of the graphs  253   a  stored in the indexed contents storage unit  222 . Therefore, the investors etc. can grasp the detail of information of the graphs  253   a  and related information easily, and so the investors etc. can decide whether investment should be executed or not. 
         [0126]    As described above, the graph display device  2  is constituted as a server device of a client server type computer system. However, the graph display device  2  can be constituted as a stand-alone type computer. 
         [0127]    The above described embodiment is merely one embodiment of the present invention, and it is obvious that the present invention does not limited to this embodiment. 
       DESCRIPTION OF THE REFERENCE SYMBOLS 
       [0000]    
       
           1 ,  1   1 ,  1   2 , . . .  1   n : client terminal 
           2 : graph display device 
           12 : operation unit (operation means) 
           13 : display unit (display means) 
           121 : mouse cursor (operation means) 
           162 : call button display area (topic display area) 
           162   1 ,  162   2 , . . .  162   k ,  162   N : call button 
           211 : graph display unit (graph display means) 
           212 : call button display unit (call button display means) 
           213 : graph display switch unit (graph display switch means) 
           214 : category information display unit (category information display means) 
           215 : category display switch unit (category display switch means) 
           216 : detailed information display unit (detailed information display means) 
           222 : indexed contents storage unit (storage means) 
           251 : category information 
           252 : topic information 
           253   a ,  253   1a ,  253   2a ,  253   3a ,  253   4a ,  253   i : graph 
           257 ,  257   a : detailed information 
           258 ,  258   a : simple explanation information