JP6505931B2 - Computer control program and message communication method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a control program and a message communication method for transmitting and receiving a message using an information processing terminal.

  Today, a chat service is provided that performs real-time message communication between users using a computer terminal such as a smartphone (see, for example, non-patent documents 1 and 2). In this chat service, a chat (chat) is performed by exchanging messages with group registered users. In this chat service, conversation is performed using text and designed illustrations (stickers).

  In addition, various contents (for example, games) are provided via a network. Some of such content can be shared by multiple people. For example, there are social games in which a plurality of users can participate, and there are games in which users can play a match or cooperate with each other (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  Moreover, in the chat application, a service capable of playing a game in a chat group is also provided (see, for example, Non-Patent Document 3).

JP, 2013-94304, A (page 1, FIG. 1)

GREE, Inc. , "Tellit" [online], May 17, 2013, Google play, [search May 24, 2013], Internet <URL https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id= net.gree.android.app.messenger & hl = en> GREE, Inc. , "Tellit" [online], May 20, 2013, iTunes, [search May 24, 2013], Internet <URL: https://itunes.apple.com/app/id581075146> Tango ME, Inc. , "Tango" [online], May 10, 2013, Google play, [May 24, 2013 search], Internet <URL: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details? id = com.sgiggle.production>

  In the service that provides a game in the above chat, the chat application itself is bundled with the logic and visual assets of the game application consisting of native code. Thus, if the chat application itself incorporates the logic and visual assets of the native game application, the size of the application will grow.

In addition, in order to add a game or update game contents, it is necessary to update the chat application itself. In particular, when adding a new game, a task of combining with the code of the chat application may occur, which may cause technical and business issues.

In addition, when game content is created in native code, it takes time to provide the game to the user.
Furthermore, when the chat server providing the chat service and the content server providing the content are built in different systems, it is necessary to perform user relevancy (group management) in each system, and user management It was complicated.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and its object is to provide a control program and message communication of a computer for sharing various contents efficiently with a chat destination performing communication. To provide a way.

A computer control program for solving the above-mentioned problems is a control program used in a computer provided with an input unit for inputting a message, and for the computer used by the user, another user belonging to a group to which the user belongs. The message is sent and received via the network, and an icon for using the game managed by the content server is displayed on the timeline screen including the timeline in which the messages are displayed in time series, and the icon When a message about the game is output to the timeline screen and the notification indicating that the effective period regarding the game is near is received from the content server, the timeline screen relates to the game. Execute to display the effective period To. Thereby, games can be shared based on user relevancy on chats.

A message communication method for solving the above problems is a message communication method using a message processing unit for transmitting and receiving a message via a network, wherein the message processing unit operates with other users belonging to a group to which the user belongs. The message is sent and received via the network, and an icon for using the game managed by the content server is displayed on the timeline screen including the timeline in which the messages are displayed in time series, and the icon When the game is selected, a message about the game is output on the timeline screen, and when the notification indicating that the effective period regarding the game is near is received from the content server, the timeline screen relates to the game Display the effective period. Thereby, games can be shared based on user relevancy on chats.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a computer control program and a message communication method for sharing a game efficiently with a chat destination in communication.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The system schematic of this embodiment. Explanatory drawing of the bridge of this embodiment. Explanatory drawing of the outline | summary of the process sequence of this embodiment. Explanatory drawing of the process sequence of this embodiment. Explanatory drawing of the sequence and data of this embodiment. Explanatory drawing of the sequence and data of this embodiment. Explanatory drawing of the example of a screen of this embodiment. Explanatory drawing of the example of a screen of this embodiment. Explanatory drawing of the example of a screen of this embodiment.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of a message communication method will be described according to FIGS. 1 to 9. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that sharing of web content (competitive game) is supported in a chat service that transmits and receives messages between a plurality of clients.

As shown in FIG. 1, in the present embodiment, a chat server 10, a user terminal 20, and a game server 30 connected via a network such as the Internet are used.
The chat server 10 is a computer system that provides and manages a chat service to the user terminal 20. The chat server 10 includes a chat management unit 11 including a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, and the like, a user management unit 12, a message storage unit 13, and a game management unit 14.

  The chat management unit 11 acquires a message from each user terminal 20, records the message in the message storage unit 13, and executes a process of transmitting the message to another user terminal 20 belonging to a chat group or a contact address.

The user management unit 12 manages information on chat service users and chat groups.
The message storage unit 13 records the message acquired from each user terminal 20 in association with the sender information and the chat group information.

The game management unit 14 manages game information that can be provided to each client.
Further, when the user terminal 20 belonging to the chat group is offline, the chat server 10 transmits a push notification to the user terminal 20. By this push notification, it is possible to urge the user terminal 20 to start the chat application.

  The game server 30 is a server computer that provides various games on the Internet, and is an HTTP web server that manages game assets and logic. In the present embodiment, the game server 30 provides game content by HTML including JavaScript (registered trademark). In this game server 30, it is assumed that a game played by a plurality of users is provided as the game content. The game server 30 includes a game control unit 31 and a session management unit 32.

  The game control unit 31 executes management processing of a game provided to the user terminal 20 according to the type of game. The game control unit 31 transmits a state change notification to the chat server 10 according to a game option described later when the state of the game session changes.

The session management unit 32 manages game sessions according to the type of game. In the present embodiment, game session IDs of the number according to the implementation status of the game are associated with the game ID specifying the game. Then, each game session ID is associated with a state indicating the game state and an invite ID (described later). In addition, management of a game session is not limited to these, According to the implementation of a game, it can determine.

  Further, in the game provided in the present embodiment, various game options are set in accordance with the game. In the present embodiment, options include, for example, “one time”, “continuable”, “valid period”, “limit on number of people”, “notification of result”, and the like. In the "one time" game, the game session is ended only once. In the "continuable" game, the game can be continued in multiple game sessions. In the "valid period" game, the game can be continued only for a predetermined predetermined period. In the "number-limited" game, when a predetermined number of people participate in the game and become full, new participation is refused. In the "result notification" game, each user is notified of the result of the game. In addition, it is possible to set the case of using only some options or the case of using a combination of a plurality of options.

  The user terminal 20 is a computer terminal (an information processing terminal such as a smartphone) of a chat service user. When using the chat service for the first time, the chat server 10 is accessed using the user terminal 20, and the chat application program is downloaded and installed.

  The user terminal 20 includes a control unit including a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, and the like, a memory for storing data, and an input / output unit for various information. The control unit functions as the chat unit 21 by executing a chat application program. Further, in the present embodiment, a touch panel display is used as the input / output unit.

  The chat unit 21 functions as a message processing unit, and includes a chat screen unit 210, a chat destination management unit 220, a message storage unit 230, a game management unit 240, and a web screen unit 250.

  The chat screen unit 210 outputs the message transmitted or received in the chat service to the timeline screen displayed on the touch panel display. The chat screen unit 210 includes a transmission processing unit and a reception processing unit. The transmission processing unit executes a process of transmitting a message to the chat server 10 as well as displaying the message input on the touch panel display as its own utterance. The reception processing unit executes a process of outputting the message acquired from the chat server 10 as the other person's speech on the touch panel display. Each user terminal 20 and the chat server 10 are connected by a chat socket. In this chat socket, a socket that reflects and shares information updates in real time is used.

  The chat destination management unit 220 records information on a chat group to which the user of the user terminal 20 belongs, and a contact designated on the user terminal 20. Messages can be sent and received between the participating users and contact users of this chat group.

The message storage unit 230 records messages transmitted and received using the chat service.
The game management unit 240 manages game information available to the client. The game management unit 240 downloads game information from the game management unit 14 of the chat server 10 in response to a user request. Each game information is associated with data relating to the connection destination of the game server 30 providing this game and the game ID (content identifier). Then, the game management unit 240 outputs a game selection screen showing a list of selectable games on the touch panel display. If a game is selected on the game selection screen, the web screen unit 250 is called.

  The web screen unit 250 executes a process of displaying the screen data acquired from the various game servers 30 on the web view 251 as described later. In the present embodiment, each user terminal 20 and the game server 30 are connected by a web socket. In this Web socket, after the server and client have established a connection once via a native JS (JavaScript (registered trademark)) bridge, necessary communication is performed on this connection using a dedicated protocol.

(Process on web screen)
Next, processing on the web screen will be described using FIG. The web view 251 of the web screen unit 250 includes a native bridge 252 and a native UI (user interface), and outputs a screen display 254 of the game screen acquired from the game server 30 on the touch panel display. In the native UI 253, view control and chat screen connection are performed.

The native bridge 252 performs connection with the game server 30 by game link on the chat screen and connection handling. With this connection handling, the content (for example, a match game) provided from the web view 251 acquires session information of a chat destination and a session start event, and can handle socket communication start. Therefore, in connection handling, for example, various event listening, message broadcasting, etc. are realized from the following instances.
New connection ()
connection.open
connection.onclose
connection.send
connection.onmessage
In addition, this connection handling is an illustration, and is not limited to these.

(Outline of processing in chat server)
Next, an outline of processing in the chat server 10 will be described with reference to FIG. Here, it is assumed that clients A, B, and C belong to the same chat group.

  First, the chat management unit 11 of the chat server 10 executes a chat management process (step S1-1). Specifically, the chat management unit 11 manages message exchange in the user terminal 20 (for example, the clients A and B) connected to the chat server 10. Here, a timeline screen is displayed on the touch panel display of the user terminal 20 of each client. On this timeline screen, messages sent by the user and messages obtained from the other user are displayed in chronological order. In the present embodiment, in the timeline screen, the other's message is displayed on the left, and its own message is displayed on the right.

  Next, the chat management unit 11 of the chat server 10 executes a game selection process (step S1-2). Specifically, when playing a game, a desired game is selected in the user terminal 20 (for example, the client A). In this case, the chat management unit 11 acquires the selected game information (the identification information of the web content) in the client A.

Next, the chat management unit 11 of the chat server 10 executes game link processing (step S1-3). Specifically, the chat management unit 11 transmits a message including a game link to the chat partner in the chat group. For example, when a game is selected in the client A, the client B outputs a message (game link) about the selected game.

  In addition, for offline clients, the chat management unit 11 of the chat server 10 executes push notification processing (step S1-4). Specifically, when the chat management unit 11 detects an offline client in the chat group, the chat management unit 11 sends a push notification indicating that there is a game link request to this client. For example, when the client C is offline, a push notification is sent to the client C. In this case, an alarm indicating that there is a message on the chat service is output on the touch panel display of the user terminal 20 of the client C.

  When a game link is selected in any of a plurality of clients (B, C), the client accesses the game server 30. Then, the game server 30 starts the game and manages the game session (step S1-5). When a state change is detected in the game session, the game server 30 transmits a state change notification to the chat server 10. The state change includes, for example, the progress of the game, the case where the number limit is reached (full), the end of the game, and the like.

  In this case, the chat management unit 11 of the chat server 10 executes an acquisition process of the state change notification (step S1-6). Specifically, the chat management unit 11 acquires a state change notification from the game server 30. The state change notification includes information on game options.

  Next, the chat management unit 11 of the chat server 10 executes a message handling process according to the game option (step S1-7). Specifically, the chat management unit 11 determines the display format of the message based on the option of the state change notification.

  Next, the chat management unit 11 of the chat server 10 executes a display change process of the game message (step S1-8). Specifically, the chat management unit 11 outputs a message on the timeline screen of the chat group based on the determined display format.

(Game option)
Next, the game option will be described using FIG.
(A) In a game where the game option is “one time”, the game server 30 executes notification processing of state change notification (game end) to the chat server 10 when the game end is detected in one session. (Step SE10). In this case, the chat management unit 11 of the chat server 10 grays out the game link on the timeline screen of the client.

  (B) In the game where the game option is “continueable”, the game server 30 continues the game even when one session is ended, if the final determination (wining or losing) of the game is not decided. (Step SE20).

  Then, when the game is finally decided, the game server 30 executes notification processing of state change notification (game end) to the chat server 10 (step SE21). In this case, the chat management unit 11 of the chat server 10 grays out the game link on the timeline screen of the client.

(C) In the game in which the game option is “effective period”, the game server 30 calculates an elapsed time from the session start time. Then, the game server 30 executes a notification process indicating to the chat server 10 that the expiration of the effective period is near as a state change (step SE30). In this case, the chat management unit 11 of the chat server 10 outputs a message indicating that expiration of the effective period is near on the timeline screen of the client.

  When the game server 30 detects the expiration of the effective period based on the elapsed time from the session start time, the game server 30 executes notification processing of state change notification (game end) to the chat server 10 (step SE31) ). In this case, the chat management unit 11 of the chat server 10 grays out the game link on the timeline screen of the client.

  (D) In the case of a game in which the game option is "number of players limited", the game server 30 executes a process of counting the number of participants (step SE40). The game server 30 calculates the number of participants by counting the user ID in the session management record recorded in the session management unit 32.

  Then, when the number of participants reaches the limited number (in the case of full occupancy), the game server 30 executes notification processing of state change notification (full occupancy) to the chat server 10 (step SE41). In this case, the chat management unit 11 of the chat server 10 grays out the game link on the timeline screen of the client.

  (E) In the game where the game option is "result notification", when the game end is detected, the game server 30 executes notification processing of state change notification (game end) to the chat server 10 (step SE50). . The notification of the end of the game includes data on the user ID of the winner or loser. In this case, the chat management unit 11 of the chat server 10 displays the result and grays out the game link on the timeline screen of the client.

(Data used for sequence and communication)
Next, with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, sequences used when playing a game and data used for communication will be described. Moreover, the screen displayed on the touch-panel display of the user terminal 20 is demonstrated using FIGS. 7-9.

First, when using a chat service, the chat application is started in the user terminal 20 of the client A.
In this case, as shown in FIG. 5, the user terminal 20 of the client A performs connection establishment processing with the chat server 10 (step S101). This connection establishment process is performed by a known handshake.

  Then, the user terminal 20 of the client A executes data transfer processing (step S102). Here, information (payload) necessary for using the chat service is transmitted and received.

In this case, as shown in FIG. 7, a timeline screen 510 is displayed on the touch panel display of the user terminal 20.
Also, when using the chat service in the user terminal 20 of the client B, as in the case of the client A, connection establishment processing (step S301) and data transfer processing (step S302) are executed.

  Next, when the client A desires to play a game in a chat group, game selection is performed. Specifically, on the chat screen of the user terminal 20, the output of the game selection screen is instructed.

In this case, as shown in FIG. 7, the game selection screen 520 is displayed on the touch panel display of the user terminal 20 of the client A together with the timeline screen 511.
Then, when a game is selected on the game selection screen 520, the user terminal 20 of the client A activates a web view (step S103). Specifically, the web screen unit 250 of the chat unit 21 outputs the game screen to the touch panel display. The game screen includes a web view. The chat screen unit 210 outputs the game message 531 on the timeline screen 530 shown in FIG.

The user terminal 20 of the client A that has activated the web view performs connection establishment processing with the game server 30 (step S104). In this case, the web screen unit 250 generates an invite ID. As this invite ID, the chat server 10 uses an identifier with which the chat destination can be grasped. For example, the invite ID can be configured as follows.
[Invite ID] = [Game ID] x [Chat Group ID]

  As an option, the invitee's user ID may be added to the invite ID. Note that this invite ID may be generated in the chat server 10 and provided to the user terminal 20 of the client A. Then, the user terminal 20 transmits the game ID, the invite ID, and the user ID (A) of the selected game in the handshake signal to the game server 30.

In this case, the game control unit 31 of the game server 30 checks whether the invite ID acquired from the user terminal 20 is recorded in the session management unit 32.
Here, when the invite ID acquired from the user terminal 20 is not registered in the session management unit 32 and the invite ID is acquired for the first time, the game control unit 31 determines the game session to which the game session ID is assigned. Are generated (S501). In the present embodiment, the game control unit 31 registers the game session ID and the game ID in the session management unit 32 in association with each other. Furthermore, the game control unit 31 records, for the game session ID, a session management record in which the invite ID acquired from the client A is associated with the state (game state). Then, the game control unit 31 returns the game session ID to the user terminal 20 of the client A. Furthermore, the game control unit 31 associates and records a user ID (here, the user ID of the client A) with the game session ID.

  The user terminal 20 of the client A performs data transfer processing with the game server 30 (step S105). Here, information (payload) necessary for using the game is transmitted and received.

  In this case, as shown in FIG. 7, the web screen unit 250 outputs the game screen 550. The game screen 550 includes a web view 551. In the web view 551, the connection with the game server 30 is established by the above-described bridge processing, and as a result, the game logic is developed and started.

Thereby, the game server 30 starts a session (step S502). In this case, the game control unit 31 of the game server 30 manages the game session. A game option can be specified according to the game ID. For example, as the state of the session management record, the state of the game (waiting for battle) is recorded.

  When a game is selected on the game selection screen 520 of the client A, the user terminal 20 performs game link processing (step S106). In this case, the chat management unit 11 of the chat server 10 transmits a game message to the chat server 10. The game message includes data on connection destination information, game ID (identification information of web content), and invite ID. The connection destination information includes information for specifying the game server 30 of the selected game. As information for specifying the game server 30, for example, a URL, an IP address, port information, a host name or the like can be used.

  The chat server 10 having acquired the game message from the client A executes the game link process (step S201). Specifically, the chat management unit 11 of the chat server 10 uses the user management unit 12 to specify the chat destination of the client A. In this case, the chat server 10 stores the chat group and the invite ID in association with each other. Then, the game message is transmitted to the online chat destination client (here, client B). The game message includes data on connection destination information, game ID, and invite ID.

Then, the user terminal 20 of the client B outputs a game message on the timeline screen displayed on the touch panel display (step S303).
In this case, as shown in FIG. 7, the chat screen unit 210 outputs the timeline screen 540 to the touch panel display. The timeline screen 540 includes a game message 541.

  When the chat server 10 detects an offline chat destination client, the chat server 10 executes a push notification process (step S202). Specifically, the chat management unit 11 of the chat server 10 notifies the offline user terminal 20 that the other client A of the chat group has received a game message. In this case, the user terminal 20 of the client C outputs an alarm indicating that there is a message on the chat on the touch panel display.

Then, a chat application is activated in the user terminal 20 of the client C (step S401).
In this case, the user terminal 20 of the client C executes a connection establishing process (step S402) with the chat server 10.

And chat server 10 performs game link processing (Step S203).
In this case, the user terminal 20 of the client C outputs a game message on the timeline screen displayed on the touch panel display (step S403).

Next, the case of playing a battle game will be described using FIG.
If the client B wishes to play a game, the user terminal 20 executes an open process (step S311). This process is performed by selecting a game message 541 shown in FIG. 7 on the time line screen displayed on the touch panel display.

In this case, the user terminal 20 of the client B executes web view processing (step S312). Specifically, the web screen unit 250 of the chat unit 21 outputs the game screen to the touch panel display. This game screen includes a web view. In this case, the web screen unit 250 accesses the game server 30 using connection destination information included in the game message.

  Then, the user terminal 20 of the client B executes a connection establishing process with the game server 30 (step S313). In the handshake signal, the client B transmits the game ID and the invite ID acquired from the chat server 10. Furthermore, the client B transmits data on the user ID (B) to the game server 30.

  Then, the user terminal 20 of the client B performs data transfer processing with the game server 30 (step S314). Here, information (payload) necessary for using the game is transmitted and received.

In this case, the game server 30 performs a game session management process (step S511). Also here, the game control unit 31 of the game server 30 checks whether the invite ID acquired from the user terminal 20 is recorded in the session management unit 32. In this case, when the invitee ID acquired from the user terminal 20 is registered in the session management unit 32 and the game session is already maintained, the game control unit 31 controls the session management unit 32 to execute the game session. Add "B" as a user ID to the ID. Then, the game control unit 31 returns the game session ID associated with the invite ID to the user terminal 20 of the newly joined client B. Thereby, the game server 30 starts the game of the client A and the client B, and records the start of the battle as, for example, the state of the session management record.
In this case, as shown in FIG. 8, the game server 30 outputs the game screen 610 on the web screen unit 250 of the clients A and B.

  The game server 30 detects a state change in the middle of the game (step S512). In this case, the game control unit 31 updates the state according to the state change in the session management record of the session management unit 32. Then, the game control unit 31 determines the necessity of the state change notification according to the game option of this game.

  When the state change notification is necessary according to the game option, the game server 30 executes notification processing of the game state change to the chat server 10 (step S513). This status change notification includes data on an invite ID and an option (game option).

  Next, the chat server 10 executes a game state management process (step S211). Specifically, the chat management unit 11 of the chat server 10 specifies the display form of the message according to the option of the state change notification. Next, the chat management unit 11 specifies a chat group based on the invite ID. Then, the chat management unit 11 transmits a state change notification to each client. This status change notification includes data on an invite ID and an option.

The user terminal 20 of each client (A to C) outputs a message corresponding to the state change.
Then, the game is played on the web screen unit 250 of the clients A and B, and the game is finally ended.

Then, when detecting the end of the battle, the game server 30 executes a session end process (step S514). In this case, the game control unit 31 records the end of the game as a state in the session management record of the session management unit 32.

  Next, the game server 30 executes a game end notification process to the chat server 10 (step S515). The status change notification (game end) includes data on an invite ID and an option (game option).

  Next, the chat server 10 executes a game end management process (step S212). Specifically, the chat management unit 11 of the chat server 10 specifies the display mode of the message as described later according to the game option. Next, the chat management unit 11 specifies a chat group based on the invite ID. Then, the chat management unit 11 transmits an end notification to each client. This end notification includes data on an invite ID and an option.

  The user terminal 20 of each client (A to C) executes game end processing (steps S111, S315, and S411). Specifically, the chat screen unit 210 of the chat unit 21 maintains or changes the display of the message according to the option.

  Here, in the case where the end notification includes the option of result display, in each client, the chat screen unit 210 of the chat unit 21 outputs a message based on the outcome of the end notification.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 8, the web screen unit 250 of the client A outputs a timeline screen 620, and the web screen unit 250 of the client A outputs a timeline screen 630. In this timeline screen 620, 630, the game message is grayed out and can not be selected.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 9, in the case of the options of “continuable” and “effective period”, the game server 30 outputs the game screen 710 in the web screen unit 250 of the clients A and B. Then, in each of the clients A, B, and C, the chat screen unit 210 of the chat unit 21 outputs the timeline screens 720 and 730 including the message in progress of the game. In the timeline screens 720 and 730, game messages are not grayed out and can be selected later.

  When the state change notification indicating that the “effective period” is approaching is acquired from the game server 30, the chat management unit 11 of the chat server 10 displays the timeline screen 740 including a message indicating that the period expiration is near. Output.

According to the above embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
(1) In the above embodiment, the web screen unit 250 of the chat unit 21 outputs the web page of the screen data acquired from the game server 30 to the web view. Thereby, it is possible to utilize web content in a chat application created by native code. And, it is possible to suppress an increase in the binary size of the chat application. Also, game assets can be installed on the content server. Furthermore, there is no burden of updating the chat application itself even when updating the content of the shared content, delivering a new stage, or increasing the types of games in order to load shared content from the outside. Furthermore, by utilizing a web-based game asset developed at a high speed, the latest game can be provided to the end user with a sense of speed.

(2) In the above embodiment, when a game is designated in the client A, the user terminal 20 of the client A sends the game server 30 data including the game ID of the selected game and the invite ID to the game server 30. Send to When the client B desires to play a match, the user terminal 20 of the client B transmits data including the invite ID acquired from the client A to the game server 30 via the chat server 10. As a result, since the opponent (the sharing destination of the web content) already has a relationship in which communication is performed on the chat, the game server 30 may efficiently specify the opponent using this relationship. it can. Therefore, the game server 30 can easily invite users without implementing a user authentication system or a mechanism for inviting users.

  (3) In the above embodiment, the chat management unit 11 of the chat server 10 transmits a game message to the chat server 10. The game message includes data on connection destination information, game ID, and invite ID. Thus, the client of the chat partner can efficiently access the game server 30.

  (4) In the above embodiment, the chat server 10 transmits a push notification to the user terminal 20 when the user terminal 20 belonging to the chat group is offline. In this way, it is possible to call the other party through the chat application and easily call the communication match.

  (5) In the above embodiment, a web socket is used for connection with the game server 30. Thus, communication can be performed efficiently without establishing a new connection.

  (6) In the above embodiment, the state change notification includes information on the game option. Then, the chat management unit 11 of the chat server 10 executes a message handling process according to the game option (step S1-7). This makes it possible to reflect the game situation and the result on the chat.

The above embodiment may be modified as follows.
-In the said embodiment, it applied to the competitive game provided from the game server 30 as shared content. The shared content is not limited to the game. Based on the relationship on chat, other content servers can use for services that can share content.

  Further, session management in the game server 30 is not limited to the above embodiment, and a chat partner used for sharing content or sharing content using an invite ID that can be grasped in the chat server 10 It is only necessary to create a game session that specifies the

  In the above embodiment, “one time”, “continuable”, “valid period”, “limit on number of people”, and “notification of result” are used as game options. The game options are not limited to this as long as they can be reflected in the chat. For example, it is also possible to set a game option that limits the number of times of use. In this case, the game server 30 counts the number of uses for the same invite ID. Then, when the number of times of use reaches the limited number of times, the game server 30 transmits a state change notification (game end) to the chat server 10.

In the above embodiment, the invite ID is configured using the game ID and the chat group ID, but the method for forming the invite ID is not limited to this, and the relevance of the user in the chat can be specified. Information can be used. For example, as the invite ID, it is also possible to use information based on the session ID used for communication with the chat server 10. A chat destination can be identified based on this session ID.

  In the above embodiment, the invite ID is configured using the game ID and the chat group ID, but the method for configuring the invite ID is not limited to this. For example, the same game can be played in the same chat group in different game sessions by including information (for example, invitation time) that can specify the invitation time.

Next, technical ideas that can be grasped from the above-described embodiment and another example will be additionally described below together with their effects.
[1] A message communication method using a message processing unit for transmitting and receiving messages via a network,
The message processing unit
Display the game selection screen on the timeline screen where messages are displayed in chronological order on the client used by the user,
It is determined whether a game is selected on the game selection screen,
Identify the group to which the user who selected the game belongs
In the timeline screen of a client used by another user belonging to the specified group, a message about the game selected by the user is output.
The game is selected on the timeline screen of the client used by the other user, the game is started by the user and the other user, and the number of the other users who participate in the selected game is limited. When the state change information indicating the reached state is acquired, the link of the game is displayed in an unselectable state on the timeline screen of the client of the user belonging to the group.
Thereby, web content can be shared based on user relevancy on chat.

[2] A message communication method using a message processing unit for transmitting and receiving messages via a network,
The message processing unit
Display the game selection screen on the timeline screen where messages are displayed in chronological order on the client used by the user,
It is determined whether a game is selected on the game selection screen,
Identify the group to which the user who selected the game belongs
In the timeline screen of a client used by another user belonging to the specified group, a message about the game selected by the user is output.
If the game is selected on the timeline screen of the client used by the other user, the game is started by the user and the other user, and state change information indicating the end of the game is acquired, the group A message related to the end of the game is displayed on the timeline screen of the client of the belonging user, and the message communication characterized by identifiably displaying a winner or a loser among the users who participated in the game in association with the message. Method.

[3] A message communication system comprising a message processing unit for transmitting and receiving messages via a network, comprising:
The message processing unit
Display the game selection screen on the timeline screen where messages are displayed in chronological order on the client used by the user,
It is determined whether a game is selected on the game selection screen,
Identify the group to which the user who selected the game belongs
In the timeline screen of a client used by another user belonging to the specified group, a message about the game selected by the user is output.
The game is selected on the timeline screen of the client used by the other user, the game is started by the user and the other user, and the number of the other users who participate in the selected game is limited. A message communication system characterized by displaying the link of the game in an unselectable state on the timeline screen of the client of the user belonging to the group when the state change information indicating the reached state is acquired.

[4] A message communication system comprising a message processing unit for transmitting and receiving messages via a network, comprising:
The message processing unit
Display the game selection screen on the timeline screen where messages are displayed in chronological order on the client used by the user,
It is determined whether a game is selected on the game selection screen,
Identify the group to which the user who selected the game belongs
In the timeline screen of a client used by another user belonging to the specified group, a message about the game selected by the user is output.
If the game is selected on the timeline screen of the client used by the other user, the game is started by the user and the other user, and state change information indicating the end of the game is acquired, the group A message related to the end of the game is displayed on the timeline screen of the client of the belonging user, and the message communication characterized by identifiably displaying a winner or a loser among the users who participated in the game in association with the message. system.

[5] A message communication program using a message communication system including a message processing unit for transmitting and receiving messages via a network,
The message processing unit is
Display the game selection screen on the timeline screen where messages are displayed in chronological order on the client used by the user,
It is determined whether a game is selected on the game selection screen,
Identify the group to which the user who selected the game belongs
In the timeline screen of a client used by another user belonging to the specified group, a message about the game selected by the user is output.
The game is selected on the timeline screen of the client used by the other user, the game is started by the user and the other user, and the number of the other users who participate in the selected game is limited. A message communication program characterized in that, when status change information indicating a reached status is acquired, the link of the game is displayed in an unselectable state on the timeline screen of the client of the user belonging to the group.

[6] A message communication program using a message communication system comprising a message processing unit for transmitting and receiving messages via a network,
The message processing unit is
Display the game selection screen on the timeline screen where messages are displayed in chronological order on the client used by the user,
It is determined whether a game is selected on the game selection screen,
Identify the group to which the user who selected the game belongs
In the timeline screen of a client used by another user belonging to the specified group, a message about the game selected by the user is output.
If the game is selected on the timeline screen of the client used by the other user, the game is started by the user and the other user, and state change information indicating the end of the game is acquired, the group A message relating to the end of the game is displayed on the timeline screen of the client of the belonging user, and it functions as a means for identifiably displaying the winner or loser among the users who participated in the game in association with the message. And a message communication program.

  10: chat server, 11: chat management unit, 12: user management unit, 13: message storage unit, 14: game management unit, 20: user terminal, 21: chat unit, 210: chat screen unit, 220: chat destination management Section 230 Message storage section 240 Game management section 250 Web screen section 30 Game server 31 Game control section 32 Session management section A, B, C Client.

Claims (5)

A control program used in a computer provided with an input unit for inputting a message, the control program for the computer used by a user,
Send and receive messages via the network with other users belonging to the group to which the user belongs,
Display an icon for using a game managed by the content server on a timeline screen including a timeline in which messages are displayed chronologically,
Output a message about the game on the timeline screen when the icon is selected,
When the notification indicating that the effective period regarding the game is near is received from the content server, the effective period regarding the game is displayed on the timeline screen.
A control program characterized in that it performs.   When another user belonging to a group to which the user belongs belongs in the game and the number of users participating in the game reaches a limit and the game is performed, the timeline screen of the user is displayed. The control program according to claim 1, further comprising displaying a message regarding the end of the game, and displaying the result of the game in association with the message.   The control program according to claim 2, wherein when the number of users participating in the game reaches a limit and the game is started, the game selection screen is grayed out and displayed.   The control program according to claim 2, wherein the game is played on a screen different from the timeline screen. A message communication method using a message processing unit for transmitting and receiving messages via a network,
The message processing unit
With other users belonging to the group Yoo over THE belongs, send and receive messages over the network,
Display an icon for using a game managed by the content server on a timeline screen including a timeline in which messages are displayed chronologically,
Output a message about the game on the timeline screen when the icon is selected,
A message communication method comprising displaying an effective period regarding the game on the timeline screen when a notification indicating that the effective period regarding the game is near is received from the content server.