JP4902417B2 - Message transmission / reception system, server device, terminal device, server processing program, terminal processing program, and information providing method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a technical field such as a message transmission / reception system capable of transmitting / receiving a message between terminal devices via a network.

  Conventionally, an instant messenger (also called an IM client, which is installed on a terminal device) that can exchange text messages (generally called instant messages) between terminal devices such as personal computers through a network such as the Internet or an intranet Software) has become widespread (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

In such an instant messenger, presence information indicating the current state (for example, online or offline) of a user (a friend member who will be described later) who is an instant message exchange partner can be displayed on the terminal device. It has become.
JP 2003-44418 A

  By the way, in the conventional instant messenger, the user cannot exchange instant messages when the other user is away from the terminal device (for example, while eating or returning home), for example, in an offline state. was there. In such a case, the user can make a call to a mobile communication terminal such as a mobile phone possessed by the other user, or send an e-mail to the mobile communication terminal. If the user does not know the telephone number or e-mail address of the user's mobile communication terminal, the user cannot interact with the other user (for example, by voice or text).

  Furthermore, it is difficult for the user to know in advance whether or not the partner user who is in an offline state is currently in a state of being able to interact with the mobile communication terminal.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a point, and an example of the problem is that even if it is difficult for the other user to exchange instant messages, the other user can perform mobile communication. To provide a message transmission / reception system, a server device, a terminal device, a server processing program, a terminal processing program, and an information providing method capable of grasping in advance whether or not it is possible to interact with a terminal. With the goal.

  In order to solve the above problem, the invention according to claim 1 is a plurality of terminal devices having a messenger function capable of transmitting and receiving messages instructed by a user to and from other terminal devices through a network. Status information indicating the current state of the user in each of the terminal devices is managed for each user, and at least when the change of the current state of the user is detected, the state indicating the changed state of the user A message transmission / reception system comprising: a server device that transmits information to the terminal device of the other user; wherein the terminal device receives state information transmitted from the server device; and the reception Status information display means for displaying the status information displayed, wherein the server device displays a specific status to be accepted as an e-mail. Storage means for storing the specific state information and the e-mail address for each user so as to be distinguishable, and at least when the change of the current state of the one user is detected, the state after the change corresponds to the user In the case of the specific state indicated by the specific state information, the mail acceptability information indicating that the user can accept the message by e-mail is sent together with the status information indicating the state after the change. State information transmitting means for transmitting to the terminal device of the other user, and when receiving a message for the one user in the specific state transmitted from the terminal device of the other user, electronic information is received based on the received message. E-mail transmission means for generating e-mail and transmitting the e-mail to the e-mail address of the one user And wherein the door.

  According to this invention, when the server device detects a change in the current state of one user, the state after the change is the specific state indicated in the specific state information corresponding to the user. Is configured to transmit to the other user's terminal device mail status information indicating that the user can accept the message by email together with status information indicating the status after the change. Even if the user of the terminal device is in a state where it is difficult for the partner user (other users) to exchange messages, for example, the partner user can accept the message by e-mail, Can also know in advance whether it is in good condition. Furthermore, the user of the terminal device is in a state where it is difficult for the other user to exchange messages, and even if the user does not know the e-mail address of the other user, Dialogue can be conducted.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, the current state of the user in each of the plurality of terminal devices each having a messenger function capable of transmitting and receiving a message instructed by the user to and from another terminal device through the network. Server apparatus that manages the status information to be shown for each user, and transmits status information indicating the status of the user after the change to the terminal device of the other user when at least a change in the current status of the user is detected And a storage means for storing specific state information indicating a specific state to be accepted for e-mail for each user, and at least one change in the current state of the user is detected. If the state is the specific state indicated in the specific state information corresponding to the user, together with the state information indicating the state after the change The user is characterized by comprising a status information transmitting means for transmitting the mail can be accepted information to the terminal device of the other user indicating that can accept the message by e-mail, a.

  According to this invention, when the server device detects a change in the current state of one user, the state after the change is the specific state indicated in the specific state information corresponding to the user. Is configured to transmit to the other user's terminal device mail status information indicating that the user can accept the message by email together with status information indicating the status after the change. Even if the user of the terminal device is in a state where it is difficult for the partner user (other users) to exchange messages, for example, the partner user can accept the message by e-mail, Can also know in advance whether it is in good condition. Furthermore, the user of the terminal device is in a state where it is difficult for the other user to exchange messages, and even if the user does not know the e-mail address of the other user, Dialogue can be conducted.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the server device according to the second aspect, the storage unit further stores receivable time information indicating a receivable time of the e-mail so as to be distinguishable for each user, When the state information transmission unit detects a change in the current state of the one user, if the state after the change is the specific state indicated in the specific state information corresponding to the user, The e-mail receivable information and the receivable time information are transmitted to the other user terminal device together with the state information indicating the state after the change.

  According to this invention, the user of the terminal device can grasp in advance even the time during which the other user can accept a message by e-mail.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the server device according to the second aspect, the specific state information receiving means for receiving the specific state information indicating the specific state designated by the user in the terminal device from the terminal device. In addition, the storage unit stores the received specific state information as the specific state information of the user of the terminal device.

  According to this invention, the user of the terminal device can specify the specific state used in the server device.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the server device according to the third aspect, the reception time information reception for receiving the reception time information indicating the reception time specified by the user in the terminal device from the terminal device. The storage means stores the received acceptable time information as the acceptable time information of the user of the terminal device.

  According to the present invention, the user of the terminal device can specify the acceptable time used by the server device by himself / herself.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the server device according to any one of the second to fifth aspects, the specific state is a state where it is difficult or impossible for the user to give the instruction. It is characterized by.

  The invention according to claim 7 is the server device according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the message to the one user in the specific state transmitted from the terminal device of the other user. When receiving the email, the electronic mail is generated based on the received message, and further includes email sending means for sending the email to the email address of the one user.

  The invention according to claim 8 is a terminal device connected to the server device according to claim 2 via a network, and status information receiving means for receiving the status information transmitted from the server device; And a status information display means for displaying the received status information.

  According to the present invention, a user of a terminal device can accept a message by e-mail even if the other user (another user) is in a state where it is difficult to exchange messages, for example. Therefore, it is possible to grasp in advance whether or not it is in a state where it is possible to interact.

  The invention according to claim 9 is a terminal device connected to the server device according to claim 4 via a network, and accepting means for accepting designation of a specific state to be accepted for e-mail from the user And specific state information transmitting means for transmitting specific state information indicating the specified specific state to the server device.

  According to this invention, the user of the terminal device can specify the specific state used in the server device.

  The tenth aspect of the present invention is the terminal device according to the ninth aspect, wherein the specific state is a plurality of types of states in which it is difficult or impossible for the user to give the instruction. It can be specified arbitrarily by the user.

  According to the present invention, the specific state specific to each user can be designated.

  The invention according to claim 11 is a terminal device connected to the server device according to claim 5 via a network, the accepting means for accepting designation of an acceptable time for e-mail from the user, and the designation Receivable time information transmitting means for transmitting receivable time information indicating the received receivable time to the server device.

  According to the present invention, the user of the terminal device can specify the acceptable time used by the server device by himself / herself.

  The invention of a server processing program according to a twelfth aspect is characterized in that it functions as the server device according to any one of the second to seventh aspects.

  An invention of a terminal processing program according to a thirteenth aspect is characterized in that the terminal processing program functions as the terminal device according to any one of the eighth to eleventh aspects.

  According to the fourteenth aspect of the present invention, the current state of the user in each of the plurality of terminal devices each having a messenger function capable of transmitting / receiving a message instructed by the user to / from another terminal device via the network. Server apparatus that manages the status information to be shown for each user, and transmits status information indicating the status of the user after the change to the terminal device of the other user when at least a change in the current status of the user is detected A method of storing specific state information indicating a specific state to be accepted for e-mail in a distinguishable manner for each user, and detecting at least a change in the current state of the user When the changed state is the specific state indicated in the specific state information corresponding to the user, the changed state is Together to state information, characterized in that it comprises the the steps of sending an email receivable information to the terminal device of the other user indicating that the user can accept the message by e-mail.

  According to the present invention, a user of a terminal device can accept a message by e-mail even if the other user (another user) is in a state where it is difficult to exchange messages, for example. Therefore, it is possible to grasp in advance whether or not it is in a state where it is possible to interact. Furthermore, the user of the terminal device is in a state where it is difficult for the other user to exchange messages, and even if the user does not know the e-mail address of the other user, Dialogue can be conducted.

  Hereinafter, the best embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The embodiment described below is an embodiment when the present invention is applied to a message transmission / reception system.

[1. Configuration and function of message transmission / reception system]
First, the configuration and function of the message transmission / reception system S according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration example of a message transmission / reception system S according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a message transmission / reception system S includes an IM (instant messenger) service providing server SA, a cooperation server RS, a user terminal (an example of a terminal device) UTm (m = 1, 2,... K), mobile communication. A terminal MTm (m = 1, 2,... K), a gateway server GS, a mail server MS, and the like are provided.

  Note that the IM service providing server SA and the linkage server RS constitute a server device of the present invention.

  The IM service providing server SA is a server that supports transmission / reception (exchange) of instant messages (hereinafter simply referred to as “messages”) performed between the user terminals UTm through the network NW, and a network NW (communication) such as the Internet or an intranet. And a unique IP (Internet Protocol) address (global IP address) is assigned. The message transmission / reception is based on the well-known SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) or Jabber protocol.

  In the example shown in FIG. 1, one IM service providing server SA is shown, but the IM service providing server SA includes a plurality of server groups (for example, an application server, a proxy server, a redirect server, a registrar, and a location). Server).

  Note that data transmission / reception between the IM service providing server SA and the user terminal UTm is performed based on SIP or Jabber protocol.

  The cooperation server RS is a server that supports transmission and reception of messages performed between the user terminal UTm and the mobile communication terminal MTm, and is connected to the network NW and assigned a unique IP address.

  In addition, transmission / reception of data between cooperation server RS (Web server) and user terminal UTm is performed based on HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Security).

  The user terminal UTm can be connected to a network NW through, for example, a server of an Internet service provider, and a unique IP (Internet Protocol) address (for example, a global IP address) is assigned when connecting to the network NW. ing. The user terminal UTm can communicate with the service providing server SA and the cooperation server RS through the network NW.

  The user terminal UTm is installed, for example, at each user's home or workplace, and has a messenger function and a browser function (application software related to the messenger function and the browser function is installed in each user terminal UTm).

  In the present specification, the messenger function can display presence information indicating the current state of the message exchange partner user, and the user terminal UTm of the message exchange partner user through the network NW. A function that can send and receive messages (instant messages).

  The mobile communication terminal MTm is a mobile body (mobile station) such as a mobile phone or PHS (Personal Handyphone System), for example, for providing a base station BTn (n = 1, 2,... J) and a packet communication service. A voice call can be made with another mobile communication terminal MTm or a fixed telephone (not shown) through the mobile communication network MW or the like. A large number of base stations BTn are installed at predetermined intervals in the packet communication service area, and perform wireless communication with mobile communication terminals MTm located in each wireless cell.

  In addition, the mobile communication terminal MTm has a mail client function for sending and receiving electronic mail (hereinafter referred to as “mobile mail”) to and from other mobile communication terminals MTm and the like via the mail server MS and the like. Each mobile communication terminal MTm is carried by each user of the user terminal UTm. Each user has an e-mail address (hereinafter referred to as a “mobile mail address”) related to the mobile communication terminal MTm.

  The gateway server GS is a server provided in a mobile packet gateway relay switching center that interconnects the mobile communication network MW and the network NW, and converts the communication protocol between the mobile communication network MW and the network NW. Communication is relayed (in the present embodiment, mobile mail is relayed).

  The mail server MS is a server that includes a storage unit (for example, a hard disk) as a mail box for storing mobile mail transmitted to the mobile mail address of the user of the mobile communication terminal MTm, and relays transfer of mobile mail. . More specifically, when the mail server MS receives a mobile mail addressed to the user's mobile mail address, the mail server MS temporarily stores the mobile mail in a memory allocated to the user in the mailbox, and moves the user. In response to an acquisition request from the communication terminal MTm, the mobile mail is transmitted to the mobile communication terminal MTm through the mobile communication network MW.

  In the message transmission / reception system S configured as described above, the cooperation server RS receives, for example, a message (a message based on HTTPS (hereinafter referred to as an “HTTPS message”) to the user of the user terminal UT1 transmitted from the user terminal UT2. Then, mobile mail (mobile mail based on SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol)) is generated based on the message, and the mobile mail is transmitted to the mobile mail address of the user of the user terminal UT1, that is, the mobile mail is transmitted. The data is transmitted to the mail server MS via the network NW and the gateway server GS.

  When the gateway server GS receives the mobile mail from the cooperation server RS, the gateway server GS converts the communication protocol of the mobile mail (for example, the communication protocol of the mobile communication network MW (for example, TCP / IP from the SMTP to the mobile Converted to a protocol adapted to the body communication network MW) and transmitted to the mail server MS.

  Thus, the mobile mail transmitted to the mail server MS and stored in the mailbox is acquired by the mobile communication terminal MT1 possessed by the user of the user terminal UT1, and the user receives, for example, a message from the user terminal UT2 by the mobile communication terminal MT1. The contents can be confirmed by mobile mail.

[1-1. Configuration and function of IM service providing server SA]
Next, details of the configuration and functions of the IM service providing server SA will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of the IM service providing server SA.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the IM service providing server SA includes an operation unit 1, a display unit 2, a communication unit 3, a drive unit 4, a storage unit 5 as a storage unit, an input / output interface unit 6, a system control unit 7, and the like. The system control unit 7 and the input / output interface unit 6 are connected via a system bus 8.

  The operation unit 1 includes, for example, a keyboard and a mouse. The operation unit 1 receives an operation instruction from an administrator or the like, and outputs the instruction content to the system control unit 7 as an instruction signal.

  The display unit 2 includes, for example, a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) display, a liquid crystal display, and the like, and displays information such as characters and images.

  The communication unit 3 is connected to the network NW and controls the communication state with the user terminal UTm and the gateway server GS.

  For example, the drive unit 4 reads data from a disk DK (recording medium) such as a flexible disk, a CD (Compact Disc), a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) or the like, and records data or the like on the disk DK.

  The input / output interface unit 6 performs interface processing between the operation unit 1 to the storage unit 5 and the system control unit 7.

  The storage unit 5 includes, for example, a hard disk drive and stores an operating system (O / S), various programs (including the server processing program of the present invention), data (including data provided to the user terminal UTm), and the like. . The server processing program or the like of the present invention may be downloaded from another server or the like via the network NW, or recorded on a disk DK such as a CD-ROM and via the drive unit 4. It may be read.

  In addition, a user information database 51 for registering information related to the user of the user terminal UTm is constructed in the storage unit 5.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of registered information in the user information database 51.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the user information database 51 includes address information, a user ID, a mobile mail address, a password, a nickname (also referred to as a screen name, hereinafter referred to as “NN”), and a friend registered member (hereinafter referred to as a screen name). NN, "friends member"), presence information (state information) indicating the current state of the user presented to each friend member, mobile mail reception setting information indicating mobile mail reception setting, mobile phone Specific state information indicating a specific state to be accepted for mail, acceptable time information indicating acceptable time for mobile mail, and the like are registered in association with each other.

  Here, each registration information in the user information database 51 will be described.

  The user ID, password, mobile mail address, and NN are registered through a procedure process for each user to operate the user terminal UTm to connect to the IM service providing server SA and use the system S, for example. The user ID and NN are uniquely given to each user in the system S, and are registered so as not to overlap with other users.

  The address information includes, for example, an IP address (current IP address) assigned when the user terminal UTm is connected to the network NW. For example, when authentication processing is executed in response to a login (sign-in) request (including a user ID and password) from the user terminal UTm on which the messenger is activated and login is permitted (that is, the user ID and password are user information) When registered in the database 51), the address information of the user terminal is registered in the user information database 51.

  Moreover, the friend member is a user who mutually authorized as a partner to exchange messages. For example, the NN of the user who becomes a friend member in response to a friend registration request from another user terminal UTm (user ID of the user) May be registered in the user information database 51. It is possible to make each person's presence information public among users who have been permitted as friend records members.

  Further, each presence information is registered for each friend member (for example, registered when the user logs in or when the user's status is changed). In the example of FIG. The state indicated in the presence information of the user who is “aaaaaa” is the status of all the friend members of the user (ie, NN “bbbbbb”, NN “ccccc”, NN “ddddd”, NN “eeeeee”, and NN “gggggg” "Offline" to each user) (by this, the status of "offline" is presented (notified) to all friend members).

  The presence information can also be individually set so as to be different for each friend member (for example, a setting that is always “offline” only for a user who is NN “gggggg”). For example, when a user who is NN “aaaaaa” logs in, presence information indicating “online”, for example, is registered (change registered) in the user information database 51 as presence information of the user.

  The mobile mail reception setting information is information indicating a setting as to whether or not a message from the user terminal UTm of the friend member is received by mobile mail. In addition, the specific state to be accepted for mobile mail corresponds to a state where it is difficult or impossible for the user to input a message, for example, “offline”, “busy”, “leaved” Examples of such situations include “difficult to chat” and “out of seat”. The user can arbitrarily designate which of the plural types of states is to be a specific state.

  When the mobile mail reception setting is “ON”, a message from the friend terminal user terminal UTm is received by mobile mail when the current state of the user is the state shown in the specific state information (FIG. 3). It becomes possible. In this case, as described above, the message from the user terminal UTm is converted into a mobile mail, and the mobile mail is transmitted to the mobile mail address of the user. In addition, the reception time information is a time (time) during which the above message can be received by mobile mail when the mobile mail reception setting is “ON” and the state of the user is indicated by the specific state information. Limit).

  In the example of FIG. 3, the mobile mail reception setting of the user who is NN “aaaaaa” is registered as “ON”, and the specific states to be received for mobile mail are “Away” and “Offline”. Furthermore, since the reception time of the mobile mail is registered as “until 10:00 on February 1, 2007”, the user who is the NN “aaaaaa” has his / her current state. If it is “Away” or “Offline”, messages from the user terminal UTm of the friend record member will be accepted by mobile mail until “February 1, 2007 10:00” is reached (that is, via the mail server MS etc.) This indicates that the mobile mail can be received by the mobile communication terminal MT1, and after this time elapses, the message is not accepted by the mobile mail.

  In addition, in the example of FIG. 3, the user who is registered as “ON” for the mobile mail and the user who is NN “bbbbb” is registered with the status change (state change to offline) registered as the mobile mail reception time. "Within 3 hours") (when offline, the date and time when 3 hours have passed since that time is registered) indicates that the message can be received by mobile mail.

  Further, in the example of FIG. 3, since the mobile mail reception setting registered as “ON” for the user who is NN “ddddd” is registered as “no restriction”, The user indicates that the message can be received by mobile mail at any time without restriction when the user's state is "Away".

  Further, in the example of FIG. 3, the user's mobile mail reception setting of NN “ccccc” is registered as “OFF”, which indicates that the above message cannot be received by mobile mail. If the status information and the acceptable time information are registered, and the mobile mail reception setting is registered as “ON” after that, the user will have no limit if his / her current status becomes “offline”. The above message can be accepted by mobile mail at any time.

  The mobile mail reception setting, the specific state to be received as mobile mail, and the mobile mail reception time can be specified by the user at each user terminal UTm, for example. Mobile mail reception setting information indicating reception settings, specific state information indicating a specific state to be received as mobile mail, and receivable time information indicating reception time of mobile mail are transmitted from the user terminal UTm, and the system It is registered (stored) in the user information database 51 by the control unit 7.

  Next, the system control unit 7 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 7a, a read only memory (ROM) 7b, a random access memory (RAM) 7c, and the like, and performs overall control of the entire IM service providing server SA. Yes. In the present invention, the CPU 7a reads out and executes various programs stored in the ROM 7b and the storage unit 5 to execute an authentication process in response to a login request from the user terminal UTm. It functions as a state information transmission unit, a specific state information reception unit, a receivable time information reception unit, and the like, and performs processing described later.

  In addition, when the system control unit 7 permits the login in response to the login request related to the messenger function from the user terminal UTm, the presence information (registered in the user information database 51) of the user's friend member of the user terminal UTm Presence information, for example, “Online” if the member is logged in, “Offline” if the member is not logged in) (NN of the friend member, etc.) In addition, the data is transmitted (PUSH type distribution) to the user terminal UTm via the communication unit 3 and the network NW. At this time, the system control unit 7 registers the presence information (for example, information indicating “online”) of the logged-in user in the user information database 51 in association with the NN of all the friend members of the user. At the same time, it transmits (notifies) to the user terminal UTm of the logged-in friend member of the user's friend member (the user terminal UTm of the friend member who is not logged in among the user's friend members). Is transmitted when the friend member logs in) (the user terminal UTm periodically acquires the presence information of the logged-in user from the IM service providing server SA). May be).

  Thereby, the presence information of the friend member is presented to the user on the main screen related to the messenger function described later.

  Further, the system control unit 7 manages the presence information of each user using the user information database 51. When a change in the current state of any user is detected, the system control unit 7 displays the changed state of the user. The presence information shown is changed and registered in the user information database 51 and transmitted to the user terminal UTm of the logged-in friend member among the friend members of the user via the communication unit 3 and the network NW ( (PUSH type distribution) (transmitted to the user terminal UTm of a friend member who is not logged in among the friend members of the user when the friend member logs in).

  Here, a change in the current state of the user is detected when a login request, a logout request, or a state change request is made from the user terminal UTm to the IM service providing server SA. For example, when a login request is made, a change in state from “offline” to “online” is detected, and when a logout request is made, the status changes from “online” (or “away”) to “offline”. A change is detected. Further, when the user does not operate the operation unit of the user terminal UTm for a certain time (for example, 3 minutes), or when the user operates the operation unit of the user terminal UTm, When the setting is changed, a state change request to “withdrawn” is made from the user terminal UTm to the IM service providing server SA, and thereby a change in state to “withdrawn” or the like is detected.

  Furthermore, when the system control unit 7 detects a change in the current state of any user, the mobile mail reception setting of the user is “ON”, and the state after the change corresponds to the user. In the case of a specific state (for example, offline) indicated by the specific state information, mail reception indicating that the user can receive a message by mobile mail together with presence information indicating the changed state of the user Log in the user's friend members (and, for example, if the user's mobile mail reception time is not “no limit”, together with the reception time information indicating the reception time) To the user terminal UTm of the friend record member who is currently connected (PUSH type distribution) via the communication unit 3 and the network NW, etc. For a user terminal UTm of Tomoroku members who are not logged out of the bar, and is transmitted to) so when the Tomoroku member has logged.

  In addition, when the reception time of the mobile mail of the user is not “no limit” but the reception end time (for example, 10:00) based on the reception time is reached, the system control unit 7 Is registered in the user information database 51 as “OFF”, and the mail reception cancellation information indicating the cancellation of the mail reception is sent to the user terminal UTm of the logged-in friend member of the user's friend member. Thus, transmission (PUSH type distribution) is performed via the communication unit 3 and the network NW.

[1-2. Cooperation server RS configuration and functions]
Next, the details of the configuration and functions of the cooperation server RS will be described.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of the cooperation server RS.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the cooperation server RS includes an operation unit 21, a display unit 22, a communication unit 23, a drive unit 24, a storage unit 25, an input / output interface unit 26, a system control unit 27, and the like. It has a server (HTTP server) function and a mail server function. The configuration of the operation unit 21, the display unit 22, the communication unit 23, the drive unit 24, the storage unit 25, and the input / output interface unit 26 includes the operation unit 1, the display unit 22, and the communication unit in the IM service providing server SA described above. 23, the drive unit 24, the storage unit 25, and the input / output interface unit 26.

  In the storage unit 25, a user information database for registering information about the user of the user terminal UTm is constructed, which includes at least the above address information, user ID, mobile mail address, password, nickname, and the like. Are registered in association with each other.

  The user information database 51 may be configured to be provided in a database server so that it can be shared by the IM service providing server SA and the cooperation server RS. In this case, the cooperation server RS acquires information registered in the user information database 51 via the database server.

  The system control unit 27 functions as an e-mail transmission unit in the present invention by the CPU 27a reading and executing various programs (including the server processing program of the present invention) stored in the ROM 27c and the storage unit 25. A process for supporting message exchange between the user terminal UTm and the mobile communication terminal MTm is performed. The server processing program of the present invention may be downloaded from another server or the like via the network NW, or recorded on a disk DK such as a CD-ROM and via the drive unit 24. It may be read.

  Specifically, when the system control unit 27 receives an HTTPS message for the user of the user terminal UT1 transmitted from the user terminal UT2, for example, the system control unit 27 generates a mobile mail based on the HTTPS message (for example, the contents of the message And generating a mobile mail by writing in the header the mobile mail address (acquired from the user information database) of the user of the user terminal UT1 (conversion from an HTTPS message to a mobile mail). Then, the system control unit 27 transmits the generated mobile mail to the mobile mail address. The mobile mail transmitted in this manner is received and stored in the mail server MS via the network NW and the gateway server GS, and is acquired by the mobile communication terminal MT1.

  On the other hand, the mobile mail returned from the mobile communication terminal MT1 is sent and stored in the cooperation server RS via the mail server MS and the gateway server GS, and the system control unit 27 receives, for example, from the user terminal UT2. In response to a chat window update request to be described later, an HTTPS message is generated based on the stored mobile mail (for example, a message body described in the body of the mobile mail is described in the HTTPS message) and generated The HTTPS message thus transmitted is transmitted to the user terminal UT2.

  Here, when a mobile mail is returned from the mobile communication terminal MT1, the system control unit 27 receives a mobile mail reception notification including information (for example, an NN or a user ID) for specifying a user to whom the mobile mail is returned. To the IM service providing server SA. The IM service providing server SA that has received the mobile mail reception notification issues a mobile mail reception notification to the user terminal UT2. Thereby, the user terminal UT2 can acquire an HTTPS message from the cooperation server RS.

[1-3. Configuration and function of user terminal UTm]
Next, details of the configuration and functions of the user terminal UTm will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of the user terminal UTm.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the user terminal UTm includes an operation unit 11, a display unit 12, a communication unit 13, a drive unit 14, a storage unit 15, an input / output interface unit 16, a system control unit 17, and headphones 18 with a microphone. The system control unit 17 and the input / output interface unit 16 are connected via a system bus 19. Note that the configuration of the operation unit 11, the display unit 12, the communication unit 13, the drive unit 14, the storage unit 15, and the input / output interface unit 16 includes the operation unit 1, the display unit 2, and the communication unit in the IM service providing server SA described above. 3, the configuration of the drive unit 4, the storage unit 5, and the input / output interface unit 6 is the same.

  In the system control unit 17, the CPU 17 a reads out and executes various programs (including the terminal processing program of the present invention) stored in the ROM 17 c and the storage unit 15, thereby activating the messenger function, and the status information receiving means in the present invention And function as status information display means and the like.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen on the display unit 12 displayed by the messenger function of the user terminal UT2.

  For example, after the messenger is activated and logged in at the user terminal UT2 (the same applies to other user terminals UTm), for example, an icon indicating that the messenger is activated is displayed on the toolbar 101 on the display unit 12 (not shown). At the same time, a main screen 100 as shown in FIG. 6A is displayed on the display unit 12 (opened), and further, the presence information of the friend member transmitted from the IM service providing server SA (or mail together with the presence information). (Acceptable information and acceptable time information) and NN of friend members are received via the communication unit 13.

  As shown in FIG. 6A, for example, the status display section 100a on the main screen 100 has presence information indicating the status of each friend member (in the example of FIG. 6A, the mark 100aa and the character 100ab). Is displayed in association with the NN of the friend member. Further, when the mail acceptable information is received from the IM service providing server SA, the corresponding friend record member (in this example, the friend member who is NN “aaaaaa”) is replaced with a mark indicating the presence information. A mail acceptance mark 100p indicating that the friend member can accept a message by mobile mail is displayed. As a result, the user of the user terminal UT2 can recognize that it is difficult or impossible for the user's own friend member to input a message on the user terminal UTm. Can be accepted (that is, messages can be exchanged by the mobile communication terminal MTm).

  Furthermore, when the acceptable time information is also received from the IM service providing server SA, the portable mail acceptable time 100o is displayed near the mail acceptable mark 100p of the corresponding friend record member.

  Thus, the presence information displayed on the status display unit 100a is changed (rewritten) to the latest presence information received later from the IM service providing server SA. At this time, when the mail acceptability information is received together with the latest presence information, the display is changed to the latest presence information and the mail acceptability mark of the friend member corresponding thereto is also displayed (acceptable time information is also displayed). When received, the acceptable time is also displayed). In the example of FIG. 6 (B), the latest presence information and e-mail acceptance information of the friend member who is NN “dddddd” is received, so that the friend member status changes from “online” to “leaved”. And a mail acceptance mark 100q are displayed.

  Also, for example, when the mail acceptance mark 100p is displayed, when the latest presence information of the friend member is received and the mail acceptance information is not received together, the mail acceptance mark is displayed. The display deletion of 100p (when the mobile mail acceptance time 100o is also displayed, this is also deleted) is performed. In addition, when the mail reception cancellation information is received from the IM service providing server SA, the display deletion of the mail reception mark 100p of the friend member corresponding to the mail reception cancellation information (when the mobile mail reception time 100o is also displayed) This also deletes the display).

  In addition, the main screen 100 shown in FIG. 6A includes a “setting” button 100c, a “new member registration” button 100d, an “x” (close) button 100e for closing the initial screen 100, and a logout button. A “logout” button 100f, a “chat start” button 100g, a “call start” button 100h, and a “mobile mail chat ON” button 100k are provided to be selectable by the user.

  In such a display state, when the user of the user terminal UT2 operates the operation unit 11 and designates the “setting” button 100c (for example, clicks with the mouse), a list of various setting items (not shown) is displayed in a pull-down manner. When the user selects a desired setting item from the mouse, for example, a setting screen (not shown) corresponding to the selected setting item is displayed.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 6B, a mobile mail reception setting screen 102, which is one of setting screens, is displayed.

  The mobile mail reception setting screen 102 is provided with a reception target designation unit 102a, a receivable time designation unit 102b, and a “registration” button 102c.

  In the reception target specifying unit 102a, a specific state to be received as a mobile mail can be specified. In the example of FIG. 6B, the user designates the specific state by designating (for example, clicking with the mouse) the check box in the reception target designating unit 102a (multiple designation is possible). In the example of FIG. 6 (B), “loading”, “leaving away”, and “offline” are displayed as candidates for specific states, but in addition, “excluded seat” input by the user. It may be configured such that a state such as “” can be designated.

  Also, the acceptable time designation unit 102b can designate the acceptable time for mobile mail. In the example of FIG. 6B, the user designates the radio button in the acceptable time designation unit 102b (for example, clicks with the mouse), and ends with the state change (change to the specific state) as a starting point (for example, 3 hours) is input using the keyboard, or the reception end time is input using the keyboard. In addition, a radio button corresponding to “no restriction” can be designated in the acceptable time designation unit 102b.

  As described above, when the user designates the specific state to be accepted for mobile mail and the acceptable time for mobile mail, and operates the operation unit 11 to designate the “Register” button 102c (for example, click with the mouse). The specific state information indicating the specified specific state and the acceptable time information indicating the designated acceptable time are transmitted from the user terminal UT2 to the IM service providing server SA. Thereby, the “mobile mail chat OFF” button 100k shown in FIG. 6B is switched to “mobile mail chat ON”. In the IM service providing server SA, when the specific state information and the acceptable time information are received, the reception setting for the user's mobile mail is registered as “ON” in the user information database 51 and the received specific state is received. Information and acceptable time information are registered in the user information database 51.

  6B may be provided with, for example, a day of the week and a time zone that can be received, so that it can be set periodically.

  When the user operates the operation unit 11 to specify a “mobile mail chat ON” button (for example, clicks with a mouse), the button is switched to “mobile mail chat OFF” and a mobile mail reception setting OFF registration request is made. Is received from the user terminal UT2 to the IM service providing server SA, and the mobile mail reception setting of the user is registered as “OFF” in the user information database 51. Further, when the user designates a “mobile mail chat OFF” button (for example, clicked with the mouse), the button is switched to “mobile mail chat ON” and a reception setting ON registration request indicating a mobile mail reception setting ON registration request. Information is transmitted from the user terminal UT2 to the IM service providing server SA, and the mobile mail reception setting of the user is registered as “ON” in the user information database 51. As described above, the ON / OFF setting of the mobile mail can be switched by one designation by the user.

  Further, when the user operates the operation unit 11 to specify the “register new member” button 100d (for example, click with the mouse), a new member registration screen (not shown) for registering a new friend is displayed. The On the new member registration screen, the user operates the operation unit 11 to designate the user's NN or the like that he / she wants to register as a new friend, and to send a message to the user terminal UTm (addressed to the IP address) or email address of the user Can be sent to the other party (friends) to exchange the information, and if this is permitted to the user of the transmission destination, the NN of the user permitted to register the friend is stored in the storage unit 15, In addition, a friend registration request including the NN of the user who has permitted the friend registration is transmitted to the IM service providing server SA, and is associated with the user ID of the user of the user terminal UT2 that has made the friend registration request. 51 (registered as a friend).

  By registering the friend in this way, the friend member of the user of the user terminal UT2 is added, and the state of the friend member is displayed on the state display unit 100a on the initial screen 100 of the user terminal UT2. (Conversely, on the friend member side, the user of the user terminal UT2 is registered as a friend member).

  When the user wants to exchange messages with his / her friend member, the NN of the friend member who is online and wants to exchange messages by operating the operation unit 11 is displayed on the state display unit 100a. When the user designates and designates the “chat start” button 100g (for example, clicks with the mouse or double-clicks the friend member NN in the status display unit 100a), the chat window screen is displayed on the display unit 12. . Such a chat window screen allows the user to exchange messages (for example, peer-to-peer message exchange based on SIP) with users who are friend members. Since the message transmission / reception method in this case is well known, further detailed explanation is omitted.

  When the user wants to make a call with his / her friend member, he / she specifies the NN of the friend member who is online by operating the operation unit 11 on the status display unit 100a, "Button (Click to call function button) 100h is specified (for example, clicked with the mouse), the user of the user terminal UT2 uses the headphone 18 with a microphone connected to the user terminal UT2 to connect with the user who is a friend member. A telephone call (for example, an IP telephone based on SIP) can be performed.

  Then, the user designates, for example, the NN (aaaaaa) of the friend member whose e-mail acceptance mark 100p is displayed, and designates the “start chat” button 100g (for example, clicks with the mouse, or the friend member) NN is double-clicked with a mouse), the browser is activated and a chat window ID issuance request is transmitted to the cooperation server RS. In response to this, a chat window (room) ID is issued from the cooperation server RS, notified to the user terminal UT2, and a chat window screen is displayed on the display unit 12 by the browser. The chat screen allows the user to exchange messages with a friend member who is offline NN “aaaaaa”.

  Note that the chat window ID issued from the cooperation server RS is an identifier uniquely assigned to the chat window screen, and the chat window ID includes, for example, a user who exchanges messages on the chat window screen. NN (“aaaaaa” and “bbbbbb”, which may be user IDs) is associated with the cooperation server RS. It is also possible for three or more users to exchange messages on the chat window screen, and in this case, for example, NN of each user is associated with the chat window ID.

  FIG. 7 is a conceptual diagram when the user of the user terminal UT2 exchanges messages with the user of the user terminal UT1.

  As shown in FIG. 7, a chat window screen 103 is displayed on the display unit 12 of the user terminal UT2. The chat window screen 103 is a screen for the user of the user terminal UT2 to exchange messages with a user (friend member) who is NN “aaaaaa”. 103a, "Send" button 103b, message output field 103c, "x" (close) button 103d for closing chat window screen 103, and the like are provided.

  In such a display state, the user of the user terminal UT2 operates the operation unit 11 to input a desired message content (for example, a relatively short document) in the transmission message input field 103a (for example, input with a keyboard), When the “Send” button 103b is designated (for example, clicked with the mouse), the content of the input message (“Where are you now?” In the example of FIG. 6) is displayed in the message output field 103c, and An HTTPS message including the input message content is transmitted from the user terminal UT2 to the cooperation server RS.

  And as shown in FIG. 7, the HTTPS message transmitted to cooperation server RS is converted into a mobile mail. The content of the HTTPS message is described in the body of the mobile mail, the mobile mail address of the user of the user terminal UT1 is described in the header destination (To :), and the chat is transmitted to the sender (From :) of the header. A mobile e-mail address unique to the window screen (for example, data obtained by encrypting chat window ID @ domain name) is described. Then, the mobile mail is transmitted to the mobile communication terminal MT1 of the user who is NN “aaaaaa” via the gateway server GS and the mail server MS (not shown in FIG. 7). Thereby, the user of the mobile communication terminal MT1 can confirm the content of the message by the mobile mail received by the mobile communication terminal MT1.

  Then, the user who is the NN “aaaaaa” operates the operation unit of the mobile communication terminal MT1, inputs the content of the reply message (“I am in Shibuya station!” In the example of FIG. 7), and presses the send button. Then, the mobile mail including the contents (the mobile mail address unique to the chat window screen is described in the header destination (To :), and the mobile mail of the user of the mobile communication terminal MT1 is described in the header sender (From :). Address is described) is transmitted to the cooperation server RS via the gateway server GS (not shown in FIG. 7) or the like. Then, the returned mobile mail is converted into an HTTPS message by the cooperation server RS in response to, for example, a chat window update request from the user terminal UT2, the HTTPS message is transmitted to the user terminal UT2, and the contents thereof are displayed in the chat window. The message is displayed in the message output field 103 c in 103.

  Thus, for example, message exchange (mobile chat) can be performed between the user of the user terminal UT2 and the user of the mobile communication terminal MT1 (also a user of the user terminal UT1).

[2. Operation of the message sending / receiving system]
Next, the operation of the message transmission / reception system S according to the present embodiment will be described.

(Processing in IM service providing server SA)
First, processing in the system control unit 7 of the IM service providing server SA will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing processing in the system control unit 7 of the IM service providing server SA. This process is always executed (other than maintenance) in the system control unit 7 of the IM service providing server SA. The information registered in the above-described user information database 51 is appropriately read by the system control unit 7 (stored in a predetermined area of the RAM) and referred to.

  In the process shown in FIG. 8, the system control unit 7 of the IM service providing server SA determines whether or not a change in the current state of any user has been detected (step S1). When a change in state is detected (step S1: YES), the user ID (or NN) of the user is specified, and presence information indicating the changed state of the user is used as the user ID (or NN) of the user. ) Is registered (overwritten) in the user information database 51 (step S2), and the process proceeds to step S3.

  Note that, as described above, a change in the current state of the user is a login request, a logout request, a state change request, or the like transmitted from the user terminal UTm (the user ID for identifying the user is included in these requests). (Or (NN) is added) is received by the IM service providing server SA. Further, the changed state of the user is specified by the type of request.

  On the other hand, if no change in the current state of any user is detected (step S1: NO), the process proceeds to step S9.

  In step S3, the system control unit 7 determines whether or not the mobile mail reception setting of the user whose user ID (or NN) is specified is “ON”, and the mobile mail reception registered in the user information database 51. If the user's mobile mail reception setting is not “ON” (step S3: NO), the process proceeds to step S4, and the user's mobile mail reception setting is “ON”. If it is (step S3: YES), the process proceeds to step S5.

  In step S4, the system control unit 7 addresses the friend information member who is logged in (for example, not offline) among the friend members of the user (that is, the user whose user ID (or NN) is specified). Is identified from the user information database 51, and the presence information indicating the state of the user after the change (according to the address information of the friend member) The user ID (or NN) added) is transmitted via the communication unit 3 and the network NW, and the process proceeds to step S9.

  In step S5, the system control unit 7 determines that the changed state of the user is specific state information (specific state information registered in the user information database 51) associated with the user ID (or NN) of the user. ) Is determined, and if it is not a specific state (step S5: NO), the process proceeds to step S4 and the same processing as described above is performed. (Step S5: YES), the process proceeds to Step S6.

  In step S6, the system control unit 7 receives the mobile mail indicated in the acceptable time information (acceptable time information registered in the user information database 51) associated with the user ID (or NN) of the user. It is determined whether or not the acceptable time is unlimited. If there is no restriction (step S6: YES), the process proceeds to step S7, and if there is no restriction (that is, there is a restriction) (step S6: NO). ), Go to step S8.

  In step S <b> 7, the system control unit 7 identifies address information of a friend member who is logged in (for example, not offline) among the user's friend members from the user information database 51, and the user terminal of the friend member For UTm (according to the address information of the friend member), presence information (added the user ID (or NN) specified by the user) indicating the changed state of the user, and the mail The acceptable information is transmitted via the communication unit 3 and the network NW, and the process proceeds to step S9.

  In step S <b> 8, the system control unit 7 identifies address information of a friend member who is logged in (for example, not offline) among the user's friend members from the user information database 51, and the user terminal of the friend member For UTm (according to the address information of the friend member), presence information indicating the changed state of the user (the user ID (or NN) specified by the user is added), the mail reception The acceptable information and the acceptable time information associated with the user ID of the user (acceptable time information registered in the user information database 51) are transmitted via the communication unit 3 and the network NW, etc., step S9 Proceed to

  In step S9, the system control unit 7 registers, for example, in the user information database 51 whether or not there is a user whose current time has reached the reception end time of mobile mail (determined by the above-described reception time information). If there is a user who has made a determination with reference to the acceptable time information and has reached the reception end time of mobile mail (it has become the time to end reception) (step S9: YES), the process proceeds to step S10, and the mobile mail If there is no user who has reached the acceptable time (step S9: NO), the process proceeds to step S12.

  In step S10, the system control unit 7 registers the user's mobile mail reception setting (setting indicated in the mobile mail reception setting information) of the user who has reached the mobile mail reception end time as “OFF” in the user information database 51 (“ Change registration from “ON” to “OFF”). Subsequently, the system control unit 7 specifies, from the user information database 51, address information of a friend member who is logged in (for example, not offline) among the user's friend members who have reached the reception end time of the mobile mail. , With respect to the user terminal UTm of the friend record member (according to the address information of the friend record member), the mail reception cancellation information (the user ID (or NN) of the user whose reception setting of the mobile mail is “OFF”) ) Is transmitted via the communication unit 3 and the network NW (step S11), and the process proceeds to step S12.

  In step S12, the system control unit 7 determines whether or not the specific state information and the acceptable time information are received from any user terminal UTm. The specific state information and the receivable time information indicate a specific state (for example, offline) specified in the user terminal UTm (for example, specified on the mobile mail reception setting screen 102 in FIG. 6B). It is receivable time information indicating information and the designated receivable time.

  And when the said specific state information etc. (namely, specific state information and receivable time information) are received (step S12: YES), it progresses to step S13, and when the said specific state information etc. are not received (Step S12: NO), the process proceeds to Step S15.

  In step S13, the system control unit 7 sets the mobile mail reception setting (setting indicated in the mobile mail reception setting information) corresponding to the user ID (or NN) added to the received specific state information to “ON”. In the user information database 51 (if it is already “ON”). Subsequently, the system control unit 7 registers the received specific state information and receivable time information in the user information database 51 in association with the user ID (or NN) added to the specific state information or the like. (Overwrite) (step S14), and proceed to step S15.

  In step S15, the system control unit 7 determines whether or not the above-described reception setting OFF registration request information has been received from any user terminal UTm, and if the reception setting OFF registration request information has been received (step S15). (S15: YES), the process proceeds to step S16, and if the reception setting OFF registration request information is not received (step S15: NO), the process proceeds to step S17.

  In step S <b> 16, the system control unit 7 receives a mobile mail reception setting corresponding to the user ID (or NN) added to the received reception setting OFF registration request information (setting indicated in the mobile mail reception setting information). Is registered in the user information database 51 as "OFF", and the process proceeds to step S17.

  In step S17, the system control unit 7 determines whether or not the above-described reception setting ON registration request information has been received from any user terminal UTm. If the reception setting ON registration request information has been received (step S17) If the reception setting ON registration request information has not been received (step S17: NO), the process proceeds to step S19.

  In step S <b> 18, the system control unit 7 receives the mobile mail reception setting corresponding to the user ID (or NN) added to the received reception setting ON registration request information (setting indicated in the mobile mail reception setting information). Is registered in the user information database 51 as “ON”, and the process proceeds to step S19.

  In step S19, the system control unit 7 determines whether or not a mobile mail reception notification (for example, HTTPS POST) is received from the cooperation server RS, and when the mobile mail reception notification is received (step S19: YES). ), The process proceeds to step S20. If the mobile mail reception notification has not been received (step S19: NO), the process proceeds to step S21. This mobile mail reception notification is transmitted when the cooperation server RS receives the mobile mail returned from the mobile communication terminal MTm. The mobile mail reception notification includes the user of the user terminal UTm that is the message transmission source. User ID (or NN) and chat window ID.

  In step S20, the system control unit 7 specifies the address information corresponding to the user ID (or NN) included in the mobile mail reception notification from the user information database 51, and notifies the user terminal UTm of the mobile mail reception notification (chat The window ID including, for example, a message based on SIP is transmitted (PUSH type distribution) via the communication unit 3 and the network NW, and the process proceeds to step S21. The processing of the user terminal UTm that has received the mobile mail reception notification will be described later.

  In the other processing in step S21, for example, processing according to a login request, logout request, or status change request from each user terminal UTm is performed, but detailed description thereof is omitted.

(Processing in user terminal UTm)
Next, processing in the system control unit 17 of the user terminal UTm will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing processing relating to a messenger in the system control unit 17 of the user terminal UTm.

  When a messenger is activated in a certain user terminal UTm (for example, user terminal UT2), the process shown in FIG. 9 is started. First, the system control unit 17 executes a login process automatically or in accordance with a user instruction (step S31). ). In the login process, as described above, the user terminal UTm connects to the IM service providing server SA via the network NW (establishing a session), and a login request to the IM service providing server SA (when the messenger starts up, the user (Including the user ID and password input by the user or the user ID and password previously input and stored in the storage unit 15), and by the authentication process (performed in step S21) in the IM service providing server SA When login is permitted, the address information of the user terminal UTm, the presence information of the user of the user terminal UTm (for example, presence information indicating “online”), and the like are received by the IM service providing server SA. Associated with It is registered in over The information database 51 (registered in Tomoroku each member). Also, presence information (added with the user ID (or NN) of the friend member) of the user whose login is permitted is transmitted from the IM service providing server SA to the user terminal UTm.

  Next, the system control unit 17 displays a main screen 100 as shown in FIG. 6A on the display unit 12 (step S32).

  Next, the system control unit 17 determines whether or not the presence information transmitted from the IM service providing server SA (transmitted in the above step S4, S7, or S8) has been received (step S33), and receives the presence information. If so (step S33: YES), the process proceeds to step S34. If the presence information is not received (step S33: NO), the process proceeds to step S39. The presence information received in step S33 is transmitted when the status of any friend member is changed after the presence information of all friend members is displayed in the process of step S32. is there.

  In step S34, the system control unit 17 determines whether or not the mail acceptance information is received together with the presence information. If the mail acceptance information is not received (step S34: NO), step S35 is performed. If the mail acceptance information is received (step S34: YES), the process proceeds to step S36.

  In step S35, the system control unit 17 selects the friend member corresponding to the user ID (or NN) added to the received presence information from the friend member presence information displayed on the main screen 100. The presence information is updated to the received presence information (for example, changed from offline to online), and the process proceeds to step S39.

  In step S36, the system control unit 17 determines whether or not the receivable time information is received together with the presence information and the mail receivable information. If the receivable time information is not received (step S36: NO), the process proceeds to step S37, and when the acceptable time information is received (step S36: YES), the process proceeds to step S38.

  In step S37, the system control unit 17 updates the presence information display (similar to step S35), and displays the friend member mail accepting mark instead of the presence information mark as described above, Proceed to step S39.

  On the other hand, in step S38, the system control unit 17 updates the display of the presence information (similar to step S35), and, as described above, instead of the mark indicating the presence information, the friend acceptance member's mail acceptance mark and The acceptable time is displayed and the process proceeds to step S39.

  In step S39, it is determined whether or not the mail reception cancellation information transmitted from the IM service providing server SA (transmitted in step S11) is received. If the mail reception cancellation information is received (step S39: YES) ), Delete the mail acceptability mark of the friend member corresponding to the user ID (or NN) added to the mail acceptance cancellation information (if the acceptable time is also displayed, erase this also) (step When the mark indicating the presence information is displayed and the mail acceptance cancellation information is not received (step S39: NO), the process proceeds to step S41.

  In step S41, it is determined whether or not there is a registration instruction related to the mobile mail reception setting. For example, in the state where the mobile mail reception setting screen 102 as shown in FIG. As described above, after designating a specific state to be accepted for cellular mail and the acceptable time for cellular mail, operating the operation unit 11 and designating the “Register” button 102c (for example, clicking with a mouse) The system control unit 17 determines that there is a registration instruction related to the reception setting for the mobile mail (step S41: YES), and determines the specific state information indicating the specified specific state and the specified acceptable reception time. Receivable time information (the user ID (or NN) of the user is added) is provided via the communication unit 13 and the network NW. Transmitted to the server SA (step S42), the process proceeds to step S43. When there is no registration instruction (step S41: NO), the process proceeds to step S43.

  In step S43, the system control unit 17 determines whether or not there has been a mobile mail reception setting OFF instruction. For example, a “mobile mail chat ON” button is displayed on the menu screen 100 as shown in FIG. When the user operates the operation unit 11 and designates the “mobile mail chat ON” button (for example, clicks with the mouse), the system control unit 17 determines that the mobile mail reception setting OFF instruction has been given. (Step S43: YES), the reception setting OFF registration request information (the user ID (or NN) of the user is added) is transmitted to the IM service providing server SA via the communication unit 13 and the network NW (Step S43). S44), the process proceeds to step S45. If there is no instruction to turn off the mobile mail reception setting (step S43: NO), the process proceeds to step S45.

  In step S45, the system control unit 17 determines whether or not a mobile mail reception setting ON instruction has been issued. For example, “mobile mail chat OFF” is displayed on the menu screen 100 as shown in FIG. When the user operates the operation unit 11 and designates the “mobile mail chat OFF” button (for example, clicks with the mouse), the system control unit 17 determines that the mobile mail reception setting ON instruction has been given ( Step S45: YES), the acceptance setting ON registration request information (added with the user ID (or NN) of the user) is transmitted to the IM service providing server SA via the communication unit 13 and the network NW (Step S46). ), And proceeds to step S47. If there is no instruction to turn on the mobile mail reception setting (step S45: NO), the process proceeds to step S47.

  In the mobile chat (message exchange between the user terminal UTm and the mobile communication terminal MTm) in step S47, for example, the friend message in which the mail acceptance mark 100p is displayed on the menu screen 100 as shown in FIG. Triggered when a member's NN is specified.

  Details of the mobile chat process will be described later.

  In other processing in step S48, message exchange processing with a user who is a friend member (for example, a friend record in which the mail acceptance mark 100p is not displayed on the menu screen 100 as shown in FIG. 6A). For example, a peer-to-peer message exchange process based on SIP, which is executed by designating a member NN, various setting processes, a state change request process, and the like are executed, but detailed description thereof is omitted.

  In step S49, the system control unit 17 determines whether or not there is a logout instruction. For example, the user operates the operation unit 11 while the menu screen 100 as shown in FIG. 6A is displayed. When the “logout” button 100f is specified by operation (for example, clicked with the mouse), the system control unit 17 determines that there is a logout instruction (step S49: YES), and requests a logout (user ID (or NN of the user) ) Is transmitted to the IM service providing server SA via the communication unit 13 and the network NW, and the process ends (the menu screen 100 is also closed). When there is no logout instruction (step S49: NO), the process returns to step S33 and the process is continued.

(Operation during mobile chat)
Next, the operation during mobile chat will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing processing and information exchange in each terminal and server at the time of mobile chat, and FIG. 11 shows a format and content of data based on HTTPS transmitted / received between the user terminal UT2 and the cooperation server RS. It is a conceptual diagram.

  For example, in the process of step S47 of the user terminal UT2, when the mobile chat process is started by specifying the NN (for example, aaaaaa) of the friend member whose mail acceptance mark 100p is displayed, the browser is activated. (Step S101), the URL of the cooperation server RS set in advance is designated by the browser, and a chat window ID issuance request is transmitted to the cooperation server RS (Step S102).

  As shown in FIG. 11A, the data related to the chat window ID issue request includes the NN (also the user ID) of the mobile chat establishment person (in this example, the user of the user terminal UT2 that started the mobile chat process). Good), NN (user ID may be used) of mobile chat participant (in this example, user of mobile communication terminal MT1 as a message exchange partner), local time (time by clock function in user terminal UT2) stamp, processing content ( In this example, information used for chat window open) and encryption / decryption is included.

  Note that the NN of the mobile chat opener, the NN of the mobile chat participant, and the local time stamp are encrypted by SSL (Secure Socket Layer) on the user terminal UT2 side and decrypted on the cooperation server RS side. Yes.

  When the chat window ID issuance request transmitted in this way is received by the cooperation server RS, the cooperation server RS executes a program corresponding to the processing contents (in this example, chat window open) included in the chat window ID issuance request. The chat window ID is issued (creates an ID that does not overlap with an ID issued in the past) (step S103). The issued chat window ID is associated with the NN of the mobile chat establishment person, the NN of the mobile chat participant, and the local time stamp, and is stored in the cooperation server RS.

  Then, the issued chat window ID notification is transmitted from the cooperation server RS to the user terminal UT2 (step S104).

  As shown in FIG. 11B, the data relating to the chat window ID notification includes a return code (here, normal, other errors such as expiration) and the issued chat window ID. ing.

  When the chat window ID notification thus transmitted is received by the user terminal UT2, for example, a chat window screen as shown in FIG. 7 is displayed on the display unit 12 by the browser (step S105). The transmitted chat window ID is stored in association with the chat window screen.

  Then, the user of the user terminal UT2 operates the operation unit 11 to input the content of a desired message in the transmission message input field 103a on the displayed chat window screen (Step S106), and the “Send” button 103b is clicked. When designated, the browser sends a message transmission request to the cooperation server RS (step S107).

  As shown in FIG. 11C, the data related to the message transmission request (corresponding to the above-described HTTPS message) includes a chat window ID, a message sender (in this example, a user of the user terminal UT2 that has input the message). NN, local time stamp, message content, processing content (contribute in this example), and information used for encryption / decryption.

  The chat window ID, the message sender's NN, the local time stamp, and the content of the message are encrypted by SSL on the user terminal UT2 side and decrypted on the cooperation server RS side.

  When the message transmission request transmitted in this way is received by the cooperation server RS, the message sender's NN, local time stamp, and message content included in the request are stored and stored in association with the chat window ID. (Step S108).

  Then, the cooperation server RS executes a program corresponding to the processing content (contribution in this example) included in the message transmission request, and generates a mobile mail (step S109). Specifically, a mobile mail address including data obtained by encrypting the chat window ID included in the message transmission request is described in the transmission source (From :) of the header, and corresponds to the chat window ID included in the message transmission request. The mobile e-mail address (obtained from the user information database) associated with the mobile chat participant NN that is attached and stored is described in the destination (To :), and the content of the message included in the message transmission request Is written in the body and a mobile mail is generated.

  Then, the generated mobile mail is transmitted from the cooperation server RS to the mail server MS via the gateway server GS (not shown in FIG. 10) (step S110), and stored in the mailbox in the mail server MS ( Step S111).

  The mobile mail thus saved is transmitted to the mobile communication terminal MT1 in response to an acquisition request from the mobile communication terminal MT1 corresponding to the destination mobile mail address (step S112).

  Then, when the user of the mobile communication terminal MT1 inputs the content of the reply message for the mobile mail (step S113) and presses the send button, the mobile mail including the content of the reply message (the header destination (To :) includes the above-mentioned message). A mobile mail address including data obtained by encrypting the chat window ID is described, and the header transmission source (From: describes the mobile mail address of the user of the mobile communication terminal MT1) is linked via the gateway server GS or the like. It is transmitted to the server RS (step S114). Then, the cooperation server RS extracts the chat window ID from the mobile mail address described as the destination of the mobile mail (by decrypting the data before @ in the mobile mail address) and associates it with the chat window ID. The mobile mail is stored (step S115).

  Subsequently, the cooperation server RS and the extracted chat window ID and the NN (user ID may be used in this example) of the mobile chat opener (in this example, the user of the user terminal UT2) stored in association therewith. Is transmitted to the IM service providing server SA (step S116).

  When the mobile mail reception notification transmitted in this way is received by the IM service providing server SA, the mobile mail reception notification (including the chat window ID) is sent from the IM service providing server SA to the user through the process of step S20 described above. It is transmitted to the terminal UT2 (step S117).

  When the mobile mail reception notification transmitted in this way is received by the user terminal UT2, the chat window ID included in the mobile mail reception notification is extracted by the messenger, which is passed to the browser, and the chat window ID is set by the browser. A chat window update request is transmitted to the cooperation server RS (step S118).

  In addition, as another example in which a chat window update request is transmitted to the linkage server RS by a mobile mail reception notification, a chat window update request is linked periodically (for example, every 5 minutes) by the browser even without a mobile mail reception notification. You may comprise so that it may be transmitted to server RS (a message is reloaded regularly).

  As shown in FIG. 11D, the data relating to the chat window update request includes the chat window ID, the chat window updater (in this example, the user of the user terminal UT2), the local time stamp, and the processing content ( In this example, information used for update) and encryption / decryption is included.

  When the chat window update request transmitted in this way is received by the cooperation server RS, the cooperation server RS executes a program corresponding to the processing content (update in this example) included in the message transmission request, and sends an HTTPS message. Generate (step S119). Specifically, the mobile mail stored in association with the chat window ID included in the chat window update request is acquired, and an HTTPS message including the content of the message described in the body is generated.

  The HTTPS message generated in this way is transmitted from the cooperation server RS to the user terminal UT2 as a message notification (step S120).

  As shown in FIG. 11E, the data related to the message notification includes a return code, a chat window ID, a message content, and a read flag.

  When the message notification thus transmitted is received by the user terminal UT2, the content of the message included in the message notification is displayed in the message output field 103c on the chat window screen by the browser (step S121).

  The processes from step S106 to step S121 can be repeatedly performed until the chat window screen is closed (cancel display) in the user terminal UT2. Of course, when the user terminal UT2 continuously transmits messages, the processing from step S106 to step S112 is continuously performed, and the mobile communication terminal MT1 continuously transmits messages. In this case, the processes from step S113 to step S121 are performed continuously. When the chat window screen is closed at the user terminal UT2, a mobile chat end notification including the chat window ID and the like is transmitted from the user terminal UT2 to the cooperation server RS, and the mail is sent from the cooperation server RS accordingly. A mobile mail indicating the end of the mobile chat is transmitted to the mobile communication terminal MT1 (addressed to the mobile mail address) via the server MS. Thereafter, when a mobile mail is returned from the mobile communication terminal MT1, the cooperation server RS does not store the mobile mail and returns a mobile mail indicating the end of the mobile chat to the mobile communication terminal MT1 via the mail server MS. To do. Alternatively, the cooperation server RS may store the mobile mail, and may be configured to transmit it later as an HTTPS message to the user terminal UT2.

  As described above, according to the above embodiment, when the IM service providing server SA detects a change in the current state of any user, the reception setting for the user's mobile mail is “ON”, and When the changed state is a specific state (for example, offline) indicated in the specific state information corresponding to the user, the user is notified by a mobile mail together with presence information indicating the changed state of the user. The user terminal UTm that has transmitted the mail acceptable information indicating that the message can be accepted to the user terminal UTm of the friend member of the user and has received the presence information and the mail acceptable information is Since the mail acceptance mark is displayed together with the presence information, the user of the user terminal UTm Even if a friend member is in a state where it is difficult or impossible to exchange messages (for example, online or away), the other party's user can accept messages via mobile mail and interact. It is possible to know in advance whether it is in a good state. Further, according to the configuration in which the receivable time information is transmitted to the user terminal UTm together with the mail receivable information, the user of the user terminal UTm can know how long the partner user can receive the message by mobile mail. It can be grasped in advance.

  In addition to the IM service providing server SA, a cooperation server RS that functions as a Web server and a mail server is installed, and the mobile mail address of each user is acquired by the cooperation server RS. When a message is received, it is converted into a mobile mail, the mobile mail is transmitted to the mobile mail address of the user who is the destination of the message, and the mobile mail returned from the user is converted into an HTTPS message. Since the message is transmitted to the user terminal UTm of the user who sent the message, the user of the user terminal UTm is in a state where it is difficult or impossible for the other user to exchange messages, Even if you do not know the mobile mail address of the other user, you can use a mobile mail message. It is possible to carry out a dialogue with the other party of the user by the exchange of over-di. Each user can keep his / her mobile mail address secret without telling the other user. Furthermore, existing Web servers, mail servers, and IM service providing servers can be used efficiently, and cost reduction can be achieved.

  Also, the cooperation server RS that has received the mobile mail returned from the mobile communication terminal MTm transmits a mobile mail reception notification to the IM service providing server SA, and the IM service providing server SA that has received the notification receives the message to the user terminal UTm. Since the mobile mail reception notification is transmitted (PUSH type distribution), the user terminal UTm can quickly acquire the message returned by the mobile mail from the cooperation server RS. This can reduce useless update requests as compared to the case where the user terminal UTm periodically requests the cooperation server RS to update, thereby reducing the load on the server.

  In addition, each user is configured to be able to set a desired specific state to be accepted for portable mail and a desired acceptable time for portable mail on the acceptance setting screen 102 as shown in FIG. Therefore, a unique reception state and reception time can be set for each user, and convenience can be improved.

  In the above embodiment, the user can set a specific state to be accepted for mobile mail and an acceptable time for mobile mail on the reception setting screen 102 as shown in FIG. As another example, for example, when there is a logout instruction (step S49) from the user, the reception setting screen 102 as shown in FIG. 6B is displayed, and the specific state and the allowable reception time are displayed by the user. Is specified, and the specified status information and the acceptable time information are transmitted to the IM service providing server SA, the reception setting of the user's mobile mail is registered as “ON” in the user information database 51, and the specific information You may comprise so that status information and receivable time information may be registered into the user information database 51. FIG. According to this configuration, the user can register the mobile mail reception setting “ON”, the specific state information, and the receivable time information without forgetting.

  In the above embodiment, each user inputs the specific state and the acceptable time from the mobile communication terminal MTm, and the mobile communication terminal MTm receives the input specific state information and acceptable time information (user ID Information) is transmitted to the cooperation server RS, the information is transmitted to the IM service providing server SA, and the mobile mail reception setting of the user is registered in the user information database 51 as “ON”. In addition, the specific state information and the acceptable time information may be registered in the user information database 51. According to this configuration, the user can later register the mobile mail reception setting “ON”, the specific state information, and the acceptable time information using his / her mobile communication terminal MTm.

  In the above embodiment, a field for inputting a mobile mail address is provided on the reception setting screen 102 as shown in FIG. 6B, and the user designates the registration button 102c after the mobile mail address is input. In this case, the input mobile mail address may be transmitted to the IM service providing server SA, registered in the user information database 51, and registered in the user information database of the cooperation server RS. . According to this configuration, the user can easily change the mobile mail address that receives the message in the specific state.

  In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which two users (a user whose NN is “aaaaaa” and a user who is “bbbbbb”) exchange messages, but three or more users exchange messages. It is also applicable when For example, a case where three users exchange messages will be described below.

  For example, after the chat window screen 103 as shown in FIG. 7 is displayed on the user terminal UT2 through the processes of steps S101 to S105, the user of the user terminal UT2 receives an instruction to invite the room to NN “ccccc”. When a certain user (user of user terminal UT3 and mobile communication terminal MT3) is invited to the chat room, i) NN (or user ID) of the invited user, ii) the user can accept a message by mobile mail Iii) User additional information I including the chat window ID is transmitted to the cooperation server RS.

  The cooperation server RS that has received this user additional information I associates the NN (“ccccc”) of the invited user and the mobile mail acceptance information included therein with the already stored chat window ID. Additional memory.

  Next, the cooperation server RS determines whether or not the invited user can accept a message by mobile mail based on the mobile mail acceptance information, and if not, i) is invited. The user's NN (eg, ccccc), ii) the NN (eg, bbbbb), iii) the mobile chat participant's NN (eg, aaaaaa), and iV) user additional information II including the chat window ID, Transmit to the IM service providing server SA.

  The IM service providing server SA that has received this user additional information II refers to the presence information of the NN (for example, ccccc) of the invited user included therein from the user information database 51, for example, in an “online” state. In some cases, the user additional information II is transferred to the user terminal UT3 of the invited user (if it is not “online”, for example, it is transferred when it becomes “online”).

  The user terminal UT3 that has received this user additional information II displays a chat window screen 103 as shown in FIG. 7 when the browser is activated, as in step S101. For example, the content of the message transmitted from the user terminal UT2 and stored in the cooperation server RS (the above step S108) is a chat window update request from the user terminal UT3 (periodically or from the cooperation server RS to the IM service). In response to a message storage notification via the providing server SA, the message is included in the message notification and transmitted from the cooperation server RS to the user terminal UT3 and displayed on the chat window screen (corresponding to NN and this) Displayed). The data related to the message notification in this case includes the NN (for example, bbbbbb) of the user who transmitted the message in addition to the contents shown in FIG. On the other hand, the content of the message included in the reply mail returned from the mobile communication terminal MT1, for example, is included in the message notification and transmitted from the cooperation server RS to the user terminal UT3 by the same processing as in steps S115 to S120. Will be displayed on the chat window screen. The data related to the message notification in this case also includes the NN (for example, aaaaaa) of the user who transmitted the mobile mail in addition to the contents shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, when the cooperation server RS receives the user additional information I and the invited user can accept a message by mobile mail, that is, the invited user is in a specific state (for example, “offline The user additional information II is not transmitted to the IM service providing server SA. In this case, for example, the content of the message transmitted from the user terminal UT2 and stored in the cooperation server RS (the above step S108) is included in the mobile mail by the process similar to the above step S106 to step S112. It is transmitted to MT3 (that is, the mobile mail is transmitted to a plurality of mobile communication terminals MT1 and MT3). On the other hand, for example, a reply mail returned from the mobile communication terminal MT1 is forwarded to the mobile communication terminal MT3 (that is, forwarded to the mobile mail address of the invited user) (at this time, the above steps S115 to S120). Needless to say, this is also done.)

  As described above, even when three or more users (the same processing as in the case of three people even if there are four or five people) exchange messages, the same effect as in the case of the above two people is obtained. In addition, the convenience can be improved.

  In the embodiment, for example, a mobile phone or a PHS is preferably applied as the mobile communication terminal MTm. However, for example, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), a portable personal computer, or the like may be applied. Further, when a portable personal computer, for example, is applied as the mobile communication terminal MTm, it can be connected to the network NW by a wireless LAN (Local Area Network), and in this case, the gateway server GS is not necessary.

  In the above embodiment, the linkage server RS functions as a Web server and a mail server, receives an HTTPS message from the user terminal UTm, converts it into a mobile mail, and transmits it to the mobile mail address. However, as another example, the cooperation server RS functions only as a mail server, and a message based on, for example, SIP is transmitted from the user terminal UTm to the IM service provision server SA, and the IM service provision server SA sends the message to the cooperation server RS. It may be configured to be transferred, and the cooperation server RS may be configured to convert the received message into a mobile mail and transmit it to the mobile mail address.

It is a figure which shows the example of a schematic structure of the message transmission / reception system S which concerns on this embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows an example of schematic structure of IM service provision server SA. It is a figure which shows the example of registration information in the user information database. It is a block diagram which shows an example of schematic structure of cooperation server RS. It is a block diagram which shows an example of schematic structure of the user terminal UTm. It is a figure which shows the example of a display screen in the display part 12 displayed by the messenger function of user terminal UT2. It is a conceptual diagram when the user of user terminal UT2 exchanges a message with the user of user terminal UT1. It is a flowchart which shows the process in the system control part 7 of IM service provision server SA. It is a flowchart which shows the process which concerns on the messenger in the system control part 17 of user terminal UTm. It is a sequence diagram which shows the process in each terminal and server at the time of a mobile chat, and the exchange of information. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the format and content of the data based on HTTPS transmitted / received by user terminal UT2 and cooperation server RS.

Explanation of symbols

1,11,21 operation unit 2,12,22 display unit 3,13,23 communication unit 4,14,24 drive unit 5,15,25 storage unit 6,16,26 input / output interface unit 7,17,27 system Control unit 7a, 17a, 27a CPU
7b, 17b, 27b ROM
7c, 17c, 27c RAM
8, 19, 28 System bus 18 Headphone with microphone 51 User information database SA IM service providing server RS linkage server GS gateway server MS mail server UTm user terminal MTm mobile communication terminal S message transmission / reception system NW network MW mobile communication network

Claims (14)

A plurality of terminal devices having a messenger function capable of transmitting and receiving messages instructed by the user to and from other terminal devices through the network;
The state information indicating the current state of the user in each of the terminal devices is managed for each user, and at least when the change of the current state of the user is detected, the state information indicating the state after the change of the user A server device that transmits to the terminal device of the other user;
In a message transmission / reception system comprising:
The terminal device
Status information receiving means for receiving the status information transmitted from the server device;
Status information display means for displaying the received status information;
With
The server device
Storage means for storing specific state information and an e-mail address indicating a specific state to be accepted for e-mail for each user;
At least when the change of the current state of the one user is detected, if the state after the change is the specific state indicated in the specific state information corresponding to the user, the state after the change Status information transmitting means for transmitting to the other user's terminal device mail status information indicating that the user can accept the message by email, together with status information indicating
When a message for the one user in the specific state transmitted from the terminal device of the other user is received, an e-mail is generated based on the received message, and the e-mail is sent to the one user. Email sending means for sending to the email address of
A message transmission / reception system comprising: Management of status information indicating the current status of each user in a plurality of terminal devices each having a messenger function capable of sending and receiving messages instructed by the user with other terminal devices via the network. At least in the server device that transmits the state information indicating the state after the change of the user to the terminal device of the other user when the change of the current state of the user is detected.
Storage means for storing specific state information indicating a specific state as a reception target of e-mail in a distinguishable manner for each user;
At least when the change of the current state of the one user is detected, if the state after the change is the specific state indicated in the specific state information corresponding to the user, the state after the change Status information transmitting means for transmitting to the other user's terminal device mail status information indicating that the user can accept the message by email, together with status information indicating
A server device comprising: The server device according to claim 2,
The storage means further stores receivable time information indicating a receivable time of the e-mail so as to be distinguishable for each user,
When the state information transmission unit detects a change in the current state of the one user, and the state after the change is the specific state indicated in the specific state information corresponding to the user, The server apparatus, wherein the mail acceptability information and the acceptable time information are transmitted to the terminal device of the other user together with the status information indicating the status after the change. The server device according to claim 2,
Specific state information receiving means for receiving from the terminal device specific state information indicating the specific state designated by the user in the terminal device;
The server device stores the received specific state information as the specific state information of the user of the terminal device. The server device according to claim 3,
Receivable time information receiving means for receiving receivable time information indicating the receivable time designated by the user in the terminal device from the terminal device;
The storage unit stores the received reception time information as the reception time information of a user of the terminal device. In the server apparatus as described in any one of Claims 2 thru | or 5,
The server device characterized in that the specific state is a state where it is difficult or impossible for the user to give the instruction. The server device according to any one of claims 2 to 6,
When a message for the one user in the specific state transmitted from the terminal device of the other user is received, an e-mail is generated based on the received message, and the e-mail is sent to the one user. The server apparatus further comprises an e-mail transmission means for transmitting to the e-mail address of the e-mail address. A terminal device connected to the server device according to claim 2 via a network,
Status information receiving means for receiving the status information transmitted from the server device;
A terminal device comprising: status information display means for displaying the received status information. A terminal device connected to the server device according to claim 4 via a network,
An accepting means for accepting designation of a specific state to be accepted for e-mail from a user;
Specific state information transmitting means for transmitting specific state information indicating the specified specific state to the server device;
A terminal device comprising: The terminal device according to claim 9,
The terminal device is characterized in that the specific state can be arbitrarily designated by the user from a plurality of types of states in which it is difficult or impossible for the user to give the instruction. A terminal device connected to the server device according to claim 5 via a network,
Accepting means for accepting designation of e-mail acceptable time from the user;
Receivable time information transmitting means for transmitting receivable time information indicating the designated receivable time to the server device;
A terminal device comprising:   A server processing program that functions as the server device according to claim 2.   A terminal processing program that causes the terminal device according to any one of claims 8 to 11 to function. Management of status information indicating the current status of each user in a plurality of terminal devices each having a messenger function capable of sending and receiving messages instructed by the user with other terminal devices via the network. And at least when the change of the current state of the user is detected, the information providing method in the server device that transmits the state information indicating the changed state of the user to the terminal device of the other user,
A step of storing specific state information indicating a specific state to be accepted for e-mail for each user, and at least when a change in the current state of the one user is detected, the state after the change is In the case of the specific state indicated in the specific state information corresponding to the user, the mail indicating that the user can accept the message by e-mail together with the state information indicating the changed state Transmitting acceptable information to the terminal device of the other user;
An information providing method comprising:

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