JP7846931B2 - Message system, control method, and program - Google Patents

Description

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

Techniques for displaying an image on a terminal showing the messages of multiple users arranged chronologically have been known for some time. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a terminal that displays messages chronologically on the terminal of each user participating in a chat, identifies user correlations based on the messages, and displays correlated users in a color-coded list of all users.

Patent No. 4637192

With the technologies described above, as the number of messages displayed chronologically increases, it becomes difficult for users to identify which messages are relevant to them. However, even if correlated users are color-coded in a list, as in Patent Document 1, this only shows the relationships between users; users still had to examine each message individually to determine if it was relevant to them.

This invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and its objective is to provide a message control server, a message control terminal, and a program that enable a user to easily identify messages relevant to them in an image where messages are arranged chronologically.

To solve the above problems, the message control server according to the present invention is a message control server that communicates with a terminal that displays an image in which the messages of multiple users are arranged in chronological order, and is characterized by including a message acquisition means for acquiring messages entered by each user, a destination acquisition means for acquiring destination information indicating the destination of the message, and a means for transmitting data for displaying the image on each user's terminal, and based on the destination information, transmitting to the destination the message entered addressed to the destination and the message entered by a user other than the destination user addressed to a destination other than the destination user, and transmitting to the destination data for displaying an image that distinguishes between the message entered addressed to the destination and the message entered by a user other than the destination user addressed to a destination other than the destination user.

The message control terminal according to the present invention is a message control terminal that displays an image in which the messages of multiple users are arranged in chronological order, and is characterized by including: a message acquisition means for acquiring messages entered by each user; a destination acquisition means for acquiring destination information indicating the recipient of the message; and a display control means for displaying an image that distinguishes between messages entered addressed to a user and messages entered by a user other than the user, addressed to a recipient other than the user, based on the destination information.

The program according to the present invention provides a computer that communicates with a terminal displaying an image in which the messages of multiple users are arranged in chronological order. This computer functions as a message acquisition means for acquiring messages entered by each user, a destination acquisition means for acquiring destination information indicating the recipient of the message, and a transmission means for transmitting data to each user's terminal for displaying the image. Based on the destination information, the transmission means transmits messages entered addressed to the destination and messages entered by users other than the destination, addressed to a different user, to the destination; and transmits data to the destination for displaying an image that distinguishes between messages entered addressed to the destination and messages entered by users other than the destination, addressed to a different user.

The program according to the present invention causes a computer that displays an image in which the messages of multiple users are arranged in chronological order to function as a message acquisition means for acquiring messages entered by each user, a destination acquisition means for acquiring destination information indicating the recipient of the message, and a display control means for displaying images that distinguish between messages entered addressed to a user and messages entered by a user other than the user, addressed to a different user, based on the destination information.

This figure shows the overall configuration of the message control system according to the embodiment. This figure shows an example of a chat image displayed on user A's device. This figure shows an example of a chat image when User A specifies User X's avatar image. This figure shows an example of a chat image displayed on user X's terminal. This is a functional block diagram showing the functions related to the present invention among the functions implemented in the message control system. This diagram shows an example of how data is stored in the Message database. This is a flowchart illustrating the processes performed by the message control system. This diagram shows the details of the process performed in S7. This is a functional block diagram of a modified example. This figure shows an example of data storage in a message database in a modified example. This figure shows an example of a chat image from user A. This figure shows an example of a chat image from user A. This diagram shows how the chat image changes when user A specifies a reply message. This diagram shows how the chat image changes when user A specifies the original message. This figure shows an example of data storage in the message database of this modified example. This figure shows an example of a chat image from user A. This diagram shows how the chat image changes when user A specifies a message. This figure shows an example of user A's chat image 30. This figure shows a comparative example of message image 32. This diagram shows the change in the chat image 30 when user A selects user X's avatar image 34.

[1. Overall Configuration of the Message Control System]
Hereinafter, examples of embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, an example will be given of the case in which the message control server according to the present invention is applied to a message control system that controls a chat in which multiple users participate.

Figure 1 shows the overall configuration of a message control system according to an embodiment. As shown in Figure 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 a communication network 2, enabling data transmission and reception.

The message control server 10 is implemented by a server computer. As shown in Figure 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 the operating system and other programs. The storage unit 12 includes a main memory unit (e.g., RAM) and an auxiliary memory unit (e.g., a hard disk drive or solid-state drive). The communication unit 13 is for data communication via the communication network 2.

Terminal 20 is a computer operated by the user. For example, Terminal 20 can be implemented as a mobile phone (including a smartphone), a personal information terminal (including a tablet computer), a game console, or a personal computer. As shown in Figure 1, 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, storage unit 22, and communication unit 23 are the same as those of the control unit 11, storage unit 12, and 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 the screen according to the instructions of the control unit 21.

In this embodiment, the programs and data described as being stored in the storage unit 12 and storage unit 22 may be supplied to the message control server 10 or terminal 20 via the communication network 2, for example. Furthermore, the message control server 10 or terminal 20 may include components for reading programs or data stored on a computer-readable information storage medium (e.g., a memory card). The programs and data may then be supplied to the message control server 10 or terminal 20 via the information storage medium.

[2. Chat performed in the message control system]
Next, we will explain the chat process performed in the message control system 1, using an example of four users who are playing a game together and discussing their strategy. Here, these four users will be referred to as users A, X, Y, and Z, respectively.

Figure 2 shows an example of a chat image displayed on user A's terminal 20. As shown in Figure 2, the chat image 30 contains message images 32A to 32H (hereinafter collectively referred to as message image 32), each representing a message from multiple users, arranged chronologically.

A message is the content of information transmitted between users, and consists, for example, of a sequence of symbols entered by each user or a specified image. Here, a sequence of symbols includes text. Furthermore, "messages arranged chronologically" means that the message images 32 are displayed on the screen in the order they were entered (sent).

The t-axis in Figure 2 represents the time axis. In the example screen in Figure 2, message image 32A shows the most recent message, and message image 32H shows the oldest message. That is, in the chat image 30, newer message images 32 are displayed as you move in a predetermined direction (upward in Figure 2), and older message images 32 are displayed as you move in the opposite direction (downward in Figure 2), thus arranging the messages chronologically.

Furthermore, the chat image 30 displays the avatar images 34A to 34H (hereinafter collectively referred to as avatar image 34) of the user who entered the message. For example, in user A's chat image 30, the avatar images 34 of users other than user A (i.e., users X, Y, and Z) are displayed near one edge (the left edge in Figure 2), and user A's avatar image 34 is displayed near the opposite edge (the right edge in Figure 2). Note that "near the edge" refers to the area from the edge of the screen to a predetermined distance (for example, the area from the edge to pixels a predetermined distance away).

In this embodiment, each user can input a message by specifying a recipient. The recipient is the person to whom the message is sent, the terminal 20, or an account. For example, message images 32B and 32F show messages from user X to user A, and message image 32C shows a message from user A to user X. Furthermore, message image 32E shows a message from user X to user Y, and message image 32G shows a message from user Y to user X.

As shown in Figure 2, in user A's chat image 30, the message images 32B and 32F, which show messages addressed to user A, and the message images 32E and 32G, which show messages addressed to users other than user A (i.e., users X, Y, or Z), are displayed differently. For example, message images 32B and 32F are in a first color (shown as diagonal lines in Figure 2) and include an arrow pointing to the right. On the other hand, message images 32E and 32G are in a second color (shown as halftones in Figure 2) and do not include an arrow. Instead, message images 32E and 32G are accompanied by recipient images 36E and 36G, which indicate the recipient.

User A can enter a message while viewing the chat image 30 displayed as described above. For example, when User A performs a predetermined operation, an input form for entering a new message will appear. User A then enters the new message and specifies the recipient in this input form. Note that the input form for entering a new message may be displayed automatically without requiring any predetermined operation.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, when user A specifies an avatar image 34 of user X, Y, or Z, an input form for entering a message addressed to the user represented by that avatar image 34 is displayed.

Figure 3 shows an example of a chat image 30 when User A specifies User X's avatar image 34. As shown in Figure 3, User X is specified in the recipient field 40 of the input form 38. User A enters text or other information in the message input field 42. Afterward, User A selects the send button 44 to send a message to User X.

The message image 32 (message image 32C in Figures 2 and 3), which shows a message entered by User A to User X, is the third color in User A's chat image 30 (shown as a vertical line in Figures 2 and 3) and includes a left-pointing arrow. Furthermore, the message image 32C shown in Figures 2 and 3 is accompanied by a recipient image 36C indicating that it is a message addressed to User X.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, each user can send a message to all users or send a message without specifying a recipient. In the examples in Figures 2 and 3, the message images 32D and 32H of messages sent to all users or without specifying a recipient will be a fourth color (shown as white in Figures 2 and 3).

Figures 2 and 3 illustrate the chat image 30 of user A, but a similar chat image 30 is also displayed on the terminals 20 of users X, Y, and Z. However, since user A is not the one viewing the chat image 30, the content of the chat image 30 displayed differs for each of users X, Y, and Z, allowing them to distinguish between messages addressed to themselves and messages addressed to others.

Figure 4 shows an example of a chat image 30 displayed on user X's terminal 20. As shown in Figure 4, message images 32C and 32G represent messages addressed to user X, and therefore have the first color and include a right-pointing arrow. Note that, in this case, users A, Y, and Z have not entered messages addressed to anyone other than user X, so message images 32 of the second color are not displayed. Message images 32B, 32E, and 32F represent messages entered by user X, and therefore have the third color and include a left-pointing arrow. Message images 32A and 32D represent messages addressed to the entire user or messages with no specified recipient, and therefore have the fourth color.

As described above, the message control system 1 of this embodiment is configured such that, in the chat image 30 displaying messages in chronological order, the user can easily identify messages that are relevant to them. The processes for realizing this technology will be described in detail below.

[3. Functions implemented in the message control system]
Figure 5 is a functional block diagram showing the functions related to the present invention among the functions implemented in the message control system 1. Here, the functions implemented in each terminal 20 will be explained, followed by the functions implemented in the message control server 10. Note that in Figure 5, only one terminal 20 is shown for simplification, but the same functions are implemented in each terminal 20. Also, among the functions shown in Figure 5, those other than the message acquisition unit 70, destination acquisition unit 72, and transmission/reception unit 74 may be omitted.

[3-1. Functions implemented on each device]
Each terminal 20 implements a message input unit 60, a destination specification unit 62, a transmission/reception unit 64, and a display control unit 66. The message input unit 60 and destination specification unit 62 are mainly implemented by the control unit 21 and the operation unit 24, the transmission/reception unit 64 is mainly implemented by the control unit 21 and the communication unit 23, and the display control unit 66 is mainly implemented by the control unit 21 and the display unit 25.

[Message Input Section]
The message input unit 60 accepts message input. For example, the message input unit 60 accepts the input of a sequence of symbols or the specification of an image by the user. The image included in the message may be stored in the terminal 20 or in the message control server 10.

[Recipient designation section]
The destination designation unit 62 accepts the designation of a destination. The destination designation unit 62 accepts the designation of at least one user. In this embodiment, a chat with multiple users is realized, so the destination designation unit 62 will accept the designation of at least one user participating in the chat.

In this embodiment, we describe a case where only one user can be specified as the recipient. However, as will be explained in the modified examples below, it may be possible to specify multiple users as recipients. Furthermore, in this embodiment, it is also possible to specify all users as recipients, so the recipient specification unit 62 accepts the specification of all users. That is, the recipient specification unit 62 can accept all users participating in the chat as recipients.

[Transmitting/receiving unit]
The transmitting/receiving unit 64 transmits and receives various data with the transmitting/receiving unit 74. For example, the transmitting/receiving unit 64 transmits messages received by the message input unit 60 and destination information received by the destination specification unit 62. In addition, the transmitting/receiving unit 64 may transmit various user operations. Furthermore, the transmitting/receiving unit 64 receives data for displaying the chat image 30 that has been transmitted by the transmitting/receiving unit 74, which will be described later.

[Display Control Unit]
The display control unit 66 displays the chat image 30 on the display unit 25 based on the data transmitted by the transmitting/receiving unit 74, which will be described later.

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

[Data Storage Unit]
The data storage unit 68 stores a message database that stores various data related to messages. Figure 6 shows an example of data storage in the message database. As shown in Figure 6, the message database stores associated message ID, sender information, recipient information, message, and time information.

The message ID is information used to uniquely identify each message. The sender information identifies the user who entered (sent) the message. The recipient information indicates the recipient of the message. If no recipient is specified, the recipient information will be left blank. The time information is the time the message was entered. The time information may show the date and time, or only the time.

The data stored in the data storage unit 68 is not limited to the examples above. The data storage unit 68 only needs to store data necessary for facilitating message exchange between users. For example, in this embodiment, the data storage unit 68 stores data for displaying chat images 30 for each user. The data storage unit 68 may also store information identifying users participating in the chat, as well as detailed information for each user. Furthermore, the data storage unit 68 may also store various image data, such as message images 32 and avatar images 34.

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

[Destination acquisition unit]
The destination acquisition unit 72 acquires destination information indicating the recipient of a message. The destination acquisition unit 72 acquires destination information indicating the recipient received by the destination specification 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.

[Transmitting/receiving unit]
The transmitting/receiving unit 74 transmits and receives various data with the transmitting/receiving unit 64. For example, the transmitting/receiving unit 74 receives messages and destination information transmitted by the transmitting/receiving unit 64.

The transmitting/receiving unit 74 transmits data to each user's terminal 20 to display the chat image 30. In other words, the transmitting/receiving unit 74 transmits data to each user's terminal 20 to display the chat image 30. The data transmitted by the transmitting/receiving unit 74 can be in any format suitable for displaying an image on the display unit 25; for example, it can be in HTML format. Furthermore, this explanation assumes that the transmitting/receiving unit 74 generates the data to be transmitted.

The transmitting/receiving unit 74, based on the destination information, sends messages entered addressed to the destination and messages entered by a user other than the destination, addressed to a different user. It also sends data to the destination for displaying a chat image 30 that distinguishes between messages entered addressed to the destination and messages entered by a user other than the destination.

The recipient refers to the user, terminal 20, or account to which the transmitting/receiving unit 74 sends data (the recipient of the data). In this embodiment, the case where the "recipient" is the user is described, but it is not limited to any recipient of data. For example, the recipient user could be the user operating the terminal 20, or the user corresponding to the chat image 30 (the user viewing the chat image 30). In this embodiment, the recipient user is each of the multiple users participating in the chat.

Displaying a chat image 30 that distinguishes messages means varying the display mode (display format) of the message image 32. For example, this could involve varying at least one of the following: color, brightness, shape, or size; or varying the display position or font type. These are merely examples of how messages can be distinguished. The method of distinguishing messages is not limited to these; any method that allows for visual identification is acceptable. A message image 32 indicating a message addressed to a specific user has a first display mode (e.g., a first color and a rightward arrow), while a message image 32 indicating a message addressed to a different user has a second display mode (e.g., a second color and no arrow).

Furthermore, the transmitting/receiving unit 74 transmits data containing a message entered by a user other than the recipient, and data for displaying a chat image 30 that associates the position on the chat image 30 associated with the user other than the recipient with the position on the chat image 30 associated with the recipient.

Associating a message with a direction means displaying a single image (a message image 32 including an arrow in this embodiment) that shows both the message and the direction, or displaying an image indicating the direction near (within a predetermined distance from) the image showing the message. In this embodiment, the transmitting/receiving unit 74 generates a message image 32 that includes an arrow pointing from an area where an avatar image 34 associated with a user different from the recipient user is displayed (near the left edge in the examples of Figures 2 to 4) to an area where the recipient user's avatar image 34 is displayed (near the right edge in the examples of Figures 2 to 4), indicating a direction (to the right in the examples of Figures 2 to 4).

In this embodiment, the transmitting/receiving unit 74 transmits data containing a message to the recipient, which is entered by a user other than the recipient, and information identifying the recipient, to display a chat image 30. The information identifying the recipient is an image for displaying the recipient, and in this embodiment, corresponds to the recipient image 36. Associating a message with information identifying the recipient means displaying the image identifying the recipient near (within a predetermined distance of) the image showing the message, or displaying a single image showing both the message and the recipient, etc., in a state where it is possible to identify which message the information identifying the recipient corresponds to, but is not limited to these displays. In this embodiment, the transmitting/receiving unit 74 adds the recipient image 36 to the message image 32.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the transmitting/receiving unit 74 transmits data containing messages to the recipient to further distinguish chat images 30 that are entered by the recipient user for a recipient other than the recipient. The message image 32, which shows the message entered by the recipient user, is in a third display mode (for example, including a leftward arrow in a third color).

Furthermore, the transmitting/receiving unit 74 transmits data to the recipient that includes a message entered by the recipient user addressed to someone other than the recipient, and data for displaying a chat image 30 that associates the position on the chat image 30 associated with the recipient with the position on the chat image 30 associated with the other user. For example, the transmitting/receiving unit 74 generates a message image 32 that includes an arrow pointing from the area where the recipient user's avatar image 34 is displayed (near the right edge in the examples of Figures 2 to 4) to the area where an avatar image 34 associated with a user other than the recipient user is displayed (near the left edge in the examples of Figures 2 to 4).

In this embodiment, the message destination can be any of the possible recipients or no recipient is specified. Therefore, the sending/receiving unit 74 sends data containing these messages to the recipient, which is data for displaying chat images 30 that further distinguish between messages addressed to all possible recipients and messages with no specified recipient. For example, the message image 32 indicating a message addressed to all users or a message with no specified recipient is a fourth display mode (e.g., a fourth color).

In this embodiment, the transmitting/receiving unit 74 sends data to the recipient to display an avatar image 34 that identifies the user who sent each message. Furthermore, when an avatar image 34 is specified based on the user's actions, the transmitting/receiving unit 74 sends data (for example, data to display an input form 38) to accept input for the message indicated by the specified avatar image 34.

[4. Processing performed in the message control system]
Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the process executed by the message control system 1. The process shown in Figure 7 is executed when a chat with multiple users starts, by the control unit 11 operating according to the program stored in the memory unit 12, and the control unit 21 operating according to the program stored in the memory unit 22. The functional block shown in Figure 5 is realized by the execution of the process described below. Note that for simplicity, only one terminal 20 is shown in Figure 7, but the same process is executed at each terminal 20.

First, as shown in Figure 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 (S1) and sends it to each terminal 20 (S2). Here, the message control server 10 manages the data for displaying the chat image 30 for each user participating in the chat in the storage unit 12. Note that the data generated in S1 is the initial screen, so it does not yet include the message image 32 or the avatar image 34.

In each terminal 20, upon receiving data, the control unit 21 displays the chat image 30 on the display unit 25 (S3) and determines whether a new message has been entered by the user (S4). As mentioned above, a new message is entered when the user performs a predetermined operation. It is also possible to specify a recipient for a new message. The storage unit 22 of each terminal 20 is assumed to store the user IDs of all users participating in the chat. When a user specifies a recipient for a message, the control unit 21 refers to the user IDs stored in the storage unit 22.

If it is not determined that the user has entered a new message (S4; N), the process proceeds to S8, described below. In this case, it is determined whether or not data has been received to update the display of the chat image 30 due to another user participating in the chat entering a message.

On the other hand, if it is determined that a new message has been entered by the user (S4; Y), the control unit 21 sends the message and destination information to the message control server 10 (S5). When information is sent from each terminal 20 to the message control server 10, the user ID and other information are also sent, allowing the message control server 10 to identify which user sent the message and destination information. Furthermore, if no destination is specified, the destination information is not sent.

In the message control server 10, upon receiving a message and destination information, the control unit 11 stores them in the message database (S6) and executes a process to generate and send data to update the display of the chat image 30 (S7). In S6, the control unit 11 issues a message ID under predetermined ID issuance rules and creates a new record in the message database. The control unit 11 then stores the issued message ID, the user ID of the user who entered the message, the received destination information, the received message, and the current time in the newly created record.

Figure 8 shows the details of the process executed in S7. In the process shown in Figure 8, data is generated to update the display of the chat image 30 for each user participating in the chat. As shown in Figure 8, first, the control unit 11 selects the recipient users from among the users participating in the chat (S21). In S21, the control unit 11 selects the users from whom data will be generated.

The control unit 11 refers to the sender information of the newly entered message and determines whether or not the message was entered by the recipient user (S22). If it is determined that the message was entered by a user other than the recipient user (S22; N), the control unit 11 refers to the message's destination information (S23).

If the message is addressed to the recipient user (S23; recipient), the control unit 11 generates a message image 32 of a first color including a rightward arrow and places an avatar image 34 on the left side (S24). This avatar image 34 is the avatar image 34 of the user who entered the message. The same applies to the avatar images 34 described in S25 to S27.

On the other hand, if the message is addressed to a user different from the recipient (S23; different user), the control unit 11 generates a second-color message image 32 with the recipient image 36 attached and places the avatar image 34 on the left side (S25). In S25, the control unit 11 generates the recipient image 36 by referring to the message's recipient information.

On the other hand, if the message is addressed to all users or has no specified recipient (S23; otherwise), the control unit 11 generates a message image 32 of a fourth color and places the avatar image 34 on the left side (S26).

In S22, if it is determined that the recipient user has entered the message (S22; Y), the control unit 11 generates a message image 32 of a third color including a left-pointing arrow and places the avatar image 34 on the right side (S27). If a recipient is specified, in S27, the control unit 11 refers to the message's recipient information, generates a recipient image 36, and attaches it to the message image 32.

The control unit 11 merges each image generated in any of S24 to S27 onto the original chat image 30 so that the messages are arranged chronologically, generating data for displaying the chat image 30 (S28). In this embodiment, the message image 32, which shows the latest message, is displayed above the chat image 30. Therefore, in S28, the control unit 11 generates the updated chat image 30 data by merging each image generated in any of S24 to S27 onto the original chat image 30. The control unit 11 stores the generated data in the storage unit 12, associating it with the recipient user.

The control unit 11 determines whether or not data has been generated for all users (S29). If it is determined that there are still users for whom data has not yet been generated (S29; N), the process returns to S21, and data for the next destination user is generated. If it is determined that data has been generated for all users (S29; Y), the control unit 11 sends the generated data to each terminal 20 (S30), and this process ends, returning to the main routine in Figure 7. In S30, the control unit 11 sends each piece of data generated in S28 to the terminal 20 of the destination user.

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

On the other hand, if it is determined that data has been received (S8; Y), the control unit 21 updates the display of the chat image 30 (S9). In S9, the control unit 21 updates the display of the chat image 30 based on the received data so that the message image 32, which shows the latest message, is displayed at the top of the screen.

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

In the message control server 10, upon receiving information identifying the avatar image 34, the control unit 11 transmits data to display an input form 38 with the user represented by the avatar image 34 set in the destination field 40 (S12). The image data for the input form 38 is assumed to be pre-stored in the storage unit 12.

In each terminal 20, upon receiving data, the control unit 21 displays the input form 38 on the chat image 30 (S13). From this point onward, message input into the input form 38 is accepted. The control unit 21 determines whether the user has selected the send 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, in S5, the message and recipient information entered in the input form 38 are sent to the message control server 10. Subsequently, in S6, the message is stored in the message database, and in S7, processing to update the chat image 30 is executed. The details of each of these processes are as described above.

On the other hand, if it is not determined that the user has selected the send button 44 (S14; N), the control unit 21 determines whether the chat has ended or not (S15). The chat ends when predetermined conditions are met, for example, when any user performs a predetermined operation to end the chat. If it is not determined that the chat has ended (S15; N), the process returns to S4. On the other hand, if 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 chronologically, the display patterns of message images 32 indicating messages addressed to the user and message images 32 indicating messages not addressed to the user are different. Therefore, the user can easily identify messages that are relevant to them.

In particular, in games like this embodiment, where each user chats about their strategy while playing, due to the nature of the game, each user needs to refer not only to messages addressed to themselves but also to messages addressed to others. That is, since it's not feasible to provide each user with a screen filtered to show only their own messages, a mechanism is needed to allow them to view everyone's messages. In this regard, by displaying the chat image 30 described above, even when all messages are displayed, each user can easily distinguish between messages addressed to themselves and messages addressed to others.

Furthermore, when chatting strategies during gameplay, there is often little time to carefully review messages. However, with the chat image 30 of this embodiment, users can quickly identify the messages they need, effectively preventing them from overlooking important messages. Moreover, each user is less likely to mistake a message intended for them for another user, and vice versa, thus preventing accidental message transmission due to these misunderstandings.

Furthermore, in chat image 30, the display of message images 32, which show messages entered by users, is further varied. This makes it easier to identify messages entered by each user for others within a chronological display of messages. For example, it reduces the possibility of users mistaking their own messages for those sent by others. Also, it makes it easier for users to identify which of their own messages a message addressed to them is a response to.

Furthermore, in the chat image 30, the recipient image 36 is displayed for message images 32 that are not addressed to each user. This makes it easier to identify who a message is intended for when messages are displayed chronologically. In particular, in situations like chatting about game strategies, each user may have some users they are closely related to, while others they are not, due to the strategic implications of the game. Therefore, each user can easily identify whether a message is intended for a user they are closely related to by the recipient image 36.

Furthermore, chat image 30 allows for further distinction between messages addressed to all users and messages without a specific recipient, making it easier to determine, for example, whether a message is of low importance, such as a simple tweet. This is particularly useful in situations like chatting about game strategies, where users might send messages as reference information for planning. In such cases, it becomes easier for each user to distinguish between messages containing simple reference information and messages detailing strategies.

Furthermore, by specifying an avatar image 34, users can input a message addressed to the user indicated by that avatar image 34, making it easier for users to specify the recipient when entering a message. In particular, by having users select an avatar image 34 displayed near the message image 32, each user can more easily specify the user who sent the message they wish to reply to.

Furthermore, since each user's message image 32, which indicates a message addressed to them, includes a rightward arrow pointing to their avatar image 34, it becomes easier for them to intuitively identify whether a message is addressed to them.

Furthermore, since each user's message image 32, which represents the message they entered, includes a leftward arrow pointing to another user's avatar image 34, it becomes easier for them to intuitively identify whether a message was sent to another user.

[5. Variations]
The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. It can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the invention.

Figure 9 is a functional block diagram of a modified example. As shown in Figure 9, in addition to the functions of the embodiment, the modified example includes a reply source acquisition unit 76 and a group membership unit 78. For example, the reply source acquisition unit 76 and the group membership unit 78 are primarily implemented by the control unit 11.

(1-1) For example, if User A enters a reply message to a message entered by User X, the chat image 30 may be configured to identify what the reply message is a reply to. In this modified example, it is possible to reply to the user who sent the original message, and the message acquisition unit 70 acquires the reply messages entered by each user. The reply message consists of a sequence of symbols and an image, similar to a normal message. Furthermore, the reply message is entered through an input form, as in the embodiment.

The message control server 10 in this modified example includes a reply source acquisition unit 76. The reply source acquisition unit 76 acquires reply source information that identifies the original message from which the reply originated. For example, the reply source information is the message ID of the original message from which the reply originated. The reply source acquisition unit 76 acquires the message ID of the message specified by the user when entering a reply as the reply source information.

Figure 10 shows an example of data storage in a message database in a modified example. As shown in Figure 10, the message database stores the source information for each message. Note that source information is not stored for regular messages that are not replies. Furthermore, while this explanation describes a case where the source information is the message ID of the original message, the source information is not limited to this; it can be any information that identifies the original message.

The sending/receiving unit 74 transmits data containing these messages to the recipient. This data is used to display a chat image 30 that associates the reply message with the original message of the reply, based on the source message information. Associating messages means displaying multiple message images 32 in corresponding display modes (for example, at least one of the following: color, brightness, shape, or size), or displaying an image that points to the multiple message images 32 (for example, displaying a line connecting the multiple message images 32, or displaying an arrow pointing to the multiple message images 32).

Figure 11 shows an example of a chat image 30 from user A. In the example in Figure 11, message image 32I shows a new message entered by user Z. That is, the message shown in message image 32I is neither a reply nor the original message that the reply was made from.

On the other hand, message image 32J shows the reply message from user Y to the message shown in message image 32K. Message image 32K is a new message entered by user X, and is also the original message from which the reply shown in message image 32K originated. In the example in Figure 11, the transmitting/receiving unit 74 displays message image 32I with a darkened image (shown as shading in Figure 11), and generates and transmits data to display message images 32J and 32K without darkening.

Here, as an example of associating messages, we have described a case where message images 32 are displayed with corresponding brightness levels without dimming. However, the display control for associating messages is not limited to this, as long as multiple associated messages can be identified. The same applies to the variations described later.

According to the modified example (1-1), in the chat image 30, the message image 32 showing the reply message and the message image 32 showing the original message are displayed together. Therefore, each user can easily identify what the reply message is a response to within the chronological display of messages.

(1-2) Alternatively, for example, the transmitting/receiving unit 74 may transmit data to accept input for a reply message to a message specified based on the user's operation. Here, the user selecting a message image 32 using the operation unit 24 corresponds to specifying a message.

Figure 12 shows an example of a chat image 30 from user A. In the example in Figure 12, when user A selects message image 32K, an input form 46 is displayed for entering a reply to the message shown in message image 32K. The recipient field 48 is set to the sender of the original message (i.e., the message selected by the user). The user can send a reply message by entering a message in the message input field 50 and selecting the reply button 52.

In this modified version, the message acquisition unit 70 acquires the message entered in the message input field 50, and the recipient acquisition unit 72 acquires the recipient information specified in the recipient field 48. The reply source acquisition unit 76 then acquires information identifying the message indicated by the message image 32 specified by the user (in this case, the message ID). These acquired pieces of information are stored in the message database, associated with each other.

According to the modified example (1-2), when a message image 32 is selected in the chat image 30, replies to the message indicated by that message image 32 can be received, thereby reducing the effort required for each user to reply.

(1-3) For example, the display of associations, as in the modified example (1-1), may not always be displayed in the chat image 30, but only when the user specifies a message. The sending/receiving unit 74 of this modified example sends data to the recipient, containing the messages, which are used to display a chat image 30 associated with the specified reply message and the original message of the reply, when a reply message is specified based on the user's actions.

Figure 13 shows the change in the chat image 30 when user A specifies a reply message. In the example in Figure 13, the change in the chat image 30 is shown when user A selects message image 32J. When user A's terminal 20 receives confirmation of the selection of message image 32J, which represents the reply message, it sends a message to the message control server 10.

In the message control server 10, the transmitting/receiving unit 74 refers to the message database to identify the original message of the reply selected by user A (in the example in Figure 13, the message shown by message image 32K). Then, the transmitting/receiving unit 74 sends data to the terminal 20 to display message images 32I and 32L with a dimmed background, and message images 32J and 32K without dimming.

Furthermore, while the above describes the case where the user specifies the reply message, the sending/receiving unit 74 may also be configured to send data containing these messages to the recipient. This data is used to display a chat image 30 that associates the specified original message with the reply message to that original message, based on the user's actions.

Figure 14 shows the change in the chat image 30 when user A specifies the original message. In the example in Figure 14, the change in the chat image 30 is shown when user A selects message image 32K. When user A's terminal 20 receives confirmation of the selection of message image 32K, which represents the original message for the reply, it sends a message to the message control server 10 to that effect.

In the message control server 10, the transmitting/receiving unit 74 refers to the message database to identify the reply message to the original message selected by user A (in the example in Figure 13, the messages shown in message images 32J and 32L, respectively). Then, the transmitting/receiving unit 74 sends data to the terminal 20 to display message image 32I with a dimmed background, and to display message images 32J, 32K, and 32L without dimming.

According to the modified examples (1-3), it becomes easier to identify what the reply message specified on the chat image 30 is a reply to, and it becomes easier to identify what reply was entered in response to the message specified on the chat image 30.

(2-1) For example, if a series of replies are made to a single message, it is highly likely that the messages are all related to the same topic. Therefore, messages on the same topic may be grouped together and identified in the chat image 30.

The message control server 10 in this modified version includes a group belonging unit 78. The group belonging unit 78 assigns the reply message to the same message group as the original message. Belonging to the same message group means associating the messages, for example, by assigning common identification information (the message group ID described later) to the messages.

Figure 15 shows an example of data storage in the message database of this modified example. As shown in Figure 15, the message database of this modified example stores the message group ID. The message group ID is information that uniquely identifies a message group. Messages with the same message group ID are highly likely to be on the same topic. In other words, messages with the same message group ID share the same original message (the message that initiated the reply) when tracing back the original message of the reply.

The group member unit 78 will assign the same message group ID as the original message to the reply message. The group member unit 78 issues a message group ID the first time a reply is made to a given message. The message group ID should be issued according to a predetermined ID issuance rule. Thereafter, each time a reply is made to a message with the issued message group ID, the group member unit 78 will assign this message group ID to the reply message.

In this modified example, the transmitting/receiving unit 74 contains data for displaying a chat image 30 associated with messages belonging to the same message group, and sends the data containing the messages to the recipient.

Figure 16 shows an example of user A's chat image 30. As shown in Figure 16, the messages represented by message images 32B, 32C, and 32F belong to the same message group (the group with message group ID "002"). Therefore, the transmitting/receiving unit 74 transmits data to display message images 32A, 32D, 32E, 32G, and 32H with a dimmed background, while displaying message images 32B, 32C, and 32F without dimming.

According to the modified example (2-1), when a message is used as a starting point and replies are sent in succession, each user can more easily identify messages on the chat image 30 that share the same starting message (i.e., messages that appear to be on the same topic).

(2-2) Furthermore, the display of associations, as in the modified example (2-1), may not always be shown in the chat image 30, but only when the user specifies a message. In this modified example, the transmitting/receiving unit 74 sends data to the recipient to display a chat image 30 that distinguishes messages in the message group to which the specified message belongs from messages other than the specified message, based on the user's operation. More specifically, the transmitting/receiving unit 74 sends data to the recipient to display a chat image 30 that distinguishes messages in the message group to which the specified message belongs from messages belonging to different message groups.

Figure 17 shows the change in the chat image 30 when user A specifies a message. In the example in Figure 17, the change in the chat image 30 is shown when user A selects message image 32F. When user A's terminal 20 receives confirmation of the selection of message image 32F, it sends a message to the message control server 10.

In the message control server 10, the transmitting/receiving unit 74 refers to the message database to identify messages in the same message group as the message selected by user A. Then, the transmitting/receiving unit 74 transmits data to display message images 32A, 32D, 32E, 32G, and 32H with a dimmed background, and to display message images 32B, 32C, and 32F without dimming.

According to variation (2-2), each user can more easily identify each message in the same message group as the message they specified on the chat image 30.

(3-1) For example, although the embodiment described a case where there is one destination user, it may be possible to specify multiple users as destinations. In this case, the destination information will indicate one or more users. The transmitting/receiving unit 74 of this modified example contains data for displaying chat images 30 that distinguish between messages in which the recipient is included among the specified multiple destinations and messages in which the recipient is not included among the specified multiple destinations, and transmits data containing these messages to the destination.

Figure 18 shows an example of a chat image 30 from user A. In the example in Figure 18, the message shown in message image 32F has users A and Y specified as recipients. Therefore, the recipient image 36F attached to message image 32F shows multiple users. In this modified example, if multiple users are specified as recipients, the process in S23 will determine whether or not the recipient user is included among these multiple users. Other processes are the same as in the embodiment.

According to modification (3-1), it is possible to send a message to multiple recipients simultaneously, reducing the effort required compared to sending messages individually. Furthermore, even if multiple recipients are specified, if the user is included among them, the message will be displayed separately from messages addressed to others, making it easier for recipients to identify their own message.

(3-2) For example, even if a message is addressed to user A, a message addressed only to user A may be more important than a message that includes other users as recipients. Therefore, it may be possible to distinguish between these. The sending/receiving unit 74 displays data for displaying chat images 30 that distinguish between messages addressed only to the recipient and messages that include both the recipient and other recipients among the specified multiple recipients. It then sends data containing these messages to the recipient.

Figure 19 shows a comparative example of message image 32. As shown in Figure 19, the transmitting/receiving unit 74 transmits data to display chat images 30 with different display modes for message image 32M, which is addressed only to user A, and message image 32N, which is also addressed to another user. For example, message image 32M is highlighted more than message image 32N.

According to variation (3-2), each user can easily distinguish between messages addressed only to themselves and messages addressed to other users. For example, since messages addressed only to oneself may be more important, in this case, each user can more easily identify the more important messages.

(4) For example, if a user specifies an avatar image 34, the chat image 30 may display the message history between the user indicated by that avatar image 34 and the user. The transmitting/receiving unit 74 in this modified example transmits data containing the message, which is used to display a chat image 30 distinguishing messages between the recipient and users other than the recipient specified based on the recipient user's actions.

Figure 20 shows the change in the chat image 30 when User A selects User X's avatar image 34. As shown in Figure 20, when User A selects User X's avatar image 34, the exchange between User A and User X is displayed in the chat image 30. Specifically, when User A's terminal 20 receives confirmation of User X's selection of avatar image 34, it sends a message to the message control server 10.

In the message control server 10, the transmitting/receiving unit 74 refers to the message database and identifies messages between user A and user X, who is specified by user A. For example, the transmitting/receiving unit 74 identifies messages where the source and destination information are a combination of user A and user X. Then, the transmitting/receiving unit 74 generates chat images 30 with different display formats for the exchange between user A and user X and other messages, and sends this data to user A's terminal 20. In other words, the transmitting/receiving unit 74 sends chat images 30 that show the history of messages exchanged between user A and user X.

According to variation (4), when one user designates another user, the history of messages exchanged between those users can be displayed, making it easy to understand the content of conversations between specific users.

(5) For example, the above description explained a case where the process of generating data for displaying the chat image 30 is implemented in the message control server 10. However, this process may also be implemented in each terminal 20 (message control terminal). In other words, the main functions may be implemented in 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 implemented on each terminal 20. In this case, the control unit 21 and communication unit 23 of each terminal 20 will acquire messages entered by each user and destination information indicating the specified destination via the communication network 2. For example, the message acquisition unit 70 acquires messages stored in the message database via the communication network 2, and the destination acquisition unit 72 acquires destination information stored in the message database via the communication network 2.

Furthermore, the display control unit 66 of each terminal 20 displays chat images 30 that distinguish between messages entered addressed to the user (i.e., the user of terminal 20) and messages entered by users other than the user, addressed to someone other than the user, based on the destination information. While the embodiment described a case where the message control server 10 generates the chat image 30 data, in this modified example, the display control unit 66 generates the chat image 30 data. The processing content for generating this data is the same as that described in the embodiment and the modified example above.

Furthermore, the processes described in the above modifications may be implemented on each terminal 20. For example, the display control unit 66 may execute the processes described in modifications (1-1) to (1-3). That is, the display control unit 66 may generate chat image 30 data that associates the reply message with the original message. Similarly, the display control unit 66 may execute the processes described in modifications (2-1) and (2-2). That is, the display control unit 66 may generate chat image 30 data that associates messages from the same message group. Also, the display control unit 66 may execute the processes described in modifications (3-1) and (3-2). That is, the display control unit 66 may generate chat image 30 data when multiple users are specified as recipients.

According to modification (5), since the main processing can be performed on the terminal 20 side, the burden on the message control server 10 can be reduced.

(6) For example, the embodiments may be combined with the above-described modifications.

Furthermore, for example, the message control server or message control terminal according to the present invention can be applied to technologies where messages are exchanged between users, and is applicable to applications other than chat. That is, real-time functionality like that required for chat is not necessary; for example, the present invention can be applied to electronic bulletin boards where multiple users post messages.

[6. Summary of the Invention]
From the above description, the present invention can be understood 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 the messages of multiple users are arranged in chronological order, and is characterized by including a message acquisition means (70) that acquires messages entered by each user, a destination acquisition means (72) that acquires destination information indicating the destination of the message, and a transmission means (74) that transmits data to each user's terminal (20) for displaying the image (for example, a chat image 30), and transmits to the destination the data for displaying an image (for example, a chat image 30) that distinguishes between the message entered addressed to the destination and the message entered by a user other than the destination user addressed to a destination other than the destination user, based on the destination information.

The message control terminal (20) according to the present invention is a message control terminal (20) that displays an image (e.g., a chat image 30) in which the messages of multiple users are arranged in chronological order, and is characterized by including: a message acquisition means (70) that acquires messages entered by each user; a destination acquisition means (72) that acquires destination information indicating the recipient of the message; and a display control means (66) that displays an image (e.g., a chat image 30) that distinguishes between messages entered addressed to a user and messages entered by a user other than the user and addressed to a different user, based on the destination information.

The program according to the present invention causes a computer that communicates with a terminal (20) that displays an image (e.g., chat image 30) in which the messages of multiple users are arranged in chronological order to function as a message acquisition means (70) for acquiring messages entered by each user, a destination acquisition means (72) for acquiring destination information indicating the destination of the message, and a transmission means (74) for transmitting data to each user's terminal (20) for displaying the image (e.g., chat image 30). Based on the destination information, the transmission means (74) transmits to the destination the messages entered addressed to the destination and messages entered by users other than the destination user addressed to a different destination, and transmits to the destination data for displaying an image (e.g., chat image 30) that distinguishes between the messages entered addressed to the destination and messages entered by users other than the destination user addressed to a different destination.

The program according to the present invention causes a computer that displays an image (e.g., chat image 30) in which the messages of multiple users are arranged in chronological order to function as a message acquisition means (70) for acquiring messages entered by each user, a destination acquisition means (72) for acquiring destination information indicating the recipient of the message, and a display control means (66) for displaying an image (e.g., chat image 30) that distinguishes between messages entered addressed to a user and messages entered by a user other than the user and addressed to someone other than the user, based on the destination information.

Furthermore, the information storage medium according to the present invention is a computer-readable information storage medium on which the above-mentioned program is recorded.

According to this invention, in an image where messages are arranged chronologically, users can easily identify messages that are relevant to them.

Furthermore, in one aspect of the present invention, the transmission means (74) is data for displaying an image (e.g., a chat image 30) that further distinguishes messages entered by the recipient user to someone other than the recipient, and the data containing such messages is transmitted to the recipient. According to this aspect, as messages are displayed chronologically, each user can more easily identify the messages they entered to others.

Furthermore, in one aspect of the present invention, the transmission means (74) is data for displaying an image (e.g., a chat image 30) that associates a message entered by a user other than the recipient with information identifying the recipient, and transmits the data containing the message to the recipient. According to this aspect, as messages are displayed chronologically, each user can more easily identify who a message from someone else to someone else is addressed to.

Furthermore, in one aspect of the present invention, the message control server (10) is capable of sending replies addressed to the user who sent the original message, the message acquisition means (70) acquires reply messages entered by each user, the message control server (10) further includes means (76) for acquiring reply source information that identifies the original message of the reply, and the transmission means (74) transmits data for displaying an image (e.g., chat image 30) that associates the reply message with the original message of the reply, based on the reply source information, to the recipient. According to this aspect, it becomes easier to identify what a reply message is a reply to when messages are displayed in chronological order.

Furthermore, in one aspect of the present invention, the transmission means (74) is characterized in that, when a message is specified based on the operation of each user, it transmits data for receiving input of a reply message to the specified message. According to this aspect, since replies to messages can be received when each user specifies a message, it becomes easier for users to reply.

Furthermore, in one aspect of the present invention, the transmission means (74) includes at least one of the following: a means (74) for transmitting data to the recipient that includes data for displaying an image (e.g., chat image 30) relating the specified reply message and the original message of the reply when a reply message is specified based on the operation of each user; and a means (74) for transmitting data to the recipient that includes data for displaying an image (e.g., chat image 30) relating the specified original message and the reply message to the specified original message when an original message is specified based on the operation of each user. According to this aspect, it becomes easier to identify what the reply message specified by the user is a reply to, and it becomes easier to identify what reply was entered in response to the message specified by the user.

Furthermore, in one aspect of the present invention, the message control server (10) is capable of sending replies addressed to the user who sent the original message; the message acquisition means (70) acquires the reply messages entered by each user; the message control server further includes means (78) for assigning the reply messages to the same message group as the original message; and the transmission means (74) is data for displaying an image (e.g., a chat image 30) associated with messages belonging to the same message group, and transmits the data containing the message to the recipient. According to this aspect, when users are successively sending replies, it becomes easier to identify messages belonging to the same group (e.g., messages on the same topic).

Furthermore, in one aspect of the present invention, the transmission means (74) is characterized in that, when a message is specified based on the operation of each user, it transmits data to the recipient for displaying an image (e.g., a chat image 30) that distinguishes the message in the message group to which the specified message belongs from messages different from the specified message. According to this aspect, it becomes easier to identify messages in the same message group as the message specified by the user.

Furthermore, in one aspect of the present invention, the message recipient can be specified as multiple users, and the sending means (74) is data for displaying images (e.g., chat images 30) that distinguish between messages in which the recipient is included among the specified multiple recipients and messages in which the recipient is not included among the specified multiple recipients, and the data containing these messages is sent to the recipient. According to this aspect, since messages can be sent simultaneously to multiple recipients, the effort required from the user is reduced compared to sending messages individually. Also, even if multiple recipients are specified, if the user is included among them, their message will be displayed separately from messages addressed to others, making it easier for each user to identify messages addressed to them.

Furthermore, in one aspect of the present invention, the transmission means (74) is data for displaying an image (e.g., a chat image 30) that distinguishes between messages addressed only to the recipient and messages that include both the recipient and other users among the specified plurality of recipients, and transmits data containing these messages to the recipient. According to this aspect, each user can more easily identify more important messages because messages addressed only to themselves may be more important than messages that include other users as recipients.

Furthermore, in one aspect of the present invention, the message destination can specify all possible destinations or not specify a destination. The transmission means (74) is data for displaying an image (e.g., chat image 30) that further distinguishes between messages addressed to all possible destinations or messages without a specified destination, and transmits data containing these messages to the recipient. According to this aspect, messages addressed to all or messages without a specified destination can be further distinguished.

Furthermore, in one aspect of the present invention, the transmission means (74) transmits data to the destination for displaying information identifying the source of each message, and, when the information is specified based on the user's operation, transmits data for accepting input of a message to the destination indicated by the specified information. According to this aspect, it becomes easier for the user to specify a destination when entering a message.

Furthermore, in one aspect of the present invention, the transmission means (74) is characterized by transmitting data containing a message, which is an image (e.g., a chat image 30) distinguishable from other messages, between the recipient and a user other than the recipient, as specified based on the user's actions at the recipient. According to this aspect, each user can easily understand the content of their interactions with the user they specified.

Furthermore, in one aspect of the present invention, the transmission means (74) is characterized by transmitting data to the recipient that includes a message entered by a user other than the recipient user, and data for displaying an image that associates a position on an image associated with a user other than the recipient (e.g., chat image 30) with a position on an image associated with the recipient (e.g., chat image 30), and transmitting the data containing the message to the recipient. According to this aspect, each user can more easily intuitively determine whether or not the message is addressed to them.

Furthermore, in one aspect of the present invention, the transmission means (74) is characterized by transmitting data for displaying an image (e.g., chat image 30) that associates a message entered by the recipient user addressed to someone other than the recipient with a position on an image associated with the recipient (e.g., chat image 30) relative to a position on an image associated with someone other than the recipient (e.g., chat image 30), and transmitting data containing the message to the recipient. According to this aspect, each user can more easily intuitively identify whether a message was sent to someone else.

1 Message control system, 2 Communication network, 10 Message control server, 11 Control unit, 12 Storage unit, 13 Communication unit, 20 Terminal, 21 Control unit, 22 Storage unit, 23 Communication unit, 24 Operation unit, 25 Display unit, 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 unit, 62 Destination specification unit, 64 Sending/receiving unit, 66 Display control unit, 68 Data storage unit, 70 Message acquisition unit, 72 Destination acquisition unit, 74 Sending/receiving unit, 76 Reply source acquisition unit, 78 Group membership unit.

Claims (4)

A messaging system that enables multiple terminals and servers to send and receive data over a network,
A message acquisition means that acquires input messages from each of the aforementioned multiple terminals,
A destination acquisition means that acquires destination information indicating the recipient user associated with the aforementioned message,
Each of the aforementioned multiple terminals is provided with a display control means that causes the multiple messages, including messages with a specified destination and messages without a specified destination, to display an image in which the multiple messages are arranged in chronological order.
Includes,
The display control means is configured in each of the plurality of terminals,
Based on the destination information associated with the message to which a destination has been specified among the messages displayed in the aforementioned image, the user to whom the message is intended is displayed in a manner appropriate to the terminal and in a manner that allows for the identification of the user to whom the message is intended.
The message to which a recipient is specified and the user to whom the recipient is indicated by the recipient information associated with the message are displayed in association.
Message system. A method for controlling a message system that enables multiple terminals and a server to send and receive data over a network,
A message acquisition step of acquiring a message input from each of the aforementioned multiple terminals,
A destination acquisition step to obtain destination information indicating the recipient user associated with the aforementioned message,
A display control step causes each of the plurality of terminals to display an image in which a plurality of messages, including the message to which a destination is specified and the message to which no destination is specified, are arranged in chronological order.
Includes,
The display control step is performed in each of the plurality of terminals,
Based on the destination information associated with the message to which a destination has been specified among the messages displayed in the aforementioned image, the user to whom the message is intended is displayed in a manner appropriate to the terminal and in a manner that allows for the identification of the user to whom the message is intended.
The message to which a recipient is specified and the user to whom the recipient is indicated by the recipient information associated with the message are displayed in association.
Control method. A server capable of sending and receiving data via a network with multiple terminals,
Message acquisition means for acquiring input messages from each of the aforementioned multiple terminals,
A destination acquisition means that acquires destination information indicating the recipient user associated with the aforementioned message.
Display control means for each of the plurality of terminals to display an image in which a plurality of messages, including the message with a specified destination and the message without a specified destination, are arranged in chronological order.
It is a program designed to function as such.
The display control means is configured in each of the plurality of terminals,
Based on the destination information associated with the message to which a destination has been specified among the messages displayed in the aforementioned image, the user to whom the message is intended is displayed in a manner appropriate to the terminal and in a manner that allows for the identification of the user to whom the message is intended.
The message to which a recipient is specified and the user to whom the recipient is indicated by the recipient information associated with the message are displayed in association.
program. A terminal capable of sending and receiving data over a network,
A message retrieval method that retrieves messages entered from other devices.
A destination acquisition means that acquires destination information indicating the recipient user associated with the aforementioned message.
A display control means for displaying an image in which a plurality of messages, including the message to which a destination is specified and the message to which no destination is specified, are arranged in chronological order.
Includes,
It is a program designed to function as such.
The display control means, on the terminal, displays the message in a manner appropriate to the terminal, in a manner that allows the user to be identified as the recipient of the message, based on the destination information associated with the message for which a destination has been specified among the messages displayed in the image.
The message to which a recipient is specified and the user to whom the recipient is indicated by the recipient information associated with the message are displayed in association.
program.