JP2002163217A - Electronic communication method, electronic communication system and terminal device used in it - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To display image data and message data to clearly confirm which access person speaks by previously allotting areas for displaying image data showing an access person gaining an access to a communication network to participate in communication and message data. SOLUTION: In this electronic communication method, image display areas 70a to 705d and message display areas 706a to 706d are allotted to every terminal device gaining an access to the communication network, and a display data for setting image data 703a to 703d and message data 704a to 704d is displayed on a display means of each terminal device.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an electronic communication method, an electronic communication system, and a terminal device used for communicating data by communicating data between a plurality of terminal devices via a communication network.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A plurality of users (accessors) via a communication network such as a personal computer communication and the Internet.
Among electronic communication systems that perform communication using a terminal device such as a personal computer, an electronic communication system using character string data is the most widespread.

A display example of the electronic communication system using the character string data will be described with reference to FIG.

In FIG. 19, reference numeral 701 denotes a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube: cathode ray tube (CRT)) or LCD (Liquid Crystal Displ.) Provided in a terminal device such as a personal computer.
ay: liquid crystal display).

[0005] Reference numeral 702 denotes a title display on the display screen 701 indicating a topic that is the center of communication. The accessor (terminal device) participating in the communication proceeds with the conversation (communication) while referring to the title display 702,
You can enjoy the conversation smoothly. Note that the display contents of the title display 702 can be freely changed by an access person (terminal device) participating in the communication.

An accessor name display area 1905 surrounded by a dotted line in the figure is a display area for displaying an accessor name for identifying an accessor (terminal device) participating in communication.

A character string display area 190 surrounded by a dotted line in FIG.
Reference numeral 6 denotes a display area for displaying character string data of a message inputted by an access person (terminal device) shown in the access person name display region 1905 by an input means (keyboard or the like) of a terminal device such as a personal computer.

In this display example, a state is shown in which four accessers (terminal devices) are accessing this electronic communication system, and the names of the respective accessors (A, B, C, D) ) Can be confirmed in the accessor name display area 1905.

The accessor name display area 1905
In the character string display area 1906 adjacent to the right of the message, the character string data of the message input (speaked) by each accessor (terminal device) is displayed. Is displayed as "Hello."

[0010] The character string data of the latest message input (sent) from each accessor (terminal device) is displayed at the bottom of the accessor name display area 1905 and the character string display area 1906, and the message is input (message). As the remark) progresses, the display of the accessor name and the character string data of the message corresponding to the accessor name which have been displayed so far are scrolled upward one line at a time in line units. At this time, the display of the accessor name displayed at the top of the accessor name display area 1905 and the character string display area 1906 and the character string data of the corresponding message are displayed in the accessor name display area 1905 and the character string display. Region 1906
Is deleted from time to time.

[0011] In this way, the display of the character string data of the message is performed in the accessor name display area 1 in ascending order of the utterance time.
By arranging the messages 905 and the character string display area 1906 in chronological order from above, the order of message input (speech) can be displayed to show the flow of conversation.

However, in such prior art,
The character string data of the content of the remark is only displayed in a row, and it is hard to say that the presence is high. Therefore, JP-A-9-26
According to the technology disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 5457, a doll-shaped symbol image is displayed in place of the display of the accessor name of the above technology, and a balloon shape is displayed in place of the character string data of the message of the above technology. Is displayed. As a result, the display of remarks from each accessor (terminal device) as in the above-described technique is not limited to simply displaying character string data, but also makes it easier to visually understand a conversation situation. It further enhances the realism of the conversation.

[0013]

However, in the above-mentioned prior art (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-265457), it is not considered to assign a display area to each accessor (terminal device) in advance. It is not possible to predict at which position on the display screen the symbol image and the statement content display indicating each of the accessed users (terminal devices) will be displayed,
For this reason, it is difficult to instantly determine who is communicating and how from this display screen.

Further, no technique is considered when displaying a large amount of message data such as character string data that cannot be displayed in the balloon-shaped display area.

[0015] An object of the present invention is to pre-allocate an area for displaying image data and message data indicating an accessor participating in communication by accessing a communication network so that which accesser has made a statement. Display so that it can be clearly confirmed.

The object of the present invention is, in addition to the above objects,
When displaying a large amount of message data that does not fit in the message display area for displaying messages such as character string data, expand the message display area to an empty area on the screen to display the message data. The purpose is to be able to display even when it becomes old.

[0017]

To solve the above-mentioned problems, an electronic communication method according to the present invention is an electronic communication method for communicating data between a plurality of terminal devices via a communication network. As a screen display area that can display image data and message data for every terminal device that is
An image display area and a message display area are allocated, and image data corresponding to each terminal device is displayed on display means of each terminal device, and is displayed as display data of the terminal device corresponding to at least one of the displayed image data. , Display data in which image data and message data are set as a set is displayed on display means of each terminal device.

Further, the electronic communication system of the present invention is an electronic communication system for communicating data by connecting a plurality of terminal devices and a communication server device via a communication network. At least one device has display data creation means for creating display data in which image data and message data are set as display data corresponding to a terminal device, and for every terminal device accessing the communication server device. An image display area and a message display area are assigned as screen display areas on which image data and message data can be displayed, and display data including data created by the display data creation means is displayed on the display means of each terminal device. It is characterized in that Shimesuru.

A terminal device used for electronic communication according to the present invention includes a terminal communication means for transmitting and receiving data via a communication network, an image display area and a message as a screen display area capable of displaying image data and message data. A display data creating unit that assigns a display area and creates display data in which the message data received by the terminal communication unit and the image data corresponding to the terminal device are set; and a display data created by the display data creating unit. Display means for displaying.

Further, the terminal device used for electronic communication according to the present invention assigns an image display area and a message display area as input means for inputting message data and a screen display area on which image data and message data can be displayed. A display data creating unit that creates display data in which the message data input by the input unit and image data corresponding to the terminal device are set; and display data created by the display data creating unit, via a communication network. A terminal communication means for transmitting and receiving display data via a communication network, and a display means for displaying the display data received by the terminal communication means.

According to the present invention, by assigning in advance an area for displaying image data and message data indicating an accessor participating in communication by accessing a communication network, which accesser has made a statement. Can be displayed so that it can be clearly confirmed.

Further, according to the present invention, in the electronic communication method, as the message data of the display data in which the image data and the message data are set, an amount exceeding the message display area allocated to the terminal device displaying the display data is provided. When the message data is displayed, the message display area is expanded to display the message data up to the message display area allocated to another terminal device.

Further, the present invention provides the electronic communication method, wherein when the expanded message display area overlaps with the message data displayed in the message display area allocated to another terminal device, The message display area assigned to the terminal device is moved to a message display area where no message data is displayed.

According to the present invention, when displaying a large amount of message data that does not fit in the message display area, the message data is displayed by expanding the message display area to a vacant area on the screen and displaying a large amount of message data. It can still be displayed.

As a result, if the message data that cannot be accommodated in the message display area can be displayed only halfway, or if the message data in the message display area is not scrolled and displayed, all of the large amount of message data is displayed. It is possible to display a large amount of the message data by effectively utilizing the empty message display area.

Further, in the electronic communication method, when a plurality of message data to be displayed as the display data are continuous, the plurality of message data are displayed by being surrounded by one balloon-shaped frame display. It is a feature.

According to the present invention, a plurality of message data continuously input (sent) by the accessor are displayed collectively by being surrounded by a single balloon-shaped frame display. The connections between the muscles are gathered, making it easier to understand, and communication can proceed more smoothly.

Further, the plurality of message data are:
If the display area is expanded to an empty message display area instead of being overwritten in the message display area assigned to the accessor,
By extending the balloon portion of one balloon-shaped frame display to the display position of the image data corresponding to the accessing accessor, it is possible to easily confirm who the message data is. .

Further, according to the present invention, in the electronic communication method, when a plurality of message data to be displayed as the display data are continuous, the plurality of message data are separately surrounded and displayed by a plurality of balloon-shaped frames. It is characterized by doing.

According to the present invention, a plurality of message data continuously input (speeched) by the accessor are separately displayed by surrounding each of the plurality of message data with a plurality of balloon-shaped frames. In addition, the connection of the lines of a plurality of preceding and following messages is displayed separately for each message, so that it is easier to understand and communication can be more smoothly performed.

Further, the plurality of message data are
If the display area is expanded to an empty message display area instead of being overwritten in the message display area assigned to the accessor, multiple balloon-shaped frames are displayed. By extending each balloon portion to the display position of the image data corresponding to the accessing user who is speaking, it is possible to easily confirm who the message data is.

Here, the message data includes at least character string data, and may further include image data. Therefore, data included in the message data is displayed in the message display area,
Not only character string data but also image data may be displayed.

[0033]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the figure, the same reference numerals are given to the same components as those described in the above-mentioned conventional technology.

[Embodiment 1] As Embodiment 1 of the present invention, an electronic communication system and method will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a terminal device of the electronic communication system according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a communication server device (hereinafter, referred to as a server device) of the electronic communication system according to the present embodiment.

In FIG. 1, 101 is a personal computer, PD
A (Personal Digital (Data) Assistants: personal information terminal) or a terminal device having a communication function with a server device such as a mobile phone.

Reference numeral 102 denotes a terminal communication unit that connects to a server device via a communication network, transmits message data, and receives display data.

Reference numeral 103 denotes a display unit including a display device such as a CRT or an LCD for displaying the display data received by the terminal communication unit 102.

Reference numeral 104 denotes an input unit including an input interface such as a keyboard for inputting message data transmitted by the terminal communication unit 102.

In FIG. 2, reference numeral 201 denotes a server connected to a plurality of terminal devices A (101a) to D (101d) via a communication network.
In the present embodiment, the number of connected terminal devices is four, but the number is not limited to four.

Reference numeral 202 denotes a server communication unit that connects to a plurality of terminal devices via a communication network, receives message data, and transmits display data.

Reference numeral 203 denotes command processing means for analyzing the contents of the data received by the server communication means 202.

Reference numeral 204 denotes data storage means for temporarily storing received data.

Reference numeral 205 denotes display data creation means for creating display data to be transmitted to the terminal device. The display data created here is composed of image data corresponding to each terminal device and received message data. The image data corresponding to each terminal device may be image data transmitted from each terminal device when electronic communication is performed, or may be image data transmitted and stored in advance from each terminal device or a server device in advance. May be image data selected when performing electronic communication from a plurality of types of image data stored in the. To store image data on the server device,
An image data storage unit (not shown) may be provided in the server device to store the image data.

Reference numerals 101a to 101d denote terminal devices A to D equivalent to the terminal device 101 in FIG. 1, and in the present embodiment, four terminal devices.

Next, the operation of the electronic communication system of the present embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 will be described.

When a message such as character string data is input from the input unit 104 of the terminal device 101, the message such as character string data is transmitted from the terminal communication unit 102 to the server device 201 via the communication network.

The server device 201 receives the message data sent via the network by the server communication means 202, analyzes the contents of the received data by the command processing means 203, and outputs the message data. If so, the message data is temporarily stored in the data storage means 204, and then stored in the display data creation means 20.
Sent to 5.

The display data creation means 205 assigns an image display area and a message display area as screen display areas on which image data corresponding to each terminal device and received message data can be displayed. Create display data with a set. The display position of the image data corresponding to each terminal device is fixedly displayed at the same position in the screen display area unless the number of accessing terminal devices increases or decreases.

The created display data is transmitted from the terminal device A (101a) to the terminal device D from the server communication means 202.
The terminal devices A (101a) to D (101d) that have received the display data transmitted to (101d) display the received display data on the display unit 103.
In this way, the accessor (terminal device) participating in the communication can check the status of the communication. Note that the display unit 103 displays a display screen as shown in FIG. 7 described later.

[Second Embodiment] In a second embodiment, in the electronic communication system shown in the first embodiment, the means corresponding to the display data creating means 205 provided in the server device 201 is replaced by the reception of the terminal device. The system configuration provided on the side will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, the same reference numerals are given to the same parts as those in FIGS. 1 and 2 showing the first embodiment, and the description will be omitted.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a terminal device in the electronic communication system according to the present embodiment. FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a server device in the electronic communication system according to the present embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 3, reference numeral 301 denotes a terminal device having a communication function for accessing a communication network, such as a personal computer, a PDA or a mobile phone, like the terminal device 101 of the first embodiment.

Reference numeral 302 denotes a terminal communication unit that connects to a server device via a communication network and transmits and receives message data.

Reference numeral 306 denotes data storage means for temporarily storing message data received by the terminal communication means.

Reference numeral 305 denotes a display data creating means for creating display data to be displayed on the display means 103. Note that the display data created here includes image data corresponding to each terminal device and message data stored in the data storage unit 306. The image data corresponding to each terminal device may be image data transmitted from each terminal device at the time of performing electronic communication, or may be image data storage (not shown) of the server device, as in the first embodiment. The image data may be selected when electronic communication is performed from a plurality of types of image data stored in the means.

In FIG. 4, reference numeral 401 denotes a plurality of terminal devices A (301a) to terminal devices D via a communication network.
This is a server device connected to (301d). In addition,
In the present embodiment, the number of connected terminal devices is four, but it is not limited to this number.

Reference numeral 402 denotes server communication means for connecting to a plurality of terminal devices via a communication network and transmitting and receiving message data.

Note that reference numerals 301a to 301d denote terminal devices A to D equivalent to the terminal device 301 in FIG. 3, and in this embodiment, four terminal devices.

Next, the operation of the electronic communication system of the present embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 will be described.

When a message such as character string data is input from the input means 104 of the terminal device 301, the message such as character string data is transmitted from the terminal communication means 302 to the server device 401 via the communication network.

The server device 401 receives the message data sent via the network by the server communication means 402, analyzes the content of the received data by the command processing means 203, and outputs the message data. If so, the message data is temporarily stored in the data storage means 204, and the message data of the message is transmitted to the terminal devices A (301a) to D (301d) participating in the communication via the communication network. , From the server communication means 402.

Terminal device 301, which has received a message such as character string data by terminal communication means 302 via the communication network, temporarily stores the message such as character string data in data storage means 306 and then creates display data. To the means 305.

The display data creation means 305 assigns an image display area and a message display area as screen display areas on which image data corresponding to each terminal device and received message data can be displayed. Create display data with a set. The display position of the image data corresponding to each terminal device is fixedly displayed at the same position in the screen display area unless the number of accessing terminal devices increases or decreases.

The display data thus created is displayed on the display unit 1.
By displaying the information 03, the accessor (terminal device) participating in the communication can check the status of the communication. The display means 10
3, a display screen as shown in FIG. 7 described later is displayed.

Although not shown, the terminal device 30
1 setting of the display data creation means 305 (type of image data, type of font of character string data of message,
By changing the setting of the display position of each data, etc., it is possible to enjoy communication on the display screen that suits the preference of the owner of the terminal device.

[Third Embodiment] In the third embodiment, in the electronic communication system shown in the first embodiment, means corresponding to the display data creating means 205 provided in the server device 201 is transmitted by the terminal device. The system configuration provided on the side will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, the same reference numerals are given to the same parts as those in FIGS. 1 and 2 showing the first embodiment and FIGS. 3 and 4 showing the second embodiment, and the description will be omitted.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a terminal device in the electronic communication system according to the present embodiment. FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a server device in the electronic communication system according to the present embodiment.

In FIG. 5, reference numeral 501 denotes a terminal device having a communication function capable of accessing a communication network, such as a personal computer, a PDA, or a mobile phone, like the terminal device 101 of the first embodiment.

Reference numeral 502 denotes a terminal communication unit that connects to a server device via a communication network and transmits and receives display data.

In FIG. 6, reference numeral 601 denotes a plurality of terminal devices A (501a) to terminal devices D via a communication network.
The server device is connected to (501d). In addition,
In the present embodiment, the number of connected terminal devices is four, but it is not limited to this number.

Reference numeral 602 denotes server communication means for connecting to a plurality of terminal devices via a communication network and transmitting and receiving display data.

Note that reference numerals 501a to 501d denote terminal devices A to D equivalent to the terminal device 501 in FIG. 5, and in this embodiment, four terminal devices.

Next, the operation of the electronic communication system according to the present embodiment shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 will be described.

When a message such as character string data is input from the input unit 104 of the terminal device 501, the message such as character string data is temporarily stored in the data storage unit 306 and then sent to the display data creation unit 305. .

The display data creating means 305 assigns an image display area and a message display area as a screen display area on which image data corresponding to each terminal device and received message data can be displayed. Create display data with a set. The display position of the image data corresponding to each terminal device is fixedly displayed at the same position in the screen display area unless the number of accessing terminal devices increases or decreases.

The created display data is transmitted from the terminal device communication means 502 to the server device 6 via the communication network.
01.

The server device 601 transmits the display data sent via the network to the server communication means 60.
2, the command processing means 203 analyzes the content of the received data, and if the data is display data, temporarily stores the display data in the data storage means 204 and then stores the display data again. Terminal devices A (501a) to D (5
01d) from the server communication means 602 via the communication network.

The terminal device 301 that has received the display data via the communication network by the terminal communication means 502 temporarily stores the display data in the data storage means 306,
It is sent to the display means 103 for display.

Thus, the accessor (terminal device) participating in the communication can check the status of the communication. Display means 1
In 03, a display screen as shown in FIG. 7 described later is displayed.

The display data stored in the data storage unit 306 can be read and used when the display data generation unit 305 generates display data.

Thus, the display screen can be shared by all the access users participating in the communication without putting a burden on the server device 601 to create the display data.

Although not shown, the terminal device 50
1 setting of the display data creation means 305 (type of image data, type of font of character string data of message,
By changing the setting of the display position of each data, etc., it is possible to enjoy communication on the display screen that suits the preference of the owner of the terminal device.

As a result, each terminal device A
(501a) to the terminal device D (501d) can share the display data uniquely set by the access users (terminal devices) participating in the communication. You can also enjoy the display screen. At this time, the display screen of the reference variation may be the display screen of the terminal device accessed first, or the display screen variation may be switched as appropriate.

[Fourth Embodiment] As a fourth embodiment, an example of a screen display displayed on the display means 103 in the electronic communication system according to the first to third embodiments will be described with reference to FIG.

In the present embodiment, the image data 703a to 703a is used for every terminal device accessing the communication network.
703d and message data (character string data) 704
screen display areas 707a to 707d capable of displaying a to 704d
7d, image display areas 705a to 705d and message display areas 706a to 706d are allocated, and image data 703a to 703d corresponding to each terminal device are displayed on the display means of each terminal device, and correspond to image data to be displayed. Image data 703a to 703d and message data 704a to
Display data in which 704d is set is displayed on the display means of each terminal device. FIG. 7 shows an example in which message data 704a and 704d corresponding to the image data 703a and 703d are displayed as a set.

This terminal device is a terminal device having a communication function such as a personal computer, a PDA, or a mobile phone that can access a communication network, and has a display means such as a CRT or an LCD capable of displaying a display screen 701. FIGS. 1 to 3 showing the first to third embodiments.
These correspond to the terminal devices 101, 301 and 501 in FIG.

Reference numeral 702 denotes a title display on the display screen 701 indicating a topic that is the center of communication. The accessor (terminal device) participating in the communication proceeds with the conversation (communication) while referring to the title display 702,
You can enjoy the conversation smoothly. Note that the display contents of the title display 702 can be freely changed by an access person (terminal device) participating in the communication.

In the present embodiment, four accessers (A
, B, C, and D) are accessing. Although the number of accessers in the present embodiment is four, the number is not limited to this number.

Then, screen display areas 707a to 707d are assigned to each accessor. The screen display areas 707a to 707d include image display areas 705a to 705d for displaying image data 703a to 703d that can identify an accessor, and message displays for displaying message data 704a to 704d, which are messages of the accessor. It is composed of areas 706a to 706d.

The image that can identify the accessor may be a still image or a moving image, an animated image such as a portrait, an initial such as “M · K”, or a nickname character. It may be.

At this time, when Mr. A speaks, the message of Mr. A is displayed in the message data 704a in the screen display area 707a assigned to Mr. A. In FIG. 7, Mr. A's remark is a message display based on message data surrounded by a balloon-shaped frame display saying "I have seen a movie today."

The message display areas 706a to 706a
The reference numeral 706d is not limited to the rectangular shape which is vertically aligned for each access user. For example, they are assigned in a grid pattern or are assigned in such a way that round message display areas are scattered on the screen, so that the corresponding image data and message data can be easily associated with each other. Any shape that can be recognized may be used.

In this way, if Mr. A utters another message thereafter, the display is updated by rewriting the message data of Mr. A's message display area 706a. The same applies to Mr. B, Mr. C, and Mr. D. The messages of the respective accessors are displayed in the set message display areas 706b to 706d.

Further, although Mr. B and Mr. C in FIG. 7 have access to the communication network, but are not currently speaking, the message display areas 706b and 706b are displayed.
06b does not display the balloon-shaped frame display and message data 704b and 704c, and is blank.

The message of Mr. D is a message display based on message data 704d surrounded by a balloon-shaped frame display of "What were you doing today?"

As described above, by allocating an area for displaying a message such as character string data of an accessor participating in communication by accessing the communication network, the character string data of one accessor who continuously speaks can be obtained. Are displayed only in the message display area assigned to the accessor, so that messages such as character string data spoken by other accessors are not overwritten.

Also, since an access person who has not spoken accesses the communication network and displays image data corresponding to the access person (terminal device) on the display screen, he / she participates in communication there. Is more easily recognized, and the display screen can be shown to the accessor in a manner similar to an actual conversation.

Further, the accessor participating in the communication displays a set of image data (still image, moving image, etc.) for identifying the accessor and a message such as character string data. At a glance at the data, it is easy to identify each accessor, and while viewing the image data of each accessor, it is possible to enjoy communication in a manner close to the feeling of actually meeting and talking.

[Fifth Embodiment] As a fifth embodiment, an electronic communication method for displaying an amount of message data exceeding a message display area allocated to a terminal device in the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
This will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 8, the same parts as those in FIG. 7 showing the fourth embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and image data 703a to 703d, message data 704a to 704d, and image display areas 705a to 705d.
705d, the message display areas 706a to 706d, and the screen display areas 707a to 707d are omitted from the reference numerals.

This embodiment is similar to the first embodiment.
9 is an example of a screen display displayed on the display unit 103 in the electronic communication systems of (1) to (3).

In FIG. 7, image data 703a-703
When the message data of the amount exceeding the message display area 706a allocated to the terminal device displaying the display data is displayed as the message data of the display data in which the 3d and the message data 704a to 704d are set, another terminal device is displayed. FIG. 8 shows the message data (character string data) 804a with the message display area expanded to display the message data to the message display areas 706b to 706c assigned to the user.

In this embodiment, similarly to Embodiment 4 shown in FIG. 7, message data 704a to 704d, which are basically messages of each accessor, are stored in the message display area assigned to each accessor. 706
a to 706d. However, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG.
4a is the message display area of A (706 in FIG. 7).
If the number of characters that can be displayed is larger than the number of characters that can be displayed in (a), an empty display area where no adjacent message data is displayed (in FIG. 8, the message display areas of Mr. B and Mr. C (7 in FIG. 7)
06b to 706c)), the message display area is expanded to the found empty display area, and the message data 804a, which is the message of Mr. A, is displayed in a balloon-shaped frame display.

As a result, it is possible to make effective use of the vacant display area of the message display area of the non-speaking accesser to display the message.

The flow of this operation will be described with reference to FIG. 17 which is a flowchart of the operation in the present embodiment.

First, the terminal device is in a message waiting state to determine whether or not there is a message from any accessor (S1).

When a message is input from the accessor (YES in S1), it is checked whether or not the length of the message such as the character string data can be entirely displayed in the message display area assigned to the accessor. (S
2). This means that the number of characters in the message string data
It is also conceivable to check whether there is more than the maximum number of characters that can be displayed in the message display area.If message data includes image data, etc. It is also conceivable to check whether the size fits within the length and width of the message display area.

After this check step, for example, the message data (character string data) of Mr. D in FIG.
If the accessor's message can fit in the message display area as in 804d (YES in S2),
It is displayed as it is (S3).

On the other hand, if it cannot be completed (N in S2)
O side), a search is made for an empty display area where no message is displayed near the message display area assigned to the accessor (S4).

As a result of the search, it is determined in step S5 which area has an empty display area (S5).

If no space is available (the empty side in S5), the message is displayed only in the own message display area (S5).
7). If you want to display a large number of messages, such as character string data, that will not fit in your message display area, first display only enough message data to fit in the message display area. By scrolling and displaying the data, all message data can be confirmed.

In the case of FIG. 8, since B and C do not speak, the message display area of these two persons becomes an empty display area.
It is located adjacent to the message display area of. Therefore, in step S5, the process proceeds to the adjacent area, and the message is displayed using the adjacent empty display area in addition to the own message display area (S10).

In this way, as shown in FIG. 8, the entire message can be displayed at a stretch by using the long message of Mr. A and the message display areas of Mr. B and C, which are the empty display areas, and the flow of the communication story can be improved. It becomes easier to understand.

[Embodiment 6] As Embodiment 6, an electronic communication method for displaying message data in an amount exceeding a message display area allocated to a terminal device in Embodiment 5 will be described with reference to FIG. This will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10, the same reference numerals are given to the same parts as in FIG. 7 showing the fourth embodiment, and the image data 703a
To 703d, message data 704a to 704d, image display areas 705a to 705d, and message display area 7.
06a to 706d and screen display areas 707a to 707d
The addition of the reference symbol is omitted.

This embodiment is similar to the first embodiment.
9 is an example of a screen display displayed on the display unit 103 in the electronic communication systems of (1) to (3).

In the present embodiment, as in Embodiment 5 shown in FIG. 8, message data 704a to 704d are displayed as message data of display data in which image data 703a to 703d and message data 704a to 704d are set.
d, when displaying message data in an amount exceeding the message display area 706a allocated to the terminal device displaying the display data, displaying the message data in the message display areas 706b to 706c allocated to other terminal devices. In this case, the message display area is expanded to display the message data 804a.

This embodiment is different from the fifth embodiment in that the expanded message display area overlaps with the message data displayed in the message display area allocated to another terminal device. Moves a message display area assigned to another terminal device to a message display area where no message data is displayed.

That is, when a message of a certain accessor extends beyond the display area, the display position of the already displayed message is moved in order to create an empty display area.

In the fifth embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the case is shown where the message display area of the accessor adjacent to the accessor A is empty, but in the present embodiment, the message display area of the adjacent accessor is displayed. The operation when the area is not empty will be described.

In FIG. 9, the message size is such that Mr. A and Mr. B can fit in the respective message display areas, and this is the message data (character string data) of Mr. A as shown in FIG. If the message display area 904a does not fit in the assigned message display area, the message display area of Mr. B immediately below Mr. A already has message data (character string data) 904b.
Is displayed, the message data 90 of Mr. A is displayed.
4a interrupts the adjacent message display area and cannot be displayed.

On the other hand, the message display areas of Mr. C and Mr. D adjacent to Mr. B are unused and empty display areas. Then, B's message is moved to the empty message display area (706d in FIG. 7) until all of A's messages can be displayed, and A's message is moved to the empty message display area (706b to 706c in FIG. 7). Display a message.

The flow of this operation will be described with reference to FIG. 17 which is a flowchart of the operation in the present embodiment. In the flow of the operation, the steps up to step S5 are the same as those in the fifth embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

In step S5, if the area other than the message display area of the accessor adjacent to the accessor is empty, it is checked whether the message of the adjacent accessor can be moved to the empty message display area and displayed. (S6).

Referring to FIG. 9, it is determined whether the message data 904b of Mr. B can be moved to an empty message display area (message display areas of Mr. C and Mr. D). Since Mr. B's message can be displayed even after moving to the empty message display area (YES in step S6)
First, the message data 904b of Mr. B is moved to an empty display area (S8).

The result of the movement is message data (character string data) 1004b of Mr. B in FIG. At this time, the message of Mr. B after moving is
For example, if the balloon part of the balloon-shaped frame display is extended to the position of Mr. B and displayed, even if the position changes, the message can be recognized as Mr. B's message. In this way, the message data (character string data) 1004a of Mr. A can be displayed in the empty display area vacated by the movement of the message of Mr. B (S9).

[Embodiment 7] As Embodiment 7, an electronic communication method for displaying message data in an amount exceeding a message display area allocated to a terminal device in Embodiment 4 will be described with reference to FIG.
This will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 12, 13, 17 and 18. 11, 12 and 13, the same parts as those in FIG. 7 showing the fourth embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and image data 703 a to 703 d, message data 704 a to 704 d, and image display areas 705 a to 705. 7
05d, reference numerals of the message display areas 706a to 706d and the screen display areas 707a to 707d are omitted.

This embodiment corresponds to the first embodiment.
9 is an example of a screen display displayed on the display unit 103 in the electronic communication systems of (1) to (3).

In the present embodiment, when a plurality of message data to be displayed as display data are continuous, the plurality of message data are displayed by being surrounded by one balloon-shaped frame.

That is, when a certain accessor utters a message in succession, the message such as the continuous character string data is displayed by being surrounded by one balloon-shaped frame display, and is further displayed by one balloon-shaped frame display. If the message enclosed by "" protrudes from the message display area, it is displayed by effectively utilizing the empty message display area.

[0130] It is to be noted that a message is continuously spoken by the input means 104 provided in the terminal device 101, 301 or 501 in FIGS. 1 to 6 showing the first to third embodiments. This is a state in which the operation of inputting and transmitting message data is set and repeated, such that a message is input and transmitted to the server device once, and then another message data is input and transmitted. In other words, it can be said that a plurality of message data are transmitted from the terminal device to the server device at different timings.

FIG. 18, which is a flowchart of the operation in the present embodiment, is a flowchart that branches off from point A in FIG.

First, in FIG. 18, when a message is uttered from the accessor (YES in S1 of FIG. 17).
Side), it is checked whether or not the message is a message uttered continuously by the same accessor (S101).

If the message is not a continuous message (S101)
NO side), returning to the point B in FIG.
It is displayed in the display method as described in (1) to (6). On the other hand, if the message is a continuous message (Y in S101)
The ES side) first searches for an empty display area (S102).

As a result, if the display area adjacent to the accessing person who made the utterance is free (S103), continuous messages are connected, and the messages are enlarged and displayed in the free display area (S108). However, if the message display area does not protrude as a result of connecting the consecutive messages, a step of searching for an empty display area and enlarging and displaying the message display area is omitted.

A series of these operations will be described with reference to FIGS. 11, 12 and 13 which are examples of display screens in the electronic communication method according to the present embodiment.

In FIG. 11, if Mr. B speaks the message data (character string data) 1104b and then speaks again, as shown in FIG. 12, the continuous message such as the character string data is converted into one balloon shape. The message display area is displayed by enclosing it in a frame display, and the message display area is enlarged to an empty display area. What is displayed in this manner is message data (character string data) 1204b.

The same operation is repeated when Mr. B speaks continuously, and the message data 1204b
The message is displayed in such a manner as to be connected within the frame display of the balloon shape. What is displayed in this way is the message data (character string data) 1304b in FIG.

[0138] By doing so, it is possible to read the messages continuously spoken from the same accessor, so that the connections of the whole story can be summarized and easily understood.
Communication conversations are easier to understand.

On the other hand, if the message display area adjacent to Mr. B is not empty (S103), it is checked whether or not the message displayed adjacently can be moved to the empty display area (S104). If the message can be moved (YES in S104), the message is moved (S106), and the message display area is enlarged and displayed to the empty display area by connecting the consecutive messages (S107).

If the message displayed adjacently cannot be moved to the empty display area (NO in S104)
Side), continuous messages are not connected and displayed, and only messages that are uttered later are displayed in the originally assigned message display area (S10).
5).

[Eighth Embodiment] As an eighth embodiment, an electronic communication method for displaying an amount of message data exceeding the message display area allocated to the terminal device in the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
4 and FIG. 15 and FIG. FIG.
In FIGS. 4, 15 and 16, the same parts as those in FIG. 7 showing the fourth embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and image data 703a to 703d and message data 704a to
704d, image display areas 705a to 705d, message display areas 706a to 706d, and screen display area 707
Assignment of reference numerals a to 707d is omitted.

This embodiment is similar to the first embodiment.
9 is an example of a screen display displayed on the display unit 103 in the electronic communication systems of (1) to (3).

In the present embodiment, when a plurality of message data to be displayed as display data are continuous, the plurality of message data are individually surrounded and displayed by a plurality of balloon-shaped frames.

That is, when a certain accessor utters a message continuously, each of the consecutive messages is separately surrounded and displayed by a plurality of balloon-shaped frames.

A series of these operations will be described with reference to FIGS. 14, 15 and 16, which are display screen examples in the electronic communication method according to the present embodiment.

In FIG. 14, when Mr. B speaks continuously after the message data (character string data) 1404b, the subsequent messages are displayed side by side in the empty display area below the previous message. However, in this case, since the balloon is displayed in a place different from the original message display area of Mr. B, the balloon in the balloon-shaped frame display is displayed so that the balloon is recognized as Mr. B's message. The first point is directed to the image data of Mr. B.

More specifically, FIGS. 15 and 16, message data (character string data) 1504b uttered after message data 1404b (FIG. 14) is displayed below the message data 1404b as another balloon. . Then, the tip of the balloon in the balloon-shaped frame display is extended to the image data of Mr. B and displayed so that it can be understood who made the speech. Similarly, when Mr. B speaks continuously, like the message data (character string data) 1604b, the message data 1
They are displayed side by side at the position below (empty message display area) 504b.

In the fourth to eighth embodiments, the shape of the frame display surrounding the message such as character string data is described as the balloon shape, but the present invention is not limited to this.

In the first to eighth embodiments,
Although the message data is mainly described as character string data, the present invention is not limited to this. That is, the message data includes at least character string data, and may further include image data.
Therefore, data included in the message data is displayed in the message display area, and not only character string data but also image data may be displayed.

The display data creating means used in the electronic communication system or the electronic communication method according to the first to eighth embodiments can be realized as a program used in a self-terminal device for electronic communication.

The program may be stored in a computer-readable recording medium such as a magnetic disk or an optical disk, and the recording medium may be distributed to the market. Further, the program may be a transmission medium through which the program is transmitted via a communication network. Further, the program may have a function to be executed by being expanded by the key data.

[0152]

As described above, according to the present invention, an area for displaying a message such as image data and character string data indicating an accessor participating in communication by accessing a communication network is allocated in advance. Thus, it is possible to display the message so that it is possible to clearly confirm which accesser made the utterance.

When displaying a large amount of message data that does not fit in the message display area, the message data is displayed by expanding the message display area to an empty area on the screen and displaying the message data even if the message data becomes large. can do.

When one accessor makes a continuous message, a message is displayed by enclosing the continuous message in a single balloon-shaped frame display by effectively using the empty display area. Alternatively, a plurality of balloon-shaped frame displays are separately surrounded and displayed, so that the connection of the lines between the preceding and following messages can be displayed in a more easily understood manner.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a terminal device of an electronic communication system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a communication server device of the electronic communication system according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a terminal device of the electronic communication system according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a communication server device of an electronic communication system according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a terminal device of the electronic communication system according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a communication server device of the electronic communication system according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a display screen by an electronic communication method according to a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a display screen according to the electronic communication method in the fifth embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a display screen according to the electronic communication method in the sixth embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a display screen by an electronic communication method according to a sixth embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a display screen by an electronic communication method according to a seventh embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a display screen by the electronic communication method according to the seventh embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a display screen according to the electronic communication method in the seventh embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a display screen by the electronic communication method according to the eighth embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a display screen according to the electronic communication method in the eighth embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a display screen by the electronic communication method according to the eighth embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an operation flow of the electronic communication method in the fifth, sixth and seventh embodiments.

FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an operation flow of the electronic communication method according to the seventh embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a display screen of a terminal device of a conventional electronic communication system.

[Explanation of symbols]

101, 301, 501 Terminal device 102, 302, 502 Terminal communication means 103 Display means 104 Input means 201, 401, 601 Communication server device 202, 402, 602 Server communication means 203 Command processing means 204 Data storage means 205, 305 Display data Creation means 306 Data storage means 701 Display screen 702 Title display 703a, 703b, 703c, 703d Image data 704a, 704b, 704c, 704d Message data 705a, 705b, 705c, 705d Image display area 706a, 706b, 706c, 706d Message display area 707a, 707b, 707c, 707d Screen display area

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. An electronic communication method for communicating data between a plurality of terminal devices via a communication network, wherein a screen display area capable of displaying image data and message data for every terminal device accessing the communication network. And assigning an image display area and a message display area to display image data corresponding to each terminal device on display means of each terminal device, and displaying a terminal device corresponding to at least one of the displayed image data. An electronic communication method, wherein display data, in which image data and message data are set as data, is displayed on display means of each terminal device. 2. The electronic communication method according to claim 1, wherein the message data of the display data in which the image data and the message data are set exceeds a message display area assigned to a terminal device displaying the display data. An electronic communication method, comprising: when displaying an amount of message data, expanding a message display area to display the message data to a message display area allocated to another terminal device. 3. The electronic communication method according to claim 2, wherein when the expanded message display area overlaps with message data displayed in the message display area allocated to another terminal device, An electronic communication method characterized by moving a message display area assigned to another terminal device to a message display area where no message data is displayed. 4. The electronic communication method according to claim 1, wherein when a plurality of message data to be displayed as the display data are continuous, the plurality of message data are displayed by being surrounded by a single balloon-shaped frame display. Electronic communication method characterized by doing. 5. The electronic communication method according to claim 1, wherein when a plurality of message data to be displayed as the display data are continuous, each of the plurality of message data is separately displayed in a plurality of balloon-shaped frame displays. An electronic communication method characterized by being surrounded and displayed. 6. An electronic communication system for communicating data by connecting a plurality of terminal devices and a communication server device via a communication network, wherein at least one of the plurality of terminal devices or the communication server device has a terminal. A display data creating means for creating display data as a set of image data and message data as display data corresponding to the device is provided, and image data and message data are displayed for all terminal devices accessing the communication server device. Electronic communication, wherein an image display area and a message display area are assigned as screen display areas that can be displayed, and display data including data created by the display data creation means is displayed on display means of each terminal device. Stem. 7. A terminal device used for electronic communication for communicating data via a communication network, comprising: a terminal communication means for transmitting / receiving data via the communication network; and a screen display area capable of displaying image data and message data. Display data creating means for assigning an image display area and a message display area to create display data in which the message data received by the terminal communication means and the image data corresponding to the terminal device are set; and the display data creating means. And a display unit for displaying the display data created in (1). 8. A terminal device used for electronic communication for communicating data via a communication network, comprising: an input means for inputting message data; an image display area and a screen display area capable of displaying image data and message data. A display data creation unit that assigns a message display area to create display data in which the message data input by the input unit and the image data corresponding to the terminal device are set; and the display data created by the display data creation unit. Electronic communication, comprising: terminal communication means for transmitting display data via a communication network and receiving display data via the communication network; and display means for displaying the display data received by the terminal communication means. Terminal device used for