JP4761634B2 - Chat system, server, content storage medium, and management program - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a chat system for exchanging character information between a plurality of computers connected by a communication line, an object server for providing a common topic to a plurality of computers constituting the chat system, and a computer to operate as an object server. The present invention relates to a chat object content storage medium that stores the chat object content, and a chat object management program for operating a computer as an object server.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, communication lines connecting computers have become widespread, and one way to use such a system is to speak freely in an atmosphere as if multiple participants are meeting in one place. Chat systems are known. Here, operating a computer to input character information and distributing the input character information to participants (other computers participating in the chat system) is referred to as speech or conversation.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
As a technique related to this chat system, a technique is known in which the contents of a conversation are stored and reproduced as necessary (see Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-154117). However, although this technology can reproduce the content of the speech later, there is no key information for reproducing the content of the speech, and if the content of the speech reaches a huge amount, the necessary information is extracted from it. Is difficult, and problems remain in terms of effective use of conversation data. Further, in the case of the technique disclosed in US Pat. No. 5,920,694, there is a problem that the data attachment format is limited to the annotation format, and it is difficult to make free speech.
[0004]
In view of the above circumstances, the present invention provides a chat system that effectively utilizes conversation data, an object server that is incorporated in the chat system, and a chat object content storage medium that stores chat object content that causes a computer to operate as an object server. And it aims at providing a chat object management program.
[0005]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The chat system of the present invention that achieves the above-described object is a chat system in which a chat device is provided that includes a display unit that displays an image and an operation unit that inputs character information according to an operation, and that exchanges character information.
An object server that stores an object storage unit that stores an object that is displayed as visual information and becomes a topic when text information is exchanged, and distributes the object to a chat device;
The chat device receives the distribution of the object from the object server, displays the object on the display unit of the chat device, and exchanges the document information.
The object server includes a character information storage unit that stores document information exchanged by the chat device in association with the distributed object.
[0006]
The chat system of the present invention exchanges document information after distributing and displaying an object that provides a common topic. Therefore, the contents of the conversation are aggregated into the topic of the object. Since the chat system of the present invention provides a topic in this way and stores the conversation (document information) at that time in association with the object, while allowing free remarks regarding the object. , And the conversation can be reconstructed using the object as a key, and the conversation data can be effectively used.
[0007]
Here, in the chat system of the present invention, the operation unit of the chat device inputs character information after designating a desired portion in the object displayed on the display unit of the chat device according to the operation. There,
It is preferable that the character information storage unit of the object server stores character information exchanged with the chat device in association with a portion of the distributed object designated when inputting the character information.
[0008]
As described above, if the text information is input after designating the desired part in the object, it becomes clearer which part of the topic of the object is speaking in particular, It is easier to understand. In addition, by storing the designated part and the speech in association with each other, the conversation contents are reproduced using each part of one object as a key instead of using one object as a key unit. And more effective use of conversation data.
[0009]
In the chat system of the present invention, the operation unit of the chat device can change the display mode of the object according to the operation,
It is also a preferable aspect that the character information storage unit of the object server stores character information exchanged with the chat device in association with the display mode of the distributed object when the character information is input. .
[0010]
Thus, if character information and the display mode of the object when inputting the character information are stored in association with each other, for example, when one product model is an object and the design of the product model is being discussed, It is possible to reproduce a person's remarks and the viewpoint from which the person was looking at the product model at the time of the remarks, and to deeply understand the remarks when reproducing the conversation.
[0011]
In the chat system of the present invention, it is preferable that the operation unit of at least one chat device among the chat devices exchanging document information has a right to modify the displayed object.
[0012]
In this case, an incomplete product, an incomplete document, or the like can be used as an object, and the product, document, or the like can be completed while having a conversation with participants.
[0013]
The chat system of the present invention has a database storing a plurality of information,
The operation unit of the chat device inputs document information including an address where desired information in the database is stored according to the operation, and the address in the database is included in the transmitted document information. Can be instructed to obtain the address information by specifying the address according to the operation,
The chat device preferably obtains the information from the database in response to an instruction to obtain the information.
[0014]
With this configuration, for example, when discussing a product using one product model as an object, it is possible to proceed with a discussion while citing various specifications related to the product's specifications and parts constituting the product. The chat system that provides a topic as an object can be used more effectively.
[0015]
Furthermore, in the chat system of the present invention, the operation unit of the chat device can instruct access to the character information storage unit of the object server according to the operation,
The chat device requests the object server to distribute information according to the instruction in response to the instruction to access the character information storage unit,
The object server preferably transmits the character information corresponding to the above instruction in the character information storage unit and the object associated with the character information to the requesting chat device.
[0016]
With this configuration, conversation data can be reproduced together with the object in the chat device.
[0017]
The chat system of the present invention may include a chat server that mediates communication of character information exchanged with the chat device, and the chat server may also serve as an object server, or at least one of the chat devices. The chat device may also serve as an object server.
[0018]
The object server of the present invention
An object storage unit for storing objects which are displayed as visual information and become topics when exchanging character information;
An object distribution unit that distributes an object stored in the object storage unit to a chat device that exchanges character information;
A character information storage unit that stores document information exchanged by the chat device in association with the distributed object is provided.
[0019]
Here, in the object server of the present invention, the chat device inputs character information after designating a desired portion in the object distributed from the object server, and the object server includes a character information storage unit. In addition, it is preferable that the character information exchanged by the chat device is stored in association with the portion of the distributed object that is designated when the character information is input.
[0020]
Moreover, in the object server of the present invention, the chat device can freely change and display the display mode of the object distributed from the object server, and the object server stores the character information in the character information storage unit. It is also a preferable aspect that character information exchanged with the chat device is stored in association with the display form of the distributed object when the character information is input.
[0021]
Furthermore, the object server of the present invention, in response to a request from the chat device, sends the character information corresponding to the request in the character information storage unit and the object associated with the character information to the requesting chat device. It is preferable to transmit.
[0022]
Moreover, it is preferable that the object server of the present invention also serves as a chat server that mediates communication of document information exchanged with the chat device, or the object server of the present invention is one of the chat devices. It is also a preferred aspect that it also serves as a chat device.
[0023]
In addition, the chat object content storage medium of the present invention that achieves the above object distributes to a chat device an object that is displayed as visual information on a chat device that exchanges character information and becomes a topic when character information is exchanged. A chat object content storage medium for storing chat object content for operating as an object server,
An object storage unit that stores objects;
An object distribution unit that distributes the object stored in the object storage unit to the chat device;
A character information storage unit for storing character information exchanged in the chat device in association with the distributed object;
It stores chat object content having
[0024]
Here, in the chat object content storage medium of the present invention, the chat device inputs character information after designating a desired portion in the object distributed from the object server, and the character information storage unit The character information exchanged in the chat device is preferably stored in association with the portion of the distributed object specified in the input of the character information,
Further, the chat device can freely change and display the display mode of the object distributed from the object server, and the character information storage unit stores the character information exchanged with the chat device, It is also a preferable aspect that the distributed object is stored in association with the display form when the character information is input.
[0025]
Furthermore, the chat object content stored in the chat object content storage medium of the present invention is associated with the character information corresponding to the request in the character information storage unit and the character information in response to the request from the chat device. It is also a preferable aspect to have an information transmission unit that transmits the received object to the requesting chat device.
[0026]
Further, the chat object management program of the present invention that achieves the above object stores an object that is displayed as visual information on a chat device that exchanges character information and becomes a topic when character information is exchanged. Is a chat object management program that operates as an object server that delivers to a chat device,
An object delivery unit for delivering an object stored in the object server to a chat device;
A character information storage unit that stores character information exchanged in a chat device in an object server in association with a distributed object.
[0027]
Here, in the chat object management program of the present invention, the chat device inputs character information after designating a desired portion in the object distributed from the object server, and the character information storage unit Preferably, the character information exchanged by the chat device is stored in the object server in association with the portion of the distributed object designated at the time of inputting the character information.
[0028]
In the chat object management program of the present invention, the chat device can freely change and display the display mode of the object distributed from the object server, and the character information storage unit It is also preferable that the character information exchanged in the chat device is stored in the object server in association with the display mode of the distributed object when the character information is input.
[0029]
Further, in the chat object management program of the present invention, in response to a request from the chat device, character information corresponding to the request in the character information storage unit and an object associated with the character information It is also a preferable aspect to have an information transmission unit that transmits to the chat device.
[0030]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described.
[0031]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an embodiment of the chat system of the present invention.
[0032]
In FIG. 1, two client machines 100 and 200 and one server machine 300 are illustrated, and the client machines 100 and 200 and the server machine 300 are connected to each other via a communication network 400. Both of these two client machines 100 and 200 and one server machine 300 are configured by a computer system. Each of the two client machines 100 and 200 serves as a chat device according to the present invention, and the server machine 300 serves as a chat server according to the present invention and also serves as an object server. ing.
[0033]
Each computer system 100, 200, 300 (two client machines 100, 200 and one server machine 300) has a main unit 101, 201, 301 containing a CPU, a main storage device, a hard disk, a communication board, and the like. The user's instructions are input to the display units 102, 202, 302 and the computer systems 100, 200, 300 that display images and character strings on the display screens 102a, 202a, 302a according to instructions from the main body units 101, 201, 301. By designating an arbitrary position on the keyboard 103, 203, 303 and the display screens 102a, 202a, 302a, the mouse 104, 204 inputs an instruction corresponding to the icon or the like displayed at that position at the time of the designation. , 304 are provided.
[0034]
Further, the main body portions 101, 201, and 301 of the computer systems 100, 200, and 300 have an FD loading port 101a into which a floppy disk and a CD ROM (not shown in FIG. 1; see FIG. 2) are further loaded. , 201a, 301a; CDROM loading ports 101b, 201b, 301b, in which floppy disks and CDROMs loaded from the loading ports 101a, 101b; 201a, 201b; 301a, 301b are driven. A floppy disk drive and a CDROM drive are also incorporated.
[0035]
The server machine 300 functions as a host computer for the client machines 100 and 200, and the client machines 100 and 200 exchange character information with each other via the server machine 300.
[0036]
In addition, the server machine 300 manages objects that become the topic of conversations exchanged between the client machines 100 and 200 and distributes them to the client machines 100 and 200. Furthermore, the server machine 300 stores the conversation between the client machines 100 and 200 in association with the distributed object, and later responds to the request in response to a request from one of the client machines 100 and 200. To the requesting client along with the object that became the topic at that time.
[0037]
Here, the chat object content according to the present invention is stored in the CDROM loaded in the server machine 300, and this CDROM is loaded into the main body 301 from the CDROM loading slot 301b and stored in the CDROM by the CDROM driver. Chat object content is installed in the hard disk of the server machine 300. When the chat object content installed in the hard disk of the server machine 300 is activated, the server machine 300 operates as an embodiment of the object server of the present invention.
[0038]
Accordingly, the CD ROM storing the chat object content corresponds to an embodiment of the chat object content storage medium of the present invention.
[0039]
The chat object content stored in the CDROM is installed in the hard disk of the server machine 300 as described above. The hard disk in which the chat object content is installed is also stored in the chat object content of the present invention. This corresponds to an embodiment of the medium.
[0040]
Further, when the chat object content is downloaded to a floppy disk or the like, the floppy disk or the like that stores the downloaded chat object content also corresponds to an embodiment of the chat object content storage medium of the present invention. .
[0041]
Hereinafter, the hardware configuration of the computer system will be described. Here, the computer system 100 will be described as a representative of the computer systems 100, 200, and 300.
[0042]
FIG. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram of the computer system shown in FIG.
[0043]
Here, a central processing unit (CPU) 111, a RAM 112, a hard disk controller 113, a floppy disk drive 114, a CDROM drive 115, a mouse controller 116, a keyboard controller 117, a display controller 118, and a communication board 119 are provided. , They are connected to each other by a bus 110.
[0044]
As described with reference to FIG. 1, the floppy disk drive 114 and the CDROM drive 115 are loaded with the floppy disk 510 and the CDROM 520, and access the loaded floppy disk 510 and CDROM 520.
[0045]
Further, here, the hard disk 120 accessed by the hard disk controller 113, the mouse 104 controlled by the mouse controller 116, the keyboard 103 controlled by the keyboard controller 117, the display unit 102 controlled by the display controller 118, and for communication A communication network 400 connected via a board is also shown.
[0046]
FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the chat object content stored in the storage medium.
[0047]
In FIG. 3, a storage medium 600 representatively represents the above-mentioned CD-ROM, hard disk, floppy disk or the like. The storage medium 600 includes an object storage unit 611, an object distribution unit 612, and character information storage. A chat object content 610 including a unit 613 and an information transmission unit 614 is stored.
[0048]
Here, the object storage unit 611 stores an object (a specific example will be described later) that provides a topic during conversation (conversion of character information), and in an installed state in the server machine 300. Depending on the object, the modification of the object is accepted, and when the object is modified, the modified object is stored while the object before the modification remains.
[0049]
The object distribution unit 612 distributes the object stored in the object storage unit 611 to each client machine that is going to have a conversation with each other based on the object.
[0050]
In addition, the character information storage unit 613 associates the conversation (character information) exchanged between the client machines to which the object is distributed in the state where the chat object content is installed in the server machine 300 with the object. It is something to remember. Here, depending on the object stored in the object storage unit 611, the object is configured by a plurality of parts or a plurality of parts, and when the object is distributed by the object distribution unit, the object is configured for conversation. An utterance is made after a specific part of a plurality of parts points out, and the character information storage unit 613 stores the utterance in association with the pointed part of the object. Or, even for an object that is not divided into a plurality of parts or parts, the user makes a statement after pointing to the desired point of the object, and stores the statement in correspondence with the point on the pointed object. You may comprise. Further, when the object distributed by the object distribution unit stored in the object storage unit is a three-dimensional model, each client machine can display the object with a different viewpoint or the like. In the character information storage unit, the message at each client machine is stored in association with the display mode (viewpoint or the like) of the object displayed on the client machine at that time. Further, when the object stored in the object storage unit and distributed by the object distribution unit is an object that is allowed to be modified by the client machine, as described above, when the object is modified, the object before modification The object in the modified mode is also stored in the object storage unit while leaving the symbol, but the conversation at that time is stored in the character information storage unit in association with the object in the mode at the time of the conversation. The
[0051]
Further, when the chat object content 610 is installed in the server machine 300, the information transmission unit 614 constituting the chat object content 610 shown in FIG. Accordingly, the character information (conversation content) corresponding to the request in the character information storage unit 613 and the object associated with the character information are transmitted to the requesting client machine. Thereby, in the client machine, the past conversation can be reproduced together with the object at that time.
[0052]
The object distribution unit 612, the character information storage unit 613, and the information transmission unit 614, excluding the object storage unit 611 in the chat object content 610 shown in FIG. 3, are an embodiment of the chat object management program of the present invention. It is composed. However, the character information storage unit 613 in the chat object management program of the present invention refers to a program component that stores character information in the server machine 300 in a state where the chat object management program is installed in the server machine 300.
[0053]
FIG. 4 is a functional configuration diagram of the chat system shown in FIG.
[0054]
The client machines 100 and 200 display chat clients 151 and 251 that manage transmission and reception of objects and character information, operation units 152 and 252 that input character information and other necessary information according to operations, and images. Display units 153 and 253 are provided.
[0055]
Here, the chat clients 151 and 251 are composed of the communication board 119 and the CPU 111 shown in FIG. 2 on the hardware, and the operation units 152 and 252 are the keyboard 103, the keyboard controller 117, and the mouse on the hardware. 114 and the mouse controller 116, and the display units 153 and 253 are configured by the display unit 102 and the display controller 118 on the hardware.
[0056]
In addition, the server machine 300 associates an object storage unit 352 for storing an object that provides a topic of conversation (exchange of character information) between client machines and a conversation between client machines with the object. A character information storage unit 353 that stores information and a dictionary / related information storage unit 354 (an example of a database referred to in the present invention) that stores a dictionary and various types of related information. A chat server 351 is provided for mediating conversation (exchange of character information) and delivering objects to client machines.
[0057]
Here, the object storage unit 352, the character information storage unit 353, and the dictionary / related information storage unit 354 are configured in a hard disk built in the server machine 300, and the chat server 351 is configured on the server machine 300 in terms of hardware. CPU and other elements.
[0058]
When talking between client machines, one of the client machines that form the conversation group delivers to the server machine an object that corresponds to the topic of the conversation that is about to occur. Request to do.
[0059]
Then, in the server machine 300, an object corresponding to the request is read out from the object storage unit 352, and the chat server 351 receives a plurality of client machines in a group that is about to talk about the object from now on. The read object is distributed. Here, it is assumed that the two client machines 100 and 200 shown in FIG.
[0060]
In the two client machines 100 and 200 to which the object has been distributed, the object is received by the chat clients 151 and 251 of the client machines 100 and 200, and the object is displayed on the display units 153 and 253 as visual information. Is displayed. In each of the client machines 100 and 200, in a state where the objects are displayed on the display units 153 and 253, the operation units 152 and 252 are operated and input to the character information. In addition to being displayed on H.253, the chat clients 251 and 252 transmit the messages to other client machines in the conversation group via the chat server 351. The character information transmitted from the client machines other than the self in the conversation group via the server machine is received by the own chat clients 151 and 251 and displayed on the display units 153 and 253.
[0061]
In this way, the plurality of client machines 100 and 200 constituting the conversation group exchange character information (conversation) with each other while displaying the objects as common topics on the display units 153 and 253. The exchanged character information is stored in the character information storage unit 353 in association with the object distributed to the client machines 100 and 200 by the chat server 351 of the server machine 300.
[0062]
The character information exchanged between the client machines can include the addresses of dictionaries and various related information stored in the dictionary / related information storage unit 354, and the side receiving the character information including the addresses. The client machine can instruct the acquisition of information at the address by designating the address by operating its own operation unit. When the instruction is given, the chat client Request to send information at that address. Then, in response to the request, the server machine reads out the information of the requested address from the dictionary / related information storage unit 354 and transmits it to the requesting client machine.
[0063]
By doing this, it is possible to perform a conversation between client machines while referring to not only character information directly input by operating the operation unit but also other various information.
[0064]
Here, depending on the objects stored in the object storage unit 352 of the server machine, there are objects in which the object is composed of a plurality of parts or a plurality of parts. The object is displayed on the display unit of each client machine, and when inputting character information, one point of the displayed object is picked with the mouse 103, whereby the picked part of the object Alternatively, a part is specified and character information is input thereon. By doing so, the topic is further narrowed down to the picked portion or part in one object. In this case, in the server machine 300, the character information input by the client machine is stored in the character information storage unit 313 in association with the picked portion of the distributed object.
[0065]
At this time, if the object is composed of a plurality of parts and the plurality of parts are organized in a tree structure, for example, the character information input in association with each part is also organized and stored in the same tree structure. For example, the character information is preferably organized and stored in the same structure as the object structure. By doing so, when the conversation is reproduced at a later time, it becomes easy to grasp the correspondence relationship with the object part or part, and necessary information can be extracted more easily.
[0066]
Further, depending on the object stored in the object storage unit 352 of the server machine, there is an object whose display mode can be changed. For example, when the object is a three-dimensional model of a product, the display mode is changed depending on from which viewpoint the three-dimensional model is viewed. For example, when an object whose display mode can be changed is read from the object storage unit 352, distributed to each client machine, and displayed on the display unit of each client machine, the current speaking right of each client machine is displayed. In the client machine which has obtained, the display mode of the object displayed on the display unit can be changed by the operation of the operation unit. When the display mode of the object displayed on the display unit is changed by the operation of the operation unit of the client machine that currently has the right to speak, the information indicating the new display mode is changed to other information via the server machine. The display mode of the object transmitted to the client machine and displayed on the display unit of all the client machines is changed to the new display mode.
[0067]
In this case, the character information input in each client machine is stored in the character information storage unit 353 of the server machine in association with the display mode of the object at the time when the character information is input.
[0068]
In addition, the present embodiment has a use in which a document such as an instruction manual that has not yet been completed for a certain product is handled as an object, and the document is completed while having a conversation.
[0069]
At this time, the object storage unit 352 first stores an unfinished object created first, and the object is read out and distributed to the client machine by the chat server 351, and the display unit of each client machine. First, the incomplete object is displayed. In this case, at least one client machine has the authority to modify the object, and the object is modified when it is necessary to modify the object while having a conversation with another client machine. It is. When the object is modified, the modified object is transmitted to the server machine and stored in the object storage unit 352 of the server machine. At this time, in this embodiment, the object before correction is also stored without being deleted, and the conversation input at the client machine is stored in association with the object at the time of the conversation. Is done.
[0070]
The character information stored in the character information storage unit 353 of the server machine in this way is read in response to a request from one of the client machines and transmitted to the requesting client machine. At this time, not only the character information corresponding to the request but also the object with which the character information is associated, the part or part of the object, the display mode of the object, etc. are read out together with the character information Sent to client machine. By doing so, the requesting client machine associates the conversation at that time with the object at that time, with the part or part that was the subject of the object, or with the display of the object. It is displayed in association with the mode, the contents of the conversation at that time can be understood more deeply, and necessary information can be easily extracted.
[0071]
In this embodiment, the server machine 300 mediates communication of character information exchanged between client machines and also distributes objects. However, mediation of character information communication and object distribution are separate machines. May be shared.
[0072]
Hereinafter, specific examples in the embodiments described above and specific examples of other embodiments will be described.
[0073]
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen displayed on the display unit of the client machine.
[0074]
This display screen is divided into a conversation display unit 710, an object display unit 720, a speaker display unit 730, and an operation button display unit 740. The conversation display unit 710 displays some conversations retroactively from the latest one of the current conversations, the object display unit 720 displays the object currently being discussed, and the speaker display unit 730 displays The speaker of the conversation is displayed, and various operation buttons are displayed on the operation button display unit 740.
[0075]
Here, the object display unit 720 displays a three-dimensional model of a product composed of a plurality of parts, and “enlarge”, “reduced”, and “rotate up and down” displayed on the operation button display unit 740. When the “rotate left and right” operation buttons are operated with the mouse, while the mouse is operated, the displayed objects are sequentially enlarged and reduced, sequentially reduced, rotated up and down, and rotated left and right. When the operation of the operation button is finished, the object in the display mode at the time when the operation button is finished is displayed.
[0076]
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure in a state where the display screen of FIG. 5 is displayed. The description will be continued with reference to FIG. 6 together with FIG.
[0077]
First, a client who wants to speak presses a speech balloon start button labeled “Speak” in FIG. 5 in the operation button display unit 740 by operating the mouse (step a1). As a result, the right to speak can be obtained unless another client is speaking.
[0078]
Next, the display position of the balloon is set by a mouse operation (step a2). Specifically, the part is designated by moving the mouse cursor onto a desired part of the object displayed on the object display unit 720 and operating the mouse button. Then, a frame (in this case, referred to as “balloon”) in which the part is pointed and character information can be input is displayed.
[0079]
If the display mode of the object is changed after the balloon is displayed, the display position of the part is changed so that the relative relationship between the balloon and the display position of the part pointed to by the balloon does not change. Appropriate processing is performed such as moving the balloon.
[0080]
In the balloon, a user ID registered in advance corresponding to the client machine is displayed, and following the display of the user ID, the content of the message is written by a keyboard operation (step a3).
[0081]
The contents of this statement include <yamada.exe illustrated in FIG. buhin. It is possible to include address information of the dictionary / related information storage unit 354 in the server machine shown in FIG. In this way, after the content of the utterance is written in the balloon, an instruction is given to transmit the written result (step a4). Specifically, the “send” button of the operation button display unit 740 in the display screen of FIG. Then, the contents of the speech inside the balloon and the information specifying the part of the displayed object pointed to by the balloon are distributed to each other client mine via the server machine. The same screen as shown in FIG. 5 is displayed on all client machines that display objects and have a conversation.
[0082]
The content of the current speech is displayed not only in the balloon, but also in the conversation display unit 710, and the speaker of the current speech is added to the speaker display unit 730.
[0083]
Also, the server machine receives the transmission of the content of the current speech, and points to the text information storage unit 353 (see FIG. 4) the content of the transmitted speech by a balloon corresponding to the content of the speech. The part is stored in association with the display mode of the object at the current time point.
[0084]
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a method of embedding addresses in the dictionary / related information storage unit 354 shown in FIG. 4 during conversation.
[0085]
Here, in order to search for data to be notified to the other party, data search conditions are input, and execution of the search is requested. Specifically, for example, when adding a characteristic of a motor to the content of a statement, the model of the motor is input as a search condition, and an “execute” button in the operation button display unit 740 in FIG. 5 is pressed. Then, the server machine is requested to search based on the search condition. The server machine extracts the data corresponding to the search condition and sends it to the requesting client machine. The requesting client machine displays the extracted data and the address where the data is stored on the display unit. Displayed in a list format. When the desired data exists in the extracted data, the address of the data is embedded in the comment text (step b3).
[0086]
At this time, in the server machine, the data extracted from the dictionary / related information storage unit 354 is stored in a cache memory (not shown) (step b4). This speeds up the later citation.
[0087]
Returning to FIG.
[0088]
In the message text transmitted from another client machine via the server machine, for example, <yamada. buhin. When an address such as temp01> is embedded, if an attempt is made to refer to data at this address, this address is double-clicked by a mouse operation. Then, a request is sent to the server machine to transmit the data at this address, and the server machine transmits the data at the address to the requesting client from the data stored in the cache memory as described above. To do. A screen displaying the data appears on the display section of the requesting client, and the data can be confirmed.
[0089]
In the description of FIG. 5, the content of the message is written inside the balloon. However, when a conversation is performed between a large number of client machines, it may be troublesome to display the balloon one by one. A mode in which no speech balloon is displayed, or a mode in which only the speaker's user ID is displayed in the speech balloon and the speech content itself is not displayed in the speech balloon, and only the conversation display unit 710 is displayed. You may have comprised so that it can transfer to.
[0090]
When the conversation proceeds as described above, the contents of the remarks are sequentially stored in the character information storage unit 353 in the server machine of FIG.
[0091]
When the “cancel” button of the operation button display unit 740 in FIG. 5 is pressed, the screen shown in FIG. 5 can be exited and a transition can be made to another mode.
[0092]
Even after the conversation related to the same object is finished, it can be restarted and continued, and conversations over a long period of time can be accumulated for one object.
[0093]
Next, a specific example of a reproduction method for reproducing the content of the message accumulated as described above later will be described.
[0094]
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a speech content search screen, and FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a speech content search result screen.
[0095]
In the state where the search screen of FIG. 8 is displayed, an object name, a conversation start date and time, a conversation end date and time, a speaker, and a keyword (part name, etc.) are input. Here, “magnetic disk # 1”, “99/01/01”, “99/12/31”, and “Tanaka or Sato“ motor or arm ”are input.
[0096]
When the “search” button is pressed after such an input is made, the character information storage unit 353 in the server machine of FIG. 4 is searched according to the input conditions. The “cancel” button in FIG. 8 is a button for exiting the display screen in FIG.
[0097]
If a matching message is detected as a result of the search, a search result screen as shown in FIG. 9 is displayed. Here, a conversation that matches the search condition, a part that indicates the part designated at the time of the conversation, a list of speakers, and objects in the conversation are displayed.
[0098]
When trying to reproduce each statement in detail, double-click the statement you want to reproduce. Then, a screen that reproduces in detail the situation when the statement was made is displayed.
[0099]
FIG. 10 is a detailed reproduction screen of the speech of “Tanaka” in FIG. 9, and FIG. 11 is a detailed reproduction screen of the speech of “Sato” in FIG.
[0100]
Here, the state in which the part is pointed out by the balloon and the display mode of the object are reproduced exactly the same as when the speech was made.
[0101]
Here, if the “Previous” button in FIGS. 10 and 11 is pressed, the screen shifts to the previous message screen for the currently displayed message, and if the “Next” button is pressed, the message immediately after the currently displayed message is displayed. Move to the remark screen. The “Cancel” button is an operation button for exiting this screen.
[0102]
In the present embodiment, since the object is displayed and the conversation is performed in this way, it is almost the same as that in which a product or the like actually assembled is placed in front of the discussion. Discussions can be conducted, and the state of the discussions can be reproduced faithfully later, and the necessary information can be easily corresponded.
[0103]
Next, a specific example in the case where a document (document) is an object in the embodiment shown in FIGS.
[0104]
FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen when a document is an object, and FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a processing flow thereof.
[0105]
Here, first, the mode is shifted from the previous mode to the document review mode, and preparations such as requesting the distribution of the document object are made in the same manner as described above (step c1).
[0106]
Next, the operator of each client machine clicks on the portion of the document data to be chatted to display a balloon (step c2), writes a comment (step c3), and transmits the written result. (Step c4). Then, the mouse position information and the content of the message are transmitted to the server, and the server distributes the information to all the participants. Further, the position where the comment is issued, that is, the position designated by the mouse operation on the displayed document document is displayed in an appropriate color (step c5). Therefore, each participant can easily recognize the position where the comment is issued. Moreover, a comment can also be added in a tree shape by clicking the comment.
[0107]
In addition, the participant having a certain authority can delete the comment (step c6). Particularly when the comment is a correction request or the like, an authorized participant can accept the correction request and determine whether correction is necessary or no correction is required. When it is determined that correction is necessary, the document is corrected and the correction comment is deleted. Through this process, the approval by each participant of the document is realized in real time when the correction request disappears.
[0108]
The corrected document data is stored in the object storage unit in the server machine. At this time, the document data before correction is not erased. By doing so, when reproducing the pronunciation content later, the remark based on the document before correction can be reproduced together with the document before correction.
[0109]
Next, specific examples of various embodiments different from the embodiments described so far will be described. In the various embodiments described below, the description of the parts common to the above-described embodiments, or the parts that are obvious to be changed therefrom, will be omitted, and the features of each embodiment will be mainly described. explain.
[0110]
FIG. 14 is a conceptual diagram of a system in which classes and lectures are linked to a chat system.
[0111]
Here, a chat server and a plurality of chat clients are connected via a communication network. The plurality of chat clients shown here have different roles for teacher terminals and student terminals.
[0112]
FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen in this system, and FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a processing flow in this system.
[0113]
The teacher opens the teaching material object (step d1), and inputs a message for prompting opinions, impressions, answers, etc. with respect to the teaching material (step d2). Each student inputs his / her thoughts or the like in a chat format according to a message from the teacher (step d3).
[0114]
The message input from each terminal is displayed on the display unit of each terminal.
[0115]
Here, simultaneous input of utterances from a plurality of terminals is allowed. Therefore, unlike utterances by raising hands in the classroom, all persons who want to speak can speak.
[0116]
The teacher and other students add comments to the remarks, and an active discussion is performed (step d4).
[0117]
These remarks and the like are stored by being linked with the teaching material object, and are used for the study of the teaching material and the appropriate analysis of the student (step d5).
[0118]
FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen in a virtual store system in which a virtual store and a chat system are combined.
[0119]
In the case of this example, the communication network 400 shown in FIG. 1 is an Internet communication network, and the server machine 300 also functions as one client machine.
[0120]
When the user enters the virtual store, the user can ask a question or make a request about each product. In the past, it was usual to ask questions via e-mail, etc., but by displaying it in the form of “clerk 1” in the login person column, the user entered the real store and had a conversation with the person in charge. You can feel the reality, and unlike using e-mail, you can expect an immediate response. Also, in ordinary stores, it is burdensome for people who tend to refrain from listening to the store clerk or talking to the store clerk. It can be expected that this will be activated.
[0121]
In addition, the virtual store side has a database for automatic response to each question pattern for questions from customers, and for questions that exist in the database, the answer text prepared on the database is used. It is possible to respond automatically in real time in chat format. It is also possible to save all chat logs and add frequently asked questions and answers to the automatic response database. In addition, by analyzing the requested log, it can be used as marketing data.
[0122]
FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a processing flow in this virtual store system.
[0123]
After preparations such as displaying a product object 800 as shown in FIG. 17 are made on the display screen of the client machine on the user side, a clerk standby message 810 is displayed (step e1), and a message from the user is displayed. A message waiting state is entered (step e2).
[0124]
When the user inputs a message and the message is received by the store-side machine (step e3), the store-side machine corresponds to the message from the user in the database (DB) in his machine. It is searched whether or not a question is registered (step e4). If registered, the answer text registered with the question is sent to the user, and the answer text is displayed on the user side. It is displayed (step e5). On the other hand, when the question corresponding to the message from the user is not registered in the database in the store side machine, the store side machine responds to the message from the user to the store side by buzzer etc. (Step e6). When the person on the store side inputs an answer to the question from the user, the answer message is transmitted to the user side and displayed on the screen (step e7).
[0125]
The content of the conversation exchanged between the user and the store described above is stored in association with the object at that time (step e8), thereby constructing a conversation database for merchandise sales, based on that. In addition, it is possible to enhance the database of automatic responses, and to reflect it in later customer measures and sales expansion strategies.
[0126]
FIG. 19 is a conceptual diagram of a linkage system between map data and a chat system, and FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen in the linkage system.
[0127]
The map data provider publishes map data including store data in a certain area on the network. The user clicks on the data on the map and chats about experiences and the like when using a certain store. Here, the provider has the right to delete statements of the nature such as slander and slander. By fusing these chat logs and map data into a database, the map provider can add and add user impressions on buildings to the map data that they provide. Can get a wealth of information about a region. The information thus obtained can be used as a material for publications such as maps with information.
[0128]
FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a processing flow of the cooperation system of FIG.
[0129]
First, the map provider publishes a two-dimensional or three-dimensional map on the network so that it can be browsed on the Internet (step d1). The Internet user who browsed the map clicks the building to which a comment is to be added from his / her terminal, and displays a balloon (step f2). Next, the user describes the impression of the building with respect to the balloon. The statement can be made public or private (step f3). Further, if the content of the statement is inappropriate, the map provider can delete it or change it to private (step f4). The contents of the comments collected in this way are linked to the building and made into a database. The data can be added to the map or distributed to the building officials (step f5).
[0130]
Next, an example of a consumer-driven pseudo auction system using a chat system will be described.
[0131]
When a conventional consumer purchases a product on the Internet, the user searches a site that supplies the product from a search site, etc., and examines the product after moving the page on the network. There is a need. This is a considerably troublesome operation for consumers, and is an obstacle when ordinary consumers conduct business transactions on the Internet.
[0132]
FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating an example of a business model in which the auction system and the chat system are linked to remove this obstacle, and FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating a display screen example in the business model illustrated in FIG.
[0133]
This business model is composed of a plurality of merchandise suppliers that handle a plurality of types of merchandise, consumers, and a shopping site provider that mediates between them.
[0134]
Here, the shopping site provider serves as a chat server that mediates conversations, and the terminal on the product provider side serves as an object server that provides objects. Thus, in the example shown here, the chat server and the object server are separated, and the terminal on the product provider side also serves as the object server.
[0135]
A general consumer specifies what he wants to purchase as an object and speaks in a chat format. The object is a general category (car, condominium, personal computer, suit, etc.), and the comment text includes incidental information (favorite color, current residence, specifications, body size, etc.). The shopping site provider broadcasts the message text to the corresponding product provider using the designated object as a key. At this point, a consumer-led auction is started. Each merchandise provider searches for keywords based on the received text, searches the merchandise information database, finds the appropriate merchandise information, and links to the data (such as 2D or 3D images) owned by the merchandise provider. Automatically send in real time. Alternatively, if appropriate product information is not searched, the waiting staff edits the reply and sends it back. The consumer can refer to the returned link and automatically follow the abundant information presented by the product provider without performing an operation such as a search by himself / herself. Thus, the consumer can receive information from a plurality of product providers in real time.
[0136]
FIG. 24 is a diagram showing a processing flow in the business model shown in FIG.
[0137]
First, the consumer speaks roughly about the product he / she wants to purchase in a chat format (step g1). In response, the site provider broadcasts data from the chat object to the corresponding provider (step g2). . The merchandise provider searches the database for a merchandise list corresponding to the received message (step g3). When the search is successful, the product provider returns the product list obtained by the search together with a link to the database (step g6). On the other hand, when the search fails, the merchandise provider manually edits the merchandise list (step g5), and returns the merchandise list with a link to the database (step g6).
[0138]
Thereafter, the merchandise provider and the consumer perform chat (conversation) for buying and selling the merchandise while referring to the merchandise as an object (step g7).
[0139]
By building such a business model, it is possible to greatly reduce the labor of searching for products on the network.
[0140]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, conversation data collected by chat can be effectively used.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an embodiment of a chat system according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram of a computer system configuring the chat system shown in FIG.
FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of chat object content stored in a storage medium.
4 is a functional configuration diagram of the chat system shown in FIG. 1. FIG.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen displayed on the display unit of the client machine.
6 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure in a state where the display screen of FIG. 5 is displayed.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a method for embedding an address of a dictionary / related information storage unit during a conversation;
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a search screen for remark contents.
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a search result screen for message content.
FIG. 10 is a detailed reproduction screen of a speech of “Tanaka” in FIG.
FIG. 11 is a detailed reproduction screen of the speech of “Sato” in FIG. 9;
FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen when a document is an object.
FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a processing flow when a document is an object.
FIG. 14 is a conceptual diagram of a system in which lessons and lectures are linked to a chat system.
15 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen in the system shown in FIG.
16 is a diagram showing a processing flow in the system shown in FIG. 14;
FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen in a virtual store system in which a virtual store and a chat system are combined.
FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a processing flow in the virtual store system.
FIG. 19 is a conceptual diagram of a linkage system between map data and a chat system.
20 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen in the cooperation system of FIG.
FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a processing flow of the cooperation system of FIG. 19;
FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating an example of a business model in which an auction system and a chat system are linked.
23 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen in the business model shown in FIG.
FIG. 24 is a diagram showing a processing flow in the business model shown in FIG. 22;
[Explanation of symbols]
100,200 client machines
101, 201, 301 body
102, 202, 302 Display unit
103, 203, 303 Keyboard
104,204,304 mouse
111 Central processing unit (CPU)
151,251 Chat client
152,252 operation unit
153,253 Display unit
300 server machine
351 chat server
352 Object storage unit
353 Character information storage
354 dictionary and related information storage
400 communication network
600 storage media
610 Chat object content
611 Object storage unit
612 Object Distribution Department
613 character information storage unit
614 Information transmitter
710 Conversation display
720 Object display section
730 Speaker display
740 Operation button display
800 objects
810 Clerk wait message

Claims (13)

In a chat system comprising a chat device and a server that distributes images to the chat device,
The chat device
Means for displaying an image distributed from the server and an image obtained by changing a display mode of the distributed image ;
Information associating the designated position on the distributed image with the character information input corresponding to the designated position, information indicating the changed display mode, and the changed display mode Means for transmitting the information associated with the character information input corresponding to the server to the server,
The server
The information received from the chat device, the information associated with the designated position on the image and the character information input corresponding to the designated position , and the changed received from the chat device Means for storing information that associates information representing a display mode with character information input in correspondence with the displayed display mode ;
A chat system characterized by that. The chat system according to claim 1 , wherein an operation unit of at least one chat device among the chat devices that exchange character information has a right to modify a displayed image . It has a database that stores multiple information,
The operation unit of the chat device inputs character information including an address where desired information in the database is stored according to an operation, and the character information in the database is included in the transmitted character information. It is possible to instruct acquisition of information of the address by designating the address according to an operation when the address is included,
The chat system according to claim 1 , wherein the chat device acquires the information from the database in response to an instruction to acquire the information . The operation unit of the chat device is capable of instructing access to the character information storage unit of the server according to an operation,
The chat device requests the server to distribute information in accordance with the instruction in response to an instruction to access the character information storage unit,
The server transmits character information corresponding to the instruction in the character information storage unit and an image associated with the character information to a requesting chat device. The chat system described. The chat system according to claim 1, further comprising a chat server that mediates communication of character information exchanged with the chat device , wherein the chat server also serves as the server . 2. The chat system according to claim 1 , wherein at least one chat device of the chat devices also serves as the server. Means for displaying an image distributed from the server and an image obtained by changing a display mode of the distributed image, a position designated on the distributed image, and an input corresponding to the designated position; Means for transmitting to the server information that correlates the character information, and information that correlates the information indicating the changed display mode and the character information input corresponding to the changed display mode. Means for delivering an image to a chat device comprising:
  The information received from the chat device, the information associated with the designated position on the image and the character information input corresponding to the designated position, and the changed received from the chat device Means for storing information in which information representing a display mode is associated with character information input corresponding to the displayed display mode;
  A server characterized by that. In response to a request from the chat device, the server transmits character information corresponding to the request in the character information storage unit and an image associated with the character information to the requesting chat device. The server according to claim 7, wherein: 8. The server according to claim 7 , wherein the server also serves as a chat server that mediates communication of character information exchanged with the chat device . The server according to claim 7 , wherein the server also serves as one of the chat devices . In a content storage medium storing content for operating a computer system as a server for distributing images to a chat device,
  The chat device
  Means for displaying an image distributed from the server and an image obtained by changing a display mode of the distributed image;
  Information associating the designated position on the distributed image with the character information input corresponding to the designated position, information indicating the changed display mode, and the changed display mode Means for transmitting information associated with the character information input corresponding to the server to the server,
  Means for storing images;
  Means for delivering an image to the chat device;
  The information received from the chat device, the information associated with the designated position on the image and the character information input corresponding to the designated position, and the changed received from the chat device A content storage medium characterized by storing content having means for storing information in which information representing a display mode is associated with character information input corresponding to the displayed display mode. In response to a request from the chat device, the content transmits character information corresponding to the request in the character information storage unit of the server and an image associated with the character information to the requesting chat device. 12. The content storage medium according to claim 11, further comprising means for performing the operation. In a management program for operating a computer system as a server for distributing images to a chat device ,
The chat device
Means for displaying an image distributed from the server and an image obtained by changing a display mode of the distributed image;
Information associating the designated position on the distributed image with the character information input corresponding to the designated position, information indicating the changed display mode, and the changed display mode Means for transmitting information associated with the character information input corresponding to the server to the server,
Computer system
Means for delivering an image to the chat device;
The information received from the chat device, the information associated with the designated position on the image and the character information input corresponding to the designated position, and the changed received from the chat device A management program which operates as a server having means for storing information in which information representing a display mode and character information input corresponding to the displayed display mode are associated with each other.

Images