JP6422613B2 - Message system, server, terminal, and program - Google Patents

Description

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

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a technique for displaying an image in which messages of a plurality of users are arranged in time series on a terminal is known. For example, in Patent Literature 1, messages are displayed in time series on the terminals of users who participate in chat, user correlations are specified based on the messages, and users who have correlations in a list of all users Describes a terminal that displays colors in different colors.

Japanese Patent No. 4637192

  In the technique as described above, when the number of messages displayed in time series increases, it becomes difficult for the user to specify which message is related to the user. However, even if the correlated users are color-coded and displayed on the list as in Patent Document 1, the user only knows the relationship between the users. Had to judge.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and its object is to provide a message control server that allows a user to easily identify a message that is relevant to the user in an image in which messages are arranged in time series, It is to provide a message control terminal and a program.

  In order to solve the above problems, a message control server according to the present invention is a message control server that communicates with a terminal that displays an image in which messages of a plurality of users are arranged in time series, and each user inputs Message acquisition means for acquiring a message; destination acquisition means for acquiring destination information indicating a destination of the message; and means for transmitting data for displaying the image on each user terminal, the destination information Based on the above, the message input to the transmission destination and the message input by the user other than the transmission destination user other than the transmission destination are transmitted to the transmission destination and input to the transmission destination. Display an image that distinguishes a message and a message entered by a user other than the destination user and different from the destination user. Transmission means for transmitting data for transmission to the transmission destination.

  A message control terminal according to the present invention is a message control terminal for displaying an image in which messages of a plurality of users are arranged in time series, a message acquisition means for acquiring a message input by each user, Distinguishing between destination acquisition means for acquiring destination information indicating a destination, a message input to a user based on the destination information, and a message input by a user other than the user and other than the user Display control means for displaying the processed image.

  A program according to the present invention shows a message acquisition means for acquiring a message input by each user, a computer that communicates with a terminal that displays an image in which messages of each of a plurality of users are arranged in time series, and indicates the destination of the message Destination acquisition means for acquiring destination information, means for transmitting data for displaying the image on each user terminal, a message input to the destination based on the destination information, and the destination A message input by a user other than the destination user is sent to the destination, the message input to the destination and the destination user other than the destination As a transmission means for transmitting data for displaying an image in which a message input by a user different from the user is distinguished to the transmission destination. Make it work.

  The program according to the present invention includes a computer that displays an image in which messages of a plurality of users are arranged in time series, message acquisition means for acquiring a message input by each user, and acquisition of destination information indicating the destination of the message Destination acquisition means for displaying, based on the destination information, display control means for displaying an image in which a message input to a user is distinguished from a message input by a user other than the user and a user different from the user To function as.

It is a figure showing the whole message control system composition concerning an embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the chat image displayed on the user's A terminal. It is a figure which shows an example of the chat image when the user A designates the avatar image of the user X. It is a figure which shows an example of the chat image displayed on the terminal of the user X. It is a functional block diagram which shows the function relevant to this invention among the functions implement | achieved by a message control system. It is a figure which shows the example of data storage of a message database. It is a flowchart which shows the process which a message control system performs. It is a figure which shows the detail of the process performed in S7. It is a functional block diagram of a modification. It is a figure which shows the example of data storage of the message database in a modification. It is a figure which shows an example of the chat image of the user A. It is a figure which shows an example of the chat image of the user A. It is a figure which shows the change of a chat image when the user A designates the message of a reply. It is a figure which shows the change of a chat image when the user A designates the original message. It is a figure which shows the example of data storage of the message database of this modification. It is a figure which shows an example of the chat image of the user A. It is a figure which shows the change of the chat image when the user A designates a message. It is a figure which shows an example of the chat image 30 of the user A. It is a figure which shows the comparative example of the message image. It is a figure which shows the change of the chat image 30 when the user A selects the avatar image 34 of the user X.

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

  FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overall configuration of a message control system according to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the message control system 1 includes a message control server 10 and a plurality of terminals 20. The message control server 10 and each terminal 20 are connected to each other via the communication network 2 so that data can be transmitted and received.

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

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

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

  In the present embodiment, the program and data described as being stored in the storage unit 12 or the storage unit 22 may be supplied to the message control server 10 or the terminal 20 via the communication network 2, for example. Good. Further, the message control server 10 or the terminal 20 may include a component for reading a program or data stored in a computer-readable information storage medium (for example, a memory card). And you may make it supply a program and data to the message control server 10 or the terminal 20 via an information storage medium.

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

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a chat image displayed on the terminal 20 of the user A. As shown in FIG. 2, in the chat image 30, message images 32 </ b> A to 32 </ b> H (hereinafter, collectively referred to as message images 32) indicating messages of a plurality of users are arranged in time series.

  The message is the content of information transmitted between users, and is composed of, for example, a symbol string input by each user or a designated image. The symbol string here means to include a character string (text). Further, the message being arranged in time series means that the message images 32 are displayed side by side on the screen in the message input order (transmission order).

  The t axis in FIG. 2 is a time axis. In the screen example of FIG. 2, the message image 32A indicates the newest message, and the message image 32H indicates the oldest message. That is, in the chat image 30, a message image 32 indicating a new message is displayed as it goes in a predetermined direction (upward in FIG. 2), and as it goes in a direction opposite to the predetermined direction (downward in FIG. 2), By displaying the message image 32 indicating the old message, the messages are arranged in time series.

  In addition, avatar images 34 </ b> A to 34 </ b> H (hereinafter collectively referred to as avatar images 34) of the user who has input the message are displayed on chat image 30. For example, in the chat image 30 of the user A, an avatar image 34 other than the user A (that is, the users X, Y, and Z) is displayed near one end (left end in FIG. 2), and the opposite end The avatar image 34 of the user A is displayed near (right end in FIG. 2). Note that the vicinity of the edge is an area from the edge of the screen to a predetermined distance (for example, an area from the edge to a pixel separated by a predetermined pixel).

  In this embodiment, each user can input a message by designating a destination. A destination is a partner, a terminal 20, or an account that transmits a message. For example, the message images 32B and 32F show messages that the user X has addressed to the user A, and the message images 32C show messages that the user A has addressed to the user X. Further, the message image 32E indicates a message addressed to the user Y by the user X, and the message image 32G indicates a message addressed to the user X by the user Y.

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

  User A can input a message while confirming the chat image 30 displayed as described above. For example, when the user A performs a predetermined operation, an input form for inputting a new message is displayed. Then, the user A inputs a new message and designates a destination on the input form. The input form for inputting a new message may be displayed without performing a predetermined operation.

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

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

  The message image 32 (message image 32C in FIGS. 2 and 3) indicating the message input by the user A to the user X is the third color in the chat image 30 of the user A (in FIGS. 2 and 3). Including a left-pointing arrow). Further, the message image 32C shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 is provided with a destination image 36C indicating that the message is addressed to the user X.

  Furthermore, in this embodiment, each user can send a message to the entire user, or send a message without specifying a destination. In the example of FIGS. 2 and 3, the message images 32D and 32H of the message sent to the entire user or without specifying the destination are in the fourth color (shown in white in FIGS. 2 and 3).

  2 and 3, the chat image 30 of the user A has been described, but the similar chat image 30 is also displayed on the terminals 20 of the users X, Y, and Z. However, since the subject who views the chat image 30 is not the user A, the display contents of the chat image 30 are different so that each of the users X, Y, and Z can distinguish a message addressed to himself / herself from a message addressed to another person. ing.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the chat image 30 displayed on the terminal 20 of the user X. As shown in FIG. 4, since the message images 32C and 32G show messages addressed to the user X, they become the first color and include a right-pointing arrow. Here, since the users A, Y, and Z have not input messages addressed to users other than the user X, the second color message image 32 is not displayed. Since the message images 32B, 32E, and 32F indicate messages input by the user X, the message images 32B, 32E, and 32F have the third color and include a left-pointing arrow. The message images 32 </ b> A and 32 </ b> D are the fourth color because the entire user indicates a message addressed to the user or a message for which the address is not specified.

  As described above, in the message control system 1 of the present embodiment, in the chat image 30 that displays messages in chronological order, the user can mainly specify a message that is relevant to him / her. Yes. Hereinafter, processing for realizing the present technology will be described in detail.

[3. Functions realized in the message control system]
FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram showing functions related to the present invention among the functions realized by the message control system 1. Here, after describing the functions realized by each terminal 20, the functions realized by the message control server 10 will be described. In FIG. 5, only one terminal 20 is illustrated for simplification, but the same function is realized in each terminal 20. Moreover, you may make it abbreviate | omit other than the message acquisition part 70, the destination acquisition part 72, and the transmission / reception part 74 among each function shown in FIG.

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

[Message input section]
The message input unit 60 receives a message input. For example, the message input unit 60 accepts input of a character string and designation of an image by the user. Note that the image included in the message may be stored in the terminal 20 or may be stored in the message control server 10.

[Address specification section]
The destination designation unit 62 accepts designation of a destination. The destination designation unit 62 accepts designation of at least one user. In the present embodiment, since a chat in which a plurality of users participate is realized, the destination designation unit 62 accepts the designation of at least one user who participates in the chat.

  In the present embodiment, a case where only one user can be designated as a destination will be described, but a plurality of users may be designated as destinations, as will be described in a later-described modification. In this embodiment, since the entire user can be specified as the destination, the destination specifying unit 62 accepts the specification of the entire user. That is, the destination designation unit 62 can accept all users who participate in the chat as destinations.

[Transceiver]
The transmission / reception unit 64 transmits / receives various data to / from the transmission / reception unit 74. For example, the transmission / reception unit 64 transmits the message received by the message input unit 60 and the destination information received by the destination designation unit 62. In addition, the transmission / reception unit 64 may transmit various operation contents of the user. Moreover, the transmission / reception part 64 receives the data for displaying the chat image 30 which the transmission / reception part 74 mentioned later transmitted.

[Display control unit]
The display control unit 66 displays the chat image 30 on the display unit 25 based on data transmitted by the transmission / reception unit 74 described later.

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

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

  The message ID is information for uniquely identifying each message. The sender information is information for identifying a user who has input (transmitted) a message. The destination information is information indicating the destination of the message. If no message destination is specified, nothing is stored in the destination information. The time information is a message input time. The time information may indicate the date and time or only the time.

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

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

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

[Transceiver]
The transmission / reception unit 74 transmits / receives various data to / from the transmission / reception unit 64. For example, the transmission / reception unit 74 receives a message or destination information transmitted by the transmission / reception unit 64.

  The transmission / reception unit 74 transmits data for displaying the chat image 30 on the terminal 20 of each user. In other words, the transmission / reception unit 74 transmits data for displaying the chat image 30 on each terminal 20 of the user. The data transmitted by the transmission / reception unit 74 may be in a data format for displaying an image on the display unit 25, and is, for example, data in HTML format. Here, the description will be made assuming that the transmission / reception unit 74 generates data to be transmitted.

  Based on the destination information, the transmission / reception unit 74 transmits a message input to the transmission destination and a message input by a user other than the transmission destination to a transmission destination, other than the transmission destination, to the transmission destination. Data for displaying a chat image 30 in which a message input by the user other than the transmission destination and a message input by a user different from the transmission destination user are distinguished is transmitted to the transmission destination.

  A transmission destination is a user, a terminal 20, an account, or the like of a destination (transmission target) to which the transmission / reception unit 74 transmits data. In the present embodiment, a case where the “transmission destination” is a transmission destination user will be described. However, the transmission destination may be any data transmission destination, and is not limited thereto. For example, the transmission destination user can be said to be a user who operates the terminal 20 or a user corresponding to the chat image 30 (a user who views the chat image 30). In this embodiment, the transmission destination users are each of a plurality of users participating in the chat.

  Displaying the chat image 30 in which the message is distinguished means that the display mode (display mode) of the message image 32 is changed. For example, at least one of the color, brightness, shape, and size of the message image 32 is displayed. Or by changing the display position, font type, or the like. Note that these are merely examples for distinguishing messages. The method for distinguishing the messages is not limited to these, and it is sufficient that they can be visually identified. A message image 32 showing a message addressed to a transmission destination user is in a first display mode (for example, including a right arrow in the first color) and indicates a message addressed to a user different from the transmission destination user. The message image 32 is in the second display mode (for example, the second color does not include an arrow).

  Further, the transmission / reception unit 74 sends the message input by the user other than the transmission destination user to the transmission destination, and the position on the chat image 30 associated with other than the transmission destination on the chat image 30 associated with the transmission destination. This is data for displaying the chat image 30 in which the direction with respect to the position is associated, and data including the message is transmitted.

  To associate a message with a direction is to display one image indicating the message and the direction (message image 32 including an arrow in the present embodiment) or to a direction in the vicinity of the image indicating the message (within a predetermined distance). Is to display an image indicating. In the present embodiment, the transmission / reception unit 74 starts from the area where the avatar image 34 associated with a user different from the transmission destination user is displayed (in the vicinity of the left end in the examples of FIGS. 2 to 4). A message image 32 including an arrow indicating a direction (right direction in the examples of FIGS. 2 to 4) with respect to a region where the avatar image 34 is displayed (near the right end in the examples of FIGS. 2 to 4) is generated.

  In the present embodiment, the transmission / reception unit 74 displays a chat image 30 in which a message input by a user other than the transmission destination and a user different from the transmission destination user is associated with information for identifying the destination. Data that includes the message is transmitted to the transmission destination. The information for identifying the destination is an image for displaying the destination, and corresponds to the destination image 36 in the present embodiment. Associating the message with the information for identifying the destination means displaying an image for identifying the destination in the vicinity of the image indicating the message (within a predetermined distance), or displaying one image indicating the message and the destination, etc. As described above, the information for identifying the destination is in a state where it can be identified which message corresponds to, but the display is not limited to these. In the present embodiment, the transmission / reception unit 74 adds a destination image 36 indicating the destination to the message image 32.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the transmission / reception unit 74 is data for displaying the chat image 30 in which a message input by the transmission destination user other than the transmission destination is further distinguished, and data including the message is transmitted to the transmission destination. Send. The message image 32 indicating the message input by the user of the transmission destination is in the third display mode (for example, including a left arrow in the third color).

  Further, the transmission / reception unit 74 determines the position of the message input to the destination other than the destination by the user at the destination and the position on the chat image 30 associated with the destination other than the position on the chat image 30 associated with the destination. It is data for displaying the chat image 30 in which the direction is associated, and data including the message is transmitted to the transmission destination. For example, the transmission / reception unit 74 displays an avatar image associated with a user different from the transmission destination user from the area where the avatar image 34 of the transmission destination user is displayed (in the example of FIGS. 2 to 4, near the right end). A message image 32 including an arrow indicating a direction (left direction in the examples of FIGS. 2 and 3) with respect to a region where the reference numeral 34 is displayed (near the left end in the examples of FIGS. 2 to 4) is generated.

  In the present embodiment, since the destination of the message can specify the entire destination that can be transmitted or not specify the destination, the transmission / reception unit 74 specifies the message or destination addressed to the entire destination that can be transmitted. This is data for displaying a chat image 30 in which messages that have not been further classified, and data including these messages is transmitted to the destination. For example, the message image 32 indicating a message addressed to the entire user or a message for which no destination is specified is the fourth display mode (for example, the fourth color).

  In the present embodiment, the transmission / reception unit 74 transmits data for displaying the avatar image 34 for identifying the user who is the transmission source of each message to the transmission destination. In addition, when the avatar image 34 is designated based on the operation of each user, the transmission / reception unit 74 displays data for receiving an input of a destination message indicated by the designated avatar image 34 (for example, an input form 38 is displayed). Send data).

[4. Processing executed in the message control system]
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing processing executed by the message control system 1. In the process shown in FIG. 7, when a chat involving a plurality of users starts, the control unit 11 operates according to a program stored in the storage unit 12, and the control unit 21 stores a program stored in the storage unit 22. It is executed by operating according to. By executing the processing described below, the functional blocks shown in FIG. 5 are realized. In FIG. 7, only one terminal 20 is illustrated for simplification, but the same processing is executed in each terminal 20.

  First, as shown in FIG. 7, in the message control server 10, the control unit 11 generates data for displaying the initial screen of the chat image 30 for each terminal 20 (S 1), and transmits the data to each terminal 20. (S2). Here, the message control server 10 manages data for displaying the chat image 30 in the storage unit 12 for each user participating in the chat. Since the data generated in S1 is an initial screen, the message image 32 and the avatar image 34 are not yet included.

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

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

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the user has input a new message (S4; Y), the control unit 21 transmits the message and the destination information to the message control server 10 (S5). When information is transmitted from each terminal 20 to the message control server 10, the user ID is also transmitted, and the message control server 10 specifies from which user the message or destination information has been received. It can be done. If no destination is specified, the destination information is not transmitted.

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

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

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

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

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

  On the other hand, when the message is addressed to the entire user or the address is not specified (S23; other), the control unit 11 generates a message image 32 of the fourth color and arranges the avatar image 34 on the left side (S26). ).

  When it is determined in S22 that the user of the transmission destination has input (S22; Y), the control unit 11 generates a third color message image 32 including a left-pointing arrow, and displays the avatar image 34 on the right side. Arrange (S27). If a destination is specified, the control unit 11 refers to the message destination information and generates a destination image 36 and assigns it to the message image 32 in S27.

  The control unit 11 merges the images generated in any of S24 to S27 with the original chat image 30 so that the messages are arranged in time series, and generates data for displaying the chat image 30 (S28). ). In the present embodiment, since the message image 32 indicating the latest message is displayed on the upper side of the chat image 30, in S28, the control unit 11 uses each image generated in any of S24 to S27 as the original chat image. The data of the updated chat image 30 is generated by merging with the upper side of 30. The control unit 11 stores the generated data in the storage unit 12 in association with the transmission destination user.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  According to the message control system 1 described above, in the chat image 30 for displaying messages in time series, a message image 32 indicating a message addressed to the user and a message image 32 indicating a message not addressed to the user are displayed. Since the aspects are different, the user can easily specify a message related to the user.

  In particular, in the game where each user plays while chatting the strategy as in this embodiment, due to the nature of the game, each user does not only need a message addressed to himself but also a message addressed to others. It is necessary to. That is, since it is impossible to provide each user with a screen in which only messages addressed to him / her are filtered, a mechanism for confirming the messages of all members is required. In this regard, by displaying the chat image 30 as described above, even if all the messages are displayed, each user can easily distinguish between a message addressed to himself and a message addressed to another person.

  In addition, when chatting a strategy during the execution of a game, there is often no time for checking the message carefully, but according to the chat image 30 of the present embodiment, the message necessary for itself is short. It can be specified by time, and it is possible to effectively prevent a message from being overlooked. Furthermore, each user reduces the possibility of misinterpreting a message addressed to himself / herself to another person, and also reduces the possibility of misinterpreting a message addressed to another person to himself / herself, thus preventing erroneous transmission of messages due to these misunderstandings. be able to.

  Further, in the chat image 30, the display form of the message image 32 indicating the message input by the user is further different, and thus the message input by each user to another person is specified while the messages are displayed in time series. It becomes easy. For example, it is possible to reduce the possibility that each user misunderstands a message sent by himself / herself as a message sent by another person. Also, for example, each user can easily identify what message the user has addressed to himself / herself is for what message he / she has sent.

  In the chat image 30, since the destination image 36 is displayed in the message image 32 of the message not addressed to each user, the message addressed to the other person from another person is displayed while the message is displayed in time series. It becomes easy to identify the address. In particular, in a scene where a game strategy is chatted, when each user plays a game, there may be a user who is closely related to himself or a user who is not very related to the strategy. Therefore, each user can easily specify whether the message is for a user who is closely related to the user by using the destination image 36.

  Further, in the chat image 30, it is possible to further distinguish between messages addressed to the entire user and messages that do not specify a destination, so that it is easy to grasp whether the message is less important, for example, mere tweet. In particular, in a scene where a game strategy is chatted, it is conceivable that the user transmits a message as reference information for establishing the strategy. In such a case, each user can easily specify whether the information is merely reference information or a message indicating the details of the strategy.

  Further, since the user can input a message addressed to the user indicated by the avatar image 34 by designating the avatar image 34, the user can easily designate a destination when inputting the message. In particular, by allowing the user to select the avatar image 34 displayed in the vicinity of the message image 32, each user can easily specify the user who transmitted the message he / she wants to reply to.

  In addition, since each message image 32 indicating a message addressed to himself / herself includes a right-pointing arrow on which his / her avatar image 34 is displayed, each user can easily identify whether the message is addressed to himself / herself.

  In addition, each user feels whether the message he / she has sent to other users because the message image 32 indicating the message he / she has entered includes a left-pointing arrow on which another person's avatar image 34 is displayed. It becomes easy to specify.

[5. Modified example]
The present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above. Modifications can be made as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

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

  (1-1) For example, when the user A inputs a reply message to the message input by the user X, the chat image 30 can identify what the reply message is for. Also good. In this modification, a reply can be made with the user who sent the message as the destination, and the message acquisition unit 70 acquires a reply message input by each user. Note that the reply message is composed of a symbol string and an image as in a normal message. Further, it is assumed that the reply message is input from the input form as in the embodiment.

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

  FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a data storage example of the message database in the modification. As shown in FIG. 10, the message database stores reply source information of each message. Note that the reply source information is not stored for a normal message that is not a reply. Although the case where the reply source information is the message ID of the original message will be described here, the reply source information is not limited to this as long as it is information specifying the original message.

  The transmission / reception unit 74 is data for displaying a chat image 30 in which a reply message and the original message of the reply are associated based on the reply source information, and data including these messages is transmitted to the destination. Send. To associate a message is to display a plurality of message images 32 in a display mode corresponding to each other (for example, at least one of color, brightness, shape, and size corresponds) or to indicate a plurality of message images 32. An image is displayed (for example, a line connecting a plurality of message images 32 is displayed, or an arrow indicating the plurality of message images 32 is displayed).

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

  On the other hand, the message image 32J indicates a reply message from the user Y to the message indicated by the message image 32K. The message image 32K is a new message input by the user X, and is also the original message of the reply indicated by the message image 32K. In the example of FIG. 11, the transmission / reception unit 74 displays the message image 32I in a dark state (indicated by shading in FIG. 11) and displays data for displaying the message image 32J and the message image 32K without darkening. Will be generated and transmitted.

  Here, as an example of associating messages, the case where the message image 32 is displayed with the brightness corresponding to each other without being darkened has been described. However, it is sufficient that a plurality of messages associated with each other can be identified. The display control for associating is not limited to this. The same applies to the modified examples described below.

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

  (1-2) Further, for example, when a message is designated based on each user's operation, the transmission / reception unit 74 transmits data for accepting an input of a reply message to the designated message. Good. Here, selecting the message image 32 by using the operation unit 24 by the user corresponds to designating a message.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of the chat image 30 of the user A. In the example of FIG. 12, when the user A selects the message image 32K, an input form 46 for inputting a reply to the message indicated by the message image 32K is displayed. In the destination column 48, the sender of the original message (that is, the message selected by the user) is set. When the user inputs a message in the message input field 50 and selects the reply button 52, the reply message can be transmitted.

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

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

  (1-3) Further, for example, the display of the association as in the modified example (1-1) may not be always performed in the chat image 30 but may be performed when the user designates a message. When a reply message is designated based on each user's operation, the transmission / reception unit 74 of the present modification displays a chat image 30 in which the designated reply message is associated with the original message of the reply. The data including these messages is transmitted to the transmission destination.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating changes in the chat image 30 when the user A designates a reply message. In the example of FIG. 13, the change of the chat image 30 when the user A selects the message image 32J is shown. When receiving the selection of the message image 32J indicating the reply message, the terminal 20 of the user A transmits a message to that effect to the message control server 10.

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

  In the above description, the case where the user designates a reply message has been described. However, when the original message is designated based on each user's operation, the transmission / reception unit 74 and the designated original message, This is data for displaying a chat image 30 in which a reply message to the designated original message is associated, and data including these messages may be transmitted to the transmission destination.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating changes in the chat image 30 when the user A specifies the original message. In the example of FIG. 14, the change of the chat image 30 when the user A selects the message image 32K is shown. When receiving the selection of the message image 32K indicating the original message of the reply, the terminal 20 of the user A transmits a message to that effect to the message control server 10.

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

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

  (2-1) Further, for example, when replies are successively made to a certain message, there is a high possibility that a series of messages indicate the same topic. For this reason, messages of the same topic may be grouped and identified by the chat image 30.

  The message control server 10 of the present modification includes a group affiliation unit 78. The group affiliation unit 78 causes the reply message to belong to the same message group as the original message of the reply. Belonging to the same message group means that messages are associated with each other, for example, common identification information (message group ID described later) is given to messages.

  FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a data storage example of the message database according to the present modification. As shown in FIG. 15, the message database of this modification stores a message group ID. The message group ID is information that uniquely identifies the message group. Messages having a common message group ID are highly likely to be the same topic. In other words, the messages having the same message group ID are the same as the original message (the message that is the starting point of the reply) when the original message of the reply is traced.

  The group affiliation unit 78 gives the same message as the message group ID of the original message to the reply message. Note that the group affiliation unit 78 issues a message group ID when a reply is made to a message for the first time. The message group ID may be issued based on a predetermined ID issue rule. Thereafter, each time a reply is made to the issued message group ID message, the group affiliation unit 78 assigns the message group ID to the reply message.

  The transmission / reception unit 74 of the present modification is data for displaying the chat image 30 associated with messages belonging to the same message group, and transmits data including the message to the transmission destination.

  FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of the chat image 30 of the user A. As shown in FIG. 16, the messages indicated by each of the message images 32B, 32C, and 32F belong to the same message group (a group having a message group ID “002”). For this reason, the transmission / reception unit 74 displays the message images 32A, 32D, 32E, 32G, and 32H in a dark state, and transmits the data for displaying the message images 32B, 32C, and 32F without darkening. Become.

  According to the modified example (2-1), when replies are made one after another starting from a certain message, each user seems to have the same message on the chat image 30 (that is, the same topic). Message).

  (2-2) In addition, the display of association as in the modified example (2-1) may not be always performed in the chat image 30 but may be performed when the user designates a message. When a message is specified based on an operation of each user, the transmission / reception unit 74 of the present modification displays a chat image 30 that distinguishes a message in a message group to which the specified message belongs and a message different from the message. To send data to the destination. More specifically, the transmission / reception unit 74 transmits data for displaying the chat image 30 in which the message of the message group to which the specified message belongs is distinguished from the message belonging to a message group different from the message group. Send to.

  FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a change in the chat image 30 when the user A designates a message. In the example of FIG. 17, the change of the chat image 30 when the user A selects the message image 32F is shown. When receiving the selection of the message image 32F, the terminal 20 of the user A transmits a message to that effect to the message control server 10.

  In the message control server 10, the transmission / reception unit 74 refers to the message database and identifies a message in the same message group as the message selected by the user A. Then, the transmission / reception unit 74 displays the message images 32A, 32D, 32E, 32G, and 32H in a dark state, and transmits data for displaying the message images 32B, 32C, and 32F without being darkened. .

  According to the modification (2-2), each user can easily specify each message in the same message group as the message he / she specified on the chat image 30.

  (3-1) For example, in the embodiment, the case where the number of destination users is one has been described. However, a plurality of users may be designated as destinations. In this case, the destination information indicates one or a plurality of users. The transmission / reception unit 74 of the present modified example distinguishes between a chat image 30 in which a message including a transmission destination among a plurality of specified destinations and a message including no transmission destination among the plurality of specified destinations. The data including the message is transmitted to the transmission destination.

  FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of the chat image 30 of the user A. In the example of FIG. 18, the users A and Y are designated as destinations in the message indicated by the message image 32F. For this reason, a plurality of users are shown in the destination image 36F given to the message image 32F. In the present modification, when a plurality of users are designated as the destination, it is determined in the process of S23 whether or not the plurality of users include a destination user. Other processes are the same as in the embodiment.

  According to the modified example (3-1), since a plurality of destinations can be specified and a message can be transmitted at the same time, time and effort can be reduced compared to a case where a user who inputs a message transmits individually. Even if multiple recipients are specified, if they are included, they are displayed separately from messages addressed to others, so that the user who receives the message can easily identify the message addressed to him / her. Become.

  (3-2) Further, for example, even a message addressed to user A can be distinguished because a message addressed only to user A may be more important than a message that another user is also addressed to. You may do it. The transmission / reception unit 74 is data for displaying a chat image 30 in which only a transmission destination is a destination message and a message in which a plurality of designated destinations include a transmission destination and a destination other than the transmission destination. Data including these messages is transmitted to the transmission destination.

  FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating a comparative example of the message image 32. As illustrated in FIG. 19, the transmission / reception unit 74 displays a chat image 30 in which only the user A displays a message image 32M destined for the message A and a message image 32N in which another user is also included in the address. Send data for. For example, the message image 32M is highlighted than the message image 32N.

  According to the modified example (3-2), each user can easily distinguish between a message for which only himself / herself is a destination and a message for which other users are also included in the destination. For example, since only the message addressed to himself / herself may be more important, each user can easily identify a more important message.

  (4) For example, when the user designates the avatar image 34, the history of messages with the user indicated by the avatar image 34 may be displayed on the chat image 30. The transmission / reception unit 74 of this modification displays a chat image 30 in which a message between a transmission destination and a transmission destination other than the transmission destination specified based on the operation of the transmission destination user is distinguished from a message other than the message. Data including the message is transmitted.

  FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating changes in the chat image 30 when the user A selects the avatar image 34 of the user X. As shown in FIG. 20, when the user A selects the avatar image 34 of the user X, the exchange between the user A and the user X is displayed on the chat image 30. Specifically, when the terminal 20 of the user A receives the selection of the avatar image 34 of the user X, the terminal 20 transmits a message to that effect to the message control server 10.

  In the message control server 10, the transmission / reception unit 74 refers to the message database and identifies a message between the user A and the user X designated by the user A. For example, the transmission / reception unit 74 specifies a message whose transmission source information and destination information are a combination of the user A and the user X. And the transmission / reception part 74 produces | generates the chat image 30 which changed the display mode of the exchange between the user A and the user X, and a message other than that, and transmits the data to the terminal 20 of the user A To do. In other words, the transmission / reception unit 74 transmits the chat image 30 indicating the history of messages exchanged between the user A and the user X.

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

  (5) Further, for example, in the above description, the case where the process for generating the data for displaying the chat image 30 is realized by the message control server 10 has been described. This process is performed by each terminal 20 (message control terminal). It may be realized. That is, the main function may be realized by each terminal 20 instead of the message control server 10.

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

  In addition, the display control unit 66 of each terminal 20 receives a message input to the user (that is, the user of the terminal 20) based on the destination information, and a message input by a user other than the user to a destination other than the user. The chat image 30 that distinguishes between and is displayed. In the embodiment, the case where the message control server 10 generates the data of the chat image 30 has been described. However, in the present modification, the display control unit 66 generates the data of the chat image 30. The processing content itself for generating this data is the same as the content described in the embodiment and the above modification.

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

  According to the modification (5), the main process can be executed on the terminal 20 side, so that the burden on the message control server 10 can be reduced.

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

  Further, for example, the message control server or the message control terminal according to the present invention may be applied to a technique for exchanging messages between users, and can be applied to other than chat. That is, real-time characteristics such as chat are not necessary, and the present invention can be applied to, for example, an electronic bulletin board in which a plurality of users write messages.

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

  A message control terminal (20) according to the present invention is a message control terminal (20) that displays an image (for example, a chat image 30) in which messages of a plurality of users are arranged in time series. A message acquisition means (70) for acquiring the received message, a destination acquisition means (72) for acquiring destination information indicating the destination of the message, a message input to the user based on the destination information, and the user Display control means (66) for displaying an image (for example, the chat image 30) in which a message input by a user other than the user and a message input by a user other than the user is distinguished.

  The program according to the present invention acquires a message input by each user from a computer that communicates with a terminal (20) that displays an image (for example, chat image 30) in which messages of a plurality of users are arranged in time series. Message acquisition means (70), destination acquisition means (72) for acquiring destination information indicating the destination of the message, and data for displaying the image (for example, chat image 30) on each user's terminal (20) Means (74) for transmitting, based on the destination information, a message input to a destination, and a message input by a user other than the destination and destined for a user other than the destination A message sent to the destination and input to the destination, and a user other than the destination is different from the destination user. Image distinguishing force messages (e.g., the chat screen 30) transmitting means (74) for transmitting data for displaying on the destination, to function as a.

  The program according to the present invention includes a message acquisition means (70) for acquiring a message input by each user by using a computer that displays an image (for example, chat image 30) in which messages of a plurality of users are arranged in time series. Destination acquisition means (72) for acquiring destination information indicating the destination of the message, based on the destination information, a message input to the user, and a user other than the user and a destination other than the user It is made to function as a display control means (66) for displaying an image (for example, the chat image 30) in which the message is distinguished.

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

  According to the present invention, it is possible for a user to easily specify a message related to himself / herself in an image in which messages are arranged in time series.

  In one aspect of the present invention, the transmission means (74) displays data for displaying an image (for example, the chat image 30) further discriminating a message input by the transmission destination user to a destination other than the transmission destination. The data including the message is transmitted to the transmission destination. According to this aspect, while messages are displayed in chronological order, each user can easily specify the message that he / she has input to others.

  In one aspect of the present invention, the transmission means (74) associates a message input by a user other than the transmission destination with a destination other than the transmission destination, and information identifying the destination. This is data for displaying an image (for example, chat image 30), and data including the message is transmitted to the transmission destination. According to this aspect, while messages are displayed in time series, it becomes easy for each user to specify who a message addressed to another person is addressed to.

  Further, in one aspect of the present invention, the message control server (10) is capable of replying to the message sender user, and the message acquisition means (70) The message control server (10) further includes means (76) for acquiring reply source information for identifying the original message of the reply, and the transmission means (74) is based on the reply source information. Data for displaying an image (for example, chat image 30) in which the reply message and the original message of the reply are associated with each other, and transmitting data including these messages to the transmission destination. It is characterized by that. According to this aspect, while messages are displayed in time series, it is easy to specify what the reply message is a reply to.

  In one aspect of the present invention, when a message is designated based on each user's operation, the transmission means (74) transmits data for accepting an input of a reply message to the designated message. It is characterized by that. According to the aspect, when each user designates a message, a reply to the message can be accepted, so that the user can easily reply.

  In one aspect of the present invention, when a reply message is designated based on each user's operation, the sending means (74), the designated reply message, the original message of the reply, Means (74) for displaying an image (for example, chat image 30) associated with the message, and means (74) for transmitting data including these messages to the destination, and the original message is designated based on the operation of each user Data for displaying an image (for example, chat image 30) in which the designated original message and a reply message to the designated original message are associated with each other when the message is designated. Including at least one of means (74) for transmitting data including the message to the transmission destination. According to this aspect, it is easy to specify what the reply message designated by the user is a reply to, or it is easy to identify what reply is input to the message designated by the user. To do.

  Further, in one aspect of the present invention, the message control server (10) is capable of replying to the message sender user, and the message acquisition means (70) The message control server further includes means (78) for causing the message of the reply to belong to the same message group as the original message of the reply, and the sending means (74) This is data for displaying an image (for example, chat image 30) associated with a message to which the message belongs, and data including the message is transmitted to the transmission destination. According to this aspect, when each user replies one after another, it is easy to specify messages of the same group (for example, messages having the same topic).

  In one aspect of the present invention, when the message is designated based on the operation of each user, the transmission means (74) is different from the message in the message group to which the designated message belongs and the message. Data for displaying an image (for example, the chat image 30) that is distinguished from each other is transmitted to the transmission destination. According to this aspect, it is easy to specify a message in the same message group as the message specified by the user.

  Moreover, in one aspect of the present invention, a plurality of users can be specified as message destinations, and the transmission means (74) includes a message including the transmission destinations among the plurality of specified destinations, It is data for displaying an image (for example, chat image 30) that distinguishes a message that does not include the transmission destination from the plurality of designated destinations, and data including these messages is displayed as the transmission destination. It is characterized by transmitting to. According to this aspect, since a plurality of destinations can be specified and a message can be transmitted at the same time, the user's labor is reduced compared to the case where the message is transmitted individually. Further, even if a plurality of destinations are specified, each user is displayed separately from a message addressed to another person as long as the user is included therein, so that it is easy to specify a message addressed to the user.

  In one aspect of the present invention, the transmission means (74) includes a message in which only the transmission destination is a destination, and a message in which the destinations other than the transmission destination and the transmission destination are included in the plurality of designated destinations. , And the image (for example, the chat image 30) is displayed, and data including these messages is transmitted to the transmission destination. According to this aspect, each user can easily identify a more important message because a message for which only the user is addressed may be more important than a message for which a user other than himself / herself is also included in the address.

  In one aspect of the present invention, the destination of a message can specify the entire destination that can be transmitted or can specify no destination, and the transmission means (74) can address the entire destination that can be transmitted. For displaying an image (for example, the chat image 30) further distinguishing the message or the message for which the destination is not specified, and transmitting the data including these messages to the transmission destination. . According to this aspect, it is possible to further distinguish messages that are addressed to the whole or whose destination is not specified.

  In one aspect of the present invention, the transmission means (74) transmits data for displaying information for identifying a transmission source of each message to the transmission destination, and the information is designated based on an operation of each user. If it is, the data for accepting the input of the message of the destination indicated by the designated information is transmitted. According to this aspect, when the user inputs a message, it becomes easy to specify the destination.

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

  In one aspect of the present invention, the transmission means (74) includes a message input by a user different from the user of the transmission destination to the transmission destination, and an image (for example, chatting) associated with other than the transmission destination. Image 30) is a data for displaying an image in which a direction to a position on an image (for example, chat image 30) associated with the transmission destination from a position on the destination is displayed, and the data including the message is It transmits to a transmission destination, It is characterized by the above-mentioned. According to this aspect, each user can easily identify whether or not the message is addressed to himself / herself.

  In one aspect of the present invention, the transmission means (74) includes a message input by the transmission destination user to a destination other than the transmission destination and an image associated with the transmission destination (for example, the chat image 30). For displaying an image (for example, chat image 30) in which a direction with respect to a position on an image (for example, chat image 30) associated with other than the transmission destination is associated with the message. The included data is transmitted to the transmission destination. According to this aspect, each user can easily identify sensuously whether the message is sent to another person.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Message control system, 2 Communication network, 10 Message control server, 11 Control part, 12 Storage part, 13 Communication part, 20 Terminal, 21 Control part, 22 Storage part, 23 Communication part, 24 Operation part, 25 Display part, 30 Chat image, 32, 32A, 32B, 32C, 32D, 32E, 32F, 32G, 32H, 32I, 32J, 32K, 32L, 32M, 32N Message image, 34, 34A, 34B, 34C, 34D, 34E, 34F, 34G , 34H, 34I, 34J, 34K, 34L, 34M, 34N Avatar image, 36 Destination image, 38, 46 Input form, 40, 48 Destination field, 42, 50
Message input field, 44 Send button, 52 Reply button, 60 Message input part, 62 Destination designation part, 64 Transmission / reception part, 66 Display control part, 68 Data storage part, 70 Message acquisition part, 72 Destination acquisition part, 74 Transmission / reception part, 76 Reply source acquisition part, 78 Group affiliation part.

Claims (7)

A message system in which a plurality of terminals and servers can send and receive data via a network,
Message acquisition means for acquiring an input message from each of the plurality of terminals ;
Destination acquisition means for acquiring destination information associated with the message and indicating a destination user ;
Display control means for displaying an image in which a plurality of the messages are arranged in time series on each of the plurality of terminals;
Including
The destination information can be set to be associated with the message by a user,
The display control means causes the image associated with the destination information and the message not associated with the destination information to be displayed on the image in an identifiable manner.
Message system. The display control means displays the message in association with the destination indicated by the destination information associated with the message.
The message system according to claim 1. The display control means displays a message transmitted from one terminal and a message transmitted from another terminal in an identifiable manner.
The message system according to claim 1 or 2. A server capable of data transmission / reception with a plurality of terminals via a network,
Message acquisition means for acquiring an input message from each of the plurality of terminals;
Destination acquisition means for acquiring destination information associated with the message and indicating a destination user;
Transmitting means for transmitting data for displaying an image in which a plurality of the messages are arranged in time series to each of the plurality of terminals;
Including
The destination information can be set to be associated with the message by a user,
The transmission means transmits data for causing the image associated with the destination information and the message not associated with the destination information to be displayed on the image in an identifiable manner.
server. A terminal capable of transmitting and receiving data via a server and a network,
Message acquisition means for acquiring an input message from another terminal via the server;
Destination acquisition means for acquiring destination information indicating a destination user associated with the message from another terminal via the server;
Display control means for displaying an image in which a plurality of the messages acquired by the message acquisition means are arranged in time series;
Including
The destination information can be set to be associated with the message by a user,
The display control means causes the image associated with the destination information and the message not associated with the destination information to be displayed on the image in an identifiable manner.
Terminal. A server that can send and receive data via multiple terminals and networks,
Message acquisition means for acquiring an input message from each of the plurality of terminals;
Destination acquisition means for acquiring destination information associated with the message and indicating a destination user;
Transmitting means for transmitting data for displaying an image in which a plurality of the messages are arranged in time series to each of the plurality of terminals;
Is a program for functioning as
The destination information can be set to be associated with the message by a user,
The transmission means transmits data for causing the image associated with the destination information and the message not associated with the destination information to be displayed on the image in an identifiable manner.
program. A terminal that can send and receive data via a server and a network
Message acquisition means for acquiring an input message from another terminal via the server;
Destination acquisition means for acquiring destination information indicating a destination user associated with the message from another terminal via the server;
Display control means for displaying an image in which a plurality of the messages acquired by the message acquisition means are arranged in time series;
Is a program for functioning as
The destination information can be set to be associated with the message by a user,
The display control means causes the image associated with the destination information and the message not associated with the destination information to be displayed on the image in an identifiable manner.
program.

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