JP2009251631A - Chat system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a chat system capable of providing a chat with presence. <P>SOLUTION: This chat system includes a management server 2. This management server 2 is configured to create background image ID for identifying a background image for chat corresponding to the location of a terminal, and to transmit the created background image ID to the terminal, and to associate the created background image ID with the background image to be identified by the background image. When the background image ID transmitted from the other side terminal of chat to the reception terminal is transmitted from the reception terminal, the management server 2 transmits the background image for chat stored so as to be associated with the background image ID to the reception terminal. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a chat system that provides a background image for chat to a terminal that performs chat.

  In recent years, chat has become widespread where users of terminals such as personal computers and mobile phones connected to each other via the Internet exchange messages in real time using characters on a monitor.

  On the monitor of the terminal that performs the chat, the characters constituting the message, the avatar image of the chat partner, and the like are displayed. However, a predetermined image is used as the background image displayed as the background of the characters constituting the message and the avatar image regardless of the location of the chat partner. For this reason, chat has a problem that it lacks realism.

  Then, this invention makes it a subject to provide the chat system which can provide the chat with presence.

  The present invention is a chat system including a management server that provides a background image for chat displayed on a monitor of a terminal that performs chatting, the management server including a background for chat corresponding to a location of the terminal When receiving an image, an image ID creating means for creating a background image ID for identifying the background image, a transmitting means for sending the background image ID created by the image ID creating means to the terminal, and the reception A storage unit that stores the chat background image and the background image ID created by the image ID creation unit in association with each other, and a background image ID corresponding to the location of the chat partner terminal. When receiving the background image ID transmitted by the receiving terminal received from the terminal, search for the background image for chat stored in association with the background image ID There is provided a chat system, comprising: search means executed in the storage means and transmitting a background image for chat stored in the storage means in association with the background image ID to the receiving terminal. .

  When the management server provided in the chat system according to the present invention receives a chat background image corresponding to the location of the terminal, the management server creates a background image ID for identifying the background image, and creates the background image and the created background. The image ID is linked and stored. The management server transmits the created background image ID as a background image ID for identifying the received chat background image to the terminal. Therefore, the terminal can associate the location information indicating the location corresponding to the background image for chat identified by the background image ID with the background image ID. When the management server receives the background image ID transmitted from the receiving terminal that has received the background image ID from the terminal of the chat partner (the partner terminal), the management background image stored in association with the background image ID is stored. Is sent to the receiving terminal. Therefore, at the time of chatting, the counterpart terminal transmits a background image ID associated with location information indicating the current location of the own device to the receiving terminal, and the receiving terminal manages the background image ID received from the counterpart terminal. When transmitted to the server, the background image for chat corresponding to the current location of the counterpart terminal is transmitted to the receiving terminal. Therefore, a background image corresponding to the current position of the partner terminal is displayed on the monitor of the receiving terminal as a background image for chatting. Therefore, according to the chat system according to the present invention, a realistic chat can be performed.

  Preferably, upon receipt of the avatar image of the user of the terminal, the image ID creation means creates an avatar image ID for identifying the avatar image, and the transmission means is created by the image ID creation means. The avatar image ID is transmitted to the terminal as an avatar image ID for identifying the received avatar image, and the storage means includes the received avatar image and the avatar image ID created by the image ID creation means. And the search means receives the avatar image ID transmitted from the receiving terminal that has received the avatar image ID for identifying the avatar image of the user of the counterpart terminal from the counterpart terminal. A search for the avatar image stored in association with the avatar image ID is executed in the storage means, and the storage hand The avatar images stored tied and the avatar image ID is configured to be transmitted to the receiving terminal in.

  In such a preferred configuration, when the management server receives the avatar image of the user of the terminal, the management server creates an avatar image ID for identifying the avatar image, and stores the avatar image and the created avatar image ID in association with each other. To do. Further, the management server transmits the created avatar image ID to the terminal as an avatar image ID for identifying the received avatar image. Accordingly, the terminal can recognize the avatar image ID for identifying the avatar image of the user of the own device. In addition, when receiving the avatar image ID transmitted from the receiving terminal, the management server transmits the avatar image stored in association with the avatar image ID to the receiving terminal. Therefore, when the other terminal transmits the avatar image ID of the user's avatar image to the receiving terminal and the receiving terminal receives the avatar image ID received by the receiving terminal to the management server during the chat, the receiving terminal The terminal user's avatar image is transmitted. Therefore, the avatar image of the user of the counterpart terminal is displayed on the monitor of the receiving terminal. Therefore, according to such a preferable configuration, since the avatar image of the user of the other party terminal is displayed together with the background image corresponding to the current position of the other party terminal, a more realistic chat can be performed.

  Preferably, the storage means stores a map image, and the search means receives the location information transmitted by the receiving terminal that has received the location information of the counterpart terminal from the counterpart terminal. The map image corresponding to the location information is acquired from the storage means, and the acquired map image is transmitted to the receiving terminal.

  According to this preferable configuration, when receiving the location information transmitted from the receiving terminal, the management server transmits a map image corresponding to the location information to the receiving terminal. Therefore, at the time of chatting, when the partner terminal transmits the current location information of the own device to the receiving terminal and the receiver terminal transmits the received location information to the management server, the receiving terminal displays the current location information of the partner terminal. A map image corresponding to the position is transmitted. Therefore, according to such a preferable configuration, since a map image is also displayed on the receiving terminal, a more realistic chat can be performed.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the chat system which can provide a chat with a realistic feeling can be provided.

  FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of a chat system 1 according to the present embodiment. The chat system 1 includes a management server 2. The management server 2 connects the terminal 3 and the terminal 3A via a network such as the Internet. The management server 2 relays a message transmitted from the terminal 3 and the terminal 3A, and realizes a chat between the terminal 3 and the terminal 3A.

  The management server 2 includes a management unit 20, an image ID creation unit 21, a transmission unit 22, a storage unit 23, and a search unit 27. The storage unit 23 includes a background image storage unit 24, an avatar image storage unit 25, and a map image storage unit 26. As shown in FIG. 2A, the background image storage unit 24 includes a chat background image (background image IDs “A001” to “A003”) of the terminal 3 and a chat background image (background) of the terminal 3A. Each of the image IDs “A005” to “A007”) is stored in association with a background image ID for identifying a background image for chatting. The background image for chat can be a photograph, a painting, a composite image of a photograph and a painting, or the like. In the avatar image storage means 25, as shown in FIG. 2B, the avatar images of the respective users of the terminal 3 and the terminal 3A are stored in association with the avatar image ID for identifying the avatar image. Yes. The avatar image may be a character created by the user, a bust-up photo of the user, a composite image of the character created by the user and the bust-up photo of the user, or the like.

  The terminal 3 is a device that can chat with another terminal 3 </ b> A via the management server 2. As the terminal 3, a mobile phone, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), a personal computer, or the like can be used. The terminal 3 includes operation means such as a keypad, cursor keys, enter key, monitor, etc., storage means 4, location information acquisition means 5, registration means 6, chatting means 7, and imaging means 8. . The storage unit 4 includes an image storage unit 41, a background image ID storage unit 42, and an avatar image ID storage unit 43. In the background image ID storage means 42, as shown in FIG. 2C, the background image ID for identifying the background image for chat of the terminal 3, the file name of the background image for chat of the terminal 3, The location information indicating the location of the terminal 3 corresponding to the background image for chat of the terminal 3 is associated and stored. The location of the terminal 3 corresponding to the chat background image may be the location of the building indicated by the chat background image, the location where the scenery appears, or the like. As shown in FIG. 2D, the avatar image ID storage means 43 is associated with an avatar image ID for identifying the avatar image of the user of the terminal 3 and a file name of the avatar image of the user of the terminal 3. Is remembered. The background image for chat of the terminal 3 whose file name is stored in the background image ID storage means 42 and the user's avatar image of the terminal 3 whose file name is stored in the avatar image ID storage means 43 are stored in the image memory. It is stored in the means 41.

  Since the terminal 3A has the same configuration as the terminal 3, the description thereof is omitted.

  Next, the registration of the background image and the background image ID in the background image storage unit 24 of the management server 2, the background image ID in the background image ID storage unit 42 of the terminal 3, the file name, and the location information Will be described. In addition, it demonstrates here using the image of the photograph of A station shown to Fig.2 (a).

  First, the user of the terminal 3 connects the terminal 3 to the management server 2 via the network at a location corresponding to the image of the A station photograph registered as a chat background image, that is, at the A station. When connected to the management server 2, the user authentication screen 310 shown in FIG. 3A is displayed on the monitor 30 of the terminal 3 by the management means 20 of the management server 2. The user logs in the management server 2 by inputting his / her name in the user name field 311 of the user authentication screen 310 and his / her password in the password field 312 using the operating means of the terminal 3. When logging in, the management unit 20 displays a main screen 320 shown in FIG. 3B on the monitor 30 of the terminal 3. On the main screen 320, names 321 of users of the terminal 3 and names 322 to 324 of all users who can chat with the user of the terminal 3 are displayed.

  When the main screen 320 is displayed, the user selects his / her name 321 using the operation means of the terminal 3. When the user's own name (the same name as the name entered in the user name field 311 in FIG. 3A) is selected, the management means 20 monitors the terminal 3 as shown in FIG. 30 displays a selection screen 331. On this selection screen 331, a profile 332, registration 333, and edit 334 are displayed. When the selection screen 331 is displayed, the user selects the registration 333 using the operation means of the terminal 3. When the registration 333 is selected, the registration means 6 of the terminal 3 transmits a file name display field 341 in which the file name of the image registered as the chat background image is displayed, as shown in FIG. A button 342 is displayed on the monitor 30 of the terminal 3.

  When the file name display field 341 or the like is displayed, the user uses the operation means of the terminal 3 to select the image of the photo of the station A to be registered as the background image for chat from the image stored in the image storage means 41 of the terminal 3. Use to select. Examples of the image stored by the image storage unit 41 include an image captured by the imaging unit 8 and an image downloaded via the Internet. When an image of the station A photo is selected, the registration unit 6 displays the file name “photo001” of the image of the station A photo in the file name display field 341. When the file name “photo001” is displayed in the file name display field 341, the user presses the send button 342 using the operation means of the terminal 3.

  When the transmission button 342 is pressed, the registration unit 6 obtains an image of the A station photo whose file name is displayed in the file name display field 341 from the image storage unit 41, The management unit 20 of the management server 2 includes the file name “photo001” of the image, the fact that the background image is registered, and a terminal identifier (for example, the mail address or IP address of the terminal 3) for identifying the own device. Send to.

  When the information indicating that the background image is registered is included in this way, the management unit 20 transfers the received image of the station A photo to the image ID creation unit 21. Upon receipt of these, the image ID creating means 21 creates a background image ID “A001” for identifying an image of a photograph of station A. As shown in FIG. 2A, the image ID creating unit 21 associates the created background image ID “A001” with the received image of the station A photo, and stores them in the background image storage unit 24. Let Thus, the image of the station A photo and the background image ID “A001” are linked and registered.

  Further, when the image ID creating means 21 creates the background image ID as described above, the created background image ID “A001”, the file name “photo001” of the picture of the A station photo, and the terminal identifier are sent to the sending means 22. input. The transmission means 22 transmits the background image ID “A001” and the file name “photo001” of the image of the A station photo to the terminal identified by the terminal identifier (that is, the terminal 3). When the registration means 6 of the terminal 3 receives the background image ID “A001” and the file name “photo001” of the image of the A station photo, the current location information (A station) of the terminal 3 is received from the location information acquisition means 5. (Location information indicating the position of). The location information acquisition means 5 acquires the location information of the terminal 3 using a GPS (Global Positioning System) or the like. When the location information is acquired, the registration means 6 associates the background image ID “A001”, the file name “photo001” of the image of the photo of the station A with the location information indicating the acquired location of the station A. These are stored in the background image ID storage means 42 as shown in FIG. Thereby, the background image ID for identifying the background image for chat of the terminal 3, the file name of the image identified by the background image ID, and the location information of the terminal 3 are stored in the background image ID storage means 42. It is registered by being linked.

  Next, registration of the avatar image and the avatar image ID in the avatar image storage unit 25 of the management server 2 and registration of the avatar image ID and the file name in the avatar image ID storage unit 43 of the terminal 3 will be described. Here, the description will be made using the user character (emotion: normal) of the terminal 3 shown in FIG. 2B (hereinafter simply referred to as “user character of the terminal 3”).

  When registering the avatar image, the user of the terminal 3 displays the selection screen 331 shown in FIG. 3C on the monitor 30 of the terminal 3 as in the case of registering the background image. Next, the user selects the profile 332 on the selection screen 331 using the operation means of the terminal 3. When the profile 332 is selected, the registration means 6 of the terminal 3, as shown in FIG. 3 (e), displays a file name display field 351 for displaying the file name of an image registered as an avatar image, a send button 352, Is displayed on the monitor 30 of the terminal 3.

  When the file name display field 351 and the send button 352 are displayed, the user selects the character of the user of the terminal 3 to be registered as an avatar image from the image stored in the image storage means 41 of the terminal 3. Use to select. When the user character of the terminal 3 is selected, the registration unit 6 displays the file name “photo201” of the selected image in the file name display field 351. When the file name is displayed in the file name display field 351, the user presses the transmission button 352 using the operation unit of the terminal 3.

  When the transmission button 352 is pressed, the registration unit 6 acquires the character of the user of the terminal 3 whose file name is displayed in the file name display field 351 from the image storage unit 41, and stores the image and the file of the image. The name “photo201”, the avatar image registration, and the terminal identifier of the own device are transmitted to the management means 20.

  When it is included that the avatar image is registered, the management unit 20 transfers the received character of the user of the terminal 3 to the image ID creation unit 21. When receiving these, the image ID creating means 21 creates an avatar image ID “B001” for identifying the user character of the terminal 3. The image ID creation means 21 associates the created avatar image ID “B001” with the user character of the terminal 3 and stores them in the avatar image storage means 25. As a result, the avatar image and the avatar image ID are linked and registered in the avatar image storage means 25.

  Further, when the image ID creating means 21 creates the avatar image ID “B001” as described above, the created avatar image ID “B001”, the file name “photo201” of the user character of the terminal 3 and the terminal identifier are transmitted. Input to means 22. The transmission means 22 transmits the avatar image ID “B001” and the file name “photo201” to the terminal identified by the terminal identifier (that is, the terminal 3). Upon receiving the avatar image ID “B001” and the file name “photo201”, the registration means 6 of the terminal 3 associates them with each other and stores them in the avatar image ID storage means 43. As a result, the avatar image ID and the file name are linked and registered in the avatar image ID storage means 43.

  Next, the chat performed between the terminal 3 and the terminal 3A described above will be described. Here, it is assumed that the user of terminal 3 is staying at station A and the user of terminal 3A is at home. The chat is started when the user of the terminal 3 sends a message to the user of the terminal 3A.

  As described above, the user of the terminal 3 connects the terminal 3 to the management server 2 and logs in to the management server 2. When logging in, the management unit 20 displays a main screen 320 shown in FIG. 3B on the monitor 30 of the terminal 3. Here, the user of the terminal 3 selects the name (OOE-TAKASI) of the user of the terminal 3 </ b> A by using the operation means of the terminal 3.

  Thus, when the name of the chat partner is selected, a chat screen 611 shown in FIG. 4A is displayed on the monitor 30 of the terminal 3 by the chat means 7. The chat screen 611 includes a background mode screen and a map mode screen. The background mode screen is stored in the background image storage unit 24 of the management server 2 as a background image in association with the background image ID transmitted from the terminal of the chat partner (hereinafter referred to as “the partner terminal”). This is a screen that uses a background image. On the other hand, the map mode screen is a screen that uses a map image corresponding to the location information of the counterpart terminal transmitted from the counterpart terminal as the background image. Here, the screen for chat displayed after selecting the name of the chat partner is the screen for the background mode. Since the background image ID is not transmitted from the partner terminal when the name of the chat partner is selected, a default image is used as the background image of the chat screen 611.

  Next, the user of the terminal 3 selects an avatar image ID. The selection of the avatar image ID can be performed by operating the upward cursor key and the enter key of the terminal 3 in a state where the chat screen 611 shown in FIG. 4A is displayed. When the upward cursor key is operated while the chat screen 611 is displayed, the chat unit 7 acquires a predetermined avatar image ID stored in the avatar image ID storage unit 43. Then, the chat unit 7 acquires an avatar image associated with the acquired avatar image ID and stored with the file name from the image storage unit 41 in the avatar image ID storage unit 43. When the avatar image is acquired, the chat means 7 displays the selection screen 621 on the chat screen 611 as shown in FIG. 4B, and the acquired avatar image ID and the acquired avatar image ID are acquired in the selection screen 621. The avatar image that was displayed is displayed.

  When the cursor key in the upward direction is further operated while the avatar image ID and the avatar image are displayed on the selection screen 621, the chat means 7 changes the avatar image ID and the avatar image displayed on the selection screen 621. . Specifically, the chat unit 7 acquires another avatar image ID stored in the avatar image ID storage unit 43, and the file name associated with the other avatar image ID in the avatar image ID storage unit 43. Is acquired from the image storage means 41. Then, the chat unit 7 displays the acquired other avatar image ID and the acquired avatar image in the selection screen 621.

  When the enter key of the terminal 3 is operated while the selection screen 621 is displayed, the chat means 7 displays the avatar image ID displayed on the selection screen 621 when the enter key is operated as the user of the terminal 3. Is considered to be selected by Therefore, the user of the terminal 3 operates the cursor key in the upward direction to display the desired avatar image ID on the selection screen 621, and operates the enter key when the desired avatar image ID is displayed. The avatar image ID can be selected. Here, it is assumed that “B001” is selected as the avatar image ID. If the enter key is pressed while the selection screen 621 is displayed, the chat means 7 closes the selection screen 621. Thereby, the display state of the monitor 30 of the terminal 3 returns to the state shown in FIG.

  When the avatar image ID is selected, the user of the terminal 3 creates a message to be transmitted to the user of the terminal 3A. The message can be created by operating the keypad of the terminal 3 while the chat screen 611 shown in FIG. 4A is displayed. When the keypad is operated while the chat screen 611 is displayed, the chat means 7 displays a message display screen 631 on the chat screen 611 as shown in FIG. Then, the chat means 7 converts the operation contents of the keypad into characters, creates a message, and displays the created message on the message display screen 631.

  As shown in FIG. 4C, when the enter key is operated while the message display screen 631 is displayed, the chat unit 7 determines the current location of the terminal 3 from the location information acquisition unit 5. get. That is, here, location information indicating the location of the station A is acquired.

  Next, the chat means 7 indicates a position that is closest to the A station indicated by the location information acquired from the location information acquisition means 5 and that has a distance of a predetermined distance (for example, 100 m) or less. It is determined whether or not the location information is stored in the background image ID storage unit 42. As shown in FIG. 2 (c), the background image ID storage means 42 stores location information indicating the position of the station A. The position indicated by the location information indicating the location of the station A (that is, the station A) has a distance of 0 from the station A indicated by the location information acquired from the location information acquisition means 5. Therefore, the chat means 7 determines here that it is stored. If it is determined that it is stored, the chat unit 7 acquires the background image ID “A001” stored in association with the location information indicating the position of the station A from the background image ID storage unit 42. It is determined that the location information indicating the location closest to the A station indicated by the location information acquired from the location information acquisition means 5 and the distance from the A station is equal to or less than the predetermined distance is not stored. In this case, the chat unit 7 acquires the background image ID corresponding to the default image from the storage unit that stores the background image ID.

  When the chat means 7 acquires the background image ID in this way, the ID corresponding to the name of the selected user (OOE-TAKASI) and the user of the terminal 3 are created on the main screen 320 shown in FIG. Message, the avatar image ID “B001” selected by the user of the terminal 3, the current location information of the terminal 3 acquired from the location information acquisition means 5 (location information indicating the location of the station A), and the background The image ID “A001” is transmitted to the management server 2.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the management server 2 includes relay means 28. The relay means 28 receives a message, avatar image ID, location information, and background image ID transmitted from the counterpart terminal to the receiving terminal during chat, and transmits the message to the receiving terminal from the counterpart terminal. It has a function. Therefore, as described above, the ID corresponding to the user's name (OOE-TAKASI) transmitted from the chat means 7 of the terminal 3, the message, the avatar image ID “B001”, the location information (position of the station A) ) And the background image ID “A001” are received by the relay means 28. The relay unit 28 inquires of the management unit 20 about the terminal identifier of the terminal stored in association with the ID corresponding to the received user name (OOE-TAKASI). Here, it is assumed that the management means 20 stores the terminal identifiers of the terminals 3 and 3A and the IDs corresponding to the names of the users of the terminals 3 and 3A in association with each other. Accordingly, when the management unit 20 is inquired of the terminal identifier of the terminal stored in association with the ID corresponding to the user's name (OOE-TAKASI) received by the relay unit 28, the management unit 20 sends the terminal identifier of the terminal 3A. Is notified to the relay means 28. When the terminal identifier of the terminal 3A is notified, the relay unit 28 notifies the terminal 3A of the message received from the chat unit 7 of the terminal 3, the avatar image ID “B001”, and the location information (the position of the station A). Location information) and background image ID “A001”.

  The chat means of the terminal 3A (receiving terminal) includes a message transmitted from the chat means 7 of the terminal 3 (the partner terminal) via the relay means 28, the avatar image ID “B001”, and the location information (the station A). When receiving the location information indicating the location) and the background image ID “A001”, the avatar image ID “B001”, the location information (location information indicating the location of the station A), and the background image ID “A001” Is transmitted to the search means 27 of the management server 2.

  Upon receiving these, the search means 27 executes a search for the avatar image stored in association with the received avatar image ID “B001” in the avatar image storage means 25. As shown in FIG. 2B, the user character of the terminal 3 is stored in the avatar image storage unit 25 in association with the avatar image ID “B001”. The search means 27 transmits the character of the user of the terminal 3 to the chat means of the terminal 3A that has transmitted the avatar image ID “B001”.

  In addition, the search unit 27 acquires a map image corresponding to the received location information (location information indicating the position of the station A) from the map image storage unit 26, and transmits the acquired map image to the location information. It transmits to the chat means of terminal 3A. The map image corresponding to the location information can be, for example, a map image in the vicinity of the position indicated by the location information (for example, a range having a radius of 500 m centered on the position indicated by the location information).

  In addition, the search unit 27 executes a search for the background image stored in association with the received background image ID “A001” in the background image storage unit 24. As illustrated in FIG. 2A, the background image storage unit 24 stores an image of a photograph of the station A in association with the background image ID “A001”. The search means 27 transmits the image of the photograph of the station A to the chat means of the terminal 3A that transmitted the background image ID “A001”.

  When the chat means of the terminal 3A receives the avatar image (character of the user of the terminal 3), the map image (map image near the station A), and the background image (image of the photograph of the station A) from the search means 27, the terminal 3A A chat screen is displayed on the monitor, and a message transmitted from the terminal 3 is displayed on the screen. As described above, the chat screen includes a background mode screen and a map mode screen. When the avatar image or the like is received from the search means 27, the chat means of the terminal 3A displays a screen for the background mode. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 5A, on the screen for the background mode, the image 711 of the photograph of the station A transmitted from the search means 27 is displayed as the background image, and the avatar image (the character of the user of the terminal 3) ) 712 and the message 713 transmitted from the terminal 3 are displayed on the image 711 of the photograph of the station A. On the screen for the background mode, an image of a photograph of the station A corresponding to the current location of the terminal 3 is displayed as a background image, so that a chat with a sense of reality can be performed.

  When any one of the left and right cursor keys of the terminal 3A is operated while the screen for the background mode is displayed on the monitor 30A, the chat means of the terminal 3A displays the image displayed on the monitor 30A as the background mode. Switch from the image for map to the screen for map mode. On the map mode screen, as shown in FIG. 5B, a map image 714 near the station A transmitted from the search means 27 is displayed as a background image, and an avatar image (user 3 user character) 712. And the message 713 transmitted from the terminal 3 are displayed on the map image 714 near the station A. On the map mode screen, a map in the vicinity of the current location of the terminal 3 is displayed, so that a realistic chat can be performed and the location of the user of the terminal 3 can be grasped in more detail.

  Further, the avatar image 712 of the user of the terminal 3 is displayed on both the screens for the background mode and the map mode, so that a chat with high presence can be performed on any screen. . Furthermore, if the message 713 transmitted from the terminal 3 is displayed in the balloon 715 of the avatar image 712 on both the screen for the background mode and the map mode, a chat with a higher presence can be performed. .

  The chat means of the terminal 3A can transmit a message to the terminal 3 in a state in which the message 713 transmitted from the terminal 3 is displayed as shown in FIGS. A message can be transmitted by creating a message to be transmitted.

  As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the message is created by operating the keypad of the terminal 3A in the same manner as the terminal 3 while the message 713 transmitted from the terminal 3 is displayed. Can be done.

  When the enter key is operated during the creation of the message, the chat means of the terminal 3A acquires the current location of the terminal 3A from the location information acquisition means of the terminal 3A, like the chat means 7 of the terminal 3. That is, the location information indicating the location of the user of the terminal 3A is acquired here.

  Next, the chat unit of the terminal 3 </ b> A acquires the background image ID similarly to the chat unit of the terminal 3. Here, the location information indicating the location of the user's home and the background image ID “A006” for identifying the user's home photo are associated and stored in the background image ID storage means of the terminal 3A. It is assumed that Therefore, the chat unit of the terminal 3A acquires the background image ID “A006”.

  As described above, when the chat unit of the terminal 3A acquires the background image ID, the message created by the user of the terminal 3A, the ID corresponding to the name of the user of the terminal 3, and the current location information of the terminal 3A (terminal 3A) and the background image ID “A006” are transmitted to the relay unit 28 of the management server 2. For example, when a message or the like is transmitted from the terminal 3 to the terminal 3A via the relay unit 28, the ID corresponding to the user name of the terminal 3 is transmitted from the terminal 3 to the terminal 3A via the relay unit 28 together with the message or the like. The chat means of the terminal 3A stores the ID corresponding to the name of the user of the terminal 3 while the chat means of the terminal 3A displays the message transmitted from the terminal 3, for example. Can be acquired. The relay unit 28 acquires the terminal identifier of the terminal 3 corresponding to the ID corresponding to the name of the user of the terminal 3 from the management unit 20, and transmits the transmitted message and the current location information of the terminal 3A (the terminal 3A's location information). (Location information indicating the position of the user's home) and the background image ID “A006” are transmitted to the terminal 3.

  In this way, when transmitting the message, the current location information of the terminal 3A, and the background image ID, an avatar image ID for identifying the avatar image of the user of the terminal 3A can also be transmitted. When the avatar image ID is also transmitted, the avatar image ID to be transmitted is selected as follows. As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the selection of the avatar image ID is performed in the state where the message 713 transmitted from the terminal 3 is displayed. This can be done by operating the up cursor key and enter key. When the upward cursor key is operated in this way, the chat means of the terminal 3A displays a selection screen 731 on the chat screen as shown in FIG. Similarly to the chat unit 7 of the terminal 3, the predetermined avatar image ID stored in the avatar image ID storage unit of the terminal 3A and the predetermined avatar image ID are associated with the avatar image ID storage unit of the terminal 3A. The avatar image in which the file name is stored is displayed. The avatar image and the avatar image ID displayed on the selection screen 731 can be changed by operating an upward cursor key in the same manner as the terminal 3. When the enter key of the terminal 3A is operated when the selection screen 731 is displayed, the chat means of the terminal 3A displays the avatar image ID displayed on the selection screen 731 when the enter key is operated. As selected by the user. Therefore, the user of the terminal 3A can select a desired avatar image ID by the same method as the user of the terminal 3. When the avatar image ID is selected in this way, the selected avatar image ID is sent to the terminal 3 via the relay means 28 of the management server 2 together with the message, the current location information of the terminal 3A, and the background image ID. Sent. In the following, it is assumed that the avatar image ID selected in this way is also transmitted when the message is transmitted.

  The chat means 7 of the terminal 3 receives the message transmitted from the terminal 3A, the avatar image ID, the location information (location information indicating the location of the user of the user of the terminal 3A), and the background image ID “A006”. When received, the avatar image ID, location information (location information indicating the location of the user's home of the terminal 3A), and background image ID “A006” are transmitted to the search means 27. Thereby, the chat means 7 of the terminal 3 associates the avatar image stored with the avatar image ID “A006”, the map image of the terminal 3A near the user's home, and the background image ID “A006”. The photograph of the home of the user of the terminal 3A attached and stored is received from the search means 27.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 4D, the chat means 7 of the terminal 3 displays an image 641 of the photograph of the home of the user of the terminal 3A as the background image of the chat screen 611, and the user of the terminal 3A The avatar image 642 and the message 643 transmitted from the terminal 3A are displayed on the home photo image 641. Thereby, the user of the terminal 3 can also chat with a sense of reality. The chat means 7 of the terminal 3 is displayed on the monitor 30 of the terminal 3 when any one of the left and right cursor keys is operated while the background mode image is displayed on the monitor 30 of the terminal 3. The chat image 611 is switched to the map mode image. In the map mode image, a map image near the home of the user of the terminal 3A is displayed as a background image.

  While one of the terminal 3 and the terminal 3A is creating a message by operating the keypad, the message is created on the monitor of the other terminal, for example, as shown in FIG. “...” indicating that it is inside may be displayed in the balloon 812 of the avatar image 811. Further, the number of midpoints (•) may be changed according to the number of characters of the message being created. Furthermore, when a message transmitted from one of the terminal 3 or the terminal 3A is received by the other terminal, the message is received on the monitor of one terminal, for example, as shown in FIG. “!” May be displayed. Further, the display time of the received message is not particularly limited. For example, the timing at which the displayed message disappears from the monitor may be the time when 30 seconds have elapsed from the start of display, when the next message is received, or when the creation of a message to be transmitted is started.

  The timing of selection of the avatar image ID is not particularly limited, and can be always possible when the chat screen is displayed. In the above description, the case where the avatar image ID is transmitted when the message is transmitted has been described. However, the avatar image ID may be transmitted alone. For example, when the avatar image ID is changed, only the avatar image ID may be transmitted.

  The transmission timing of the location information and the background image ID is not particularly limited. For example, the chat unit has the location information and the background image at a predetermined interval (for example, one minute interval). An ID may be transmitted. Thus, even if it is a case where the user of the terminal 3 and the terminal 3A is moving while chatting by transmitting at a predetermined interval, the location information according to the location of the terminal 3 and the terminal 3A, And background image ID is transmitted. Therefore, even when the users of the terminal 3 and the terminal 3A are moving while chatting, the map image and the background image displayed on the monitor are changed according to the movement, so that the presence is more realistic. You can chat.

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of the chat system according to the present embodiment. 2A is a schematic diagram of the background image storage unit, FIG. 2B is a schematic diagram of the avatar image storage unit, and FIG. 2C is a schematic diagram of the background image ID storage unit. 2 (d) is a schematic diagram of an avatar image ID storage means. FIGS. 3A to 3D are diagrams showing screens displayed on the monitor of the terminal 3. 4A to 4D are diagrams showing screens displayed on the monitor of the terminal 3. FIGS. 5A to 5C are diagrams showing screens displayed on the monitor of the terminal 3A. 6A and 6B are diagrams showing screens displayed on the monitor of the terminal.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Chat system, 2 ... Management server, 3 ... Terminal, 3A ... Terminal

Claims (3)

A chat system including a management server that provides a background image for chat displayed on a monitor of a terminal that performs chat,
The management server
Receiving a chat background image corresponding to the location of the terminal, an image ID creating means for creating a background image ID for identifying the background image;
Transmitting means for transmitting the background image ID created by the image ID creating means to the terminal;
Storage means for linking and storing the received chat background image and the background image ID created by the image ID creation means;
When receiving the background image ID transmitted from the receiving terminal that has received the background image ID corresponding to the location of the partner terminal of the chat from the partner terminal, the chat image stored in association with the background image ID is received. Search means for executing a background image search in the storage means, and transmitting a chat background image stored in the storage means in association with the background image ID to the receiving terminal. Chat system. When the image ID creation means receives the avatar image of the user of the terminal, it creates an avatar image ID for identifying the avatar image,
The transmission means transmits the avatar image ID created by the image ID creation means to the terminal as an avatar image ID for identifying the received avatar image,
The storage means stores the received avatar image in association with the avatar image ID created by the image ID creation means,
The search means is associated with the avatar image ID when receiving the avatar image ID transmitted from the receiving terminal that receives the avatar image ID for identifying the avatar image of the user of the counterpart terminal from the counterpart terminal. The avatar image stored in the storage means is searched for in the storage means, and the avatar image stored in association with the avatar image ID in the storage means is transmitted to the receiving terminal. The chat system described. The storage means stores a map image,
When the search means receives the location information transmitted by the receiving terminal that has received the location information of the counterpart terminal from the counterpart terminal, the search means acquires a map image corresponding to the location information from the storage means. And the acquired map image is transmitted to the said receiving terminal, The chat system of Claim 1 or 2 characterized by the above-mentioned.

Images