JP7171088B2 - Message system, control method and program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a message control server, message control terminal, and program.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there has been known a technique for displaying an image in which messages of multiple users are arranged in chronological order on a terminal. For example, in Patent Document 1, messages are displayed in chronological order on the terminals of each user participating in a chat, the correlation between users is identified based on the messages, and users with correlations are identified in a list of all users. A terminal that displays is color-coded is described.

Japanese Patent No. 4637192

With the above technology, when the number of messages displayed in chronological order increases, it becomes difficult for the user to identify which messages are related to him/herself. However, even if correlated users are displayed in a color-coded list on a list as in Patent Document 1, the users only know the relationship between the users. had to judge.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and aims to provide a message control server that enables users to easily identify messages related to themselves in an image in which messages are arranged in chronological order. To provide a message control terminal and a program.

In order to solve the above problems, a message control server according to the present invention is a message control server that communicates with a terminal that displays an image in which messages of each of a plurality of users are arranged in chronological order. message acquisition means for acquiring a message; destination acquisition means for acquiring destination information indicating the destination of the message; and means for transmitting data for displaying the image on a terminal of each user, wherein the destination information includes a message input to a destination and a message input to a destination other than the destination by a user different from the user of the destination are transmitted to the destination, and a message input to the destination is sent to the destination and transmitting means for transmitting data for displaying an image distinguishing a message input by a user different from the destination user to a destination other than the destination, to the destination. and

A message control terminal according to the present invention is a message control terminal for displaying an image in which messages of each of a plurality of users are arranged in chronological order, and comprises message acquisition means for acquiring a message input by each user; Destination acquisition means for acquiring destination information indicating a destination, and based on the destination information, distinguishing between a message input to a user and a message input by a user other than the user and addressed to a destination other than the user and display control means for displaying the image obtained by the display.

A program according to the present invention comprises a computer that communicates with a terminal that displays an image in which messages of each of a plurality of users are arranged in chronological order, message acquisition means that acquires a message input by each user, and a destination of the message. Destination acquisition means for acquiring destination information; means for transmitting data for displaying the image on a terminal of each user, wherein the message is input to a destination based on the destination information; A message input by a user different from the user of the destination is sent to the destination, and the message input to the destination and the user of the destination whose destination is other than the destination are transmitted to the destination. It functions as transmitting means for transmitting data for displaying an image distinguishing a message input by a different user to the destination.

A program according to the present invention comprises a computer that displays an image in which messages of each of a plurality of users are arranged in chronological order; display control means for displaying an image distinguishing between a message input to a user and a message input by a user different from the user whose destination is a person other than the user, based on the destination information. , to function as

It is a figure showing the whole message control system composition concerning an embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a chat image displayed on User A's terminal; FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a chat image when user A designates an avatar image of user X; FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a chat image displayed on user X's terminal; 1 is a functional block diagram showing functions related to the present invention among functions realized by a message control system; FIG. It is a figure which shows the example of data storage of a message database. FIG. 4 is a flow diagram showing processing performed by the message control system; It is a figure which shows the detail of the process performed in S7. It is a functional block diagram of a modification. It is a figure which shows the data storage example of the message database in a modification. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a chat image of user A; FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a chat image of user A; FIG. 10 is a diagram showing how a chat image changes when user A designates a reply message; FIG. 10 is a diagram showing how a chat image changes when user A designates an original message; It is a figure which shows the data storage example of the message database of this modification. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a chat image of user A; FIG. 10 is a diagram showing how a chat image changes when user A designates a message; 4 is a diagram showing an example of a chat image 30 of user A; FIG. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a comparative example of a message image 32; FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a change in chat image 30 when user A selects user X's avatar image 34;

[1. Overall configuration of message control system]
Hereinafter, examples of embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail based on the drawings. In this embodiment, a case where a message control server according to the present invention is applied to a message control system for controlling a chat in which a plurality of users participate will be described as an example.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a message control system according to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1 , the message control system 1 includes a message control server 10 and multiple terminals 20 . The message control server 10 and each terminal 20 are connected via the communication network 2 so as to be able to transmit and receive data to each other.

The message control server 10 is implemented by a server computer. As shown in FIG. 1, the message control server 10 includes a control section 11, a storage section 12, and a communication section 13. FIG. The control unit 11 includes, for example, a microprocessor, etc., and executes processing according to an operating system and other programs. The storage unit 12 includes a main storage unit (eg, RAM) and an auxiliary storage unit (eg, hard disk drive or solid state drive). The communication unit 13 is for performing data communication via the communication network 2 .

The terminal 20 is a computer operated by a user. For example, the terminal 20 is realized by a mobile phone (including a smart phone), a personal digital assistant (including a tablet computer), a game machine, or a personal computer. As shown in FIG. 1 , the terminal 20 includes a control section 21 , a storage section 22 , a communication section 23 , an operation section 24 and a display section 25 .

The control unit 21 , storage unit 22 and communication unit 23 are the same as the control unit 11 , storage unit 12 and communication unit 13 of the message control server 10 . The operation unit 24 is an input device such as a touch panel. The display unit 25 is, for example, a liquid crystal display panel or an organic EL display, and displays a screen according to instructions from the control unit 21 .

In this embodiment, the programs and data described as being stored in the storage unit 12 and the storage unit 22 may be supplied to the message control server 10 and the terminal 20 via the communication network 2, for example. good. Also, the message control server 10 or the terminal 20 may include components for reading programs or data stored in a computer-readable information storage medium (eg, memory card). Programs and data may be supplied to the message control server 10 or the terminal 20 via an information storage medium.

[2. Chat executed in a message control system]
Next, the chat executed in the message control system 1 will be described by taking as an example a scene in which four users who play a game in cooperation with each other discuss strategies. These four users are referred to herein as users A, X, Y and Z, respectively.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a chat image displayed on user A's terminal 20. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, in the chat image 30, message images 32A to 32H (hereinafter collectively referred to as message images 32) representing messages of a plurality of users are arranged in chronological order.

A message is the content of information transmitted between users, and is composed of, for example, a symbol string input by each user or an image designated by each user. The symbol string here means including a character string (text). In addition, arranging the messages in chronological order means that the message images 32 are displayed side by side on the screen in the input order (transmission order) of the messages.

The t-axis in FIG. 2 is the time axis. In the screen example of FIG. 2, the message image 32A shows the newest message, and the message image 32H shows the oldest message. That is, in the chat image 30, the message image 32 indicating a newer message is displayed as it goes in a predetermined direction (upward in FIG. 2), and the message image 32 showing a newer message is displayed as it goes in the predetermined direction (downward in FIG. 2). Message images 32 showing old messages are displayed so that the messages are arranged in chronological order.

Also, in the chat image 30, avatar images 34A to 34H of users who input messages (hereinafter collectively referred to as avatar images 34) are displayed. For example, in the chat image 30 of user A, avatar images 34 of users other than user A (that is, users X, Y, and Z) are displayed near one end (the left end in FIG. 2), and the opposite end is displayed. An avatar image 34 of user A is displayed near (the right end in FIG. 2). Note that the vicinity of the edge is an area from the edge of the screen to a predetermined distance (for example, an area from the edge to a pixel at a predetermined pixel distance).

In this embodiment, each user can input a message by designating a destination. A destination is a party, a terminal 20, or an account to which a message is conveyed. For example, message images 32B and 32F show messages addressed to user A by user X, and message image 32C shows a message addressed to user X by user A. FIG. Further, a message image 32E shows a message addressed to user Y by user X, and a message image 32G shows a message addressed to user X by user Y. FIG.

As shown in FIG. 2, the chat image 30 of user A shows message images 32B and 32F indicating messages addressed to user A, and messages addressed to users other than user A (that is, user X, Y, or Z). The message images 32E and 32G are different in display mode. For example, message images 32B and 32F are a first color (indicated by hatching in FIG. 2) and include an arrow pointing to the right. On the other hand, message images 32E and 32G are of the second color (indicated by halftone dots in FIG. 2) and do not include arrows. Instead, the message images 32E and 32G are provided with destination images 36E and 36G indicating destinations.

User A can input a message while confirming the chat image 30 displayed as described above. For example, when user A performs a predetermined operation, an input form for inputting a new message is displayed. User A then enters a new message and designates a destination in this input form. Note that the input form for inputting a new message may be displayed without performing a predetermined operation.

Further, in this embodiment, when the user A designates the avatar image 34 of the user X, Y, or Z, an input form for inputting a message addressed to the user indicated by the avatar image 34 is displayed.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the chat image 30 when the user A designates the avatar image 34 of the user X. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, in the input form 38, the user X is specified in the address column 40 for specifying the address of the message. User A enters a character string or the like in the message entry field 42 . Thereafter, when user A selects the send button 44, the message addressed to user X can be sent.

The message image 32 (message image 32C in FIGS. 2 and 3) indicating a message input by user A to user X is the third color in user A's chat image 30 (in FIGS. 2 and 3, indicated by a vertical line), containing an arrow pointing to the left. Also, the message image 32C shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 is provided with a destination image 36C indicating that the message is addressed to the user X. FIG.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, each user can also send a message to all users or send a message without specifying a destination. In the examples of FIGS. 2 and 3, the message images 32D and 32H of messages addressed to all users or sent without specifying destinations are in the fourth color (indicated by white in FIGS. 2 and 3).

2 and 3, the chat image 30 of user A has been described, but a similar chat image 30 is displayed on the terminals 20 of users X, Y, and Z as well. However, since the person viewing the chat image 30 is not the user A, the display contents of the chat image 30 are different so that each of the users X, Y, and Z can distinguish between messages addressed to themselves and messages addressed to others. ing.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a chat image 30 displayed on user X's terminal 20. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, message images 32C and 32G show messages addressed to user X, so they are the first color and include arrows pointing right. In this case, users A, Y, and Z have not input a message addressed to anyone other than user X, so message image 32 in the second color is not displayed. Message images 32B, 32E, and 32F show messages entered by user X, so they are a third color and include an arrow pointing left. Message images 32A and 32D are the fourth color because they indicate messages addressed to the user as a whole or unaddressed.

As described above, in the message control system 1 of the present embodiment, the chat image 30 displaying messages in chronological order is mainly configured so that the user can easily identify messages related to him/herself. there is Processing for realizing the present technology will be described in detail below.

[3. Functions Realized in Message Control System]
FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram showing functions related to the present invention among functions realized by the message control system 1. As shown in FIG. Here, after explaining the functions realized by each terminal 20, the functions realized by the message control server 10 will be explained. Although only one terminal 20 is shown in FIG. 5 for simplification, each terminal 20 implements the same function. Also, among the functions shown in FIG. 5, functions other than the message acquisition unit 70, the destination acquisition unit 72, and the transmission/reception unit 74 may be omitted.

[3-1. Functions realized by each terminal]
Each terminal 20 implements a message input unit 60 , a destination designation unit 62 , a transmission/reception unit 64 , and a display control unit 66 . The message input unit 60 and the destination designation unit 62 are realized mainly by the control unit 21 and the operation unit 24, the transmission/reception unit 64 is mainly realized by the control unit 21 and the communication unit 23, and the display control unit 66 is realized mainly by the control unit 21 and the communication unit 23. It is implemented mainly by the display unit 25 .

[Message input part]
The message input unit 60 receives input of messages. For example, the message input unit 60 accepts input of symbol strings and designation of images by the user. The image included in the message may be stored in the terminal 20 or may be stored in the message control server 10. FIG.

[Destination Designation Section]
The destination designation unit 62 accepts destination designation. The destination designation unit 62 receives designation from at least one user. In this embodiment, since a chat in which a plurality of users participate is realized, the destination designation unit 62 accepts designation of at least one of the users participating in the chat.

In this embodiment, the case where only one user can be designated as the destination will be described, but as will be described later in a modified example, a plurality of users may be designated as the destination. Further, in the present embodiment, all users can be designated as destinations, so the destination designating unit 62 accepts designation of all users. That is, the destination designation unit 62 can accept all users participating in the chat as destinations.

[Transceiver]
The transmitting/receiving section 64 transmits/receives various data to/from the transmitting/receiving section 74 . For example, the transmission/reception unit 64 transmits the message received by the message input unit 60 and the destination information received by the destination designation unit 62 . In addition, the transmission/reception unit 64 may transmit various user operation contents. The transmitting/receiving unit 64 also receives data for displaying the chat image 30, which is transmitted by the transmitting/receiving unit 74, which will be described later.

[Display control part]
The display control unit 66 causes the display unit 25 to display the chat image 30 based on data transmitted by the transmission/reception unit 74, which will be described later.

[3-2. Functions realized by the message control server]
The message control server 10 implements a data storage unit 68 , a message acquisition unit 70 , a destination acquisition unit 72 , and a transmission/reception unit 74 . For example, the data storage unit 68 is implemented mainly by the storage unit 12 , and the message acquisition unit 70 , destination acquisition unit 72 , and transmission/reception unit 74 are implemented mainly by the control unit 11 and the communication unit 13 .

[Data storage part]
The data storage unit 68 stores a message database that stores various data regarding messages. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of data storage in a message database. As shown in FIG. 6, the message database stores message IDs, sender information, destination information, messages, and time information in association with each other.

The message ID is information for uniquely identifying each message. The sender information is information for identifying the user who has input (sent) the message. The destination information is information indicating the destination of the message. Note that if the destination of the message is not specified, nothing is stored in the destination information. Time information is the input time of the message. The time information may indicate the date and time, or may indicate only the time.

Note that the data stored in the data storage unit 68 is not limited to the above example. The data storage unit 68 only needs to store data for realizing exchange of messages between users. For example, in the present embodiment, the data storage unit 68 stores data for displaying the chat image 30 for each user. The data storage unit 68 may also store information identifying users participating in the chat and detailed information about each user. In addition, for example, the data storage unit 68 may store various image data such as the message image 32 and the avatar image 34 .

[Message acquisition part]
The message acquisition unit 70 acquires a message input by each user. The message acquisition unit 70 acquires messages received by the message input unit 60 of each terminal 20 via the transmission/reception unit 74 . The message acquired by the message acquisition unit 70 is stored in the message database.

[Destination Acquisition Part]
The destination acquisition unit 72 acquires destination information indicating the destination of the message. The destination acquisition unit 72 acquires destination information indicating the destination received by the destination designation unit 62 of each terminal 20 via the transmission/reception unit 74 . The destination information acquired by the destination acquisition unit 72 is stored in the message database.

[Transceiver]
The transmitting/receiving section 74 transmits/receives various data to/from the transmitting/receiving section 64 . For example, the transmitting/receiving section 74 receives messages and destination information transmitted by the transmitting/receiving section 64 .

The transmission/reception unit 74 transmits data for displaying the chat image 30 on the terminal 20 of each user. In other words, the transmission/reception unit 74 transmits data for displaying the chat image 30 on each terminal 20 of the user. The data transmitted by the transmission/reception unit 74 may be in a data format for displaying an image on the display unit 25, such as HTML format data. Also, here, the transmission/reception unit 74 will be described as generating data to be transmitted.

Based on the destination information, the transmitting/receiving unit 74 transmits to the destination a message input to the destination and a message input to a destination other than the destination and input by a user different from the user of the destination. data for displaying a chat image 30 distinguishing between a message input to a destination and a message input by a user different from the destination user to a destination other than the destination is transmitted to the destination.

The destination is the user, terminal 20, account, or the like of the other party (transmission target) to which the transmission/reception unit 74 transmits data. In the present embodiment, the case where the "destination" is the user of the transmission destination will be described, but it is not limited to this as long as it is the transmission destination of the data. For example, the destination user can be said to be the user operating the terminal 20 or the user corresponding to the chat image 30 (the user viewing the chat image 30). In this embodiment, the destination user is each of the multiple users participating in the chat.

Displaying chat images 30 that distinguish between messages means changing the display mode (display mode) of the message images 32. For example, at least one of the color, brightness, shape, and size of the message images 32 is displayed. , or by differentiating the display position, font type, or the like. Note that these are merely examples for distinguishing messages. The method for discriminating messages is not limited to these, and it is sufficient to visually discriminate them. A message image 32 indicating a message addressed to a destination user is in a first display mode (eg, includes a right arrow in a first color) and indicates a message addressed to a user different from the destination user. The message image 32 is in a second display mode (eg, in a second color and without an arrow).

Furthermore, the transmitting/receiving unit 74 transmits a message to the destination, which is input by a user different from the destination user, from a position on the chat image 30 associated with the destination other than the message on the chat image 30 associated with the destination. is data for displaying the chat image 30 associated with the direction with respect to the position of , and data including the message is transmitted.

Associating a message with a direction means displaying one image (message image 32 including an arrow in this embodiment) indicating the message and the direction, or displaying a direction near the image indicating the message (within a predetermined distance). is to display an image showing In this embodiment, the transmitting/receiving unit 74 selects the destination user from the area where the avatar image 34 associated with the user different from the destination user is displayed (near the left end in the examples of FIGS. 2 to 4). message image 32 including an arrow indicating a direction (right direction in the examples of FIGS. 2 to 4) with respect to the area where the avatar image 34 is displayed (near the right end in the examples of FIGS. 2 to 4).

In this embodiment, the transmitting/receiving unit 74 displays a chat image 30 in which a message input by a user other than the destination is associated with information identifying the destination. data, and sends the data containing the message to the destination. The information for identifying the destination is an image for displaying the destination, and corresponds to the destination image 36 in this embodiment. Associating the message with the information identifying the destination means displaying an image identifying the destination in the vicinity of the image showing the message (within a predetermined distance), or displaying one image showing the message and the destination. , the state in which it is possible to identify which message the information for identifying the destination corresponds to, but is not limited to these displays. In this embodiment, the transmission/reception unit 74 adds a destination image 36 indicating a destination to the message image 32 .

In this embodiment, the transmission/reception unit 74 is data for displaying a chat image 30 that further distinguishes a message input by the user of the transmission destination to a destination other than the transmission destination, and transmits data including the message to the transmission destination. Send. The message image 32 showing the message input by the destination user is in a third display mode (eg, including a leftward arrow in a third color).

Furthermore, the transmission/reception unit 74 converts the message input by the destination user to a destination other than the destination and the position on the chat image 30 associated with the destination to the position on the chat image 30 associated with the destination other than the destination. This is data for displaying the chat image 30 associated with the direction, and the data including the message is transmitted to the destination. For example, the transmitting/receiving unit 74 displays an avatar image associated with a user different from the destination user from the area where the avatar image 34 of the destination user is displayed (near the right end in the examples of FIGS. 2 to 4). A message image 32 is generated that includes an arrow pointing in the direction (to the left in the examples of FIGS. 2 and 3) with respect to the area where 34 is displayed (near the left end in the examples of FIGS. 2 to 4).

In this embodiment, it is possible to specify all of the transmittable destinations or not to specify the destination of the message. This is data for displaying a chat image 30 that further distinguishes messages that have not been sent, and the data including these messages is transmitted to the destination. For example, the message image 32 indicating a message addressed to all users or a message to which no destination is specified is in the fourth display mode (eg, fourth color).

In this embodiment, the transmitting/receiving unit 74 transmits data for displaying the avatar image 34 identifying the user who sent each message to the destination. In addition, when the avatar image 34 is specified based on the operation of each user, the transmitting/receiving unit 74 receives data (for example, displaying the input form 38) for accepting input of a message to the destination indicated by the specified avatar image 34. data).

[4. Processing executed in the message control system]
FIG. 7 is a flow diagram showing processing executed by the message control system 1. As shown in FIG. In the process shown in FIG. 7, when a chat in which a plurality of users participate starts, the control unit 11 operates according to the program stored in the storage unit 12, and the control unit 21 operates according to the program stored in the storage unit 22. by operating according to The functional blocks shown in FIG. 5 are implemented by executing the processing described below. Although only one terminal 20 is shown in FIG. 7 for simplification, similar processing is executed in each terminal 20 .

First, as shown in FIG. 7, in the message control server 10, the control unit 11 generates data for displaying the initial screen of the chat image 30 for each terminal 20 (S1), and transmits the data to each terminal 20. (S2). Here, the message control server 10 manages the data for displaying the chat image 30 in the storage unit 12 for each user participating in the chat. Since the data generated in S1 is the initial screen, the message image 32 and the avatar image 34 are not yet included.

In each terminal 20, when the data is received, the control unit 21 causes the display unit 25 to display the chat image 30 (S3), and determines whether or not the user has input a new message (S4). As described above, a new message is entered when the user performs a predetermined operation. It is also possible to specify a destination for a new message. It is assumed that the storage unit 22 of each terminal 20 stores the user IDs of all users participating in the chat. When the user designates the destination of the message, the control section 21 refers to the user ID stored in the storage section 22 .

If it is not determined that the user has input a new message (S4; N), the process proceeds to S8, which will be described later. In this case, it is determined whether or not data for updating the display of the chat image 30 has been received by another user who participates in the chat has input a message.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the user has input a new message (S4; Y), the control section 21 transmits the message and destination information to the message control server 10 (S5). When information is transmitted from each terminal 20 to the message control server 10, the user ID and the like are also transmitted, and the message control server 10 identifies from which user the message and destination information are received. It is possible. Also, if the destination is not specified, the destination information is not transmitted.

In the message control server 10, when the message and destination information are received, the control unit 11 stores them in the message database (S6), and executes processing for generating and transmitting data for updating the display of the chat image 30 ( S7). At S6, the control section 11 issues a message ID under a predetermined ID issuing rule and creates a new record in the message database. Then, the control unit 11 stores the issued message ID, the user ID of the user who entered the message, the received destination information, the received message, and the current time in the created new record.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing details of the processing executed in S7. In the process shown in FIG. 8, data for updating the display of the chat image 30 is generated for each user participating in the chat. As shown in FIG. 8, first, the control unit 11 selects a destination user from among the users participating in the chat (S21). In S21, the control unit 11 selects a user who will generate data from now on.

The control unit 11 refers to the sender information of the newly input message and determines whether or not the message is input by the destination user (S22). If it is determined that a user different from the destination user has input (S22; N), the control section 11 refers to the destination information of the message (S23).

If the message is addressed to the destination user (S23; destination), the control unit 11 generates a message image 32 in the first color including an arrow pointing to the right, and places an avatar image 34 on the left side ( S24). This avatar image 34 is the avatar image 34 of the user who has input the message. The same applies to the avatar image 34 described in S25 to S27 below.

On the other hand, if the message is addressed to a user different from the destination user (S23; different user), the control unit 11 generates a second color message image 32 to which a destination image 36 is added, and an avatar is displayed on the left side. The image 34 is arranged (S25). In S25, the control section 11 refers to the destination information of the message and generates the destination image 36. FIG.

On the other hand, if the message is addressed to all users or the destination is not specified (S23; other), the control unit 11 generates the message image 32 in the fourth color and arranges the avatar image 34 on the left side (S26). ).

In S22, if it is determined that the destination user has made an input (S22; Y), the control unit 11 generates a third color message image 32 including a leftward arrow, and displays an avatar image 34 on the right side. Arrange (S27). If the destination is specified, the control unit 11 refers to the destination information of the message, generates the destination image 36, and attaches it to the message image 32 in S27.

The control unit 11 merges each image generated in any of S24 to S27 with the original chat image 30 so that the messages are arranged in chronological order, and generates data for displaying the chat image 30 (S28 ). In this embodiment, since the message image 32 showing the latest message is displayed above the chat image 30, in S28, the control unit 11 replaces each image generated in any of S24 to S27 with the original chat image. By merging it above the chat image 30, the data of the updated chat image 30 is generated. The control unit 11 stores the generated data in the storage unit 12 in association with the destination user.

The control unit 11 determines whether data for all users have been generated (S29). If it is determined that there is a user who has not generated data yet (S29; N), the process returns to S21 to generate data for the next destination user. When it is determined that data for all users have been generated (S29; Y), the control unit 11 transmits the generated data to each terminal 20 (S30), and this process ends and the process returns to the main routine of FIG. return. In S30, the control unit 11 transmits each data generated in S28 to the terminal 20 of the destination user.

Returning to FIG. 7, in each terminal 20, the control unit 21 determines whether data for displaying the chat image 30 has been received (S8). If it is not determined that the data has been received (S8; N), the display of the chat image 30 is not updated, and the process proceeds to S10, which will be described later.

On the other hand, when it is determined that data has been received (S8; Y), the control unit 21 updates the display of the chat image 30 (S9). In S9, the control unit 21 updates the display of the chat image 30 based on the received data so that the message image 32 showing the latest message is displayed on the upper side of the screen.

The control unit 21 determines whether or not the user has designated the avatar image 34 (S10). If it is not determined that the user has designated the avatar image 34 (S10; N), the process returns to S4. On the other hand, if it is determined that the user has designated the avatar image 34 (S10; Y), the control section 21 transmits information identifying the avatar image 34 designated by the user to the message control server 10 (S11).

In the message control server 10, when the information identifying the avatar image 34 is received, the control unit 11 transmits data for displaying the input form 38 in which the user indicated by the avatar image 34 is set in the destination field 40 ( S12). It is assumed that the image data of the input form 38 is stored in the storage unit 12 in advance.

In each terminal 20, when the data is received, the control unit 21 displays the input form 38 on the chat image 30 (S13). After that, the input of the message to the input form 38 will be accepted. The control unit 21 determines whether or not the user has selected the send button 44 (S14).

If it is determined that the user has selected the send button 44 (S14; Y), the process proceeds to S5. In this case, the message and destination information entered in the input form 38 are sent to the message control server 10 in S5. Thereafter, the message is stored in the message database in S6, and the processing for updating the chat image 30 is executed in S7. The details of each of these processes are as described above.

On the other hand, if it is not determined that the user has selected the send button 44 (S14; N), the control unit 21 determines whether or not the chat has ended (S15). A chat ends when a predetermined condition is satisfied, for example, when any user performs a predetermined operation for ending the chat. If it is determined that the chat has not ended (S15; N), the process returns to S4. On the other hand, if it is determined that the chat has ended (S15; Y), this process ends.

According to the message control system 1 described above, in the chat image 30 for displaying messages in chronological order, the message image 32 indicating the message addressed to the user and the message image 32 indicating the message not addressed to the user are displayed. The different aspects allow users to easily identify messages that are relevant to them.

In particular, in a game in which each user plays a strategy while chatting, as in the present embodiment, each user needs not only messages addressed to himself but also messages addressed to others, due to the nature of the game. need to be That is, since it is not possible to provide each user with a screen in which only the messages addressed to him/herself are filtered, there is a need for a mechanism that allows all users to check the messages. In this regard, by displaying the chat image 30 as described above, each user can easily distinguish between messages addressed to himself/herself and messages addressed to others, even if messages from all users are displayed.

In addition, when chatting about strategies during the execution of a game, there is often no time to carefully check the message. It can be specified by time, and it is possible to effectively prevent overlooking messages. Furthermore, each user reduces the possibility of mistaking a message addressed to him/herself as being addressed to another person, and also reduces the possibility of mistaking a message addressed to another person as being addressed to himself/herself, thus preventing erroneous transmission of messages due to these misunderstandings. be able to.

In addition, in the chat image 30, since the display mode of the message image 32 indicating the message input by the user is further different, it is possible to identify the message input by each user to another person while the messages are displayed in chronological order. easier. For example, it is possible to reduce the possibility that each user misunderstands a message sent by himself/herself as a message sent by another person. Also, for example, each user can easily identify what the message addressed to him/her by another person is for which message he or she has sent.

In addition, in the chat image 30, the destination image 36 is displayed in the message image 32 of the message that is not addressed to each user. Makes it easier to identify the destination. In particular, in situations such as chatting about game strategies, when each user plays a game, there may be users who are closely related to them and users who are not so related to them in relation to their strategies. Therefore, each user can easily identify from the destination image 36 whether the message is directed to a user who is closely related to the user.

In addition, in the chat image 30, messages addressed to all users and messages to which the destination is not specified can be further distinguished, so that it is easy to grasp whether a message of low importance, such as a mere murmur, is present. In particular, when chatting about game strategy, the user may send a message as reference information for planning a strategy. In such a case, it becomes easier for each user to identify whether the message is merely reference information or a message showing the details of the strategy.

In addition, by designating the avatar image 34, the user can input a message addressed to the user indicated by the avatar image 34, which makes it easier for the user to designate the destination when inputting the message. In particular, by allowing the user to select the avatar image 34 displayed near the message image 32, each user can easily designate the user who sent the message to which the user wants to reply.

In addition, since the message image 32 indicating the message addressed to the user includes a rightward arrow on which the user's avatar image 34 is displayed, each user can intuitively identify whether the message is addressed to the user.

In addition, since the message image 32 indicating the message input by the user includes an arrow pointing to the left in which the avatar image 34 of another person is displayed, each user can sense whether the message is addressed to another user. easier to identify.

[5. Modification]
It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. Modifications can be made as appropriate without departing from the gist of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a functional block diagram of a modification. As shown in FIG. 9, in the modified example, a reply source obtaining unit 76 and a group affiliation unit 78 are realized in addition to the functions of the embodiment. For example, the reply source acquisition unit 76 and the group affiliation unit 78 are implemented mainly by the control unit 11 .

(1-1) For example, when user A inputs a reply message to a message input by user X, the chat image 30 is designed so that it is possible to identify what the reply message is for. good too. In this modification, it is possible to send a reply to the user who sent the message, and the message acquisition unit 70 acquires the reply message input by each user. It should be noted that the reply message is composed of a symbol string and an image, like a normal message. Furthermore, it is assumed that the reply message is input from the input form as in the embodiment.

The message control server 10 of this modified example includes a reply source acquisition unit 76 . The reply source acquisition unit 76 acquires reply source information that identifies the original message of the reply. For example, the reply source information is the message ID of the original message of the reply. The reply source acquisition unit 76 acquires the message ID of the message specified when the user inputs the reply as reply source information.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of data storage in the message database in the modified example. As shown in FIG. 10, the message database stores reply source information of each message. Note that the reply source information is not stored for normal messages that are not replies. Also, here, a case where the reply source information is the message ID of the original message will be described, but the reply source information is not limited to this as long as it is information that identifies the original message.

The transmission/reception unit 74 is data for displaying the chat image 30 in which the reply message and the original message of the reply are associated with each other based on the reply source information, and transmits the data including these messages to the transmission destination. Send. Associating messages means displaying a plurality of message images 32 in mutually corresponding display modes (for example, corresponding at least one of color, brightness, shape, and size), or pointing to a plurality of message images 32. To display an image (for example, to display a line connecting a plurality of message images 32 or to display an arrow pointing to a plurality of message images 32).

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a chat image 30 of user A. As shown in FIG. In the example of FIG. 11, message image 32I shows a new message input by user Z. In the example of FIG. That is, the message indicated by the message image 32I is neither the reply message nor the original message of the reply.

On the other hand, the message image 32J shows a reply message by the user Y to the message shown by the message image 32K. The message image 32K is a new message input by the user X, and is also the original message of the reply indicated by the message image 32K. In the example of FIG. 11, the transmitting/receiving unit 74 displays the message image 32I in black (indicated by shading in FIG. 11) and displays the message images 32J and 32K without darkening. generated and transmitted.

Here, as an example of associating messages, a case has been described in which the message images 32 are displayed with brightness corresponding to each other without being dimmed. is not limited to this. The same applies to modified examples to be described later.

According to the modification (1-1), in the chat image 30, the message image 32 indicating the reply message and the message image 32 indicating the source of the reply are displayed in association with each other. While the messages are displayed in series, it becomes easier to identify what the reply message is for.

(1-2) Further, for example, when a message is specified based on the operation of each user, the transmitting/receiving unit 74 may transmit data for accepting input of a reply message to the specified message. good. Here, the user's selection of the message image 32 using the operation unit 24 corresponds to designation of the message.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a chat image 30 of user A. As shown in FIG. In the example of FIG. 12, when the user A selects the message image 32K, an input form 46 is displayed for entering a reply to the message indicated by the message image 32K. The destination column 48 contains the sender of the original message (ie, the message selected by the user). The user can enter a message in the message input field 50 and select a reply button 52 to send a reply message.

In this modification, the message acquisition unit 70 acquires the message input in the message input field 50 , and the destination acquisition unit 72 acquires destination information specified in the destination field 48 . Then, the reply source acquisition unit 76 acquires information (here, the message ID) that identifies the message indicated by the message image 32 specified by the user. The message database stores each of these pieces of acquired information in association with each other.

According to the modification (1-2), when the message image 32 is selected in the chat image 30, a reply to the message indicated by the message image 32 can be accepted. can be mitigated.

(1-3) Further, for example, the display of the association as in the modified example (1-1) may not always be displayed in the chat image 30, but may be displayed when the user designates a message. When a reply message is specified based on the operation of each user, the transmission/reception unit 74 of this modification displays the chat image 30 in which the specified reply message and the original message of the reply are associated. and send the data containing these messages to the destination.

FIG. 13 shows how the chat image 30 changes when user A designates a reply message. The example of FIG. 13 shows how the chat image 30 changes when the user A selects the message image 32J. Upon receiving the selection of the message image 32J indicating the reply message, the terminal 20 of the user A notifies the message control server 10 accordingly.

In the message control server 10, the transmission/reception unit 74 refers to the message database to identify the original message of the reply selected by the user A (in the example of FIG. 13, the message indicated by the message image 32K). Then, the transmitting/receiving unit 74 transmits to the terminal 20 data for displaying the message images 32I and 32L in black and displaying the message images 32J and 32K without darkening.

Also, in the above description, the case where the user designates a reply message has been described. This is data for displaying the chat image 30 associated with the reply message to the designated original message, and data including these messages may be transmitted to the destination.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing how the chat image 30 changes when user A designates the original message. The example of FIG. 14 shows how the chat image 30 changes when the user A selects the message image 32K. Upon receiving the selection of the message image 32K indicating the original message of the reply, the terminal 20 of the user A notifies the message control server 10 accordingly.

In the message control server 10, the transmitting/receiving unit 74 refers to the message database to identify the reply message to the original message selected by the user A (in the example of FIG. 13, the message indicated by each of the message images 32J and 32L). do. Then, the transmitting/receiving unit 74 transmits to the terminal 20 data for displaying the message image 32I in black and displaying the message images 32J, 32K, and 32L without darkening.

According to the modified example (1-3), it becomes easier to identify what the reply message specified on the chat image 30 is for, or what message is specified on the chat image 30. It becomes easier to identify whether the reply was entered.

(2-1) Also, for example, if replies are sent to a certain message one after another, there is a high possibility that the series of messages indicate the same topic. For this reason, messages on the same topic may be grouped so that they can be identified by the chat image 30 .

The message control server 10 of this modified example includes a group affiliation section 78 . The group belonging unit 78 makes the reply message belong to the same message group as the original message of the reply. To belong to the same message group means to associate messages with each other, for example, to give common identification information (message group ID described later) to the messages.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of data storage in the message database of this modified example. As shown in FIG. 15, message group IDs are stored in the message database of this modified example. A message group ID is information that uniquely identifies a message group. Messages having a common message group ID are highly likely to be on the same topic. In other words, messages having a common message group ID have a common origin message (message that serves as a starting point for reply) when tracing the original message of the reply.

The group affiliation unit 78 gives the reply message the same message group ID as the original message. Note that the group affiliation unit 78 issues a message group ID when a message is replied to for the first time. A message group ID may be issued based on a predetermined ID issuance rule. Thereafter, every time a reply is made to a message with the issued message group ID, the group affiliation unit 78 gives this message group ID to the reply message.

The transmitting/receiving unit 74 of this modified example is data for displaying the chat image 30 associated with messages belonging to the same message group, and transmits data including the message to the destination.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a chat image 30 of user A. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 16, the messages indicated by the message images 32B, 32C, and 32F belong to the same message group (the group whose message group ID is "002"). Therefore, the transmitting/receiving unit 74 transmits data for darkening the message images 32A, 32D, 32E, 32G, and 32H and displaying them without darkening the message images 32B, 32C, and 32F. Become.

According to the modified example (2-1), when a certain message is the starting point and replies are sent one after another, each user displays on the chat image 30 a message whose starting point is the same message (that is, the same topic). message) can be easily identified.

(2-2) Further, the display of the association as in the modified example (2-1) may not always be displayed in the chat image 30, but may be displayed when the user designates a message. When a message is specified based on the operation of each user, the transmitting/receiving unit 74 of this modified example displays the chat image 30 that distinguishes between the message of the message group to which the specified message belongs and the message different from the message. data to the destination. More specifically, the transmitting/receiving unit 74 transmits data for displaying a chat image 30 in which a message in the message group to which the specified message belongs is distinguished from messages belonging to a message group different from the message group. Send to

FIG. 17 shows how the chat image 30 changes when user A designates a message. The example of FIG. 17 shows how the chat image 30 changes when the user A selects the message image 32F. Upon accepting the selection of the message image 32F, the terminal 20 of the user A notifies the message control server 10 accordingly.

In the message control server 10, the transmitting/receiving unit 74 refers to the message database and identifies messages belonging to the same message group as the message selected by the user A. Then, the transmitting/receiving unit 74 transmits data for displaying the message images 32A, 32D, 32E, 32G, and 32H in black, and displaying the message images 32B, 32C, and 32F without blacking. .

According to the modified example (2-2), each user can easily specify each message in the same message group as the message specified by the user on the chat image 30 .

(3-1) For example, in the embodiment, the case where the destination user is one person has been described, but a plurality of users may be designated as the destination. In this case, the destination information indicates one or more users. The transmitting/receiving unit 74 of this modification distinguishes between a message whose destination is included in a plurality of designated destinations and a message whose destination is not included in a plurality of designated destinations. is data for displaying , and the data including these messages is sent to the destination.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of a chat image 30 of user A. As shown in FIG. In the example of FIG. 18, users A and Y are specified as destinations in the message indicated by the message image 32F. Therefore, a plurality of users are shown in the destination image 36F attached to the message image 32F. Note that, in this modification, when a plurality of users are designated as destinations, it is determined in the process of S23 whether or not the destination user is included in the plurality of users. Other processing is the same as in the embodiment.

According to the modified example (3-1), it is possible to specify a plurality of destinations and send messages at the same time. In addition, even if a plurality of destinations are specified, if the user is included in one of them, the message is displayed so as to be distinguished from messages addressed to others. Become.

(3-2) For example, even if a message is addressed to user A, a message addressed only to user A may be more important than a message addressed to another user, so these can be distinguished. You may do so. The transmitting/receiving unit 74 is data for displaying a chat image 30 that distinguishes between a message addressed only to the destination and a message including a plurality of specified destinations and destinations other than the destination, Send the data containing these messages to the destination.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a comparative example of the message image 32. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 19, the transmitting/receiving unit 74 displays chat images 30 in which the display modes of a message image 32M addressed only to user A and a message image 32N addressed to another user are different. send data for For example, message image 32M is highlighted more than message image 32N.

According to the modification (3-2), each user can easily distinguish between a message addressed only to the user and a message addressed to other users. For example, messages addressed only to them may be more important, in which case each user is more likely to identify the more important messages.

(4) For example, when the user designates the avatar image 34 , the history of messages with the user indicated by the avatar image 34 may be displayed in the chat image 30 . The transmitting/receiving unit 74 of this modified example displays a chat image 30 in which a message between a destination and a destination other than the destination specified based on the operation of the user of the destination is distinguished from messages other than the message. data that contains the message.

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing how the chat image 30 changes when the user A selects the user X's avatar image 34 . As shown in FIG. 20 , when user A selects user X's avatar image 34 , exchanges between user A and user X are displayed in chat image 30 . Specifically, when the terminal 20 of the user A accepts the selection of the avatar image 34 of the user X, it notifies the message control server 10 of the selection.

In the message control server 10, the transmission/reception unit 74 refers to the message database and identifies messages between the user A and the user X specified by the user A. FIG. For example, the transmitting/receiving unit 74 identifies a message whose source information and destination information are a combination of user A and user X. FIG. Then, the transmitting/receiving unit 74 generates a chat image 30 in which the display modes of the exchange between the user A and the user X and other messages are different, and transmits the data to the terminal 20 of the user A. do. In other words, the transmission/reception unit 74 transmits the chat image 30 showing the history of messages exchanged between the user A and the user X. FIG.

According to the modified example (4), when a certain user designates another user, the history of messages exchanged between users can be displayed, so that the contents exchanged between specific users can be easily grasped. be able to.

(5) For example, in the above description, the process of generating data for displaying the chat image 30 is realized by the message control server 10, but this process is executed by each terminal 20 (message control terminal). may be realized. That is, the main functions may be realized by each terminal 20 instead of the message control server 10. FIG.

For example, the message acquisition unit 70 and the destination acquisition unit 72 may be implemented in each terminal 20 . In this case, the control unit 21 and the communication unit 23 of each terminal 20 acquire, via the communication network 2, the message input by each user and the destination information indicating the designated destination. For example, the message acquisition unit 70 acquires messages stored in the message database via the communication network 2 , and the destination acquisition unit 72 acquires destination information stored in the message database via the communication network 2 .

In addition, based on the destination information, the display control unit 66 of each terminal 20 can distinguish between a message input to the user (that is, the user of the terminal 20) and a message input by a user other than the user with a destination other than the user. , are displayed. Although the message control server 10 generates the data of the chat image 30 in the embodiment, the display control unit 66 generates the data of the chat image 30 in this modified example. The content of the processing itself for generating this data is the same as the content described in the embodiment and the above modification.

Further, each process described in the modified example may be realized by each terminal 20 . For example, the display control unit 66 may execute the processes described in Modifications (1-1) to (1-3). That is, the display control unit 66 may generate data of the chat image 30 in which the reply message and the original message are associated with each other. Similarly, the display control unit 66 may execute the processes described in the modified examples (2-1) and (2-2). That is, the display control unit 66 may generate data of the chat image 30 in which messages of the same message group are associated. Also, the display control unit 66 may execute the processes described in the modified examples (3-1) and (3-2). That is, the display control unit 66 may generate data of the chat image 30 when a plurality of users are designated as destinations.

According to the modification (5), the terminal 20 side can execute the main processing, so the load on the message control server 10 can be reduced.

(6) Further, for example, the embodiment and the modification may be combined.

Also, for example, the message control server or message control terminal according to the present invention may be applied to a technique for exchanging messages between users, and can be applied to applications other than chatting. In other words, the present invention can be applied to an electronic bulletin board in which a plurality of users post messages, for example, without requiring real-time performance like a chat.

[6. Summary of the Invention]
From the above description, the present invention can be grasped, for example, as follows. A message control server (10) according to the present invention is a message control server (10) that communicates with a terminal (20) that displays an image (for example, a chat image 30) in which messages of each of a plurality of users are arranged in chronological order. message acquisition means (70) for acquiring a message input by each user; destination acquisition means (72) for acquiring destination information indicating the destination of the message; For example, a means (74) for transmitting data for displaying a chat image (30), wherein, based on the destination information, a message input to a destination and a message sent to a destination other than the destination A message input by a user different from a destination user is transmitted to the destination, and a message input to the destination is addressed to a destination other than the destination and input by a user different from the destination user. and transmission means (74) for transmitting data for displaying an image (for example, chat image 30) distinguishing messages to the destination.

A message control terminal (20) according to the present invention is a message control terminal (20) that displays an image (for example, a chat image 30) in which messages of each of a plurality of users are arranged in chronological order. message obtaining means (70) for obtaining a message received from the user; destination obtaining means (72) for obtaining destination information indicating the destination of the message; a message addressed to the user based on the destination information; and display control means (66) for displaying an image (for example, a chat image 30) distinguishing between a message input by a user other than the user and a destination other than the above.

A program according to the present invention acquires a message input by each user to a computer that communicates with a terminal (20) that displays an image (for example, a chat image 30) in which messages of each of a plurality of users are arranged in chronological order. message acquisition means (70), destination acquisition means (72) for acquiring destination information indicating the destination of the message, and transmission of data for displaying the image (for example, the chat image 30) on each user's terminal (20) means (74) for transmitting, based on the destination information, a message input to a destination and a message input to a destination other than the destination and input by a user different from the user of the destination; Displaying an image (e.g., chat image 30) distinguishing between a message sent first and input to the destination and a message addressed to a destination other than the destination and input by a user different from the user of the destination. It functions as a transmitting means (74) for transmitting data to the destination.

A program according to the present invention comprises a computer that displays an image (for example, a chat image 30) in which messages of each of a plurality of users are arranged in chronological order. Destination acquisition means (72) for acquiring destination information indicating the destination of the message, based on the destination information, a message input to a user and a message input by a user other than the user as a destination. It functions as display control means (66) for displaying an image (for example, chat image 30) distinguishing between a message and a message.

Further, an information storage medium according to the present invention is a computer-readable information storage medium recording the above program.

Advantageous Effects of Invention According to the present invention, a user can easily specify a message related to him/herself in an image in which messages are arranged in chronological order.

In one aspect of the present invention, the transmitting means (74) provides data for displaying an image (e.g., chat image 30) further distinguishing a message input by the destination user to a destination other than the destination. and transmitting data including the message to the destination. According to this aspect, while the messages are displayed in chronological order, each user can easily identify the message that he or she has input to another person.

In one aspect of the present invention, the transmitting means (74) associates a message input by a user other than the destination and input by a user different from the destination, with information identifying the destination. This is data for displaying an image (for example, chat image 30), and the data including the message is transmitted to the destination. According to this aspect, while the messages are displayed in chronological order, it becomes easier for each user to identify to whom a message from another person is addressed.

In one aspect of the present invention, the message control server (10) is capable of replying to the user who sent the message, and the message obtaining means (70) receives the reply input by each user. Retrieving a message, said message control server (10) further comprises means (76) for retrieving reply-from information identifying a message from which a reply originates, wherein said sending means (74), based on said reply-from information, data for displaying an image (for example, a chat image 30) in which the reply message and the original message of the reply are associated with each other, and the data including these messages are transmitted to the destination; It is characterized by According to this aspect, while the messages are displayed in chronological order, it becomes easier to identify what the reply message is for.

Further, in one aspect of the present invention, when a message is designated based on the operation of each user, the transmitting means (74) transmits data for accepting input of a reply message to the designated message. , is characterized by According to this aspect, when each user designates a message, it is possible to receive a reply to the message, which makes it easier for the user to reply.

Further, in one aspect of the present invention, when a reply message is specified based on the operation of each user, the transmission means (74) transmits the specified reply message, the original message of the reply, is data for displaying an image (e.g., chat image 30) associated with , and a means (74) for transmitting data including these messages to the destination, and the original message is specified based on the operation of each user data for displaying an image (e.g., chat image 30) that associates the specified original message with a reply message to the specified original message when the message is and/or means (74) for transmitting data containing to the destination. According to this aspect, it becomes easier to identify what the reply message specified by the user is for, or to identify what reply was input to the message specified by the user. do.

In one aspect of the present invention, the message control server (10) is capable of replying to the user who sent the message, and the message obtaining means (70) receives the reply input by each user. obtaining a message, said message control server further comprising means (78) for making said reply message belong to the same message group as the original message of said reply; Data for displaying an image (for example, chat image 30) associated with a message to which it belongs, and is characterized by transmitting data including the message to the destination. According to this aspect, when each user replies one after another, it becomes easier to identify messages belonging to the same group (for example, messages with the same topic).

Further, in one aspect of the present invention, when a message is specified based on the operation of each user, the sending means (74) sends a message of a message group to which the specified message belongs and a message different from the message. data for displaying an image (for example, a chat image 30) that distinguishes between the two is transmitted to the destination. According to this aspect, it becomes easier to specify the message in the same message group as the message specified by the user.

Further, in one aspect of the present invention, a plurality of users can be designated as destinations of the message, and the transmission means (74) transmits a message including the destination among the plurality of designated destinations, Data for displaying an image (for example, chat image 30) distinguishing between messages that do not include the destination among the plurality of designated destinations, and data including these messages are data for displaying the data including the messages to the destination. characterized by transmitting to According to this aspect, it is possible to specify a plurality of destinations and transmit messages at the same time. Also, even if a plurality of destinations are designated, each user can easily identify the message addressed to himself/herself because the message addressed to himself/herself is displayed separately from the message addressed to others if the user is included therein.

Further, in one aspect of the present invention, the transmitting means (74) transmits a message addressed only to the destination, and a message including the destination and destinations other than the destination among the specified plurality of destinations. is data for displaying an image (for example, chat image 30) that distinguishes between . According to this aspect, it is easier for each user to identify more important messages because messages addressed only to the user may be more important than messages addressed to users other than the user.

Further, in one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to designate all of the transmittable destinations or not to designate the destination of the message, and the transmitting means (74) may or a message to which no destination is specified (e.g., a chat image 30) for displaying an image (e.g., a chat image 30), and transmitting data including these messages to the destination. . According to this aspect, it is possible to further distinguish messages addressed to the whole or messages not specifying destinations.

In one aspect of the present invention, the transmission means (74) transmits data for displaying information identifying a transmission source of each message to the transmission destination, and the information is designated based on an operation of each user. and transmitting data for receiving input of a message to a destination indicated by the specified information. According to this aspect, when the user inputs a message, it becomes easier to designate it as a destination.

Further, in one aspect of the present invention, the transmitting means (74) transmits a message between the destination and a destination other than the destination specified based on the operation of the user of the destination. It is data for displaying an image (for example, chat image 30) distinguished from a message, and is characterized by transmitting data including the message. According to this aspect, each user can easily grasp the contents of exchanges with the user designated by the user.

Further, in one aspect of the present invention, the transmitting means (74) transmits a message addressed to the destination by a user different from the user of the destination and an image (for example, a chat message) associated with a destination other than the destination. Data for displaying an image associated with a position on the image 30) and a direction to a position on the image (for example, the chat image 30) associated with the destination, and the data including the message is data for displaying the It is characterized by transmitting to a destination. According to this aspect, each user can intuitively identify whether or not the message is addressed to him/herself.

Further, in one aspect of the present invention, the transmitting means (74) transmits a message input by the user of the destination to a destination other than the destination and an image (for example, chat image 30) associated with the destination. data for displaying an image (e.g., chat image 30) associated with a position on an image (e.g., chat image 30) that is associated with something other than the destination from the position of the message. and transmitting the data including the data to the destination. According to this aspect, each user can intuitively identify whether the message is addressed to someone else.

1 message control system 2 communication network 10 message control server 11 control unit 12 storage unit 13 communication unit 20 terminal 21 control unit 22 storage unit 23 communication unit 24 operation unit 25 display unit 30 Chat image, 32, 32A, 32B, 32C, 32D, 32E, 32F, 32G, 32H, 32I, 32J, 32K, 32L, 32M, 32N Message image, 34, 34A, 34B, 34C, 34D, 34E, 34F, 34G , 34H, 34I, 34J, 34K, 34L, 34M, 34N avatar image, 36 destination image, 38, 46 input form, 40, 48 destination field, 42, 50 message input field, 44 send button, 52 reply button, 60 message Input section 62 Destination designation section 64 Transmission/reception section 66 Display control section 68 Data storage section 70 Message acquisition section 72 Destination acquisition section 74 Transmission/reception section 76 Reply source acquisition section 78 Group affiliation section.

Claims (6)

A message system in which a plurality of terminals and a server can transmit and receive data via a network,
message acquisition means for acquiring an input message from each of the plurality of terminals;
reply source acquisition means for acquiring reply source information associated with the message;
display control means for displaying, on each of the plurality of terminals, an image in which the plurality of messages including the message with a designated destination and the message without a designated destination are arranged in chronological order;
including
The display control means, in each of the plurality of terminals,
displaying, from among the messages displayed in the image, a reply source message of the message specified by the first operation of the user of the terminal in a manner distinguishable from other messages;
message system. In each of the plurality of terminals, it is possible to reply to a message specified by a second operation of the user of the terminal from among the messages displayed in the image.
The message system of claim 1. A message system in which a plurality of terminals and a server can transmit and receive data via a network,
message acquisition means for acquiring an input message from each of the plurality of terminals;
reply source acquisition means for acquiring reply source information associated with the message;
destination acquisition means for acquiring destination information indicating a destination user associated with the message ;
In each of the plurality of terminals, based on the destination information, an image in which the plurality of messages are arranged in chronological order includes a message addressed to a user of the terminal and a message addressed to a person other than the user of the terminal. , display control means for displaying in different display modes;
including
The display control means, in each of the plurality of terminals,
displaying, from among the messages displayed in the image, a reply source message of the message specified by the first operation of the user of the terminal in a manner distinguishable from other messages;
message system. A control method for a message system in which a plurality of terminals and a server can transmit and receive data via a network,
a message acquisition step of acquiring an input message from each of the plurality of terminals;
a reply source obtaining step of obtaining reply source information associated with the message;
a display control step of displaying, on each of the plurality of terminals, an image in which the plurality of messages including the message with a designated destination and the message without a designated destination are arranged in chronological order;
including
In each of the plurality of terminals, the display control step includes:
displaying, from among the messages displayed in the image, a reply source message of the message specified by the first operation of the user of the terminal in a manner distinguishable from other messages;
control method. A server that can send and receive data via multiple terminals and networks,
message acquisition means for acquiring an input message from each of the plurality of terminals;
reply source acquisition means for acquiring reply source information associated with the message;
display control means for displaying, on each of the plurality of terminals, an image in which a plurality of the messages including the message with a designated destination and the message with a non-designated destination are arranged in chronological order;
A program for functioning as
The display control means, in each of the plurality of terminals,
displaying, from among the messages displayed in the image, a reply source message of the message specified by the first operation of the user of the terminal in a manner distinguishable from other messages;
program. A terminal that can send and receive data via a network,
message acquisition means for acquiring an input message from another terminal;
reply source acquisition means for acquiring reply source information associated with the message;
display control means for displaying an image in which a plurality of said messages , including said messages with designated destinations and said messages with undesignated destinations, are arranged in chronological order;
A program for functioning as
The display control means displays, on the terminal, a reply source message of a message designated by a first operation of a user of the terminal among the messages displayed on the image in a manner distinguishable from other messages. do,
program.

Images