JP2003141050A - Information processor having user-to-user communication function and program used therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To easily perform the information transmission between users without an intervention of a network. SOLUTION: This information processor 1 is equipped with an operating system having a multi-user function or user-easily switching function for switching the present user to another user without ending the application of the present user. A message file having a message transmitter and designation specified by user names and the presence information of a data file containing voice and image data as message contents is used so that a message can be sent and received between users under a local environment without requiring the connecting to the network. On the basis of this file, the storage place of the data file can be mutually reported between the users.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a technique for enabling a user to easily send and receive a message in a device equipped with an operating system having a multi-user function and a simple user switching function.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a local computer equipped with a multi-user operating system (Operating System), various communication functions have been considered for exchanging messages between users registered on the computer. For example, a mode is known in which message data is transferred using a shared folder (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-134479, etc.).

On the other hand, among multi-user / multi-task operating systems, there are known ones having a simple user switching function (for example, Window
s XP: A trademark of Microsoft Corporation), it provides convenient functions (functions on a local computer) when one computer is used by multiple people. In other words, it is possible to switch to another user while logged on without requiring the user to log off, through personal authentication such as by entering a password. Therefore, for example, when sharing one computer with a family. There is an advantage that each person can use the same application while switching the desktop (work area on the computer screen).

[0004]

By the way, the conventional inter-user message communication function has the following problems in terms of user convenience.

For example, according to the method of delivering a data file using a shared folder or the like, it is necessary to inform the destination of the message of who puts what in what folder. For example, by conversation or message by memo pad,
Other means (email, desktop sticky notes, etc.)
Although there is a form in which necessary information is transmitted to the other party using, there is a disadvantage in any case.

Further, an operating system (hereinafter, simply referred to as "OS") having the above-mentioned user simple switching function.
Say. ) Equipped device (local computer), a large number of users can use the same one computer, each person will be able to immediately switch to use the desktop. Then, the text message can be exchanged in the computer easily without going through the network. In other words, this function has certain restrictions because the text data to be delivered to the other party is stored in the memory, not as a file. For example, you can only send text messages or only to the currently logged on user.

In addition to this, household electric appliances (refrigerators, etc.) having a recording function are known, and a function as an audio message board is added for sharing with a family, but it has a certain amount of information. It is not premised on data exchange.

In a networked system, a communication function between users is installed as standard, but even if such a form can be adopted in a large-scale system, it is not suitable for use in a local system environment. is there.

The OS having the simple switching function for the user is premised on that one computer is shared and used by a large number of people, so that it is used in a closed environment, that is, in a local computer not connected to the network. It is thought that exchanging messages in is very meaningful. For example, not only text messages but also various kinds of communication such as voice, still images, and moving images can be performed, so that communication and information transmission between users can be performed at a high level.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to make it possible to easily transmit information between users in an information processing apparatus having a communication function between users without the intervention of a network.

[0011]

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a message sender and a destination specified by a user name, and location information of a data file containing voice or image data as message contents. It is configured such that the storage location of the data file can be notified among the users by using the message file having the.

Therefore, according to the present invention, voice and image information can be transmitted between users in a local device without presupposing network connection.
Since it is only necessary to inform the other party of the storage location of the data file using the message file, it is a simple communication means and highly convenient.

[0013]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus having a communication function between users. For example, an OS having a multi-user function or an OS having a simple user switching function is installed. It is also applicable to computers, image or sound processing devices, measuring devices, and the like.

First, the meaning of the terms used in this specification will be clarified, and then the hardware configuration and software processing will be described.

The definitions of the following terms will be described.

(A) "simple user switching function" (or user simple switching function) (b) "user is active (or inactive)", "active (or inactive) user" (c) " Welcome Screen.

First, (a) is a function provided by a multi-user compatible OS, and by selecting or executing the item "user switching", the application (process) started by the current user is terminated. This is a function that allows the entire desktop (work area on the computer screen) to be switched to another user without causing the user to do so. That is, unlike the user switching by the normal logon (or login) or the logoff (or logout), the user can be easily switched.

Since the time for loading the application to the memory at the time of user switching is not required, there is an advantage that it takes less time than switching by logoff and logon, and the processing is relatively fast.

This function itself is generally known. For example, in the above "Windows XP", "Fast User Swit
ching ”. Further, although the OS is specified and described below, the scope of application of the present invention is not limited to the specific OS, and any OS having a similar function or a multi-user compatible OS can be used. (Un
ix type OS etc.) can be applied. The user switching in the following description means switching of the user in the "simple user switching function".

In the above (b), "the user is active" means that the user is logged on and the desktop of the user is displayed on the screen. The “active user” is the user in the case where the “user is active”. The "active user" can issue commands and commands to the launched application at any time.

On the other hand, "the user is not active" means that the user is logged on and the desktop of the user is not displayed on the screen. The “inactive user” is the user in the case where the “user is not active”. The "inactive user" cannot give instructions or commands to the application until the user is switched to itself.

It should be noted that a user who is not logged on is not said to be active or inactive. Further, since the above definition is just a basic one, it may not be strictly valid depending on a specific OS (in the case of “Windows XP”, it will be described later in FIG. 4). This is due to the specifications and various circumstances and is not essential.

[Welcome screen] (c) above
Screen) is a screen that appears when a user switches from one user to another when the simple user switching function is enabled. For example, selection of a user (registered user), input of a password, etc. It is a screen where you can perform, shutdown, standby, restart, etc. When performing a simple user switching, the "Welcome screen" is always passed (in that sense, the user switching screen).

The case where the user's simple switching function is effective means, for example, that the setting is effective when it can be set by the system management utility such as the control panel (that is, the setting right is set). It is entrusted to the user), the user's simple switching function is valid from the beginning, or only a specific user (system administrator or the like) has the setting right for validity.

The term "message" includes what is passed between users in order to communicate with each other and what is used in program processing between the OS and the application. Be careful (however, the difference between the two is clear from the context).

Next, the execution environment of the application will be described.

FIG. 1 shows an example of the hardware configuration of the apparatus.

In the computer as the information processing apparatus 1, a CPU (central processing unit) 2 which is a control center
Interface unit 3 (denoted as "I / F" in the figure),
A removable magnetic disk (flexible disk or the like) drive device 4 (denoted as "FDD" in the figure), a fixed disk (so-called hard disk) drive device 5 (denoted as "HDD" in the figure), and detachable Drive device 6 for optical discs (optical discs, magneto-optical discs, etc.)
(Denoted as “CDD” in the drawing) are provided, and these are connected to the CPU 2 via the internal bus 7. In addition to this, a ROM (read-only memory) 8 and a RAM (random access memory) 9 and a modem for connecting to a public telephone line (denoted as "MODEM" in the figure).
10, a LAN (Local Area Network) adapter 11, and a display device controller 12 (referred to as “GDC” in the drawing) are provided, and each is connected to the CPU 2 via an internal bus 7. The display device controller 12 is provided with a video RAM 13 (referred to as "VRAM" in the figure) necessary for image processing, and a video signal is supplied to the display device 14 (liquid crystal display, cathode ray tube (CRT), etc.). Is sent.

A keyboard 15, a mouse 16, and a dial type operation device 17 are provided as operation means, and operation information by these is processed through the interface section 3.

In addition to these, a pointing device (tablet input device, etc.) and an additional or optional device can be mounted if necessary, but their illustration and description will be omitted.

As described above, when passing a message between registered users on a computer, unless the destination and sender are specified and the whereabouts of the message are clarified, the contents of the message are sent to the other party. Inconvenience such as not reaching occurs. Of course, e-mail or the like can be used, but it is inconvenient for use in a local device.

Therefore, in the present invention, a message file having a message transmission source and a destination specified by a user name and location information of a data file containing voice data or image (still image, moving image) data as message contents is provided. It is configured so that the storage location of the data file can be notified among users. Note that the data file may include text data (especially when the amount of information is large), or may be a file added or attached to the message file.

And regarding the message file,
It is saved and managed in a shared folder (in the present invention, a folder set so that each user can refer to it without going through the network) used by all users who are logged on. In other words, instead of sending message files and data files themselves between users, it is possible to send only file location information to each other by describing information indicating the location of the data file in the message file. You can share files smoothly.

As shown in the conceptual diagram of FIG. 2, the message file "mf1" is created by user A sending a message to users B and C, and is described in the file. "Dfa1" and "df"
“A2” indicates the location information (path name) of the data file to be included in the message content (dotted arrow indicates reference).

Similarly, the message file "mf2"
Is created by user B sending a message to user C. “dfb” described in the file is the location information (path name) of the data file to be included in the message content. ) (Dashed arrow indicates reference). Further, the message file "mf3" is created by the user C sending a message to the user A, which does not have a data file, and text data indicating message contents, etc. Is included in the message file.

These message files are placed and managed in the shared folder S, and notification and reception processing for each user is performed based on the message files as described later.

FIG. 3 conceptually shows how a message reception notification is sent to a user when a simple switch from one user A to another user B is made.

If the user A is active and the user A processes the message transmission with the user B as the destination, the message file "mf" is created. After that, when the simple switch to the user B is performed, a notification that a new message has arrived is sent to the user B based on the message file "mf".
User B can view the content of the message by the receiving process. As will be described later, it is possible to determine whether or not the message is a new arrival message by using date and time information managed by the system (because it does not go through the network, there is no need to worry about discrepancies in clock settings between devices). , Record the date and time when the processing of the application is finished, or when it becomes inactive due to user switching,
It is easy because it can be compared with the transmission date and time of the message file.

If the message file is stored in the shared folder and is used up, it may be left unattended.
Since the capacity of the auxiliary storage device (the HDD 5 or the like) may be tight, it is necessary to appropriately delete the unnecessary message file. However, entrusting this to each user complicates the work and impairs the convenience. Therefore, the user can set the expiration date for the message file,
It is preferable to automatically delete the message file when the expiration date has passed.

Next, at the time of simple user switching
The flow of the S message will be described.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a case where a certain user A (or session A) switches to another user B (or session B) via the "welcome screen", and FIG. It is explanatory drawing about the case where it switches to the user A again via a "welcome screen." In these figures, the direction of time passage is from top to bottom. "Welcome Windows" is a window that displays a "Welcome screen".

The meanings of the symbols used in the figure are as follows.

“WM_WTSSESSION_CHANGE” = when the user uses the simple user switching function, or when the OS performs a process related to the simple user switching function,
A message issued by the OS.

On the application side, when this "WM_WTSSESSION_CHANGE" is issued from the OS, the parameter added to the message can be acquired together, and the followings are listed.

“WTS_SESSION_LOCK” = a parameter added when locking the desktop and moving to the “welcome screen” when the desktop is valid. The desktop is no longer usable after a message with this is issued.

“WTS_SESSION_UNLOCK” = parameter added when shifting from the “Welcome screen” to another state. For example, this parameter is added when another user shifts to the “welcome screen” and the desktop becomes valid, or when the user returns from the “welcome screen” to his desktop again.

“WTS_CONSOLE_CONNECT” = a parameter added when the user's desktop is not valid and the desktop becomes valid and can be commanded by the user via the “welcome screen” from another user. After the message with this is issued, the user's desktop becomes valid.

“WTS_CONSOLE_DISCONNECT” = parameter added when the desktop of another user becomes valid (when the session becomes inactive). After the message with this is issued, the user's desktop becomes invalid.

In FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, the states of the users A and B are either active or inactive, and the upper and lower rectangles indicate that they are active. Is not active. Further, it is assumed that the user is always in the logged-on state in any of the active state and the inactive state, and the application started by the user continues to operate.

In FIG. 4, the user A is first active, and after the user performs the user simple switching operation ("User A Select User Switch"), "WM_WTSSESSION_CHANGE" is issued after a short time. . Since the additional parameter at this time is "WTS_SESSION_LOCK", the desktop of the user A is locked and the "welcome screen" is displayed.

After that, the user is switched to the user B by the operation on the "Welcome screen"("SelectUser"
"B"), "WM_WTSSESSION_CHANGE" is issued after a while. The additional parameter at this time is "WTS_CONSOL
E_DISCONNECT ”, and the desktop of user A becomes invalid. Up to this point, user A is active.
Incidentally, the user B is not active yet.

In the above description, "the user is active" means that the desktop of the logged-on user is displayed on the screen, but as shown in the figure,
"WM_WTSSESSIO" is displayed from the time when the window for "Welcome screen" (Welcome Windows) is displayed and when it is not displayed.
N_CHANGE "(Additional parameter =" WTS_CONSOLE_DISCONNE
Please note that the scope (period) of activity is included up to the point of issue of "CT"). That is, in addition to the above-mentioned state that "the user is active" in this OS, the user who has performed the simple user switching is still active while the "welcome screen" is displayed and is switched to another user. Means that you will not be active. Alternatively, it may be considered as a “desktop” in a broad sense related to a certain user, including a “welcome screen” when switching users. On the "Welcome screen", the user can select a password, enter a password, shut down, stand by, restart, etc. using the keyboard and mouse, but cannot issue other commands.

"WM_WTSSESSION_CHANGE" (additional parameter = "WTS_CONSOLE_DISCONNECT") is issued again at a certain timing after the issuance of "WM_WTSSESSION_CHANGE". That is, at this time, for user A (session A), the additional parameter of the message is "WTS_SESSIO".
N_UNLOCK ", and for user B (session B), the additional parameter of the message is" WTS_CONSOL
E_CONNECT ”, the desktop of user B becomes valid, and user B becomes active thereafter.

In FIG. 5, the user A has been active from the beginning, and after the user has performed the user simple switching operation (“User A Select User Switch”), “WM_WTSSESSION_CHANGE” is issued after a short time. It The additional parameter at this time is "WTS_SESSION_LOCK"
Therefore, the desktop of the user A is locked and the "welcome screen" is displayed.

After that, the user A is selected by the operation on the "welcome screen"("Select User A"), and after some time, "WM_WTSSESSION_CHANGE" is issued.
The additional parameter at this time is "WTS_SESSION_UNLOCK", and the user A returns to his desktop again.

User A is active at this point and thereafter.

In addition to the above, after the resume state after standby by the user A, the operation is resumed, and the user simple switching function is performed via the "welcome screen" to the user B.
A case (or user A) may be selected, but the basic flow is the same as in the case of FIGS. 4 and 5, and therefore the description thereof will be omitted.

Next, examples of display screens on the desktop and transitions between the screens will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 23.

First, FIG. 6 shows a transition relationship among the member list screen 18, the setting screen 19, and the face icon selection screen 20.

As shown in FIG. 7, the member list screen 1
In the inner frame of 8, a user name, a message, and a logon state are displayed together with a face icon. As for the "face icon", the user can select his / her favorite face figure, and the face icon selection screen 20 described later is displayed.
You can select the desired icon above. An ID (identification information) is assigned to each icon and managed by a face icon file (a file indicating the correspondence between the ID and the path of the icon data file).

The "user name" is a name for identifying a user registered on the computer, that is, a user account.

The "word message" is message information that is displayed on the member list screen 18 and can be shown to all members, and its expiration date is indefinite (a deadline can be specified. Of course, it does not matter even if it is a setting form.) That is, each person has a function as a so-called short message (or simple message) that can be viewed by displaying the member list screen.

The "logon status" field is a display field for distinguishing whether each user is logged on or off, or active or inactive. The illustrated example shows that the user at the top of the member list is logged on and active (that is, “/ active” is combined for users who are working or are ready to work). Is displayed.).

On the member list screen 18, some other button objects are provided (see "Setting").
18a, "send to all" 18b, "send" 18c, "cancel" 18d), of which "setting" button 18a
When is clicked, the screen shifts to the setting screen 19 shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 8, the setting screen 19 is provided with a user name, a face icon, a text input field for a message and a command field for the expiration date of a transmitted message.

A message can be input as text data by operating the keyboard.

The "expiration date of the transmission message" indicates the expiration date of the data to be transmitted, and the date and time can be selected or set in units of days or hours. For example, when a message is sent, the expiration date can be specified by adding the time to the current date and time and added to the sent message. still,
Note that the expiration date is not the expiration date of the message (as described above, the expiration date of the message is indefinite in this example).

A button (object) 19a for selecting a face icon is provided near the face icon, and when this button is pressed, a screen (face icon selection screen 20) as shown in FIG. 9 appears.

Since several face icons are displayed in the frame as shown in the figure, the user operates the horizontal scroll bar to place the mouse pointer on the desired face icon to select it, and then the "OK" button 20a. You can operate. After that (or after operating the “Cancel” button 20b), the screen returns to the setting screen 19 of FIG.

Similarly, if the "OK" button 19b is operated after the operation on the setting screen 19 is finished, the setting contents are confirmed and the screen returns to the member list screen 18 of FIG. 7, but the "Cancel" button 19c is operated. If yes, the setting contents are not changed and the screen returns to the member list screen 18 of FIG.

When a specific member is selected from a plurality of members on the member list screen 18 and the "send" button 18c is clicked, the screen shifts to the send screen.

FIG. 10 shows the transition relationship among the transmission screen 21, the voice message attachment screen 22, the file attachment screen 23, and the attached file addition screen 24.

FIGS. 11 to 13 show three modes of transmission screen examples when a message is transmitted by specifying a delivery destination (a text message, a photo message and a video message are respectively input or designated on the transmission screen). Each of the cases) is shown. In addition, what is common in each figure is the destination of the transmission (display field) and the title (input field)
Is placed at the top of the screen and the "Send" button 2
1a, "Cancel" button 21b is arranged at the bottom of the screen.

First, FIG. 11 shows a state in which the input frame is selected by operating the tab of the text message,
You can write (input) the text message you want to send in the frame. Below the frame, buttons (objects) 21c and 21d for "Attach voice message" and "Attach file" are provided.

FIG. 12 shows a state in which a rectangular frame for input is selected by operating the tab of the photo message, and an image display frame is prepared in this frame, and "photograph" is displayed.
A captured image is displayed by pressing the button 21e. For example, a still image captured by an external camera connected via USB (Universal Serial Bus) or a camera built into the device can be captured.

A text message can be input in the horizontally long frame located below it. For example, the input operation can be performed while looking at the photographed image. Further, below that, respective buttons (objects) 21c and 21d of "attach voice message" and "attach file" are arranged.

FIG. 13 shows a state in which a rectangular frame for input is selected by operating the tabs of the video message. In this frame, an image display frame of a moving image and "record" button 21f, " Stop button 21g, Play button 21h
Each button object, an object for displaying the elapsed time, and a timer display unit are arranged.

Then, by pressing the "record" button 21f, the taken moving image is displayed. For example, USB
You can capture moving images shot by a connected external camera or a camera built into the device. The "stop" button 21g is used to stop recording or reproduction, and the recorded moving image can be confirmed by operating the "reproduction" button 21h.

As in the case of FIG. 12, a text message can be entered in the horizontally long frame located below (for example, an input operation can be performed while watching a moving image). Further, below that, only a button (object) 21d "Attach a file" is arranged (since the recording information also includes an audio signal,
The "Attach voice message" button is not needed. ).

11 and 12, when the "attach voice message" button 21c is pressed, the screen (voice message attachment screen 22) shown in FIG. 14 is displayed.

As shown, a "record" button 22c,
Button objects such as a “stop” button 22d and a “play” button 22e, an object for displaying the elapsed time, and a timer display section are arranged. A voice message can be recorded or reproduced by using a voice input means (not shown) such as a microphone for confirmation. In addition, "O
When the "K" button 22a (decision of voice message) and the "Cancel" button 22b (cancel) are pressed, the transmission screen 2
Return to 1.

Further, when the "attach file" button 21d is pressed in FIGS. 11 to 13, the screen (file attachment screen 23) shown in FIG. 15 is displayed.

As shown in the figure, the file name and the location of the file to be transmitted are displayed in the frame. still,
"File location" refers to the storage location (folder, etc.) of the file, and not the file itself (a copy of it), but the information indicating the location where the file is stored. Need attention.

Buttons (objects) such as an "add file" button 23c and a "delete" button 23d are provided. When adding an attached file, the former button is pushed, and when the file is deleted, the latter button is pushed. Just press.

FIG. 16 shows the "Add file" button 23c.
This is the attached file addition screen 24 that appears when is pressed, and is a well-known dialog for file operation. That is, a designation column indicating the location of a file, a tree display column for folders or directories, a file name designation or input column, and a file type selection or designation column are arranged. Then select the desired file and click "O
If it is confirmed by operating the "K" button 24a, the screen returns to the screen 23 of FIG. 15, and the file name and the location of the file are displayed in the frame. If the "Cancel" button 24b is pressed, the screen returns to the screen 23 without selecting a file.

In FIG. 15, if the "OK" button 23a or the "Cancel" button 23b is pressed after all the files have been designated, the transmission screen 21 can be returned. By pressing the "button 21a, various information is distributed.

Incidentally, in the member list screen 18 of FIG. 7, if the "send to all" button 18b is pressed, information can be distributed to all members without specifying the distribution destination. 11 to FIG.
Since it is the same as that of No. 6, detailed description will be omitted (or it may be considered that the destination column is “all” in these figures).

As described above, not only text data but also voice data, still image data, and moving image data can be sent for the transmission message.

When a message is received, as shown in FIG. 17, the reception confirmation screen 25 shifts to the message list screen 26 or the message display screen 27, and the message list screen 26 and the message display screen 2 are displayed.
7. The screen 28 for opening the attached file is transferred between the screens.

First, as shown in FIG. 18, the reception confirmation screen 25 notifies that a new message has arrived and the number of the new messages. That is, this screen is displayed when a new message is present at the time of logon or user simple switching. Then, when the "OK" button 25a is pressed, the reception confirmation screen disappears. For example, when the number of messages is two or more, the message list screen 26 shown in FIG.
When the number of messages is one, the process moves to the message display screen 27 shown in FIGS. 20, 22, and 23. Note that various forms are possible, such as shifting to the message display screen without fail via the message list screen without changing the screen shift destination according to the number of cases.

FIG. 19 shows a display example of the message list screen 26. In the frame, columns of sender, title, transmission date and time, destination, and expiration date are provided. As for the browsing status of each message, the opened state or the unopened state is illustrated by the "letter" icon.

The "sender" is the user name of the user who issued the message, and the "title" is the title data input on the above-mentioned transmission screen 21. What is the expiration date?
This is the message storage deadline, and corresponds to the deadline specified on the setting screen 19 described above. As for the display form of the expiration date, there are two forms: one is an absolute deadline such as “○ month × day Δhour” and the other is a relative deadline such as “○ day Δhour”. In the above, there is a mode in which one of them is used, a mode in which both are used, or a mode in which the user can freely select the display mode.

When the "Open" button 26a under the frame is pressed after selecting the desired transmission message, the screen (message display screen 27) shown in FIG. 20 is displayed.

FIG. 20 shows an example of a dialog display when a text message is received, and the title bar is displayed so that the message from whom the message is sent can be seen at a glance.

Below the title, the sender and the transmission date and time are displayed, and next to the face icon of the sender,
The text message display field (text box)
It is arranged in the form of a balloon. When the above-mentioned voice message is attached, the buttons (objects) of the "play" button 27a and the "stop" button 27b are displayed further below the voice message.
You can listen to voice messages by operating these.

Regarding the text box for displaying the text message, the height and the frame line are increased and decreased according to the amount of text, and the width of the box can be changed by dragging with the mouse. There is.

When the button 27c displaying "There are five attached files" is pressed, the screen moves to the screen (screen 28 for opening an attached file) shown in FIG.

This screen is the screen 2 of FIG. 15 already described.
3 (attach a file), but is different in that button objects of an "open" button 28a and a "save" button 28b are provided. That is, as shown in the figure, the file name and the location of the file are displayed in the frame. Therefore, if the "Open" button 28a is pressed after selecting the desired file, the application associated with the file is displayed. You can try opening the file programmatically or by a user-specified application program. Also, "Save"
By pressing the button 28b, a dialog display screen for file operation appears as in FIG. 16, so that a desired file name and file storage location can be designated and saved.

Then, by operating the "OK" button 28c or the "Cancel" button 28d, the message display screen 27 of FIG. 20 is displayed again.

Regarding the received text message,
The message can be quoted and returned to the sender. Therefore, the message display screen 27 includes a check box 27d for citing,
A "reply" button 27e is prepared. "Reply"
When the button 27e is pressed, it is possible to shift to the reply screen and send a message, but since it is basically the same as the send screen 21 described above, further description is omitted. Also, when the "Cancel" button 27f is pressed,
Return to the message list screen 26 of 9.

FIG. 22 shows an example of a dialog display when the photo message described above is received in addition to the text message.

The difference from the screen shown in FIG. 20 is that a display frame for a still image is provided on the face icon and a "save" button 27g is arranged on the right side of the display frame. By pressing the "Save" button 27g, the sent photograph or the like can be saved as image data in its own folder (a storage location prepared for each user).

FIG. 23 shows a dialog display example when the above-mentioned video message is received in addition to the text message.

The difference from the screen shown in FIG. 20 is that a display frame for a moving image is provided on the face icon, and on the right side thereof, an object for displaying elapsed time and a timer display section are displayed. "Stop" button 27h, "Play" button 27
i, each button (object) of "Save" button 27j
Is arranged. That is, by pressing the "play" button 27i, the moving image can be played back, and by pressing the "save" button 27j, the sent moving image can be saved in its own folder (for each user). Storage location).

24 to 35 show an example of processing when the contents of the present invention are implemented in an application program.

24 to 26 are flowcharts mainly showing an example of processing when the user first starts the application and when the user simply switches.

Regarding the determination processing regarding the detection of the simple switching of the user, a mode in which the received message is notified to the user at the time of the simple switching of the user by using the message communication from the OS (message driven system), and a fixed time interval is set. There is a mode (timer-driven system) in which whether or not the user is active is checked, and when the user is active, the user is notified of the received message.

In this example, a processing example of the form of the message driven system will be taken up and described according to the flow charts shown in FIGS. It should be noted that a process centered on a certain user (user A) is shown.

Regarding the processing at the time of the simple switching of the user, the processing is carried out according to the algorithm shown below by utilizing the above-mentioned four cases (four parameters added to "WM_WTSSESSION_CHANGE").

(1) The application sends the OS
Register that you want to be notified of the message that occurs at the time of simple user switching (2) The application receives the message issued from the OS at the time of simple user switching (3) Based on the message (2), the user is active Check if there is any (4) Perform the following processing depending on whether the user is active.

(4-1) When the user becomes active (including when the application is started for the first time), the presence notification of a new message or the notification and reception processing is performed. (4-2) The user If it becomes inactive (however,
You are logged on. ), Save the date and time information in the registry.

The following two conditions are set in determining whether the user is active.

First, the condition for shifting to the welcome screen (hereinafter referred to as "condition A") is "WM_WTS" above.
This is a case where the additional parameter when "SESSION_CHANGE" is issued is "WTS_SESSION_LOCK" (see FIGS. 4 and 5).

Condition A: WM_WTSSESSION_CHANGE wParam
= WTS_SESSION_LOCK Here, "wParam" means an additional parameter.
It is true when the above conditions are met, and false when they are not met.

As described above, in the case of "WTS_SESSION_LOCK", the desktop is locked, the welcome screen is displayed, and the date and time information is left in the registry when the above condition A is true.

The condition (hereinafter, referred to as "condition B") when the user becomes active is the case of the first activation or the transition from the welcome screen. For the latter, as shown in FIG. 4, when switching from user A to user B via the "welcome screen" (the additional parameter of "WM_WTSSESSION_CHANGE" is "WTS_
CONSOLE_CONNECT ”. ) And as shown in FIG. 5, the user A returns to the user A through the “welcome screen”.

Specifically, it is as follows.

Condition B: (At first start-up) OR (WM_WTSSESSION_CHANGE wParam = WTS_CONSOLE
_CONNECT) OR [(WM_WTSSESSION_CHANGE wParam = WTS_SESSIO
N_UNLOCK) AND (function "WTSQuerySessionInformatio
I got "WTS Active" by calling "n ()")]
“R” is synonymous with the logical operator “||” and means “or”, and “AND” is synonymous with the logical operator “&&” and means “and”. Also, the function "WTSQuerySessionInf
ormation () '' is a Win32 API (Application Program Interface
This function is provided by (ce), and when the value obtained by calling the function is "WTSActive", it indicates that the user is active.

The second expression constituting the condition B corresponds to the case of FIG. 4 (the positions of the users A and B are exchanged), and the third expression corresponds to the case of FIG. In the latter case,
"WM_WTSSESSION_CHANGE wParam = WTS_SESSION_UNLOC
"K" alone is not enough, and it is necessary to confirm that user A is active when returning from the welcome screen.

Incidentally, "wParam" means an additional parameter, and is true when the above condition B is satisfied, and is false when the above condition B is not satisfied.

The "message file" used in the following description is placed in a shared folder and contains, for example, the following data.

-Version of message file ・ From name ・ Recipient name ・ Send date and time ・ Expiration date (including date and time) ・ Message subject ・ Text message -Path name of additional message -A path name of the attached file.

For the sender's name and the recipient's name, a user account (or an alias thereof) can be used, and the additional message includes the voice message, the photo message, and the video message, and their files. It can be determined by the extension of.
In this example, it is assumed that the text message has a small amount of information, but the message is included in the message file. However, for long messages, the amount of information is taken into consideration and the path name is passed in the same way as for the additional message and attachment You may do it. In other words, it is based on sending file locations instead of the data files themselves.

The above data is just an example, and for example, the expiration date can be set to infinity or indefinitely, and the read user (or the viewed user) can
A writing field (field) may be provided. That is,
If you allow users to write their user accounts as read users in the message file when they read messages, a list of read users and a list of recipients (that is, multiple recipients) When both are matched and both of the intended recipients have finished reading the message, the message file can be deleted, so that all users intended by the message distributor can finish reading the message. It becomes possible to leave the message until. Alternatively, when a certain number of read users is reached (for example, when the number of read users reaches a preset number or ratio), the process of deleting the message file can be performed.

The following files are used as the management information.

"Face icon file"<= face icon ID, icon file path name "User setting file"<= user account, word message, face icon ID, expiration date of transmitted message, "message list file"< = Message file path name, expiration date, transmission time, sender, destination, title, browsing status (opened or unopened).

Incidentally, "<=" indicates that the table data is included for the items described on the right side thereof. For example, the “face icon file” is required for managing the graphic data of the face icon (see FIG. 9 and the like), and the “user setting file” and the “message list file” are provided one for each user. By being prepared, it is necessary for managing information related to each user and managing a message list.

It is desirable that these files and message files are not easily rewritten by any user.

24 to 26 will be described based on the above contents. First, the user A starts the application in step S1 of FIG. 24, and then the next step S2.
Then, display the task tray icon (screen display of the task selection icon). In addition, "task tray icon"
Is an icon displayed on the edge of the desktop indicating that the application is resident (that is, an icon indicating that the application is operating).

Then, in the next step S3, when the user simple switching is performed, the O
The registration process is performed so that the message (WM_WTSSESSION_CHANGE) is sent from S.

In step S4, the presence / absence of a new incoming message is checked, and if there is such a message, notification and reception processing is performed (details of the processing will be described later with reference to FIGS. 29 to 31). ).

In the next step S5, it is determined whether the user is switched. That is, it is determined whether or not a message has been sent from the OS to notify that the user simple switching will be performed. Specifically, the message "WM_WTS
SESSION_CHANGE "is issued and when the notification of the message is received, the process proceeds to step S6 of FIG. 25, and when the notification of the message is not received, the process proceeds to step S12 of FIG.

In step S6 of FIG. 25, it is determined whether or not the message is a message to move to the "welcome screen". That is, it is determined whether or not the above condition A is met, and if the condition is met, the process proceeds to step S7, but if the condition is not met, the process proceeds to step S9.

In step S7, the drawing process and the like are temporarily stopped, and then the process proceeds to step S8 to store the current time (including the date). For example, the current time “y / m / d aa: bb: cc” is used as the value of the variable “old Time” (old Time ＝ y / m / d aa: bb: c
c), save in the registry. Then, the process proceeds to step S12 in FIG.

In step S9 of FIG. 25, it is determined whether or not the message is a message indicating that the "welcome screen" has been transferred to the user A. That is, it is determined whether or not the above condition B (except for the first start-up, which has been dealt with in step S4 of FIG. 24) is met, and when the condition is met, the process proceeds to step S10. If it does not match, the process proceeds to step S12 in FIG.

In step S10, the drawing process which has been temporarily stopped until then is restarted, and in the next step S11, the same process as in step S4 is performed (reception process of new arrival message). Then, the process proceeds to step S12 in FIG.

In step S12 of FIG. 26, it is determined whether or not message transmission is selected from the menu in the task tray icon by the user, and when selected, the process proceeds to step S13 to perform message transmission processing (details thereof). 27 will be described later with reference to FIGS. 27 and 28.) However, when transmission is not selected, step S14 is performed.
Proceed to.

In step S14, it is determined whether or not the display of the received message is selected from the menu in the task tray icon by the user, and when selected, the process proceeds to step S15 to display the received message (details thereof). 32 will be described later with reference to FIG. 32 to FIG. 34), but if it is not selected, the process proceeds to step S16.

In step S16, it is determined whether or not the user has selected termination from the menu on the task tray icon, or whether or not an operation for forcibly terminating the application has been performed, and in the case of termination, Proceed to step S17, where the above step S8
The same process as the above, that is, the current time (including date) is set to "ol
d Time ”in the registry. Then, the process proceeds to step S18, the application ending process is performed, and the series of processes described above is ended.

If the end operation is not performed in step S16, the process returns to step S5 in FIG.

FIG. 27 and FIG. 28 show an example of message transmission processing, and step S13 of FIG. 26 described above.
Done in.

First, in step S20 of FIG. 27, a message is read out. Since the message is recorded in the user setting file, the file is loaded and the corresponding message data is extracted.

Then, in the next step S21, the state of the current user, that is, logon, logoff, active, inactive (synonymous with "not active").
After acquiring such information by a method such as a function call, the process proceeds to step S22, and the member list screen 18 as shown in FIG. 7 is displayed.

Then, in the next step S23, the user (that is, the transmission partner) is selected by the designation by the mouse pointer, and it is judged whether or not the "send" button 18c is pressed, and if the button is pressed, Is shown in FIG.
8, the process proceeds to step S24, but if not pressed, the process proceeds to step S34.

In step S24 of FIG. 28, the transmission screen 21 as shown in FIGS. 11 to 13 is displayed, and in the next step S25, a text message is written and, if necessary, a voice message, a photo message, and a video message. Is added according to a user's instruction or operation, or an attached file is specified or set. And
In the next step S26, it is determined whether or not the "cancel" button 21b is pressed, and if the button is pressed, the process proceeds to step S34 in FIG. 27, but if the button is not pressed, , And proceeds to step S27.

In step S27, the "send" button 21
If a is pressed, the process proceeds to step S28 if the button is pressed, but if the button is not pressed, the process returns to step S24.

In step S28, the shared folder (the storage location of the message file) is searched, and in the next step S29, the message file is created. Note that, for example, “MsgXXXX” (however, “XXXXXXX” is used so that the file name of the message file does not overlap.
"X" indicates a numeral portion. ), So that the number part is automatically incremented when creating a message file (when creating a file) (Ms
g00001, Msg00002, Msg00003,
…). In this way, by including a number in the base part or extension of the file name, it is possible to mechanically assign that part, and it is possible to give a unique name within the maximum number of number parts. .

In step S30, it is checked whether or not a file having the same file name exists, and if it does not exist, the process proceeds to step S31. However, if there is the same name, another name needs to be given. , And returns to step S28.

In step S31, the expiration date is written in the message file. For example, since the expiration date data specified in the setting screen 19 of FIG. 8 is recorded in the user setting file, the expiration date is written in the message file with reference to the data. For example, when the expiration date is specified in absolute time, the data can be used as it is, so the process is easy, but from the user's point of view, the current date is displayed on the setting screen 19 every time the transmission operation is performed. It is troublesome because it is necessary to calculate and specify the expiration date as the starting point. Therefore, if the expiration date can be specified in relative time, it is convenient to use the result of date calculation that adds the period (days and hours) specified as the expiration date to the current date and time as the expiration date (currently It can be set as a specified period or time from the date and time of. For example, when "X days" is specified as the expiration date (or period), the expiration date is X days after the current date, and the data indicating the expiration date is written in the message file.

Then, when proceeding to the next step S32, the data required here is written in the message file. "Necessary data" means the above-mentioned data (message file version, sender name, recipient name, transmission date, message title, text message, additional message path name, attachment file path name) included in the message file. ).

Then, in the next step S33, the transmission dialog is closed (the transmission screen is turned off), and then the process proceeds to step S34 in FIG. 27 to determine whether or not the "setting" button 18a is pressed on the member list screen 18 in FIG. To do. If the button is pressed, the process proceeds to step S35, the setting screen 19 shown in FIG. 8 is displayed, and in the next step S36, various setting processes (face icon selection, word message input, transmission message expiration date setting). Is done.

If the "Set" button 18a is not pressed in step S34, or after step S36, the process proceeds to step S37, in which it is determined whether the dialog for the member list screen 18 of FIG. 7 has been closed. If it is closed, the above-mentioned series of operations are ended, but if it is not closed, the process returns to step S23.

29 to 31 show the step S of FIG.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart diagram for explaining a processing example of a newly arrived message in S11 of FIG. 25.

First, in step S40, the stored date and time information is read from the registry. In other words, the last end time is read, but the time information (including the date) at the time of user simple switching or the end of the application is recorded in "old Time" as described above, and at the time of logoff or computer. The time information at the end is recorded. If there is no "old Time" value,
A predetermined reference time (for example, "1970/01/01 00: 0
0:00 ”) is substituted.

Then, in the next step S41, the variable "newMsgCount" prepared for counting new messages
After the value of is initialized to zero, the process proceeds to step S42,
Search for new messages.

In the next step S43, the fact that a new message is being searched is displayed to the user (dialog display, etc.), and the flow advances to step S44 to determine whether or not there is a message file. Then, if there is a message file, the process proceeds to step S45 in FIG. 30, but if there is no such file, the process proceeds to step S56.

In step S45 of FIG. 30, the current date and time is compared with the expiration date of the message to determine whether or not the file has expired. Then, if the expiration date is earlier than the current date and time in time, the process proceeds to step S46. If the expiration date is later in time than the current date and time, It proceeds to step S49.

In step S46, it is determined whether the message has voice, still image, or moving image data added. That is, it is determined whether or not the voice message, the photo message, and the video message are added as the transmission messages, and if they are added, the process proceeds to step S47 to delete the added message (not file deletion). ), And proceeds to step S48.
If these messages are not added, the process directly goes to step S48.

In step S48, the file (message file) whose expiration date has expired is deleted, and the flow advances to step S49.

In step S49, it is determined whether or not there is a new message addressed to itself. In other words, if it is found from the contents of the message file that the transmission date and time is later than the time information of "old Time" and the destination contains your user account, , Proceeds to step S50, but otherwise proceeds to step S52.

At step S50, the variable "newMsgCoun" is counted in order to count it as a new message addressed to itself.
t "is incremented (1 is added). And
Proceeding to next step S51, necessary items (path name of message file, expiration date, transmission time, sender, subject) are written in the message list file and registered as a list. Then, the process proceeds to step S52.

In step S52, it is determined whether or not the search has been completed for all the message files in the shared folder, and when the search is completed, the process proceeds to step S53 in FIG. The process of is repeated.

In step S53 of FIG. 31, it is judged from the value of "newMsgCount" whether or not there is one or more new arrival message. If there is more than one message, the process proceeds to step S54, as shown in the screen example of FIG. Notify the existence and number of new messages (that is, new messages are "newMsg
Displays a dialog that there are "Count" items. ). Then, the process proceeds to step S55, and after a process of displaying the received message (details of which will be described with reference to FIGS. 32 to 34) is performed, the series of processes ends. If there is no new message, step S in FIG.
Proceed to 56.

Step S44 and step S53 in FIG.
When the process reaches from step S56 to, the display indicating that the new message is being searched is erased, and the series of processes is ended.

32 to 34 are flow charts showing an example of display processing of the received message. The above-mentioned step S15 of FIG. 26 and step S of FIG.
At 55.

First, in step S60, the message list file is loaded and read, and then in step S61, it is checked whether or not there is a message registered in the message list file. And
If there is a registered message, step S62.
However, if there is no such message, the process ends.

In step S62, the message list is displayed. That is, the message list screen 26 as shown in FIG. 19 is displayed as a dialog. Then, the process proceeds to step S63 in FIG. Here, after checking the data indicating the expiration date for the registered message list in the message list file, the process proceeds to step S64, and it is determined whether the expiration date is older than the current date and time. If the expiration date is before the current date and time, the process proceeds to step S65. If not, otherwise.
It proceeds to step S68.

In step S65, it is determined whether the message has voice, still image, or moving image data added. That is, it is determined whether a voice message, a photo message, or a video message is added as a transmission message, and if it is added, the process proceeds to step S66 to delete the added message (not file deletion). ), And proceeds to step S67.
If these messages are not added, the process directly goes to step S67.

In step S67, the message file whose expiration date has passed is deleted, and the data registered in the message list file for the file is deleted. Then, the process proceeds to step S68, and it is determined whether or not the search related to the expiration date has been completed for all registered lists. When the search is completed, the process proceeds to step S69 in FIG. repeat.

In step S69 of FIG. 34, it is determined whether or not there is a message list file selected and designated by the user.
That is, with respect to the list (display information regarding the message file) selected by the user on the message list screen 26 of FIG.
It is determined whether or not has been pressed. If the button is pressed, the process proceeds to step S70 to open the designated message file, but if the button is not pressed, the process proceeds to step S73.

In step S71 following step S70, the process for opening the dialog of the received message (for details, see FIG.
Will be explained. ), The process proceeds to the next step S72, and a record that the message file is opened is left in the message list file. That is, the message list file contains data indicating whether it is opened or unopened as described above. For example, the data is set as a flag value, and a logical value "1" is set as "opened".
If a value other than "1" is defined in advance as "unopened", the mark of opening can be left by writing with the flag value "1" (the result is the "letter" figure shown in FIG. 19). Is visually reflected as a difference.).

After that, the process proceeds to step S73, and it is determined whether or not the operation of closing the dialog of the received message is performed by the user. That is, in the screen examples of FIG. 20, FIG. 22, and FIG. 23, when the “x” portion at the upper right is clicked with the mouse, the process proceeds to step S74, and after the dialog display is erased, a series of work ends. If such an operation is not performed, the process returns to step S69.

FIG. 35 is a flow chart showing an example of processing for opening the dialog of the received message, which is performed in step S71 of FIG.

First, in step S80, it is determined whether or not the message is a message added with a moving image. this is,
It can be determined from the path name of the additional message described in the message file and its extension. If the moving image is added, the process proceeds to step S81. If not, the process proceeds to step S82.

In step S82, it is determined whether or not the message has a still image added. This can be determined from the path name of the additional message described in the message file and its extension. If the still image is added, the process proceeds to step S83, but if not, step S84. Proceed to.

In step S81, a dialog for receiving a message with moving image is displayed as shown in FIG. 23, and then the process proceeds to step S87.

In step S83, a dialog for receiving a message with a still image as shown in FIG. 22 is displayed, and then the process proceeds to step S85, in which it is determined whether or not the message is a voice message. And
If a voice message has been added, step S
Go to 86 and play button 2 for voice message
7a, the "stop" button 27b (see FIGS. 20 and 22) is displayed, and then the process proceeds to step S87. If no voice message is added, the process proceeds to step S87 without displaying those buttons.

In step S84, the dialog for receiving the text message as shown in FIG. 20 is displayed, and then the process proceeds to step S85.

In step S87, processing common to each dialog and processing unique to each dialog are performed as defined processing. For example, the common processing is
The screen examples of FIGS. 20, 22, and 23 are processes when a subject, a text message is displayed, and a “reply” button is pressed, and the unique process is, for example, in the screen example of FIG. The processing includes still image storage processing, moving image reproduction and storage processing in the screen example of FIG. The reproduction process of the voice message is common to the reception dialog of the text message and the message with a still image.

In the above-described form utilizing the message communication between the OS and the application (program), the application can notify the OS of a message generated at the time of simple switching of the user. After performing registration in advance, a message and additional parameter issued from the OS when the process related to the user's simple switching function is performed are received, and it is confirmed whether or not the user is active. Therefore, it is necessary to judge the above-mentioned conditions A and B based on the message, but since it is sufficient to judge whether or not the user is active at the time of simple user switching, there is an advantage that overhead is small.

Although not shown, when the timer driving method is adopted, each time a set time elapses,
Function call whether the user is active (function "WTSQuerySessionInformation ()" provided by Win32API)
And the flag (user active flag) is recorded (for example, the flag value is set to "1" when the flag is active and the flag value is set to "0" when the flag is not active). After that, when it is checked whether or not the user is active, if it is different from the state indicated by the flag value, the processing described in the above (4-1) or (4-2) is performed according to the state change. Just go. Therefore, it is possible to periodically determine whether or not the user is active without using the message issued when the user is switched.

However, according to the above-described configuration,
The following advantages are obtained.

Since the message to be sent is placed in the local computer, it can be quickly displayed even when the information amount of the message is large when the user simple switching occurs, and the browser function of the message exchanged between users. Can be realized.

Since the function as a message board between users can be realized on a computer, it is easy for users to use,
Moreover, not only text information, but also voice, still image, and moving image information can be transmitted to the other party.

Since the data can be transferred without using the network, the communication cost is low, the communication time is short (the waiting time is almost zero), and in terms of security, it is possible to use the network. Protected from cheating by the three parties.

In the case of electronic mail, even if the same message has data for each user when there are a plurality of recipients, a storage space for each data file is required, and a storage space for the auxiliary storage medium is required. There is a waste of use. On the other hand, by saving the message file transmitted as described above in the shared folder, it is possible to save the capacity of the storage area as compared with the case of using e-mail.

By defining the expiration date of the message, the message that has passed the expiration date is automatically deleted, so that it is not necessary for the user to manually delete the browsed message.

By setting the expiry date of a message on a message-by-message basis, the expiry date can be set longer if many people want to read the message, and the simple content or conversation can be set. With regard to the degree and transient messages, the expiration date can be set to be short, so there is a high degree of freedom and ease of use.

If the expiration date of a message can be set to infinity (or indefiniteness) and all the read users who read the message are confirmed and then the message file is deleted, the message file will be deleted. The file can be kept until it reaches the intended user.

By passing data on the memory provided as a function of the OS instead of sending messages via files, the processing time becomes faster and the user can see the message immediately. it can. In particular, it is effective for a message with a small amount of information (text message, still image, etc.).

The present invention is not limited to an information processing apparatus having a communication function between users and a program used for the information processing apparatus, but an information recording medium recording an application having a message communication function between users described above ( (Various media that allow the program to be loaded into the memory by loading the recording medium into a device) or a message communication method between users on a local device, using the above message file to record audio information or images. The method can be widely applied to a method of notifying users of the storage location of a file including information.

[0192]

As is apparent from the above description, according to the inventions according to claims 1 and 5, voice and image information can be transmitted between users within a local device without using a network connection. Since they can be communicated with each other and the other party need only be notified of the storage location of the data file using the message file, the convenience for the user can be enhanced.

According to the inventions of claims 2 and 6,
Putting the message files in a shared folder saves storage space compared to using email, and
Simple message management and processing.

According to the inventions of claims 3 and 7,
When the simple switching of the user is performed, the user can be notified immediately that the transmission message has arrived, which is convenient (for example, delay in reception can be prevented).

According to the inventions of claims 4 and 8,
There is no harmful effect caused by leaving an expired message file.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration.

FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining saving a message file in a shared folder.

FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a message reception notification at the time of simple user switching.

FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining switching from user A to user B.

FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a case where a user A switches to a user A via a welcome screen.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a transition between screens.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a member list screen.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a setting screen.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a face icon selection screen.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a transition between screens.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a text message transmission screen.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a photo message transmission screen.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a video message transmission screen.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for attaching a voice message.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of a file attachment screen.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for adding an attached file.

FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram showing a transition between screens.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of a reception confirmation screen.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of a message list screen.

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of a message display screen.

FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for opening an attached file.

FIG. 22 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen including a photo message.

FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen including a video message.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the overall processing with FIGS. 25 and 26, and this figure shows the beginning of the processing.

FIG. 25 is a view showing a middle section of processing.

FIG. 26 is a diagram showing a final stage of processing.

FIG. 27 is a flow chart diagram for explaining the example of the message transmission process together with FIG. 28, and this diagram shows the start and end portions of the process.

FIG. 28 is a diagram showing an intermediate part of processing.

FIG. 29 is a flow chart diagram for explaining an example of a reception process of a newly arrived message, with FIG. 30 and FIG. 31, showing the beginning and end of the process.

FIG. 30 is a diagram showing an intermediate part of processing.

FIG. 31 is a diagram illustrating a part of the processing.

32 is a flowchart diagram for explaining an example of a display process of a received message together with FIG. 33 and FIG. 34, and this diagram shows a starting portion of the process.

FIG. 33 is a diagram showing an intermediate part of processing.

FIG. 34 is a diagram showing an end portion of the processing.

FIG. 35 is a flowchart showing a processing example when a reception dialog is opened.

[Explanation of Codes] 1 ... Information processing device having communication function between users, mf
1, mf2, mf3 ... message file, S ... shared folder

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. An operating system having a multi-user function or a simple user switching function for switching to another user without terminating an application of the current user is installed, and without connecting to a network, In an information processing apparatus having a communication function between users, which is configured so that messages can be transferred between users, a message transmission source and a destination specified by a user name, and data including voice or image data as message contents An information processing apparatus having a communication function between users, characterized in that a message file having file location information is used to notify the storage location of the data file among the users. 2. The information processing apparatus having the communication function between users according to claim 1, wherein the message file is stored in a shared folder used by all users who are logged on. An information processing apparatus having a communication function between users. 3. An information processing apparatus having a communication function between users according to claim 1, wherein when a simple switch is performed from one user to another user, a message reception notification is sent to the other user. An information processing apparatus having a communication function between users, characterized in that 4. The information processing apparatus having the communication function between users according to claim 1, wherein an expiration date is set for the message file, and the message file is deleted when the expiration date is exceeded. An information processing apparatus having a communication function between users characterized by the above. 5. An operating system having a multi-user function or a simple user switching function for switching to another user without terminating an application of the current user is installed, and a connection to a network is not required. A program used for an information processing device having a communication function between users, which is configured so that messages can be passed between users, and includes a message transmission source and a destination specified by a user name, and voice or message contents. A message file having location information of a data file including image data is created, and a communication function between users is provided, which performs a process of notifying the destination user of the storage location of the data file. Program used for information processing device 6. A program used in an information processing apparatus having a communication function between users according to claim 5, wherein a message file created by a transmission process is used for all users who are logged on. A program used for an information processing apparatus having a communication function between users, which is characterized by performing a process of saving in a shared folder. 7. A program used for an information processing apparatus having a communication function between users according to claim 5, wherein when a simple switch is made from one user to another user, a message sent to the other user. A program used for an information processing apparatus having a communication function between users, which checks whether or not there is a message, and performs reception notification and reception processing of the message if there is the message. 8. In the program used in the information processing apparatus having the communication function between users according to claim 5, the expiration date set for the message file is checked, and the expiration date is exceeded. Is a program used for an information processing apparatus having a communication function between users, which is characterized by performing processing for deleting the message file.