JP2005050114A - Information distribution system, transmitting side terminal device, receiving side terminal device, program, and information distribution method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an information distribution system or the like having a questionnaire function that enables easy and fast tabulation of questionnaire results. <P>SOLUTION: In the information distribution system 1, where a transmitting side terminal device 10 is connected with a plurality of receiving side terminal devices 20 through a network 5, the transmitting side terminal device 10 creates messages including questionnaire contents entered by users, a plurality of options with respect to questionnaire contents and message ID attached uniquely, and transmits the messages to the receiving side terminal device 20. The receiving side terminal device 20 displays the received questionnaire messages and creates reply messages including results selected by the users and message ID extracted from the questionnaire message information, and transmits the reply messages to the transmitting side terminal device 10. The transmitting side terminal device 10 tabulates the reply messages on the basis of the message IDs of original questionnaire messages extracted from the received reply messages, and displays the tabulation results. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an information distribution system capable of transmitting and receiving message information between a plurality of terminal devices.

  In order to exchange message information between a plurality of terminal devices (such as personal computers) connected via a network such as the Internet, information distribution systems using electronic mail, chat, and the like have become widespread.

  Furthermore, in order to transmit a message to a specific group by e-mail, a method for setting and transmitting a plurality of addresses or a group address for a user group of terminals satisfying a specific condition is transmitted. A method for exchanging information is known (for example, Patent Document 1).

  In recent years, as an information distribution system as described above, the utilization of a system using instant messaging is increasing. This instant messaging has the advantage that instant messages can be transmitted in real time to a specific group of terminal users connected to the network.

JP 2003-134161 A

  However, the conventional information distribution system has a problem that it does not have a questionnaire function for a plurality of terminal users. For example, when a terminal user wants to conduct a questionnaire that causes other terminal users to select a desired location for a year-end party from predetermined candidate locations, A reply message was requested by sending a message describing the candidate location. As a result, each user returns a reply message that describes the desired location in different timings and formats, so the sending user must manually browse and classify and tabulate these reply messages one by one. It was inconvenient. Also, missed responses to questionnaires and missed response messages were likely to occur, and it took time to confirm these.

  In particular, a system using instant messaging has the advantage of being immediacy, but when the user conducts a questionnaire, the user cannot take full advantage of the instant messaging, making the questionnaire quick and easy. Could not be implemented.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and the object of the present invention is to enable easy and quick transmission of a questionnaire message and a reply message thereto, and aggregation of questionnaire results. An object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved information distribution system having a questionnaire function, a terminal device for realizing the information distribution system, and the like.

  In order to solve the above problems, according to the first aspect of the present invention, at least one transmitting terminal device and one or two or more receiving terminal devices capable of transmitting and receiving message information to each other are connected via a network. A connected information distribution system is provided. In this information distribution system, the sending terminal device is unique to each message content information, which is message content information representing questionnaire contents input by the user of the sending terminal device, questionnaire option information representing a plurality of options related to the questionnaire contents, and message content information. The questionnaire message information including the message ID attached to is created, and the questionnaire message information is transmitted to the receiving terminal device. The receiving terminal device receives questionnaire message information from the transmitting terminal device, displays message content information and questionnaire option information included in the received questionnaire message information, and is at least selected by the user of the receiving terminal device. Response message information including at least the selection result information representing one option and the message ID extracted from the received questionnaire message information is created, and the response message information is transmitted to the transmitting terminal device. Further, the transmission side terminal device receives the response message information from the reception side terminal device, and selects the selection result information included in the received response message information based on the message ID of the questionnaire message information extracted from the received response message information. Aggregate and display the aggregation result of the selection result information.

  With this configuration, the transmitting terminal device can transmit questionnaire message information obtained by adding questionnaire option information, which is an option for the questionnaire, to message content information representing the questionnaire content to one or more receiving terminal devices. For this reason, each receiving terminal device that has received such questionnaire message information can identify that it has received a message for which a response request has been made, and performs a display process or the like by distinguishing between message content information and questionnaire option information. , The user can be prompted to respond. Further, each receiving side terminal device creates response message information including selection result information that is a user's response to the contents of the questionnaire, and sends it back to the transmitting side terminal device. For this reason, the transmission-side terminal device that has received such reply message information can recognize that it has received a reply message to the questionnaire due to the presence of the selection result information. Further, the receiving terminal device can reply to the response message information associated with the received questionnaire message information by giving the response message information a message ID that specifies the original questionnaire message information. For this reason, it is possible for the transmitting terminal device to identify what questionnaire message information is the reply message information received from each receiving terminal device. As a result, the transmission-side terminal device can classify the response message information returned from each reception-side terminal device for each questionnaire, and can preferably tabulate the selection result information included in the classified response message information.

  The transmitting terminal device and the receiving terminal device may be configured to transmit / receive questionnaire message information and response message information as instant messages. With this configuration, the questionnaire message information can be immediately transmitted from the transmitting terminal device to the receiving terminal device, and the response message information can be immediately returned from the receiving terminal device to the transmitting terminal device. As a result, questionnaires can be implemented quickly.

  Moreover, you may comprise so that the server apparatus which relays questionnaire message information and reply message information may be further provided between the said transmission side terminal device and the receiving side terminal device. With this configuration, messages can be exchanged smoothly between the transmitting terminal device and the receiving terminal device. In addition, it is easy to construct an information distribution system as an instant message distribution system.

  The server device may be configured to transmit the questionnaire message information received from the transmitting terminal device to the receiving terminal device regardless of the presence or absence of a message acquisition request from the receiving terminal device. With this configuration, the receiving terminal device can receive the questionnaire message information almost simultaneously with the sending terminal device transmitting the questionnaire message information. Similarly, the server device may be configured to transmit the response message information received from the receiving terminal device to the transmitting terminal device regardless of whether there is a message acquisition request from the transmitting terminal device. .

  Further, the server device may be configured to transmit presence information representing a current state of a user of the receiving terminal device to the transmitting terminal device. With this configuration, the transmission-side terminal device can acquire information as to whether or not the reception-side terminal device that is the destination of the questionnaire message information can receive messages, and can notify such information to the transmission-side terminal device user ( Presence function).

<Transmission side terminal device>
In order to solve the above-described problem, according to another aspect of the present invention, a transmission-side terminal device capable of transmitting and receiving message information to or from one or more reception-side terminal devices connected via a network. Is provided. The transmission side terminal device includes a questionnaire message creation unit, a message transmission unit, a message reception unit, a questionnaire totalization unit, and a questionnaire result display unit. The questionnaire message creation unit includes message content information representing questionnaire contents input by the user of the transmitting terminal device, questionnaire option information representing a plurality of options related to the questionnaire contents, and a message ID uniquely assigned to each message content information. And create questionnaire message information. The message transmission unit transmits the questionnaire message information to the receiving terminal device. The message receiving unit also includes a response including at least selection result information representing at least one option selected by the user of the receiving terminal device and a message ID extracted from the received questionnaire message information. Receive message information. Further, the questionnaire totaling unit totals the selection result information included in the received response message information based on the message ID of the questionnaire message information extracted from the received response message information. Further, the questionnaire result display unit displays the total result of the selection result information. With this configuration, it is possible to provide a transmitting terminal device suitable for constructing the information distribution system as described above.

  The questionnaire message information and response message information may be transmitted and received as instant messages. With this configuration, the transmission side terminal device can immediately transmit the questionnaire message information to the reception side terminal device, and can also receive the response message information from the reception side terminal device immediately. As a result, questionnaires can be implemented quickly.

  In addition, the questionnaire message creating unit may include either fixed questionnaire option information including a plurality of fixed options defined in advance or free questionnaire option information including a plurality of free options arbitrarily input by the user of the transmission side terminal device. It may be configured to create questionnaire option information by selecting. With this configuration, the user can select a pattern of questionnaire option information according to the contents of the questionnaire. Further, by limiting the data format of the questionnaire option information to a predetermined pattern, it is possible to efficiently process questionnaire message information and response message information exchanged between the transmitting terminal device and the receiving terminal device. it can.

  Further, the message receiving unit determines whether the message information received from the receiving terminal information is response message information based on whether the selection result information is included in the message information received from the receiving terminal device. You may comprise so that it may discriminate | determine. With this configuration, the transmitting terminal device can transmit and receive both normal message information and message information related to the questionnaire (that is, questionnaire message information and response message information) with the receiving terminal device.

  Further, the questionnaire totaling unit may be configured to store at least the destination list information of the receiving terminal information that transmitted the questionnaire message information as a recording device, and total the selection result information based on the destination list information. Good. With this configuration, the questionnaire totalization unit compares the receiving terminal device to which the questionnaire message information is transmitted with the receiving terminal device that has received the reply message information, and obtains the response rate for the questionnaire or does not reply The receiving terminal device user can be specified.

  The questionnaire totaling unit may be configured to record the totaling result of the selection result information in the recording device in association with the destination list information. With this configuration, the questionnaire totalization unit can preferably manage the destination list and the totalization result of the questionnaire. In addition, the above-mentioned questionnaire totalization section can be resumed after interrupting the questionnaire totalization.

  The questionnaire result display unit may be configured to display a list in association with the destination list information and the aggregation result of the selection result information. With such a configuration, the user of the sending terminal device who is the questionnaire implementer can easily grasp the progress of the questionnaire and can individually refer to the response results of the users of each receiving terminal device.

  The response message information further includes response message content information indicating the content of the response comment input by the user of the receiving terminal device; the questionnaire result display unit displays the response message content information and the selection result information. You may comprise so that a count result may be linked | related and displayed as a list. With this configuration, the user of the transmitting terminal device can refer to the response message of the user together with the questionnaire response result of each receiving terminal device user.

  The response message information further includes response message content information indicating the content of the response comment input by the user of the receiving terminal device; the questionnaire totaling unit counts the response message content information and the selection result information. You may comprise so that a result may be linked | related and recorded on a recording device. With this configuration, the questionnaire totalization unit can manage the receiving terminal device user by attaching the user response message to the questionnaire response result of the receiving terminal device user.

  In addition, the questionnaire result display unit may be configured to display the total result of the selection result information periodically or when a predetermined event occurs. With this configuration, the user of the transmission-side terminal device can grasp the total result of the questionnaire at a suitable timing.

<Receiving side terminal device>
In order to solve the above problem, according to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a receiving terminal device capable of transmitting / receiving message information to / from at least one transmitting terminal device connected via a network. Is done. The receiving terminal device includes a message receiving unit, a message display unit, a response message creating unit, and a message transmitting unit. Among these, the message receiving unit is configured to send message content information indicating questionnaire contents input by the user of the transmitting terminal apparatus from the transmitting terminal apparatus, questionnaire option information indicating a plurality of options regarding the questionnaire contents, and each message content information. The questionnaire message information including the message ID uniquely attached to the message ID is received. The message display unit displays message content information and questionnaire option information included in the questionnaire message information received by the message receiving unit. The response message creation unit creates response message information including at least selection result information representing at least one option selected by the user of the receiving terminal device and a message ID extracted from the received questionnaire message information. . The message transmission unit transmits the response message information to the transmission side terminal device. With this configuration, it is possible to provide a receiving terminal device suitable for constructing the information distribution system as described above.

  The questionnaire message information and response message information may be transmitted and received as instant messages. With this configuration, the receiving terminal device can immediately receive the questionnaire message information from the transmitting terminal device and can immediately transmit the response message information to the transmitting terminal device.

  Further, the message receiving unit determines whether the message information received from the sending terminal information is questionnaire message information based on whether or not the questionnaire option information is included in the message information received from the sending terminal device. You may comprise so that it may discriminate | determine. With this configuration, the receiving terminal device can send and receive both normal message information and message information related to questionnaires (that is, questionnaire message information and response message information) to and from the transmitting terminal device.

  If it is determined that the message information received from the sending terminal information is questionnaire message information, the message display unit responds to the received questionnaire message information together with the message content information included in the received questionnaire message information. You may comprise so that the response request | requirement may be made. With this configuration, the receiving terminal device can notify the receiving terminal device user that it has received the questionnaire message information, the contents of the questionnaire, and the necessity to respond to the questionnaire.

  Further, the response message information may further include response message content information indicating response comment content input by the user of the receiving terminal device. With this configuration, the receiving terminal device can send and receive both normal message information and message information related to questionnaires (that is, questionnaire message information and response message information) to and from the transmitting terminal device.

  The message transmission unit may be configured to prohibit transmission of response message information for the received questionnaire message information when the selection result information is not generated by the response message generation unit. With this configuration, response message information that does not include selection result information can be prevented from being transmitted to the transmitting terminal device, so that empty responses can be prevented and the aggregation processing efficiency of the transmitting terminal device can be improved, The response rate can be increased.

  And a response message confirmation unit that displays selection result information included in the transmitted response message information in response to an input of a user of the receiving terminal device after the response message information is transmitted by the message transmission unit. May be. With this configuration, the user of the receiving terminal device can confirm the content of the response message information transmitted by the user.

<Sending terminal program>
In order to solve the above problems, according to another aspect of the present invention, a computer can be used to send and receive message information to or from one or more receiving terminal devices connected via a network. Specific sender-side terminal device: message content information representing questionnaire contents input by a user of the sender terminal apparatus, questionnaire option information representing a plurality of options related to questionnaire contents, and message content information. A questionnaire message creating unit that creates questionnaire message information including: a message sending unit that sends questionnaire message information to the receiving terminal device; selected from the receiving terminal device by the user of the receiving terminal device Selection result information representing at least one option and the received questionnaire message A message receiving unit that receives response message information including at least a message ID extracted from the message information; a selection included in the received response message information based on the message ID of the questionnaire message information extracted from the received response message information There is provided a program characterized by functioning as a transmission-side terminal device comprising: a questionnaire totalization unit for totaling result information; and a questionnaire result display unit for displaying a totalization result of selection result information. Moreover, according to another viewpoint of this invention, the recording medium with which the said program was recorded is provided.

<Receiving terminal program>
In order to solve the above-described problem, according to another aspect of the present invention, a computer can be used to receive and transmit message information to and from at least one transmission-side terminal device connected via a network. For each message content information: message content information representing questionnaire contents input by the user of the transmission side terminal apparatus, questionnaire option information representing a plurality of options related to the questionnaire contents, and message content information A message receiving unit for receiving questionnaire message information including a message ID uniquely attached; a message display unit for displaying message content information and questionnaire option information included in the received questionnaire message information; and a receiving side terminal device A selection that represents at least one option selected by users of A response message creating unit that creates response message information including at least the result information and a message ID extracted from the received questionnaire message information; and a message sending unit that sends the response message information to the transmitting terminal device. A program characterized in that it functions as a receiving terminal device is provided. Moreover, according to another viewpoint of this invention, the recording medium with which the said program was recorded is provided.

<Information distribution method>
In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, according to another aspect of the present invention, at least one transmitting terminal device and one or two or more receiving sides connected via a network and capable of transmitting and receiving message information to and from each other are provided. An information distribution method for distributing information using a terminal device is provided. This information distribution method is unique to each message content information, which is message content information representing questionnaire contents input by a user of the sending terminal device, questionnaire option information representing a plurality of options related to the questionnaire contents, and message content information. A questionnaire message creating step for creating questionnaire message information including the message ID attached to the message; a questionnaire message sending step for sending the created questionnaire message information to the receiving terminal device by the sending terminal device; A questionnaire message receiving step for receiving questionnaire message information transmitted from the transmitting terminal device by the receiving terminal device; message content information and questionnaire options included in the questionnaire message information received by the receiving terminal device; A questionnaire message display step for displaying a report; selection result information representing at least one option selected by a user of the receiving terminal device by the receiving terminal device; a message ID extracted from the received questionnaire message information; Response message information including at least a response message creating step; sending a reply message information to the sending terminal device by the receiving terminal device; sending a reply message; receiving terminal device by the sending terminal device A response message receiving step for receiving response message information transmitted from the server; selection included in the received response message information based on the message ID of the questionnaire message information extracted from the received response message information by the transmitting terminal device Collect result information To, Questionnaire steps and; The sending terminal apparatus to display the counting result of the selection result information, and survey results display step; including.

  The transmitting terminal device and the receiving terminal device may transmit / receive questionnaire message information and response message information as instant messages.

  In the questionnaire message creating step, either fixed questionnaire option information consisting of a plurality of fixed options prescribed in advance or free questionnaire option information consisting of a plurality of free options arbitrarily input by the user of the transmitting side terminal device. It is also possible to create questionnaire option information by selecting.

  The questionnaire message transmission step includes a step of recording the destination list information of the receiving terminal information that has transmitted the questionnaire message information in a recording device. In the questionnaire tabulation step, the selection is made based on the recorded destination list information. You may make it total result information.

  In the questionnaire result display step, the recorded destination list information and the total result of the selection result information may be displayed in a list in association with each other.

  In the questionnaire result display step, the result of the selection result information may be displayed periodically or when a predetermined event occurs.

  Further, a response message confirmation step for displaying selection result information included in the transmitted response message information may be further included in accordance with the input of the user of the receiving terminal device.

  As described above, according to the present invention, the transmitting terminal device can transmit a questionnaire message in a suitable data format and receive a reply message in a suitable data format for the questionnaire message from the receiving terminal device. it can. Further, by associating the questionnaire message information with the response message information, the questionnaire results can be aggregated easily and quickly.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the present specification and drawings, components having substantially the same functional configuration are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted.

(First embodiment)
Hereinafter, an information distribution system according to the first embodiment of the present invention, a terminal device and a server device constituting the system, and their operations will be described in detail. In the following description, an example in which the information distribution system according to the present embodiment is configured as an instant message distribution system that transmits and receives instant messages between terminal devices as message information will be described. It is not limited to examples.

<1. System configuration>
The instant message delivery system using the instant messaging technology has the same purpose as the conventional chat and e-mail delivery system in that message information is transmitted to a specific party via a network.

  However, the instant message delivery system, for example, has a presence function that displays the current status (whether it is logged on, during meals, etc.) of the other party to be contacted, and a messaging function that can immediately transmit a message to the other party. .

  This messaging function is used when a server device that relays an instant message between a sending terminal device and a receiving terminal device receives the instant message from the sending terminal device and immediately receives the instant message on the receiving receiving terminal device. This can be realized by sending a message. Therefore, the instant message delivery system having such a messaging function differs from the electronic mail delivery system that performs the processing in that the receiving terminal device does not perform the processing of accessing the server device and retrieving the message. To do.

  In addition, the instant message delivery system differs from the chat delivery system in that it has the presence function, can send and receive messages only with pre-registered partners, and has a message display format.

  Below, based on FIG. 1, the whole structure of the instant message delivery system 1 concerning this embodiment is demonstrated. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an instant message delivery system 1 according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 1, an instant message delivery system 1 (hereinafter referred to as “IM delivery system 1”) according to the present embodiment includes, for example, at least one transmission-side terminal device 10 and a plurality of reception-side terminal devices. 20-1, 20-2,..., 20-n (hereinafter, sometimes collectively referred to as “reception-side terminal device 20”), one server device 30, and a network connecting these devices to each other 5 is mainly composed.

  The transmission-side terminal device 10 and the reception-side terminal device 20 are, for example, information processing devices including at least a central processing unit, a recording device, an input device, a display device, and the like. Specifically, a computer device such as a personal computer (Notebook type or desktop type). These terminal devices 10 and 20 are not limited to such computer devices. For example, mobile terminals, PHS, mobile communication terminals, PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants), fixed telephones with a message information transmission / reception function, information appliances, etc. You may be comprised with various information processing apparatuses.

  The transmitting terminal device 10 and the receiving terminal device 20 are installed with an application for instant messaging. For this reason, both terminal devices 10 and 20 can mutually create, send and receive, and display instant messages.

  More specifically, software including a transmission module and a reception module for instant messaging is incorporated in the terminal devices 10 and 20, for example. This transmission module operates on the terminal devices 10 and 20 and has a function of inputting a message, generating a transmission message, and transmitting an instant message to a server module incorporated in the server device 30. The receiving module also operates on the terminal devices 10 and 20 and has functions for receiving an instant message from the server module, generating a display character string, and displaying message contents.

  Further, the transmitting terminal device 10 and the receiving terminal device 20 have the following special functions in order to realize a questionnaire function using instant messaging, which is a feature of the IM distribution system 1 according to the present embodiment. have.

  First, the transmission-side terminal device 10 is a terminal device used by, for example, a user (questionnaire sender) on the side of a questionnaire, and transmits a questionnaire message information (details will be described later). It is. For example, the transmitting terminal device 10 creates questionnaire message information as an instant message, and transmits the questionnaire message information to the receiving terminal device 20 used by the user selected as the transmission destination via the server device 30. can do. Further, the transmitting terminal device 10 can tabulate and display response message information (details will be described later) received from each receiving terminal device 20 via the server device 30. In other words, the transmission side terminal device 10 also includes software including a response message totaling module. This reply message totaling module operates on the transmission side terminal device 10 and has a function of counting response message information from the reception side terminal device 20 for the transmitted questionnaire message information in association with the questionnaire message information.

  In the IM distribution system 1 according to the present embodiment, only one transmission-side terminal device 10 is provided. However, the present invention is not limited to this example, and a plurality of transmission-side terminal devices 10 may be provided. Alternatively, each receiving side terminal device 20 may be configured to have the function of the transmitting side terminal device 10 as described above.

  On the other hand, the receiving-side terminal device 20 is a terminal device that is used by, for example, a user who responds to a questionnaire (questionnaire receiver), and is a terminal device that receives questionnaire message information. For example, the receiving terminal device 20 can receive and display questionnaire message information. Further, the receiving terminal device 20 can create response message information for the received questionnaire message as an instant message, and return the response message information to the transmitting terminal device 10 that is the questionnaire transmission source. In the IM distribution system 1 according to the present embodiment, a plurality of receiving-side terminal devices 20 are provided. However, the receiving-side terminal device 20 is not limited to this example. For example, only one receiving-side terminal device 20 may be provided. You may comprise so that the terminal device 10 may also have the function of the receiving side terminal device 20. FIG.

  The server device 30 is, for example, an information processing device that relays message information between the transmission-side terminal device 10 and the reception-side terminal device 20, and includes a computer device such as a personal computer. The server device 30 includes, for example, software including a server module, and can relay an instant message between the terminal devices 10 and 20. This server module operates on the server device 30 and has a function of distributing the message received from the transmission module to the receiving module on the terminal devices 10 and 20 specified in the message.

  Specifically, for example, the server device 30 receives questionnaire message information transmitted from the transmission-side terminal device 10 and transmits the questionnaire message information to the reception-side terminal device 20 selected by the transmission-side terminal device 10. The response message information transmitted from the side terminal device 20 can be received and transmitted to the transmission side terminal device 10 as the questionnaire transmission source. As a result, the transmitting terminal device 10 and the receiving terminal device 20 are configured as client terminals for the server device 30.

  In addition, the server device 30 can register users who can receive the instant messaging service and group the registered users into a predetermined group. When the user registered in the server in this manner logs on to the server device 30 using the terminal devices 10 and 20, instant messages can be transmitted and received between users included in the same group. Furthermore, the server device 30 also has a presence function for notifying other users in the group of the logon status of each user.

  The network 5 is a communication line network that connects the transmission-side terminal device 10, the reception-side terminal device 20, and the server device 30 so that bidirectional communication is possible. The network 5 includes, for example, a public line network such as the Internet and a telephone line network, a dedicated line network such as WAN, LAN, and IP-VPN, a satellite communication network, and the like, regardless of wired or wireless.

  In the IM distribution system 1 configured as described above, the transmission-side terminal device 10 creates a questionnaire message for requesting a response, and the questionnaire message is sent to the selected one or two or more selected via the network 5 and the server device 30. Can be transmitted to the receiving terminal device 20. Each receiving terminal device 20 that has received this questionnaire message can display the contents of the questionnaire message and notify each user that a message that requires a response has been received. Further, each receiving terminal device 20 creates a reply message including response options for the questionnaire message in accordance with the selection of the user, associates it with the questionnaire message, and then sends it to the sending terminal device 10 of the questionnaire transmission source. Each can reply. As a result, the transmission-side terminal device 10 can automatically classify and totalize the reply messages received from each reception-side terminal device 20, and display the questionnaire totalization result. Thus, in the IM distribution system 1 according to the present embodiment, a questionnaire using an instant message can be easily and quickly executed between the transmission-side terminal device 10 and the reception-side terminal device 20.

<2. Message structure>
Next, questionnaire message information and response message information exchanged in the IM distribution system 1 according to the present embodiment will be described based on FIG. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the structure of questionnaire message information and response message information according to the present embodiment.

  The questionnaire according to the present embodiment means that a user on the questionnaire side makes a response request specifying a predetermined option to a plurality of users on the questionnaire side, and each of the questionnaire side on which the response request is received This is a question-response pattern in which a user selects and responds to a user on a questionnaire by selecting his / her desired option from specified options.

  Therefore, the contents of the questionnaire include, for example, (1) listening to hopes regarding the location and date of a predetermined event (meeting, year-end party, etc.), or (2) personal attributes (gender, age group, location) , Occupation, etc.) and preferences (hobbies, sports of interest, favorite music genres, job types desired to change jobs, etc.), (3) attendance confirmation of predetermined events, (4) decisions on certain agendas (for example, , Pros and cons of introducing an annual salary system in companies), (5) voting (election, selection of chairperson, calculation of prime minister support rate, etc.).

  In order to suitably realize such a questionnaire in the IM distribution system 1, the following configuration is adopted as questionnaire message information and response message information according to the present embodiment.

  First, questionnaire message information will be described. The questionnaire message information is an instant message that the transmitting terminal device 10 transmits to a specific receiving terminal device 20. As shown in FIG. 2A, the questionnaire message information 50 includes, for example, a message ID 502, message content information 504, and questionnaire option information 506.

  The message ID 502 is an identifier used for specifying an instant message in the IM distribution system 1. This message ID 502 is unique in the IM distribution system 1 and is uniquely assigned to each instant message exchanged between the terminal devices 10 and 20. For this reason, a message ID 502 for specifying the questionnaire message information 50 is also attached to the questionnaire message information 50 which is a kind of instant message. Further, for example, the message ID 502 may include information for identifying the sending user and the receiving user of the questionnaire message information 50. Thereby, each terminal device 10 and 20 and the server apparatus 30 can specify the transmission user and receiving user of the questionnaire message information 50 only by referring to the message ID 502 in the questionnaire message information 50.

  The message content information 504 is generally the body of a message exchanged by the user, and is mainly composed of text information and the like. In particular, the message content information 504 of the questionnaire message information 50 is text information indicating the contents of the questionnaire input by the user of the sending terminal device 10, and is, for example, “a questionnaire for a desired place for the year-end party. Please reply with "." The message content information 504 may include not only text information but also pictograms, numbers, figures, and the like.

  The questionnaire option information 506 is characteristic information in the questionnaire message information 50 according to the present embodiment, and is information representing options regarding the contents of the questionnaire. Such questionnaire option information 506 is created based on the input of the user of the transmission side terminal device 10 and added to the extension area of the instant message. The questionnaire option information 506 is information having contents corresponding to the message content information 504, and represents a plurality of options that are responses to the questionnaire contents. As a specific example, when the questionnaire content represented by the message content information 504 is “desired place for year-end party” as described above, the option information 506 includes “1. Yakatabune, 2. Sushi restaurant, 3. Steak. This information represents options for a year-end party such as “shop”.

  Next, reply message information will be described. The reply message information is an instant message that the receiving terminal device 20 sends back to the transmitting terminal device 10. As shown in FIG. 2B, the response message information 60 includes, for example, a message ID 602, response message content information 604, and questionnaire response information 606.

  The message ID 602 is an identifier used to identify an instant message in the IM distribution system 1 as with the message ID 502 described above. A message ID 602 for specifying the response message information 60 is also attached to the response message information 60 which is a kind of instant message.

  The reply message content information 604 is generally the body of a message exchanged by the user, as with the message content information 504, and is mainly composed of text information and the like. In particular, the response message content information 604 of the response message information 60 is information representing the response comment content input by the user of the receiving terminal device 20, for example, “I know a houseboat that is a good place for a year-end party”. Information. The response message content information 604 may include not only text information but also pictograms, numbers, figures, and the like.

  The questionnaire response information 606 is characteristic information of the reply message information 60 according to the present embodiment, and is information added to the extension area of the response message information 60 as a response to the questionnaire message information 50. The questionnaire response information 606 includes, for example, a message ID 502 of the original questionnaire message information 50 and selection result information 608.

  The message ID 502 is a message ID assigned to the original questionnaire message information 50 (original message), and is an identifier that identifies the questionnaire message information. By including the original message ID 502 in the questionnaire response information 606 of the response message information 60, the reply message information 60 and the questionnaire message information 50 can be associated with each other. As a result, it is possible to specify what questionnaire message information 50 the response message information 60 is a response message to.

  The selection result information 608 is information representing at least one response option selected by the user of the receiving terminal device 20 that has received the questionnaire message information 50. More specifically, when the options for the contents of the questionnaire included in the questionnaire message information 50 are “1. Yakatabune, 2. Sushi restaurant, 3. Steak restaurant”, the user of the receiving terminal device 20 The desired option (for example, “1. Houseboat”) is selected from the options. The selection result information 608 is information indicating the selection result of the user, for example, information on the number of the selected option (for example, “1”). The selection result information 608 may include not only the number of only one selected option but also the numbers of a plurality of selected options.

  As described above, the questionnaire message information 50 and the response message information 60 according to the present embodiment are different from ordinary instant messages in that an extension area is provided in the data area of the message information, and the questionnaire option information 506 is provided in the extension area. Or the questionnaire response information 606 is held. Furthermore, the response message information 60 and the questionnaire message information 50 are associated with each other by including the message ID 502 of the original questionnaire message information 50 in the response message information 60.

<3. Transmitting terminal device>
Next, based on FIG. 3, the structure of the transmission side terminal device 10 concerning this embodiment is demonstrated. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the transmission-side terminal device 10 according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 3, for example, the transmission-side terminal device 10 includes a central control unit 102, an input device 104, a display device 106, a recording device 108, a transmission / reception preparation unit 110, a presence display unit 112, a user, The selection unit 114, the questionnaire message creation unit 116, the message transmission unit 124, the message reception unit 126, the message display unit 128, the questionnaire totaling unit 130, and the questionnaire result display unit 132 are configured.

  The central control unit 102 is a control unit configured by, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), and can control processing / commands of each unit in the transmission terminal device 10. In addition, the central control unit 102 includes a memory unit (not shown) composed of, for example, various RAMs (Read Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), and the like. It is possible to temporarily record or store the processing data and programs.

  The input device 104 is an operation means composed of, for example, a keyboard and a mouse. The user of the transmission side terminal device 10 can instruct various processing operations to the transmission side terminal device 10 and input message information to be transmitted by operating the input device 104.

  The display device 106 is a display device configured with, for example, a CRT display device, a liquid crystal display (LCD) device, or the like. The display device 106 can display and output image data such as message information on the display screen. Note that, as the output unit of the transmission-side terminal device 10, not only the display device 106 but also an audio output unit including a speaker or the like that generates audio data may be provided.

  The recording device 108 is a storage device composed of, for example, a hard disk, a flexible disk, a magnetic tape, an optical disk, a ROM, a RAM, and their driving devices. The recording device 108 can store, for example, a questionnaire result file 109 including information such as a questionnaire totaling result for each transmitted questionnaire message information 50.

  The transmission / reception preparation unit 110 performs a process of logging on to the server device 30 when the user of the transmission-side terminal device 10 receives an instant messaging service. Thus, when the user logs on and connects the transmission-side terminal device 10 to the server device 30, the transmission-side terminal device 10 exchanges questionnaire message information with the reception-side terminal device 20 via the server device 30. 50, etc., reception of reply message information 60, transmission / reception of normal instant messages, and the like are possible. In addition, the transmission / reception preparation unit 110 can also execute registration / update processing for adding / deleting a partner user who can transmit / receive an instant message, for example, by a user of the transmission side terminal device 10.

  The presence display unit 112 displays on the display device 106 the presence that is the current state of one or more users linked so as to be able to send and receive messages with the logged-in user. This presence is, for example, collectively managed in the presence management unit of the server device 30, and the presence display unit 112 displays the presence of each user based on the presence information supplied from the presence management unit. As a result, the user sending the instant message can check whether or not the destination user who is sending the message is currently ready to receive the message, for example, sending the questionnaire message information 50 only to the other party who can receive the message immediately. Is possible.

  More specifically, the presence includes, for example, the connection state of the transmission terminal device 10 used by the user to the server device 30 (“online” or “offline”), the current status of the user (“attended”, “absent” ”,“ Lunch break ”,“ meal ”,“ busy ”, etc.), restrictions on transmitted messages (“ emergency messages can only be accepted ”, etc.). By displaying such presence, it is possible not only to check whether or not the destination user who is going to send a message is logged on to the instant messaging service, but also to check the presence status and willingness to receive the other party. Further, the presence display unit 112 can change the presence of the user (for example, “attended” → “lunch break”) based on the user input of the transmitting terminal device 10. The presence change information is transmitted to the presence management unit of the server device 30 and notified to other users.

  The user selection unit 114 causes the user of the transmission-side terminal device 10 to select a receiving user who is a partner to which an instant message (including questionnaire message information 50) is transmitted. Specifically, the user selection unit 114 displays a list of one or more users registered in the server device 30 together with the presence on the display screen of the display device 106, and from the user list. Lets you select the recipient of the message. As a result, the user selects one or more destination users from among a plurality of users who can send a message while referring to the presence of each receiving user displayed by the presence display unit 112. Can do. At this time, the user selection unit 114 can select, for example, a user who is not logged on to the server device 30, and for a user group consisting of a plurality of users registered and associated with the server device 30. It is also possible to select in groups.

  The questionnaire message creation unit 116 is one of characteristic components of the transmission-side terminal device 10 according to the present embodiment, and creates the questionnaire message information 50 based on user input of the transmission-side terminal device 10. The questionnaire message creating unit 116 includes, for example, a message content creating unit 118, an option creating unit 120, and an ID assigning unit 122.

  The message content creation unit 118 creates the message content information 504. Specifically, the message content creation unit 118 creates message content information 504 that is text information representing the question content of the questionnaire based on the input of the user of the transmission side terminal device 10.

  The option creation unit 120 creates the questionnaire option information 506 based on the input of the user of the transmission side terminal device 10. For example, after the message content information 504 is created, the option creation unit 120 operates when an instruction to create option information (such as pressing a new questionnaire creation button described later) is made by the transmission user. The option creation unit 120 displays a series of GUI (Graphical User Interface) screens on the display device 106 in order to create the questionnaire option information 506, and sequentially prompts the transmission user to select and input necessary items. Has a style wizard function. Thereby, the transmission user can easily set options for the contents of the questionnaire only by performing an input operation according to the guide display by the option creation unit 120.

  In addition, the option creation unit 120 can create the questionnaire option information 506 in two types, for example, a fixed option and a free option, by causing the transmission user to select it. The fixed option is, for example, option information including preset fixed options in an alternative format such as “Yes” or “No”. On the other hand, the free option is, for example, option information composed of two or more free options that can be set by the transmission user by freely inputting the contents of the options.

  The ID assigning unit 122 automatically assigns a unique message ID 502 to the questionnaire message information 50 including the message content information 504 and the questionnaire option information 506 created as described above, for example. The ID assigning unit 122 assigns a message ID 502 to a normal instant message created by the transmitting terminal device 10 in the same manner.

  The questionnaire message creation unit 116 as described above also functions as a message creation unit that creates a normal instant message that is not the questionnaire message information 50.

  The message transmitting unit 124 transmits the questionnaire message information 50 created by the questionnaire message creating unit 116 and a normal instant message to the server device 30. The questionnaire message information 50 transmitted to the server device 30 is transmitted to the receiving terminal device 20 used by the user selected by the user selection unit 114. As a result, the questionnaire message information 50 can be transmitted to the logged-on receiving terminal device 20 in real time, so that a response request from the transmitting user can be quickly transmitted to the user of the receiving terminal device 20. Can be urged to respond.

  The transmission / reception preparation unit 110, the presence display unit 112, the user selection unit 114, the questionnaire message creation unit 116, the message transmission unit 124, and the like, as described above, select the instant message including the questionnaire message information 50 as the selected 1 or It functions as the transmission module for transmitting to two or more receiving side terminal devices 20.

  The message receiving unit 126 can receive the reply message information 60 and the normal instant message transmitted by the receiving terminal device 20 via the server device 30. Thereby, since the reply message information 60 from the receiving side terminal device 20 can be received and processed in real time simultaneously with the reply from the receiving side terminal device 20, the questionnaire result can be processed quickly.

  Further, the message receiving unit 126 also functions as a reply message determining unit that determines, for example, whether the received instant message is the reply message information 60 or a normal instant message. Specifically, the message reception unit 126 includes the questionnaire response information 606 (one or both of the message ID of the original questionnaire message information 50 and the selection result information 608) in the received instant message. Whether or not the received instant message is response message information 60 can be determined based on whether or not the message is received. That is, when the received instant message includes the questionnaire response information 606, the message receiving unit 126 determines that the received instant message is the response message information 60, while the questionnaire response information 606 is If it is not included, it is determined to be a normal instant message. When the message receiving unit 126 determines that the response message information 60 has been received, the message receiving unit 126 outputs the response message information 60 to the questionnaire counting unit 126.

  The message display unit 128 displays the normal instant message received by the message receiving unit 126 on the display device 106 as a message window in a sticky note format, for example. As a result, the user on the transmission side terminal device 10 can view the message from the reception side terminal device 20.

  The transmission / reception preparation unit 110, the presence display unit 112, the message reception unit 126, the message display unit 128, and the like as described above, for example, send an instant message including the reply message information 60 to one or more receiving side terminal devices. It functions as the receiving module for receiving from 20.

  The questionnaire totalization unit 130 is one of the characteristic components of the transmission-side terminal device 10 according to the present embodiment. For example, a plurality of response message information 60 received from a plurality of reception-side terminal devices 20 is transmitted. In association with the questionnaire message information 50, it has a function of counting the questionnaire results.

  More specifically, the questionnaire totalizing unit 130 determines which questionnaire message information 50 the received response message information 60 is based on the message ID 502 of the original questionnaire message information 50 included in the questionnaire response information 606 of the response message information 60. It is possible to specify whether the response is related to. This specific function is effective when the transmitting terminal device 10 is transmitting a plurality of questionnaire message information 50 regarding different questionnaire contents to the receiving terminal device 20.

  Further, the questionnaire totaling unit 130 can analyze the received response message information 60, extract selection result information 608 included in the questionnaire response information 606, and totalize the questionnaire results.

  Further, the questionnaire totaling unit 130 can store the destination list information of the user of the receiving terminal device 20 that has transmitted the questionnaire message information 50 in the questionnaire result file 109 in advance. Thereby, the questionnaire totalization unit 130, based on the stored destination list information, the message ID 602 in the received response message information 60, and the like, the user of the receiving terminal device 20 that has transmitted the received response message information 60 Can be specified. Therefore, the selection result information 608 in the received response message information 60 can be associated with the receiving user included in the destination list information. Thereby, the questionnaire totalization unit 130 can centrally manage information such as the user name of the questionnaire transmission destination, the presence / absence of a response from the user, and the content of the response.

  Further, for example, the questionnaire totalization unit 130 adds the received response message information 60 to a predetermined column of the questionnaire result file 109 corresponding to the identified questionnaire message information 50 among the plurality of questionnaire result files 109 in the recording device 108. The included selection result information 608 and response message content information 604 can be recorded. Thereby, the questionnaire totaling unit 130 can record the response message information 60 corresponding to each questionnaire message information 50 in the same questionnaire result file 109 and store the questionnaire totaling result.

  The questionnaire result display unit 132 is one of the characteristic components of the transmission-side terminal device 10 according to the present embodiment, and the questionnaire total result by the questionnaire totaling unit 130 is displayed for each questionnaire message information 50 on the display device 106. Can be displayed. At this time, the message content information 504 of the sent questionnaire message information 50, the option information 506, and the response result (whether there is a response for each user, the response user name, the selection result for each response user, the comment from the response user are selected. For example, the total number of choices etc. can be displayed in a list on one GUI screen. Thereby, the user of the transmission side terminal device 10 that has transmitted the questionnaire message can view and confirm the questionnaire result in an easy-to-see manner.

  Note that the questionnaire totaling unit 130, the questionnaire result display unit 132, and the like as described above are, for example, the above-described response message totaling for totaling and displaying the response message information 60 received from one or more receiving side terminal devices 20. Functions as a module.

  Also, the transmission / reception preparation unit 110, presence display unit 112, user selection unit 114, questionnaire message creation unit 116, message transmission unit 124, message reception unit 126, message display unit 128, questionnaire totaling unit 130, and questionnaire result display as described above. The unit 132 may be configured as hardware, for example, or may be configured by installing software having a corresponding function in the transmission-side terminal device 10.

<4. Configuration of receiving terminal device>
Next, based on FIG. 4, the structure of the receiving side terminal device 20 concerning this embodiment is demonstrated. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the reception-side terminal device 20 according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the receiving terminal device 20 includes, for example, a central control unit 202, an input device 204, a display device 206, a recording device 208, a transmission / reception preparation unit 210, a presence display unit 212, a user, A selection unit 214, a message reception unit 216, a message display unit 218, a response message creation unit 220, a message transmission unit 230, and a response message confirmation unit 232 are configured.

  The functional configurations of the central control unit 202, the input device 204, the display device 206, the recording device 208, the transmission / reception preparation unit 210, the presence display unit 212, and the user selection unit 214 of the reception-side terminal device 20 are as described above. Since the functional configurations of the central control unit 102, the input device 104, the display device 106, the recording device 108, the transmission / reception preparation unit 110, the presence display unit 112, and the user selection unit 114 are substantially the same, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

  The message receiving unit 216 receives an instant message from the transmitting terminal device 10 or another receiving terminal device 20 via the server device 30. In particular, the message receiving unit 216 can receive the questionnaire message information 50 from the transmitting terminal device 10. Thereby, since the questionnaire message information 50 from the transmitting terminal device 10 can be received in real time simultaneously with the questionnaire transmission, the contents of the questionnaire can be quickly displayed and notified to the user of the receiving terminal device 20. it can.

  Further, the message receiving unit 216 also functions as a questionnaire message determination unit that determines whether the received instant message is the questionnaire message information 50 or a normal instant message, for example. Specifically, the message receiving unit 216 determines whether or not the received instant message is the questionnaire message information 50 based on whether or not the questionnaire option information 506 is included in the received instant message. Can do. In other words, if the received instant message includes the questionnaire option information 506, the message receiving unit 126 determines that the received instant message is the questionnaire message information 50, and the message display unit 218 displays it. A questionnaire response button (details will be described later) provided in the message window is set to be displayable. On the other hand, if the questionnaire option information 506 is not included in the received instant message, it is determined that the received instant message is a normal instant message.

  The message display unit 218 displays the instant message (including the questionnaire message information 50) received by the message receiving unit 216 on the display device 106, for example, as a message window in a tag form. Thereby, the user of the receiving side terminal device 20 can browse the contents of the questionnaire requested by the user of the transmitting side terminal device 10.

  The transmission / reception preparation unit 210, the presence display unit 212, the message reception unit 216, the message display unit 218, and the like as described above receive, for example, an instant message including the questionnaire message information 50 and the reception side terminal device 10 or other receptions. It functions as the receiving module for receiving from the side terminal device 20.

  The reply message creating unit 220 is one of the characteristic components of the receiving terminal device 20 according to the present embodiment, and creates the reply message information 60 based on the input of the user of the receiving terminal device 20. The response message creation unit 220 includes, for example, a response option determination unit 222, an original ID provision unit 224, a reply message content creation unit 226, and an ID provision unit 228.

  The reply option determination unit 222 creates selection result information 608 included in the reply message information 60 based on the input of the user of the receiving terminal device 20. More specifically, the response option determination unit 222 indicates, for example, that the response message information 60 is created by the receiving user after the questionnaire message information 50 is displayed by the message display unit 218 (such as pressing a questionnaire response button). It works when it is made. Specifically, first, the reply option determination unit 222 displays a predetermined GUI screen on the display device 206 in order to create the selection result information 608, and selects a plurality of options specified by the questionnaire message information 50. indicate. Next, when a desired option is selected by the receiving user who has browsed the option, the response option determination unit 222 creates an option number corresponding to the selected option as the selection result information 608. Thereby, the transmission user can easily reply to the contents of the questionnaire only by performing an input operation according to the guide display by the response option determination unit 222. The selection result information 608 created in this way is given to the response message information 60 as questionnaire response information 606.

  The original ID assigning unit 224 extracts the message ID 502 from the questionnaire message information 50 received by the message receiving unit 216, and assigns the extracted message ID 502 to the response message information 60 as the questionnaire response information 606. As a result, the message ID 502 of the questionnaire message information 50 is included in the response message information 60 for the questionnaire message information 50. For this reason, the transmission-side terminal device 10 can identify what reply message information 60 the received reply message information 60 corresponds to.

  The reply message content creation unit 226 creates the reply message content information 604. Specifically, the reply message content creation unit 226 creates reply message content information 604 that is text information representing a reply comment to the questionnaire based on the input of the user of the receiving terminal device 20. In the present embodiment, the response message content information 604 is included in the normal area of the response message information 60, for example, like the message content information of a normal instant message. It may be included in the questionnaire response information 606.

  The ID assigning unit 228 automatically assigns a unique message ID 602 to the response message information 60 created as described above, for example, as in the case of the ID assigning unit 122 of the transmitting terminal device 10. This message ID 602 is assigned to identify the reply message information 60 itself. The message ID 502 assigned by the former ID assigning unit 224 to identify the original questionnaire message information 50 is: Different identifier. The ID assigning unit 228 assigns the message ID 602 to a normal instant message created by the receiving terminal device 20 in the same manner.

  Note that the response message creation unit 220 as described above also functions as a message creation unit that creates a normal instant message that is not the response message information 60.

  The message transmission unit 230 transmits the response message information 60 created by the response message creation unit 220 and the normal instant message to the sending terminal device 10 that is the questionnaire transmission source via the server device 30. Thereby, since the reply message information 60 can be transmitted in real time to the logged-on transmitting terminal device 10, the questionnaire totalization by the transmitting terminal device 10 can be executed quickly.

  The transmission / reception preparation unit 210, presence display unit 212, user selection unit 214, response message creation unit 220, message transmission unit 230, and the like as described above send an instant message including the response message information 60 to the transmission-side terminal device 10. It functions as the above-mentioned transmission module for transmitting to the other terminal device 20 on the receiving side.

  After the response message information 60 is transmitted by the message transmission unit 230, the response message confirmation unit 232 responds to the input of the user of the receiving terminal device 20 that is the questionnaire responder, and the content of the transmitted response message information 60 (selection result) , Reply comments, etc.) are redisplayed on the display device 206. Thereby, the user can browse and confirm his / her selection contents. In order to enable re-display by the response message confirmation unit 232, the transmitted response message information 60 may be primarily recorded or stored in the recording device 208 or the like.

  The transmission / reception preparation unit 210, presence display unit 212, user selection unit 214, message reception unit 216, message display unit 218, response message creation unit 220, message transmission unit 230, and response message confirmation unit 232, for example, , Hardware may be configured, or software having a corresponding function may be installed in the receiving terminal device 20.

<5. Server device>
Next, based on FIG. 5, the structure of the server apparatus 30 concerning this embodiment is demonstrated. FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the server device 30 according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the server device 30 includes, for example, a central control unit 302, a recording device 304, a user registration unit 306, a user link unit 308, a login management unit 310, a presence management unit 312, a message, A transmission / reception unit 314.

  The functional configurations of the central control unit 302 and the recording device 304 of the server device 30 are substantially the same as the functional configurations of the central control unit 102 and the recording device 108 of the transmission-side terminal device 10, respectively, so detailed description thereof will be omitted. . Note that the recording device 304 is not necessarily provided.

  The user registration unit 306 has a function of registering users of the terminal devices 10 and 20 that have accessed via the network 5 so that they can enjoy the instant messaging service via the server device 30. Such registration requires registration of user information including, for example, a user name, a login ID (for example, information for identifying a user such as an e-mail address), a login password, and the like. Such user registration includes, for example, individual unit registration and group unit registration including a plurality of users registered in the individual unit.

  The user information is recorded and managed in a predetermined area of the recording device 304, for example, and is added, updated, or deleted as necessary. The recording device 304 can also include a user storage area corresponding to the user registered in the server device 30.

  The user link unit 308 has a function of grouping a plurality of users registered by the user registration unit 306 in association with each other. For example, when user A wishes to exchange instant messages with user B, user C, and user D, user link unit 308 includes terminal devices 10 and 20 used by user A, user B, user C and Settings are made to associate the users A, B, C, and D with each other so that instant messages can be transmitted and received between the terminal devices 10 and 20 used by the user D. As a result, user A can send and receive instant messages to users B, C, and D. In this way, the user list information indicating the link status of users linked to each other by the user link unit 308 is registered and managed for each user in a predetermined area of the recording device 304, for example.

  Furthermore, the user's link mode by the user link unit 308 may be set in various variations for each user. Thereby, the user of the transmission side terminal device 10 who performs the questionnaire can set various user groups for transmitting the questionnaire message information 50. For example, a user group consisting of colleagues in the company is registered as the first user group, while a user group consisting of friends outside the company is set as the second user group, so that different contents are provided for each user group. The questionnaire message information 50 can be easily transmitted.

  In addition, when requesting questionnaire responses to users belonging to a certain group many times, a destination user who wants to send questionnaire message information 50 simply by selecting the group from a plurality of set user groups. Can be selected all at once. For this reason, when the questionnaire message information 50 is transmitted, the selection operation of the transmission destination user can be simplified.

  The logon management unit 310 manages the logon to the server device 30 from the users of the terminal devices 10 and 20. That is, in response to a logon request from each user, the user is permitted to log on to the server device 30 on the condition of authentication such as a login ID and a password. Thereby, each user can use the instant message service by using the terminal devices 10 and 20 connected to the server device 30.

  The presence management unit 312 manages the presence of a plurality of users registered by the user registration unit 306. The presence management unit 312 collectively manages information regarding whether or not each user has logged on and the presence change information received from the terminal devices 10 and 20 acquired from the logon management unit 310. Further, the presence management unit 312 provides each user's presence information associated with each terminal device 10 and 20 used by the logged-in user by the user link unit 308 (logon of the associated user). The presence or absence of the user, the current status of the user, etc.) periodically or whenever there is a change. Thus, the presence display units 112 and 212 of the terminal devices 10 and 20 can display such presence information, so that each user can view the presence of a plurality of users who can send and receive messages.

  The message transmission / reception unit 314 has a function of relaying an instant message exchanged between the terminal devices 10 and 20. For example, the message transmitting / receiving unit 314 receives the questionnaire message information 50 transmitted by the transmitting terminal device 10 and transmits it to the receiving terminal device 20 of the user selected by the transmitting terminal device 10, while receiving the receiving terminal device 20. The response message information 60 transmitted by the client is received and transmitted to the transmitting terminal device 10 that is the transmission source of the questionnaire message information 50. Further, the message transmission / reception unit 314 can record the instant message relayed in this way in the user area or the like of the recording device 304 temporarily or continuously, and hold the message for each user.

  In addition, the user registration unit 306, user link unit 308, login management unit 310, presence management unit 312 and message transmission / reception unit 314 as described above may be configured as hardware, for example. You may comprise by installing the software which has in the server apparatus 30. FIG.

  By providing the server device 30 configured as described above, the IM distribution system 1 having a real-time messaging function, presence function, and the like can be easily and efficiently constructed. However, the present invention is not limited to this example, and the IM distribution system is configured so that the transmitting terminal device 10 and / or the receiving terminal device 20 have the functional configuration of each unit of the server device 30 without providing the server device 30. It is also possible to configure.

<6. System operation>
Next, an operation example of the IM distribution system 1 including the transmission-side terminal device 10 and the reception-side terminal device 20 and the server device 30 configured as described above will be described in detail.

(user registration)
When a user who wants to enjoy the instant messaging service provided by the IM distribution system 1 accesses the server device 30 using the terminal devices 10 and 20, the user registration unit 306 of the server device 30 displays the display device of the terminal devices 10 and 20. The user registration screen is displayed in windows on 106 and 206. The user performs user registration by inputting user information such as the user name, login ID, and password according to the form of the registration screen.

  In addition, when the registered user inputs information of a destination user who wants to exchange an instant message, the user link unit 308 of the server device 30 links these users to each other and performs group registration.

(Logon to server device 30)
FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a login screen displayed on the display device 106 of the transmission-side terminal device 10.

  A user who wants to conduct a questionnaire using the IM distribution system 1 (sending user) needs to log on to the server device 30, for example. When the log-on request is made by such a transmission user, the transmission / reception preparation unit 110 of the transmission-side terminal device 10 displays a login screen 700 as shown in FIG. Next, the sending user inputs the login ID 702 and password 704 registered in the user registration on the login screen 700, and the login button 706 is pressed. Thereby, the transmission / reception preparation unit 110 of the transmission side terminal device 10 transmits these pieces of input information to the server device 30, and the login management unit 310 of the server device 30 compares the input information with the registered user information. Authenticates whether login is possible. As a result, when authentication is performed, the transmission user can log on to the server device 30. On the other hand, when canceling login, a cancel button 708 is pressed. In the following description, it is assumed that the user (reception user) on the questionnaire receiving side is logged on to the server device 30 in the same manner as described above.

(Presence display)
FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a user selection screen 710 displayed on the display device 106 of the transmitting terminal device 10.

  As described above, when the transmission user logs on, the presence display unit 112 and the user selection unit 114 display the user selection screen 710 on the display device 106 as shown in FIG. The user selection screen 710 is displayed based on the user list information set and registered by the user link unit 308 of the server device 30. In the example of FIG. 7, a total of eight users A to H are linked to the transmission user as counterparts capable of transmitting and receiving messages.

  Further, on the user selection screen 710, for example, presence indicating the logon / logoff state of each user is displayed. That is, since the users A to F are logged on to the server device 30, a logon mark 712 “◯” is displayed beside the displays of the users A to F. On the other hand, since the users G and H are not logged on, a logoff mark 714 “X” is displayed beside the displays of the users G and H.

  Such a presence display is updated whenever a user logs on or off, and is notified to the logged-on user. By such presence display, the transmission user can recognize the logon states of the users A to H and determine the destination to which the questionnaire message information 50 can be transmitted immediately. As described above, as the presence display, not only the logon / logoff state as shown in FIG. 7 but also information regarding the current status of each user may be displayed in detail.

  (Destination user selection)

  FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which a transmission destination user is selected using the user selection screen 710.

  Next, the transmission user selects a destination user to whom the questionnaire message information 50 is to be transmitted from among the users displayed on the user selection screen 710. This user selection is made, for example, by clicking a display portion of each user on the user selection screen 710, and a selection frame 716 is displayed for the selected user. In the example of FIG. 8, for example, a total of five users A to E in the logon form are selected. After the user is selected, a transmission destination user is determined by pressing a transmission button 718. As a result, the user selection unit 114 outputs information on the determined transmission destination user to the message transmission unit 126. On the other hand, the screen of the display device 108 shifts to a screen for creating an instant message.

(Create questionnaire message information 50)
FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a message input screen 720 displayed on the display device 106 of the transmitting terminal device 10.

  As described above, when a transmission destination user is selected from the user list on the user selection screen 710 and the transmission button 718 is pressed, the questionnaire message creation unit 116 of the transmission side terminal device 10 uses the questionnaire message information 50 as an instant message. Process to create.

[Create Message Content Information 504]
First, the message content creation unit 118 of the questionnaire message creation unit 116 performs processing for creating message content information 504 in the questionnaire message information 50. Specifically, the message content creation unit 118 displays a message input screen 720 on the display device 106 as shown in FIG.

  The message input screen 720 includes, for example, a title input area 722 for inputting a title of a questionnaire message and a body message input area 724 for inputting a message body. Also displayed on the message input screen 720 are a character color change button 726 for changing the character color of the message to be transmitted, a pictograph button 727 for adding a pictograph, a user change button 728 for changing the user of the transmission destination, and the like. Yes.

  For example, if the sending user wants to conduct a questionnaire about the location of the year-end party, he / she operates the input device 104 and inputs, for example, “desired place questionnaire of year-end party” in the title input area 722 and inputs the above text message. In the area 724, message information indicating that a questionnaire regarding the desired location of the year-end party is to be entered. The message content creation unit 118 creates the questionnaire message input in the title input area 722 and the text message input area 724 by the sending user as message content information 504 in this way.

  The process for creating the message content information 504 so far is the same as the process for creating a normal instant message other than the questionnaire message information 50. When transmitting a normal instant message, when the message input by the transmission user is completed and the message transmission button 286 is pressed, the message transmission means 124 transmits the instant message.

  On the other hand, when creating the questionnaire message information 50, for example, the sending user presses the new questionnaire creation button 729 when the message content information 504 representing the contents of the questionnaire is input.

[Create questionnaire option information 506]
10 to 14 are explanatory diagrams illustrating questionnaire creation wizard screens 730-1 to 730-4 displayed on the display device 106 of the transmission-side terminal device 10.

  When the new questionnaire creation button 729 is pressed as described above, the option creation unit 120 of the questionnaire message creation unit 118 operates the response request message creation wizard for creating the questionnaire option information 506 of the questionnaire message information 50 and the like. . As a result, a series of input screens 730-1 to 730-4 by the response request message creation wizard as shown below are sequentially displayed on the display device 106 of the transmission side terminal device 10.

  First, as shown in FIG. 10, a questionnaire creation wizard start screen 730-1 is displayed in a window. On the questionnaire creation wizard start screen 730-1, for example, a notification display 732 for creating questionnaire message information 50 that is a response request message, a screen progress button 734, and a cancel button 736 are displayed. By viewing the notification display 732, the transmission user can confirm that the questionnaire message information 50 is created by the subsequent input operation. If the creation of the questionnaire message information 50 is not desired, the user can return to the message input screen 720 by pressing a cancel button 736. On the other hand, if it is desired to create the questionnaire message information 50, the screen progress button 734 can be pressed to advance to the next screen.

  Next, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, an option pattern setting screen 730-2 is displayed in a window. In the present embodiment, as described above, for example, two types of response request patterns, that is, a fixed option pattern and a free option pattern, can be selected as response options for the questionnaire.

  The fixed option pattern is, for example, an alternative pattern of two alternative options such as “Yes” or “No”. The questionnaire option information created according to the fixed option pattern is fixed questionnaire option information. On the other hand, the free option pattern is, for example, a pattern of options made up of a plurality of free options that allow the transmitting user to freely input option contents. At this time, the questionnaire option information created according to the hot water option pattern becomes free questionnaire option information.

  The transmission user can select the fixed option pattern by marking the fixed option selection area 740 on the option pattern setting screen 730-2 as shown in FIG. When this fixed option pattern is selected, the creation of the questionnaire option information 506 is completed by the above processing, and the screen progress button 750 is pressed, whereby an option information confirmation screen 730-4 shown in FIG. You can go forward.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 12, the free choice pattern can be selected by marking a free choice selection area 742. When this free option pattern is selected, the number of desired options can be set by inputting a number in the option number setting area 744, for example. In the example of FIG. 12, the number of options is set to “4”. In the present embodiment, the number of options that can be set is limited to, for example, a maximum of five. In this way, by setting the upper limit of the number of options that can be set, it is possible to centrally manage multiple types of questionnaire message information 50 having various questionnaire contents and various numbers of options, so that data management is efficient. And easy.

  In addition, by marking the multiple selectable area 746, the option creation unit 120 adds a multiple selectable flag to the questionnaire option information 506, so that the user who has received the questionnaire message information 50 can select multiple response options. You will be able to choose as On the other hand, if the multiple selectable area 746 is not marked, the receiving user can select only one option, for example.

  After selecting the free choice pattern and setting the number of choices and whether or not to select a plurality of choices in this way, the screen advances to the choice input screen 730-3 shown in FIG. 13 by pressing the screen progress button 750. Can do.

  In this option pattern setting screen 730-2, the cancel button 752 can be pressed to return to the message input screen 720, and the screen backward button 746 can be pressed to start the questionnaire creation wizard. It is possible to return to the screen 730-1.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 13, an option input screen 730-3 is displayed in a window. In this option input screen 730-3, the transmission user can set the contents of a plurality of options constituting the free option pattern by inputting text information of free contents in the option content input area 754. In the example of FIG. 14, for example, the content of an option “houseboat” that is one of the candidate locations for the year-end party is input as the content of the first option among the four options.

  In this way, after inputting the first option content, by pressing the screen progress button 750, the screen is switched to the screen for inputting the second option content, and the second option content is input in the same manner as described above. can do. By repeating this option content input process by the number of the set options, the contents of a plurality of free options constituting the questionnaire option information 506 can be sequentially set. After setting all option contents, the user can proceed to an option information confirmation screen 730-4 shown in FIG. 14 by pressing the screen progress button 750.

  It should be noted that also on the option content input screen 730-3, the message input screen 720 can be returned by pressing the cancel button 760. Further, by depressing the screen retreat button 756, the user can return to the option pattern setting screen 730-2. As a result, even after the transition to the option input screen 730-3, it is possible to easily perform corrections such as increasing or decreasing the number of options or resetting the option pattern.

  Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 14, an option information confirmation screen 730-4 is displayed in a window. The option information confirmation screen 730-4 includes a notification display 732 for ending creation of the questionnaire message information 50 that is a response request message, a setting content area 764 for displaying a list of setting contents of the questionnaire option information 506, and a screen. A backward button 766, a completion button 768, and a cancel button 770 are displayed. By viewing the setting content area 764, the transmission user can confirm the setting contents of the response options for the questionnaire ("response request pattern" and "option contents").

  As a result, when it is desired to modify the setting contents of the option, the user can return to the option pattern setting screen 730-2 or the option content input screen 730-3 by pressing the screen backward button 766. Further, when it is desired to cancel the creation of the questionnaire message information 50, the message input screen 720 can be returned to by pressing a cancel button 760.

  On the other hand, when satisfied with the setting contents of the options, an instruction to end the creation of the questionnaire option information 506 is issued by pressing the completion button 768. As a result, the option creation unit 120 ends the display of the response request message creation wizard and assigns the created questionnaire option information 506 to the extension area of the questionnaire message information 50. Thereafter, the message input screen 720 shown in FIG. 9 is displayed again on the display device 106. Further, all the contents of the questionnaire message information 50 may be displayed as a list in a style like a questionnaire totalization result screen shown in FIG.

  As described above, when creating the questionnaire option information 506 of the questionnaire message information 50 in the transmitting terminal device 10 according to the present embodiment, the transmission user can easily use the questionnaire option information 506 by the wizard function of the option creation unit 120. And can be created accurately. Furthermore, information on response options for the questionnaire can be created in a predetermined format separately from the message content information 504 representing the contents of the questionnaire. For this reason, since the format of the option information created by each sending user can be unified within the IM distribution system 1, it is possible to efficiently determine, send / receive, manage, and store the questionnaire message information 50 exchanged between the terminal devices 10 and 20. And can be done easily.

[Grant Message ID 502]
The ID assigning unit 122 of the questionnaire message creating unit 116 assigns a message ID 502 to the questionnaire message information 50 including the message content information 504 and the questionnaire option information 506 created as described above. The timing for giving the message ID 502 may be, for example, the time when the creation of the questionnaire option information 506 is completed or the time when the questionnaire message information 50 is transmitted.

  As described above, the questionnaire message creating unit 116 can create the questionnaire message information 50 as information obtained by adding the questionnaire option information 506 to a normal instant message.

(Transmission of questionnaire message information 50)
For example, when the send button 286 on the message input screen 720 shown in FIG. 9 is pressed, the message sending unit 124 of the sending terminal device 10 uses the questionnaire message information 50 created as described above as the server device. 30. Further, the server device 30 distributes the received questionnaire message information 50 to the receiving terminal device 20 used by one or more users selected as transmission destinations.

(Save destination list information)
When the questionnaire message information 50 is transmitted as described above, the questionnaire totalization unit 130 of the transmission-side terminal device 10 stores destination list information representing the transmission destination user of the questionnaire message information 50 in the recording device 108. This destination list information is recorded in, for example, a questionnaire result file 109 created in a format to be described later.

(Reception of questionnaire message information 50)
The message receiving unit 216 of the receiving terminal device 20 receives the questionnaire message information 50 distributed by the server device 30. Since both the sending user and the receiving user are logged on, this receiving process is executed at substantially the same timing as the sending process of the questionnaire message information 50 by the sending terminal device 10. As described above, by using the IM distribution system 1, the questionnaire message information 50 can be exchanged in real time, so that a quick response can be made by the receiving user.

  In such a reception process, for example, the message receiving unit 216 analyzes the received instant message and confirms the presence / absence of the questionnaire option information 506, whereby the received instant message is the questionnaire message information 50. It can be determined whether or not.

(Display of questionnaire message information 50)
FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing a received message display screen 800 displayed on the display device 206 of the receiving terminal device 20.

  The message display unit 218 of the receiving terminal device 20 displays the received message display screen 800 representing the questionnaire message information 50 received by the message receiving unit 216 on the display device 206 as described above. The received message display screen 800 is displayed in a window in a tag form for each message.

  The received message display screen 800 includes, for example, a title display area 802 for displaying the title of the questionnaire included in the message content information 504 of the received questionnaire message information 50, and a text message display area 801 for displaying the message text. Is provided. The receiving user can grasp the contents of the questionnaire by browsing the message content information 504.

  The received message display screen 800 includes, for example, a screen priority button 803, a time setting button 804, a questionnaire response button 805, a detailed information button 806, and a delete button 807 on both sides of the title display area 802. , Is displayed.

  By pressing the screen priority button 803, the window of the received message display screen 800 can always be displayed at the top of the display screen. Further, when a time setting button 804 is pressed, a time control window (not shown) is displayed, and the date and time can be set on the time control window. When this set date and time is reached, the receiving message display screen 800 of the questionnaire message information 50 can be blinked automatically, for example, so that the receiving user can re-recognize that the questionnaire should be answered. Further, by pressing a detailed information button 806, it is possible to refer to detailed information that is not displayed on the received message display screen 800, including the transmission user name and transmission time. Also, by pressing a delete button 807, the received message display screen 800 can be deleted from the display screen.

  A questionnaire response button 805 is a characteristic display according to the present embodiment. That is, for example, the message display unit 218 displays the questionnaire response button 805 on the received message display screen 800 together with the message content information 504 only when the questionnaire option information 506 exists in the received message. Therefore, this questionnaire response button 805 has a function of notifying and displaying to the receiving user that a response request is made to the received questionnaire message information 50, for example. Accordingly, when the questionnaire response button 805 is displayed on the received message display screen 800, the receiving user can recognize that it is necessary to respond to the questionnaire message information 50. By pressing such a questionnaire response button 805, a reply to the questionnaire message information 50, that is, the creation of the response message information 60 can be performed.

(Create response message information 60)
When the questionnaire response button 805 is pressed as described above, the response message creation unit 220 of the receiving terminal device 20 performs processing for creating the response message information 60 for the received questionnaire message information 50 as an instant message.

[Create Selection Result Information 608]
FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing a response option determination screen 810 displayed on the display device 206 of the receiving terminal device 20.

  As described above, in response to pressing of the questionnaire response button 805, the response option determination unit 222 of the response message creation unit 220 displays a response option determination screen 810 on the display device 206 as shown in FIG. On this response option determination screen 810, options 812 included in the questionnaire option information 506 extracted from the received questionnaire message information 50 are displayed side by side. In the example of FIG. 16, four options 812, “1. Yakatabune”, “2. Tsukiji luxury sushi restaurant”, “3. Yokohama steak restaurant” and “4. Other” are displayed. Has been. Each option 812 is provided with a corresponding option selection area 814. The receiving user can select an answer to the questionnaire by browsing the option 812 and marking the option selection area 814 corresponding to the desired option. In the example of FIG. 16, “houseboat” having the option number 1 is selected. In the example of FIG. 16, since only four options are set, the option selection area 814 corresponding to option number 5 cannot be marked.

  When a plurality of selectable flags are added to the questionnaire option information 506 of the received questionnaire message information 50, the response option determining unit 222 controls the plurality of option selection areas 814 to be markable. On the other hand, when a plurality of selectable flags are not given to the questionnaire option information 506, the response option determining unit 222 performs control so that only one option selection area 814 can be marked, for example.

  In response to the selection result by the receiving user, the response option determination unit 222 creates an option number (“1” in the above example) corresponding to the selected option as the selection result information 608. Note that, in the case of an option of an alternative format consisting of “Yes” or “No”, the response option determination unit 222, for example, selects “1” when “Yes” is selected, and “No”. If “” is selected, “0” may be created as the selection result information 608.

[Create Response Message Content Information 604]
In addition, a reply comment entry area 816 is provided on the reply option determination screen 810. The receiving user can freely enter a reply comment in this reply comment entry area 816 after selecting a reply option for the questionnaire contents. In the example of FIG. 16, a reply comment “I know a good houseboat” that is a comment corresponding to the selection result “houseboat” is input. The reply message content creation unit 226 creates reply message content information 604 that is text information representing the reply comment input in the reply comment entry area 816.

[Grant original message ID 502]
Further, the original ID assigning unit 224 of the response message creating unit 220 extracts the message ID 502 included in the received questionnaire message information 50 and automatically assigns it to the response message information 60 as the questionnaire response information 606.

[Granting Message ID 602]
Further, the ID assigning unit 228 of the response message creating unit 220 includes reply message information including the reply message content information 604 created as described above and questionnaire reply information 606 having the original message ID 502 and the selection result information 608. A message ID 602 is automatically assigned to 60. The timing for giving the message ID 602 may be, for example, the time when the creation of the selection result information 608 is completed or the time when the response message information 60 is transmitted.

  As described above, the response message creation unit 220 creates the response message information 60 as information obtained by adding the questionnaire response information 606 to a normal instant message. As a result, the receiving user can easily and accurately create a reply message to the questionnaire message. Further, the selection result information 608 for the questionnaire can be created in a predetermined format separately from the response message content information 604. For this reason, since the format of the selection result created by each receiving user can be unified within the IM distribution system 1, it is possible to efficiently discriminate, transmit / receive, aggregate and manage the response message information 60 exchanged between the terminal devices 10 and 20. And can be done easily.

  After the reply message information 60 is created, the reply button 818 on the reply option decision screen 810 is pressed to determine the content of the reply message information 60 and the process proceeds to transmission processing. Note that none of the above-described option selection areas 814 is marked, and the reply message information 60 cannot be transmitted when no option is selected. That is, when the selection result information 608 has not been created, the reply message creation unit 220 performs control so that the reply button 818 cannot be pressed. Thereby, transmission of the reply message information 60 to which the selection result information 608 is not added can be prohibited. As a result, empty responses that are not answered to the contents of the questionnaire can be prevented, so that the questionnaire result can be efficiently aggregated on the transmission side terminal device 10 side.

  On the other hand, by depressing a cancel button 819 on the reply option determination screen 810 while the reply message information 60 is being created, the creation of the reply message information 60 is canceled and the received message display screen 800 can be returned.

(Transmission of reply message information 60)
For example, when the reply button 286 of the reply option determination screen 810 shown in FIG. 16 is pressed, the message transmission unit 230 of the receiving terminal device 20 uses the reply message information 60 created as described above as the server. To device 30. Furthermore, the server device 30 returns the received response message information 60 to the transmitting terminal device 10 used by the user who sent the questionnaire message information 50.

  The response message information 60 is different from, for example, the transmission of the questionnaire message information 50 that requires the selection of the transmission destination user, and the transmission side terminal used by the user who has transmitted the questionnaire message information 50 (the transmission user). Since it is automatically transmitted to the apparatus 10, there is no need to specify a user as a transmission destination. This is because the receiving terminal device 20 can automatically specify a destination based on the received message ID 502 of the questionnaire message information 50 or the like.

(Confirmation of reply message information 60)
FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram showing a response result confirmation screen 820 displayed on the display device 206 of the receiving terminal device 20.

  Further, the message display unit 218 of the receiving terminal device 20 transmits the response message information 60 for the questionnaire message information 50 received as described above, and then receives the received message display screen 800 for the questionnaire message information 50 (see FIG. 15). Can be redisplayed. Further, for example, when a questionnaire response button 805 on the received message display screen 800 is pressed, the response message confirmation unit 232 displays a response result confirmation screen 820 as shown in FIG. The response result confirmation screen 820 is substantially the same as the response option determination screen 810 (see FIG. 16), but it is not possible to select an option or input a response comment. By displaying such a response result confirmation screen 820, the receiving user can confirm the contents that the user has replied to. Note that the response result confirmation screen 820 is closed by pressing the close button 822.

(Reception of response message information 60)
The message receiving unit 126 of the transmitting terminal device 10 receives the reply message information 60 that is returned from the receiving terminal device 20 and distributed from the server device 30. This reception process is executed at substantially the same timing as the transmission process of the response message information 60 by the reception side terminal device 20 when both the transmission user and the reception user are logged on. Thus, since the reply message information 60 can be exchanged in real time by using the IM distribution system 1, it is possible to quickly aggregate questionnaire results by the transmission side terminal device 10. When the reply terminal information 10 of the receiving terminal device 20 is returned, if the sending terminal device 10 is in a logoff state, the reply message information 60 is temporarily recorded in the recording device 304 of the server device 30. The response message information 60 held by the server device 30 may be distributed to the transmission side terminal device 10 when the transmission side terminal device 10 logs on.

  Further, in such reception processing by the transmission side terminal device 10, the message reception unit 126 analyzes the received instant message and confirms the presence / absence of the selection result information 608, for example. It is possible to determine whether the response message information 60 is received.

(Total survey results)
The questionnaire totalization unit 130 of the transmission side terminal device 10 totals the response message information 60 received from the reception side terminal device 20 as described above. Specifically, each time the response message information 60 is returned from a plurality of (for example, five) receiving side terminal devices 20 that transmitted the questionnaire message information 50, the questionnaire totalization unit 130 adds the response message information 60 to the response message information 60. Based on the added selection result information 502 and the message ID 502 of the original questionnaire message information 50 and the destination list information stored in the recording device 109, the received response message information 60 indicates which questionnaire message information 50 It is specified whether it is a thing or a response from a user, and the questionnaire results are totaled in real time. The result of the questionnaire by the questionnaire totaling unit 130 is provided to the questionnaire result display unit 132 as needed.

(Display of questionnaire results)
FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram showing a questionnaire result screen 830 displayed on the display device 106 of the transmitting terminal device 10.

  As shown in FIG. 18, the questionnaire result display unit 132 of the receiving terminal device 20 causes the display device 106 to display a questionnaire result screen 830 representing the questionnaire total result by the questionnaire total unit 130. The questionnaire result screen 830 displays, for example, a questionnaire content display area 832 for displaying the message content information 504 of the transmitted questionnaire message information 50, an option display area 834 for displaying the questionnaire option information 506, and a questionnaire total result. A questionnaire result display area 836 is provided.

  More specifically, in the questionnaire result display area 836, for example, the user name 838 (users A to E) of the receiving user who has received the questionnaire message information 50 and the presence / absence of a reply from the response message information 60 from the user are indicated. A questionnaire result comprising a reply mark 840, a selection result mark 842 representing the option selected by the user, a reply comment 844 from the user, and the total number 846 for which each option has been selected is visually understood. It is displayed in an easy manner. Further, since the reply message information 60 has not been received from the user C, the reply mark 840 and the selection result mark 842 for the user C are not displayed, but the user C is included in the destination list of the questionnaire message information 50. Only the user name is displayed.

  Thus, the questionnaire result screen 830 can display a list of questionnaire contents, options, and questionnaire results. For this reason, the user who sent the questionnaire can grasp the questionnaire result at that time in real time by browsing the questionnaire result screen 830. Further, since the questionnaire contents and options of the questionnaire message information 50 input by the sending user are displayed together with the questionnaire results, the displayed questionnaire results are related to the questionnaire specifying any option for any questionnaire contents. It is also possible to easily grasp whether it exists.

  Also, at the bottom of the questionnaire result screen 830, a response number 838 representing the number of people who have received the response message information 60 at the present time is displayed. In the example of FIG. 18, it is displayed that 4 out of 5 have been answered. Thereby, it is possible to easily grasp the progress of the questionnaire.

  The questionnaire result screen 830 includes a save button 840 for saving the questionnaire total result, a discard button 842 for discarding the questionnaire total result, and a close button 844 for closing the questionnaire result screen 830. Is displayed.

  By pressing the save button 840 among them, the questionnaire result is updated and saved in the questionnaire result file 109 in the recording device 108. Further, when the discard button 842 is pressed, all the information related to the questionnaire being browsed is discarded from the recording device 108 of the transmitting terminal device 10 and the recording device 308 of the server device 30.

  The questionnaire result display unit 132 may continuously display the questionnaire result screen 830 as described above while the questionnaire message information 50 is transmitted and during the logon of the transmitting terminal device 10, or in response to a request from the transmitting user. May be displayed as appropriate, or may be automatically displayed periodically at preset time intervals. Further, when the questionnaire total result application (that is, the questionnaire total unit 130 and the questionnaire result display unit 132) is restarted by restarting the transmitting terminal device 10, the questionnaire result display unit 132 transmits Information on the questionnaire implementation status at that time may be acquired from the questionnaire result file 109 in the recording device 108 of the terminal device 10, and the questionnaire result screen 830 may be displayed for each questionnaire.

(Record of questionnaire results)
When the save button 840 is pressed in the questionnaire result screen 830 displayed as described above, the questionnaire totaling unit 130 displays the questionnaire total result at the time when the save button 840 button is pressed, for example, CSV (Comma). The data is recorded in the questionnaire result file 109 in the recording device 108 in a predetermined format of the Separated Value) format. This questionnaire result file 109 is provided as a separate file for each questionnaire message information 50.

  Here, the recording format of the questionnaire result file 109 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the recording format of the questionnaire result file 109 according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 19, the questionnaire result file 109 related to one questionnaire message information 50 includes, for example, a questionnaire content table 900 that is a data table related to questionnaire contents and a questionnaire result table 950 that is a data table related to questionnaire results. It is out.

  The questionnaire content table 900 includes, for example, a message ID item 902, a transmission date and time item 904, a sender name item 906, a message content item 908, and an option content item 910.

  In the message ID field 902, data of the message ID 502 of the questionnaire message information 50 is stored. Also, in the transmission date / time item 904, data on the date / time when the questionnaire terminal device 10 transmits the questionnaire message information 50 is stored. Further, in the sender name item 906, the data of the sending user name who sent the questionnaire message information 50 is stored. In the message content item 908, data of the message content information 506 included in the questionnaire message information 50 is stored.

  Further, in the option content item 912, for example, five options of the questionnaire option information 506 included in the questionnaire message information 50 are stored. In the option content item 912, when the option pattern is in an alternative format, or when there are less than five options, for example, options other than those set by the questionnaire transmission user as options are displayed. The contents are stored empty.

  Thus, the data of the questionnaire content table 900 is data related to the questionnaire message information 50 and is stored, for example, when the questionnaire message information 50 is transmitted.

  On the other hand, the questionnaire result table 950 includes, for example, a reception date and time item 952, a replyer name item 954, a selection result item 956, and a replyer comment content item 958.

  The received date / time item 952 stores data of date / time when the sending terminal device 10 received the response message information 60 corresponding to the questionnaire message information 50. Also, in the responder name item 954, the data of the receiving user name that transmitted the questionnaire message information 50 is stored. The data of the item 954 of the replyer name is configured as the above destination list information, and is stored by the questionnaire totaling unit 130 when the questionnaire message information 50 is transmitted, for example.

  Further, in the selection result item 956, data of selection result information 608 (that is, a selection result of a questionnaire receiving user) included in the response message information 60 is stored. For example, for each of the five options, “1” is stored when the receiving user selects it, and “0” is stored when it is not selected. In the example of FIG. 19, the user A has selected option 1 and option 3.

  The reply message content item 958 stores data of response message content information 604 (that is, response comment content of the receiving user) included in the response message information 60. If there is no reply comment from the receiving user, it is stored empty. In the example of FIG. 19, there are reply comments from users A and D, but no reply comments from users B and E.

  As described above, the questionnaire result table 950 stores the data of the above items for the number of users of the questionnaire message information 50 transmission destination (survey receiving users). When the questionnaire totaling unit 130 of the transmission side terminal device 10 receives the response message information 60 from these receiving users, the data in the data table 950 relating to the questionnaire result is updated as needed based on the response message information 60. In the example of FIG. 19, the response message information 60 has been received from the users A, B, D, and E, but the response message information 60 has not been received from the user C yet.

  As described above, the questionnaire totaling unit 130 records the totaled results of the received plurality of response message information 60 in one questionnaire result file 109 for each questionnaire message information 50. The questionnaire total results recorded in this way are used as appropriate for the display processing of the questionnaire result screen 830 by the questionnaire result display unit 132.

<7. Information distribution method>
Next, an information distribution method according to this embodiment using the IM distribution system 1 including the transmission side terminal device 10, the reception side terminal device 20, the server device 30 and the like as described above will be described with reference to FIG. . FIG. 20 is a timing chart showing the information distribution method according to the present embodiment.

  First, in step S100, the transmitting terminal device 10 creates questionnaire message information 50 (step S100; questionnaire message creation step). Specifically, first, a user who has registered as a user in the IM system logs on to the server device 30 using the transmission-side terminal device 10 and browses the presence displayed on the user selection screen 710 while checking the questionnaire message information 50. Select the destination user to send.

  After completion of such transmission preparation, the questionnaire message creating unit 116 creates questionnaire message information 50. Specifically, first, message content information 504 is created when a message indicating the contents of a questionnaire is input to the message input screen 720 by the sending user. Next, when the new questionnaire creation button 729 is pressed, the questionnaire message creation unit 116 starts a questionnaire creation wizard, and the sending user inputs a predetermined item in a predetermined column according to the wizard. In this wizard, as described above, either the fixed option pattern or the free option pattern can be selected according to the contents of the questionnaire, and whether or not a plurality of options can be selected can be set. With such a wizard function, the user can easily input and set desired options. As a result, questionnaire option information 506 representing options that are responses to the questionnaire contents is created. Further, the questionnaire message creating unit 116 assigns a unique message ID 502 to the questionnaire message information 50.

  Next, in step S102, the sending terminal device 10 sends the questionnaire message information 50 created as described above to the receiving terminal devices 20-1, 2,..., N used by the user specified as the transmission destination. Transmit (step S102; questionnaire message transmission step). The transmission process of the questionnaire message information 50 is performed via the server device 30 that provides an instant messaging service. This server device 30 is configured so that the receiving side terminal device 20 is in a logon state, and the transmitting side The questionnaire message information 50 received from the terminal device 10 is immediately transmitted to the receiving terminal device 20 without waiting for an acquisition request from the receiving terminal device 20.

  Further, in step S104, the sending terminal device 10 stores destination list information representing a plurality of destination users who sent the questionnaire message information 50 in the questionnaire result file 109 of the recording device 108 (step S104; destination list recording). Step). This destination list information is used in a questionnaire counting step described later.

  Then, in step S106, each receiving terminal device 20-1, 2,..., N receives the questionnaire message information 50 transmitted by the transmitting terminal device 10, respectively (steps S106-1, 2,..., N; Survey message reception step). As described above, the timing at which each receiving terminal device 20 receives the questionnaire message information 50 is substantially the same as the transmission timing of the questionnaire message information 50 when the receiving terminal device 20 is in a logon state. When the receiving side terminal device 20 is in the logoff state, it is a timing when the receiving side terminal device 20 subsequently enters the logon state.

  Next, in step S108, each receiving terminal device 20-1, 2,..., N displays the received questionnaire message information 50 on the display device 206 (step S108-1, 2,..., N; questionnaire message display step). ). More specifically, the message display unit 281 of each receiving terminal device 20 first displays the received questionnaire message information 50 on the received message display screen 800. As a result, the user of each receiving terminal device 20 can view the contents of the questionnaire and understand that a response request for the questionnaire has been made. Further, when a questionnaire response button 805 on the received message display screen 800 is pressed, questionnaire response options designated by the transmission user are displayed. Thereby, the user of each terminal device 20 on the receiving side can grasp the answer options for the questionnaire and select the options he desires.

  Further, in step S110, each receiving terminal device 20 creates reply message information 60 (steps S110-1, 2,..., N; reply message creation step). Specifically, first, the response message creation unit 220 of each receiving terminal device 20 displays a response option determination screen 810 to prompt each receiving user to select an option. As a result, when each receiving user selects a desired option and performs input processing, the response message creating unit 220 creates selection result information 608 based on the selection result. When a reply comment is input by each receiving user, the reply message creation unit 220 creates reply message content information 604 based on the input. Further, the response message creating unit 220 extracts the message ID 502 from the received questionnaire message information 50, assigns this message ID to the response message information 60, and assigns a unique message ID 602 to the response message information 60.

  Thereafter, in step S112, each receiving-side terminal device 20 transmits the response message information 60 created as described above to the sending-side terminal device 10 that is the questionnaire transmission source (steps S112-1, 2,..., N; Reply message sending step). The transmission process of the reply message information 60 is also performed through the server device 30. The server device 30 receives the response message information 60 from each receiving terminal device 20 when the transmitting terminal device 10 is in a logon form. The sent questionnaire message information 50 is immediately transmitted to the transmitting terminal device 10 without waiting for an acquisition request from the transmitting terminal device 10.

  Further, after such a reply message transmission step (S112), each reception side terminal device 20 performs a reply message confirmation step for displaying the contents of the transmitted reply message information 60 in response to the request of the receiving user. Also good.

  Next, in step S114, the transmitting terminal device 10 sequentially receives the response message information 60 transmitted by each receiving terminal device 20-1, 2,..., N (steps S114-1, 2,..., N; Reply message sending step). Thus, the timing at which the transmission side terminal device 10 receives the response message information 60 differs according to the transmission timing of each reception side terminal device 20.

  Further, in step S116, the transmission side terminal device 10 sequentially counts the response message information 60 and displays the count results (steps S116-1, 2,..., N; questionnaire count step, questionnaire result display step). More specifically, every time the questionnaire totalization unit 130 of the transmission-side terminal device 10 receives the response message information 60 from each reception-side terminal device 20 as described above, the message ID 502 included therein and the recording device 109 The response message information 60 is classified for each questionnaire on the basis of the destination list information stored in the destination list, and the transmission destination user and the selection result information 608 are associated and aggregated.

  In addition, the questionnaire result display unit 132 of the transmission-side terminal device 10 displays a list of the aggregation results obtained by the questionnaire aggregation unit 130 on the display device 106. This display content is updated whenever new response message information 60 is received. Thereby, the user who sent the questionnaire can easily and accurately grasp the result of the questionnaire and the progress status. Further, the questionnaire result display unit 132 may automatically display the result of counting the questionnaires periodically or after the transmission side terminal device 10 is restarted.

  Thereafter, in step S118, the transmitting terminal device 10 stores the questionnaire totalization result in the questionnaire result file 109 of the recording device 108 (step S118; questionnaire result recording step). The questionnaire totalization unit 130 records the totalization result of the questionnaire at that time in the questionnaire result file 109 in association with the destination list based on the input of the transmission user or automatically. Thereby, according to the request | requirement of a transmission user, the questionnaire result at that time can be read and displayed again.

  As described above, according to the instant message delivery system 1 and the instant message delivery method using the instant message delivery system 1 according to the present embodiment, the questionnaire message information 50 and the response message information 60 are associated with each other, and the response messages are automatically aggregated to instantly The questionnaire function by messaging can be suitably realized. For this reason, it is possible to quickly and easily carry out a questionnaire between terminal devices by making the maximum use of instant messaging by instant messaging. For this reason, the user of the terminal device can easily execute a questionnaire and use the questionnaire count result when holding a meeting such as a drinking party with a workplace or a friend.

  Further, the sending terminal device 10 and the receiving terminal device 20 can distinguish and handle normal instant messages and instant messages related to questionnaires (that is, questionnaire message information 50 and response message information 60). For this reason, the users of the terminal devices 10 and 20 can accurately recognize the transmission / reception of the questionnaire message information 50 and the response message information 60 and grasp the contents thereof.

  Further, in the transmission side terminal device 10, by using a dedicated wizard function for creating the questionnaire message information 50, it is possible to execute questionnaire item creation easily, accurately and quickly. Also, since each receiving terminal device 20 can create the response message information 60 that is a reply message to the questionnaire in a unified format, the receiving terminal device 10 that has received the response message information 60 stores the response message information 60. It is possible to tabulate appropriately.

  As mentioned above, although preferred embodiment of this invention was described referring an accompanying drawing, it cannot be overemphasized that this invention is not limited to this example. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made within the scope of the claims, and these are naturally within the technical scope of the present invention. Understood.

  For example, the instant message delivery system 1 according to the embodiment described above is a client that transmits and receives questionnaire message information 50 and response message information 60 between the sending terminal device 10 and the receiving terminal device 20 via the server device 30. Although configured as a / server (Client / Server) type network system, the present invention is not limited to such an example. For example, by configuring the transmission-side terminal device 10 and / or the reception-side terminal device 20 to have the functional configuration of the server device 30, a direct questionnaire is sent between the transmission-side terminal device 10 and the reception-side terminal device 20. Message information 50 and reply message information 60 may be transmitted and received.

  Moreover, although the information delivery system concerning the said embodiment was comprised as the instant message delivery system 1 which exchanges an instant message as message information, this invention is not limited to this example. For example, the information distribution system can be configured as an e-mail distribution system that exchanges e-mail as message information or a chat information distribution system that exchanges chat information.

  In the above embodiment, the terminal devices constituting the information distribution system are distinguished into the transmitting terminal device 10 that transmits the questionnaire message information 50 and the receiving terminal device 20 that receives the questionnaire message information 50. However, the present invention is not limited to such an example. For example, the terminal device constituting the system may be a terminal device having the functional configurations of both the transmitting terminal device 10 and the receiving terminal device 20. In other words, the questionnaire may be performed on any other terminal device from any terminal device.

  In the above embodiment, one questionnaire message information 50 represents only one questionnaire content, but the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, by including a plurality of message contents information 504 and a plurality of questionnaire option information 506 in one questionnaire message information 50, one questionnaire message information 50 can be converted into a plurality of questionnaire contents (for example, a questionnaire of a desired place for a year-end party). , A questionnaire on the desired date and time). In this case, in response to the questionnaire message information 50, the reply message information 60 to be returned includes a plurality of selection result information 608 (for example, the selection result of the desired place of the year-end party and the selection result of the desired date and time). It may be. Further, in this case, an essential flag is given to the message content information 504 so as to distinguish between a plurality of questionnaires included in one questionnaire message information 50 and an answer that is mandatory. May be.

  The present invention can be applied to an information distribution system for exchanging message information between a plurality of terminal devices, and in particular, can be applied to an instant message distribution system.

1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an instant message delivery system according to a first embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the questionnaire message information and reply message information concerning 1st Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the schematic structure of the transmission side terminal device concerning 1st Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the schematic structure of the receiving side terminal device concerning 1st Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the schematic structure of the server apparatus concerning 1st Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the login screen displayed on the display apparatus of the transmission side terminal device concerning 1st Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the user selection screen displayed on the display apparatus of the transmission side terminal device concerning 1st Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the state which selected the user of the transmission destination using the user selection screen shown in FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the message input screen displayed on the display apparatus of the transmission side terminal device concerning 1st Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the questionnaire creation wizard screen (1) displayed on the display apparatus of the transmission side terminal device concerning 1st Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the questionnaire creation wizard screen (2) displayed on the display apparatus of the transmission side terminal device concerning 1st Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the questionnaire creation wizard screen (2) displayed on the display apparatus of the transmission side terminal device concerning 1st Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the questionnaire creation wizard screen (3) displayed on the display apparatus of the transmission side terminal device concerning 1st Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the questionnaire creation wizard screen (4) displayed on the display apparatus of the transmission side terminal device concerning 1st Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the received message display screen displayed on the display apparatus of the receiving side terminal device concerning 1st Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the reply choice determination screen displayed on the display apparatus of the receiving side terminal device concerning 1st Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the reply result confirmation screen 820 displayed on the display apparatus of the receiving side terminal device concerning 1st Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the result screen 830 displayed on the display apparatus of the transmission side terminal device concerning 1st Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the recording format of the questionnaire result file concerning 1st Embodiment. It is a timing chart which shows the information delivery method concerning a 1st embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

1: Instant message delivery system 5: Network 10: Transmission side terminal device 104: Input device 106: Display device 108: Recording device 109: Questionnaire result file 116: Questionnaire message creation unit 124: Message transmission unit 126: Message reception unit 128: Message display unit 130: Questionnaire totaling unit 132: Questionnaire result display unit 20: Reception side terminal device 204: Input device 206: Display device 216: Message reception unit 218: Message display unit 220: Response message creation unit 230: Message transmission unit 232 : Reply message confirmation unit 30: Server device 50: Questionnaire message information 502: Message ID
504: Message content information 506: Questionnaire option information 60: Response message information 602: Message ID
604: Response message content information 606: Questionnaire response information 608: Selection result information

Claims (31)

An information distribution system in which at least one transmitting terminal device capable of transmitting and receiving message information and one or more receiving terminal devices are connected via a network:
The transmission side terminal device is:
Message content information representing questionnaire contents input by a user of the transmitting terminal device, questionnaire option information representing a plurality of options related to the questionnaire contents, and a message ID uniquely assigned to each message content information, Create questionnaire message information including
Sending the questionnaire message information to the receiving terminal device;
The receiving terminal device
Receiving the questionnaire message information from the transmitting terminal device;
Displaying the message content information and the questionnaire option information included in the received questionnaire message information;
Creating response message information including at least selection result information representing at least one of the options selected by the user of the receiving terminal device and the message ID extracted from the received questionnaire message information;
Sending the reply message information to the transmitting terminal device;
The transmission side terminal device is:
Receiving the reply message information from the receiving terminal device;
Based on the message ID of the questionnaire message information extracted from the received response message information, the selection result information included in the received response message information is aggregated, and the aggregation result of the selection result information is displayed. Characteristic information distribution system. The information distribution system according to claim 1, wherein the transmitting terminal device and the receiving terminal device transmit and receive the questionnaire message information and the response message information as an instant message. 2. The information distribution system according to claim 1, further comprising a server device that relays the questionnaire message information and the response message information between the transmitting terminal device and the receiving terminal device. The server device transmits the questionnaire message information received from the transmission-side terminal device to the reception-side terminal device regardless of the presence or absence of a message acquisition request from the reception-side terminal device. 4. The time information transmitting / receiving system according to 3. 4. The time information transmission / reception system according to claim 3, wherein the server device transmits presence information representing a current state of a user of the receiving terminal device to the transmitting terminal device. A transmitting terminal device capable of transmitting / receiving message information to or from one or more receiving terminal devices connected via a network:
Message content information representing questionnaire contents input by a user of the transmitting terminal device, questionnaire option information representing a plurality of options related to the questionnaire contents, and a message ID uniquely assigned to each message content information, A questionnaire message creation unit for creating questionnaire message information including;
A message transmission unit for transmitting the questionnaire message information to the receiving terminal device;
Response message information including at least selection result information representing at least one of the options selected by the user of the receiving terminal device from the receiving terminal device and the message ID extracted from the received questionnaire message information A message receiver for receiving
A questionnaire totaling unit that counts the selection result information included in the received response message information based on the message ID of the questionnaire message information extracted from the received response message information;
A questionnaire result display unit for displaying the total result of the selection result information;
A transmitting-side terminal device comprising: The transmission side terminal device according to claim 6, wherein the questionnaire message information and the response message information are transmitted and received as an instant message. The questionnaire message creation unit is either fixed questionnaire option information consisting of a plurality of predetermined fixed options, or free questionnaire option information consisting of a plurality of free options arbitrarily input by the user of the transmitting terminal device 7. The terminal device on the transmission side according to claim 6, wherein the questionnaire option information is created by selecting. The message receiving unit determines whether the message information received from the receiving terminal information is the reply message information based on whether the selection result information is included in the message information received from the receiving terminal device. The transmission side terminal device according to claim 6, wherein it is determined whether or not. The questionnaire totaling unit stores at least the destination list information of the receiving terminal information that has transmitted the questionnaire message information as a recording device, and totals the selection result information based on the destination list information. The transmitting terminal device according to claim 6. The transmission side terminal device according to claim 10, wherein the questionnaire totalization unit records the totalization result of the selection result information in the recording device in association with the destination list information. The transmission side terminal device according to claim 10, wherein the questionnaire result display unit displays a list of the destination list information and the aggregation result of the selection result information in association with each other. The response message information further includes response message content information representing response comment content input by the user of the receiving terminal device,
7. The transmission side terminal device according to claim 6, wherein the questionnaire result display unit displays a list of the response message content information and the total result of the selection result information in association with each other. The response message information further includes response message content information representing response comment content input by the user of the receiving terminal device,
12. The transmission side terminal device according to claim 11, wherein the questionnaire totalization unit records the response message content information and the totalization result of the selection result information in association with each other in the recording device. The transmission side terminal device according to claim 6, wherein the questionnaire result display unit displays the total result of the selection result information periodically or when a predetermined event occurs. A receiving terminal device capable of transmitting / receiving message information to / from at least one transmitting terminal device connected via a network, wherein:
Message content information representing questionnaire contents input by a user of the transmitting terminal apparatus from the transmitting terminal apparatus, questionnaire option information representing a plurality of options related to the questionnaire contents, and each message content information. A message receiving unit for receiving questionnaire message information including a message ID to be received;
A message display unit for displaying the message content information and the questionnaire option information included in the received questionnaire message information;
A response message creating unit that creates response message information including at least selection result information representing at least one of the options selected by the user of the receiving terminal device and the message ID extracted from the received questionnaire message information When;
A message transmission unit for transmitting the reply message information to the transmitting terminal device;
A receiving-side terminal device comprising: The receiving terminal device according to claim 16, wherein the questionnaire message information and the response message information are transmitted and received as an instant message. Whether the message information received from the sending terminal information is the questionnaire message information based on whether the questionnaire option information is included in the message information received from the sending terminal device. The receiving terminal device according to claim 16, wherein it is determined whether or not. When it is determined that the message information received from the sending terminal information is the questionnaire message information,
The said message display part displays that the reply request | requirement with respect to the received said questionnaire message information is made with the said message content information contained in the said received questionnaire message information, The characterized by the above-mentioned. Receiver terminal device. 17. The receiving terminal device according to claim 16, wherein the response message information further includes response message content information representing response comment content input by a user of the receiving terminal device. 17. The message transmission unit, when the selection result information is not created by the response message creation unit, prohibits transmission of the response message information with respect to the received questionnaire message information. A receiving terminal device according to claim 1. A response message confirmation unit for displaying the selection result information included in the transmitted response message information in response to an input of the user of the receiving terminal device after the response message information is transmitted by the message transmission unit; The reception-side terminal device according to claim 16, characterized in that: Do the computer;
A transmitting terminal device capable of transmitting and receiving message information to or from one or more receiving terminal devices connected via a network;
Message content information representing questionnaire contents input by a user of the transmitting terminal device, questionnaire option information representing a plurality of options related to the questionnaire contents, and a message ID uniquely assigned to each message content information, A questionnaire message creation unit for creating questionnaire message information including;
A message transmission unit for transmitting the questionnaire message information to the receiving terminal device;
Response message information including at least selection result information representing at least one of the options selected by the user of the receiving terminal device from the receiving terminal device and the message ID extracted from the received questionnaire message information A message receiver for receiving
A questionnaire totaling unit that counts the selection result information included in the received response message information based on the message ID of the questionnaire message information extracted from the received response message information;
A questionnaire result display unit for displaying the total result of the selection result information;
A program characterized by causing a terminal device to function as a transmission-side terminal device. Do the computer;
A receiving terminal device capable of transmitting / receiving message information to / from at least one transmitting terminal device connected via a network;
Message content information representing questionnaire contents input by a user of the transmitting terminal apparatus from the transmitting terminal apparatus, questionnaire option information representing a plurality of options related to the questionnaire contents, and each message content information. A message receiving unit for receiving questionnaire message information including a message ID to be received;
A message display unit for displaying the message content information and the questionnaire option information included in the received questionnaire message information;
A response message creating unit that creates response message information including at least selection result information representing at least one of the options selected by the user of the receiving terminal device and the message ID extracted from the received questionnaire message information When;
A message transmission unit for transmitting the reply message information to the transmitting terminal device;
A program characterized by causing it to function as a receiving-side terminal device provided with An information distribution method for distributing information using at least one transmitting terminal device and one or two or more receiving terminal devices connected via a network and capable of transmitting and receiving message information to each other:
Specific to each message content information, message content information representing questionnaire contents inputted by a user of the sending terminal apparatus, questionnaire option information representing a plurality of options related to the questionnaire contents, and the message content information. A questionnaire message creating step for creating questionnaire message information including a message ID to be received;
A questionnaire message transmitting step of transmitting the created questionnaire message information to the receiving terminal device by the transmitting terminal device;
A questionnaire message receiving step of receiving the questionnaire message information transmitted from the transmitting terminal device by the receiving terminal device;
A questionnaire message display step of displaying the message content information and the questionnaire option information included in the received questionnaire message information by the receiving terminal device;
Reply message information including at least selection result information representing at least one of the options selected by a user of the receiving terminal device by the receiving terminal device and the message ID extracted from the received questionnaire message information Creating a response message; and
A reply message transmitting step of transmitting the reply message information to the transmitting terminal apparatus by the receiving terminal apparatus;
A reply message receiving step of receiving the reply message information transmitted from the receiver terminal device by the transmitter terminal device;
A questionnaire counting step of counting the selection result information included in the received response message information based on the message ID of the questionnaire message information extracted from the received response message information by the transmitting terminal device;
A questionnaire result display step of displaying a total result of the selection result information by the transmission side terminal device;
An information distribution method characterized by including: 26. The information distribution method according to claim 25, wherein the transmitting terminal device and the receiving terminal device transmit and receive the questionnaire message information and the response message information as an instant message. In the questionnaire message creating step, either fixed questionnaire option information consisting of a plurality of fixed options prescribed in advance or free questionnaire option information consisting of a plurality of free options arbitrarily input by the user of the transmitting terminal device 26. The information distribution method according to claim 25, wherein the questionnaire option information is created by selecting. The questionnaire message transmitting step includes a step of recording destination list information of the receiving terminal information that has transmitted the questionnaire message information in a recording device,
26. The information distribution method according to claim 25, wherein, in the questionnaire totaling step, the selection result information is totaled based on the recorded destination list information. 29. The information distribution method according to claim 28, wherein, in the questionnaire result display step, the recorded destination list information and the total result of the selection result information are displayed in a list in association with each other. 26. The information distribution method according to claim 25, wherein, in the questionnaire result display step, the total result of the selection result information is displayed periodically or when a predetermined event occurs. After the reply message sending step,
The information according to claim 25, further comprising a response message confirmation step of displaying the selection result information included in the transmitted response message information in response to an input of a user of the receiving terminal device. Delivery method.

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