Information processing apparatus, control method of information processing apparatus, storage medium, and computer program product

Abstract

The present disclosure provides an information processing apparatus, a control method of an information processing apparatus, a storage medium, and a computer program product. The information processing apparatus communicably connected to a plurality of terminal apparatuses and processing messages exchanged between the plurality of terminal apparatuses includes a reception section configured to receive a message transmitted from one of the plurality of terminal apparatuses in which a user has been identified, at least one processor, and a memory coupled to the processor and storing instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to function as a notification section configured to notify the user on another of the plurality of terminal apparatuses that a reply message has not been transmitted from the other terminal apparatus in a case where the received message includes information indicating a request to notify the user and a reply message has not been transmitted from the other terminal apparatus.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to an information processing apparatus, a control method for the information processing apparatus, and a storage medium. Background Technology

[0002] For example, business chat applications such as LINE WORKS (registered trademark) or Microsoft Teams (registered trademark) allow users of business chat applications to send and receive messages. For instance, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-102486 describes a technology that generates feedback information to improve the convenience of communication between users within an organization, prompting subordinates to reply to messages from their superiors. Using the technology described in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-102486, based on the frustration felt by superiors due to subordinates' lack of response, the timing for sending feedback information to subordinates can be set, for example, after a business meeting ends.

[0003] However, the technology described in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-102486 has not been applied to group chats in business chat applications. Therefore, in situations where a relatively large number of users (members) participate in a group chat, messages are frequently sent and received, messages are sent and received rapidly, and multiple topics are discussed in parallel, there is a risk of forgetting to reply, i.e., missed replies occur. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This disclosure provides an information processing apparatus capable of reducing missed responses to messages, a control method for the information processing apparatus, and a storage medium.

[0005] Accordingly, one aspect of this disclosure provides an information processing apparatus communicatively connected to and processing messages exchanged between a plurality of terminal devices, the information processing apparatus comprising: a receiving unit for receiving messages sent from one of the plurality of terminal devices, which has identified a user; at least one processor; and a memory coupled to the processor and storing instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to function as a notification unit for notifying the user on another terminal device that a reply message has not yet been sent, provided that a message received by the receiving unit includes information indicating a request to notify the user, and a reply message has not yet been sent from another terminal device other than the one of the plurality of terminal devices.

[0006] The features of this disclosure will become apparent from the following description of embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following description of the embodiments is by way of example only. Attached Figure Description

[0007] Figure 1This is a block diagram illustrating an overall construction example of a messaging application service according to the first embodiment.

[0008] Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the hardware architecture of a messaging application server.

[0009] Figure 3 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of a tenant server.

[0010] Figure 4 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the hardware construction of a user terminal.

[0011] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing an example of tenant information stored in the HDD of a tenant server.

[0012] Figure 6 This is a sequence diagram illustrating the processes performed between the first user terminal and the tenant server.

[0013] Figure 7 This is an example diagram showing the personal settings screen displayed on the operation panel of a first user terminal.

[0014] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating the process performed by the first user terminal.

[0015] Figure 9 This is a sequence diagram illustrating the processes performed between the first user terminal, the second user terminal, the message application server, and the tenant server.

[0016] Figure 10A and Figure 10B This is an example diagram showing the group chat screen displayed on the operation panel of each user terminal.

[0017] Figure 11 This is a flowchart illustrating the process performed by the message application server.

[0018] Figure 12 This is a sequence diagram illustrating the processes executed between a first user terminal, a second user terminal, a third user terminal, a message application server, and a tenant server according to the second embodiment.

[0019] Figure 13 This is a flowchart illustrating the process performed by the message application server in the second embodiment. Specific Implementation

[0020] The present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0021] The various embodiments of this disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the constructions described in the following embodiments are merely examples, and the scope of this disclosure is not limited to the constructions described in the embodiments. For example, the various units (components) constituting this disclosure can be replaced by units (components) of any construction capable of performing the same function. Furthermore, any component can be added. In addition, any two or more constructions (features) of the various embodiments can be combined.

[0022] The following will refer to Figures 1 to 11 The first embodiment of this disclosure is described below. It should be noted that in the following description, "tenant" refers to a group of elements such as users and applications. Furthermore, "channel" is a sub-concept of a group managed under a group. A channel corresponds to the account information of users belonging to that channel. Additionally, "chat" refers to messages (strings), data, etc., posted by users, bots, etc., and published in a chat room used for communication. In this embodiment, a communication partner is not necessarily required. Furthermore, typically, a chat is posted and displayed as an object.

[0023] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating an overall construction example of a messaging application service according to the first embodiment. Figure 1 The messaging application service 100 shown includes a messaging application server 20, a tenant server 30, a first user terminal 41, a second user terminal 42, and a third user terminal 43, which are interconnected to enable communication with each other. The messaging application server 20 and the tenant server 30 are included in the cloud 10. It should be noted that although... Figure 1 The configuration shown has three user terminals, but the number is not limited to three; for example, it could be two, four, or more. Message application server 20 is a cloud server on cloud 10. Message application server 20 processes messages exchanged between the first user terminal 41, the second user terminal 42, and the third user terminal 43. Examples of message processing include message sending and receiving, message display command processing, etc. Tenant server 30 is a cloud server on cloud 10. Tenant server 30 stores (saves) and provides tenant information 500 (see [link]). Figure 5 The first user terminal 41, the second user terminal 42, and the third user terminal 43 are operated by their respective users using the messaging application service 100. The first user terminal 41, the second user terminal 42, and the third user terminal 43 are terminal devices such as desktop or laptop personal computers, tablet terminals, smartphones, etc.

[0024] Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the hardware architecture of a messaging application server. (Example) Figure 2As shown, the message application server 20 includes a CPU 201, a read-only memory (ROM) 202, a random access memory (RAM) 203, a communication unit 204, and a hard disk drive (HDD) 205. The CPU 201 is a computer that reads the control program stored in the ROM 202 and various information stored in the HDD 205 into the RAM 203, and executes various processes for controlling the operation of the message application server 20. The ROM 202 stores the control program. This control program includes, for example, programs that cause the CPU 201 to execute the following processes (steps) (control methods of information processing devices). The RAM 203 serves as a temporary storage area for the CPU 201, such as main memory or a working area. The communication unit 204 receives information from the tenant server 30, the first user terminal 41, the second user terminal 42, and the third user terminal 43, and sends information to these other users. In this way, the communication unit 204 serves as both a transmitter (sending unit) for sending information and a receiver (receiving unit) for receiving information. The HDD 205 stores various types of data such as chat logs, images, and applications.

[0025] Figure 3 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of a tenant server. (Example) Figure 3 As shown, the tenant server 30 includes a CPU 301, a ROM 302, a RAM 303, a communication unit 304, and an HDD 305. The CPU 301 is a computer that reads the control program stored in the ROM 302 and executes various processes for controlling the operation of the tenant server 30. The ROM 302 stores the control program. The RAM 303 serves as a temporary storage area for the CPU 301, such as main memory or a working area. The communication unit 304 receives information from the message application server 20, the first user terminal 41, the second user terminal 42, and the third user terminal 43, and sends information to these terminals. The HDD 305 stores tenant information 500, etc. For example, there is a situation where the tenant server 30 receives a request from the first user terminal 41 via the communication unit 304 to obtain predetermined information within the tenant information 500. In this case, the CPU 301 accesses the tenant information 500 using the control program loaded from the ROM 302 into the RAM 303.

[0026] Figure 4This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the hardware structure of a user terminal. In this embodiment, since the first user terminal 41, the second user terminal 42, and the third user terminal 43 have the same hardware structure, the hardware structure of the first user terminal 41 will be described as a representative example. Figure 4 As shown, the first user terminal 41 includes an operation panel 401, a CPU 402, a ROM 403, a RAM 404, an HDD 405, a camera 406, an NFC communication unit 407, a Bluetooth communication unit 408, and a wireless LAN communication unit 409. The CPU 402 is a computer that reads the control program stored in the ROM 403 and various information stored in the HDD 405 into the RAM 404, and executes various processes for controlling the operation of the first user terminal 41. The ROM 403 stores the control program. The RAM 404 serves as a temporary storage area for the CPU 402, such as main memory or a working area. The HDD 405 stores various types of data, such as images (photos) and documents.

[0027] The operation panel 401 has a touch panel function capable of detecting touch operations performed by the user of the first user terminal 41. As a result, the user of the first user terminal 41 can input desired operation commands to the first user terminal 41. Note that the operation panel 401 may also include a keyboard (not shown). In addition, the operation panel 401 can display various screens provided by, for example, an operating system (OS), an email sending application, etc. Thus, in this embodiment, the operation panel 401 also serves as a display unit (display unit) for displaying screens. The camera 406 captures images in response to an image capture command issued by the user. The images captured by the camera 406 are stored in a predetermined area of ​​the HDD 405. Furthermore, the first user terminal 41 can obtain information from a QR code already read by the camera 406 by using a program capable of QR code analysis. The NFC communication unit 407 communicates via Near Field Communication (NFC). The Bluetooth communication unit 408 communicates via Bluetooth (registered trademark). The wireless LAN communication unit 409 communicates via a wireless local area network (wireless LAN). The first user terminal 41 can communicate with the message application server 20, etc., via any one of the communication units of NFC communication unit 407, Bluetooth communication unit 408 and wireless LAN communication unit 409.

[0028] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing an example of tenant information stored in the HDD of a tenant server. Figure 5The tenant information 500 shown includes user list information 501 and group information 506. User list information 501 is a list of information for all users (User A, User B, ...) included in the tenant information 500. Within user list information 501, individual user information 502 is associated with each user. Each piece of individual user information 502 includes chat history information 503, file information 504, and personal settings information 505, but may also include other information. Figure 5 The diagram illustrates, for example, user A's personal information 502. Chat history information 503, in the case of user A, is the chat history of user A's conversations with other users (i.e., user B, etc.). Since the chat logs are maintained (stored) in the HDD 205 of the message application server 20, the chat history information 503 is stored at a specific address on the HDD 205. File information 504, in the case of user A, is the files that user A has uploaded to the tenant server 30. Furthermore, file information 504 also includes files that user A has attached to chats. Personal settings information 505, in the case of user A, is the business chat settings information set for user A. It should be noted that when the message application server 20 or the first user terminal 41 refers to specific user information in the user list information 501, authentication functions such as login authentication can be used. This authentication function is a well-known function, and its description will be omitted in this embodiment.

[0029] Group information 506 is information about at least one group, and in this embodiment, group information 506 includes first group information 507 and second group information 512. First group information 507 includes user information 508, channel information 509, and file information 510. User information 508 is information about all users (user A, user B, and user C) belonging to the first group. User A, user B, and user C are each one of the users included in user list information 501. Channel information 509 is information used to group the users included in user information 508, and includes channel X, channel Y, and channel Z. For example, in channel X, user A and user B are grouped together to form user list 511. File information 510 is information about files held in the first group information 507, and includes file 1, file 2, and file 3.

[0030] The second group of information 512 includes user information 513, channel information 514, and file information 515. User information 513 is about all users (user A, user D, and user E) belonging to the second group. User A, user D, and user E are each one of the users included in user list information 501. Channel information 514 is used to group the users included in user information 513, including channel XX, channel YY, and channel ZZ. For example, in channel XX, user A and user D are grouped together to form user list 516. File information 515 is about the files held in the second group of information 512, and includes file 11, file 12, and file 23.

[0031] Figure 6 This is a sequence diagram illustrating the processes performed between the first user terminal and the tenant server. Figure 6 The sequence diagram shown illustrates the process of the first user terminal 41 notifying the tenant server 30 of personal settings information 505. Additionally, this is illustrated, for example, via a group chat screen 1100 (see...). Figure 10A Press the personal settings screen switching button 1102 on the screen to start the process. Figure 7 This is an example diagram showing the personal settings screen displayed on the operation panel of a first user terminal. (See diagram for example.) Figure 6 As shown, in step S601, the CPU 402 of the first user terminal 41 requests the tenant server 30 to obtain personal settings information 505.

[0032] In step S602, if the CPU 301 of the tenant server 30 has received the request in step S601 via the communication unit 304, the CPU 301 responds by sending personal settings information 505 to the first user terminal 41.

[0033] In step S603, the CPU 402 of the first user terminal 41 obtains the personal settings information 505 that has been sent in step S602, and creates a personal settings screen 800 using the personal settings information 505 as the initial value (see...). Figure 7 The personal settings screen 800 is displayed on the operation panel 401 of the first user terminal 41. For example... Figure 7 As shown, the personal settings screen 800 includes a user information display area 801, personal settings information parameters 802, personal settings information parameters 803, personal settings information parameters 804, and a personal settings information send button 805. The user information display area 801 displays the name, etc., of the user who has set personal settings information 505. This user is one of the users included in the user list information 501.

[0034] Through personal settings parameter 802, you can set whether to receive reply notifications, that is, whether to receive notifications of messages that have not yet been replied to (see [link]). Figure 10B The pop-up window 1111 shown below will be described in more detail. To receive a reply notification, select the checkbox for Personal Settings Information Parameter 802. Personal Settings Information Parameter 803 allows you to set the reply notification timer, i.e., the timer for receiving notifications that a reply message has not yet been sent. Entering a desired time (scheduled time) in Personal Settings Information Parameter 803 will trigger a notification that a reply message has not been sent even if the entered desired time (entered scheduled time) has elapsed. Personal Settings Information Parameter 804 allows you to set whether to automatically analyze the conversation end timer. Selecting the checkbox for Personal Settings Information Parameter 804 allows you to automatically analyze the conversation end timer. As a result, when a sender sends a message to a destination with an identified reader, if the message ends with a phrase such as "Thank you very much" or "Looking forward to working with you," it is determined that a reply message is almost unnecessary. Note that initially, Personal Settings Information Parameters 802, 803, and 804 are all unset, i.e., empty. By pressing the personal settings information send button 805, information related to the settings in personal settings information parameters 802, 803, and 804 can be sent to the tenant server 30.

[0035] like Figure 6 As shown, in step S604, the CPU 402 of the first user terminal 41 receives information related to the settings in personal setting information parameters 802, 803 and 804.

[0036] In step S605, when the personal settings information sending button 805 is pressed, the CPU 402 of the first user terminal 41 sends the information related to the settings in personal settings information parameters 802, 803 and 804 (hereinafter also referred to as "each setting information") that was received in step S604 to the tenant server 30.

[0037] In step S606, the CPU 301 of the tenant server 30 receives the various settings information that have been sent in step S605, and updates the personal settings information 505 with the various settings information.

[0038] In step S607, the CPU 301 of the tenant server 30 responds by sending a message to the first user terminal 41 indicating that the update of the personal settings information 505 in step S606 has been completed.

[0039] In step S608, the CPU 402 of the first user terminal 41 updates the personal settings screen 800 with the settings information received in step S604, and displays the updated personal settings screen 800 on the operation panel 401.

[0040] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating the process performed by the first user terminal. For example... Figure 8 As shown, in step S701, similar to step S601, the CPU 402 of the first user terminal 41 requests the tenant server 30 to obtain personal settings information 505.

[0041] In step S702, CPU 402 determines whether a response from tenant server 30 exists in step S602. If, as a result of the determination in step S702, a response from tenant server 30 exists in step S602, the process proceeds to step S703. Conversely, if, as a result of the determination in step S702, no response from tenant server 30 exists in step S602, the process remains in step S702 and waits.

[0042] In step S703, similar to step S603, CPU 402 obtains personal settings information 505 included in the response from tenant server 30, and creates personal settings screen 800 using personal settings information 505 as the initial value. Personal settings screen 800 is displayed on the operation panel 401 of the first user terminal 41.

[0043] In step S704, similar to step S604, the CPU 402 receives the settings from personal settings information parameters 802, 803, and 804 on the personal settings screen 800. Then, the CPU 402 determines whether the personal settings information send button 805 has been pressed. If the personal settings information send button 805 has been pressed, the process proceeds to step S705. Conversely, if the personal settings information send button 805 has not been pressed, the process remains in step S704 and waits.

[0044] In step S705, similar to step S605, CPU 402 sends the information related to the settings in personal setting information parameters 802, 803 and 804 received in step S704 to tenant server 30.

[0045] In step S706, CPU 402 determines whether a response from tenant server 30 exists in step S607. If, as a result of the determination in step S706, a response from tenant server 30 exists in step S607, the process proceeds to step S707. Conversely, if, as a result of the determination in step S706, no response from tenant server 30 exists in step S607, the process remains in step S706 and waits.

[0046] In step S707, CPU 402 determines, based on the response from tenant server 30, whether the update of personal settings information 505 performed on tenant server 30 has been successful. If, as a result of the determination in step S707, the update of personal settings information 505 performed on tenant server 30 has been successful, the process proceeds to step S708. Conversely, if, as a result of the determination in step S707, the update of personal settings information 505 performed on tenant server 30 has not been successful (i.e., the update of personal settings information 505 performed on tenant server 30 has failed), the process proceeds to step S709.

[0047] In step S708, similar to step S608, the CPU 402 displays the updated personal settings screen 800 on the operation panel 401, and then the process ends.

[0048] In step S709, the CPU 402 displays a message (failure notification) on the operation panel 401 indicating that the update of personal settings information 505 has not yet been successful, and then the process ends.

[0049] Figure 9 This is a sequence diagram illustrating the processes performed between the first user terminal, the second user terminal, the message application server, and the tenant server. Figure 9 The sequence diagram shown illustrates the processing of notification reply reminders. Additionally, for example, through group chat screen 1100 (see...) Figure 10A Press the publish button 1106 on the device to start the process. Here, it is assumed that the first user terminal 41 is used by user A, the second user terminal 42 is used by user B, and the third user terminal 43 is used by user C. Figure 10A and Figure 10B This is an example diagram showing the group chat screen displayed on the operation panel of each user terminal. Figure 10A This is a screenshot of the group chat in its first display state. Figure 10B This is a group chat screen image shown in the second display state after transitioning from the first display state. For example, if any group chat has been selected from the basic screen (not shown), group chat screen 1100 is displayed.

[0050] Figure 10A The group chat screen 1100 in the first display state shown includes a user information display area 1101, a personal settings screen switching button 1102, chat information 1103, a reply button 1104, a chat input field 1105, and a post button 1106. For example, when user B is operating the second user terminal 42, the user information display area 1101 displays user B's name, etc. User B is one of the users included in the user list information 501. Furthermore, the user personal information 502 linked to the user list information 501 refers to user B's user personal information 502. It should be noted that the user information display area 1101 can display the names, etc., of all users in the group (first group) to which user B belongs. The personal settings screen switching button 1102 is used to switch to the personal settings screen 800 (see...). Figure 7 The button 1102 is used to switch between personal settings. By pressing the personal settings screen switching button 1102, the personal settings screen 800 is displayed on the operation panel 401 of the second user terminal 42, and the process begins. Figure 6 The processing is shown.

[0051] Chat message 1103 displays chat messages based on chat history message 503. Figure 10A In the shown state, chat message 1103 displays a chat message sent by user A, namely the message "@user B, how is that important matter progressing?". This message is sent from the first user terminal 41 (one user terminal), which is included in the first user terminal 41, the second user terminal 42, and the third user terminal 43. Furthermore, user B, as the reader of this message, has been identified in the message. The message also includes identification information identifying the reader (i.e., user B) and a request for user B to reply to the message. This identification information is "@user B" in the message. The reply button 1104 is a button used to generate a reply message (reply chat) to user A, the sender of chat message 1103. Here, although the reply chat may be displayed as a chat from the reply source in the chat input field 1105, this disclosure is not limited to this display.

[0052] User B can enter a message in chat input field 1105 to send to the group chat of the first group using text or other means. The publish button 1106 is used to send the message entered in chat input field 1105 to the group chat of the first group. By pressing the publish button 1106, the message entered in chat input field 1105 is sent via message application server 20 to all users in the first group to which User B belongs.

[0053] Figure 10B The group chat screen 1100 in the second display state shown is in the following state: since the first display state, the group chat of the first group has been held multiple times. Figure 10BThe group chat screen 1100 shown includes a user information display area 1101, chat information 1103, and a pop-up window 1111. The pop-up window 1111 is displayed (notification) under the following two conditions: The first condition is that the message from user A includes information instructing user B to reply, i.e., the message from user A includes identification information. The second condition is that a reply message has not yet been sent from the second user terminal 42 (another user terminal) included in the first user terminal 41, second user terminal 42, and third user terminal 43 (excluding the first user terminal 41), i.e., a reply message has not yet been sent from user B. The pop-up window 1111 displays that no reply message has been sent. Figure 10B In the indicated state, pop-up window 1111 displays the message "No reply has been sent to user A's reply chat." User B can visually recognize the pop-up window 1111 displayed on the operation panel 401 of the second user terminal 42. As a result, it is possible to prevent the failure to send a reply message to chat message 1103, that is, to reduce the number of missed replies to user A's messages. It should be noted that pop-up window 1111 may have a hyperlink. In this case, by selecting the hyperlink, the chat message 1103 requesting a reply message can be accessed. In addition, pop-up window 1111 may be displayed on a screen separate from the group chat screen 1100.

[0054] like Figure 9 As shown, in step S901, the CPU 402 of the first user terminal 41 operated by user A receives the operation of the publish button 1106 on the group chat screen 1100 displayed on the operation panel 401. At this time, the message has been entered into the chat input field 1105. Then, by operating the publish button 1106, the message in the chat input field 1105 is sent to the message application server 20, that is, the chat is published. In addition, the message is sent (chat publication) from the first user terminal 41. Figure 10A The group chat screen 1100 shown in the first display state is displayed on the operation panel 401 of the second user terminal 42 operated by user B.

[0055] In step S902, the CPU 201 of the message application server 20 controls the communication unit 204 to receive the message (chat) that was sent from the first user terminal 41 in step S901. This message includes the identification information "@userB" identifying user B. Furthermore, this message is stored in HDD 205. It should be noted that the message application server 20 can receive multiple messages, not just one. In this case, each time a message is received in the message application server 20, the received message is stored in HDD 205.

[0056] In step S903, the CPU 201 of the message application server 20 polls to determine whether to display a reply notification (pop-up window 1111) as a pop-up window. Specifically, the CPU 201 determines whether the message includes information indicating a reply request based on the message identification information stored in step S902. This determination is performed periodically until the message exchange between the first user terminal 41, the second user terminal 42, and the third user terminal 43 is completed.

[0057] In step S904, the CPU 201 of the message application server 20 searches for chats that are eligible for reply notifications by referring to the chat history information 503. "Reply notification object" refers to all messages requesting a reply among all messages received by the message application server 20. Here, it is assumed that a reply notification object has been found.

[0058] In step S905, the CPU 201 of the message application server 20 requests the tenant server 30 to obtain the personal settings information of user B 505.

[0059] In step S906, if the CPU 301 of the tenant server 30 has received the request in step S905, the CPU 301 responds by sending the personal settings information 505 of user B to the message application server 20.

[0060] In step S907, the CPU 201 of the message application server 20 receives the personal settings information 505 of user B that was sent in step S906. Subsequently, the CPU 201 determines whether to issue a reply reminder based on the personal settings information 505 of user B. Specifically, the CPU 201 refers to the information in the personal settings information parameter 802 included in the personal settings information 505 of user B to determine whether to issue a reminder. Furthermore, the CPU 201 refers to the information in the personal settings information parameter 803 to determine whether the reply reminder timing has been met. Additionally, the CPU 201 refers to the information in the personal settings information parameter 804 to determine whether the conversation has ended. Here, it is assumed that a reply reminder will be issued. In this embodiment, the CPU 201 also functions as a determining unit, which determines whether the message from the first user terminal 41 includes information indicating a reply request, and determines whether a reply message to the message from the first user terminal 41 has not yet been sent.

[0061] In step S908, the CPU 201 of the message application server 20 executes display control to display a reply reminder in a pop-up window (i.e., pops up a reply reminder), that is, it executes notification control to notify the second user terminal 42 operated by user B that a reply message has not yet been sent. It should be noted that if it is determined in step S907 that no reply reminder will be sent, the execution of this notification control is stopped. Furthermore, the execution of this notification control is also stopped if the message exchange between the first user terminal 41, the second user terminal 42, and the third user terminal 43 has been completed. In this way, in this embodiment, the CPU 201 also functions as a notification unit, which can switch between executing notification control and stopping notification control.

[0062] In step S909, the CPU 402 of the second user terminal 42 operated by user B displays on the operation panel 401 according to the notification control executed in step S908. Figure 10B The group chat screen 1100 shown is shown. This group chat screen 1100 includes a pop-up window 1111. As a result, user B can visually recognize the pop-up window 1111, thereby reducing missed replies to user A's messages.

[0063] Figure 11 This is a flowchart illustrating the processes performed by the message application server. For example... Figure 11 As shown, in step S1001, the CPU 201 of the message application server 20 lists all the messages that the message application server 20 has received as potential candidates for reply reminders.

[0064] In step S1002, similar to step S904, CPU 201 extracts a message from the messages listed in step S1001 and determines whether the extracted message is a response reminder target (i.e., whether there is a response reminder for the extracted message). It should be noted that this determination is performed on all messages listed in step S1001. Subsequently, as a result of the determination in step S1002, if it is determined that the determination of whether there is a response reminder for all messages listed in step S1001 has been completed, the process ends. On the other hand, as a result of the determination in step S1002, if it is determined that the determination of whether there is a response reminder for all messages listed in step S1001 has not been completed, the process proceeds to step S1003.

[0065] In step S1003, CPU 201 selects a message that has not yet completed the determination of whether a reply reminder exists.

[0066] In step S1004, CPU 201 obtains the name of the user who is the recipient of the reply reminder for the message selected in step S1003.

[0067] In step S1005, similar to step S905, CPU 201 requests tenant server 30 to obtain personal settings information 505 of the user with the name obtained in step S1004.

[0068] In step S1006, CPU 201 determines whether the personal settings information 505 sent from tenant server 30 based on the request in step S1005 has been obtained. If, as a result of the determination in step S1006, the personal settings information 505 has been obtained, the process proceeds to step S1007. Conversely, if, as a result of the determination in step S1006, the personal settings information 505 has not been obtained, the process remains in step S1006 and waits.

[0069] In step S1007, similar to step S907, CPU 201 determines whether to issue a reply notification based on personal setting information 505 from tenant server 30. If, as a result of the determination in step S1007, a reply notification is issued, the process proceeds to step S1008. Conversely, if, as a result of the determination in step S1007, a reply notification is not issued, the process returns to step S1002 and executes subsequent steps sequentially.

[0070] In step S1008, similar to step S908, CPU 201 executes display control to display a reply reminder in a pop-up window on the second user terminal 42 (a reply reminder pops up on the second user terminal 42), that is, it executes notification control to notify the second user terminal 42 that a reply message has not yet been sent. As a result, the group chat screen 1100, including the pop-up window 1111, is displayed on the operation panel 401 of the second user terminal 42. After executing step S1008, the process returns to step S1002 and subsequent steps are executed sequentially.

[0071] As described above, the aforementioned control enables user B to visually recognize pop-up window 1111, thereby reducing missed replies to user A's messages. Furthermore, as described above, if a desired time is entered in the personal settings information parameter 803 of the personal settings screen 800, and a reply message is not sent even after the entered desired time has elapsed, a notification of the unsent reply message is issued (notification control is performed). In this way, the message application server 20 is configured to change the timing of the notification control execution. As a result, the frequency of notification control execution can be adjusted. Furthermore, if the number of times the same pop-up window 1111 is displayed exceeds a threshold, messages that are the target of pop-up window 1111 can be excluded from reply reminders. The threshold in this case can be appropriately changed.

[0072] The following will refer to Figure 12 and Figure 13The second embodiment of this disclosure is described, mainly focusing on the differences from the embodiments described above, and omitting descriptions of similar matters. Figure 12 This is a sequence diagram illustrating the processes executed between a first user terminal, a second user terminal, a third user terminal, a message application server, and a tenant server according to the second embodiment. For example... Figure 12 As shown, in step S1201, similar to step S901, the CPU 402 of the first user terminal 41 operated by user A receives the operation of the publish button 1106 on the group chat screen 1100 displayed on the operation panel 401. Subsequently, through the operation of the publish button 1106, the message in the chat input field 1105 is sent to the message application server 20.

[0073] In step S1202, similar to step S902, the CPU 201 of the message application server 20 controls the communication unit 204 to receive the message that was sent from the first user terminal 41 in step S1201. This message is stored in the HDD 205.

[0074] In step S1203, similar to step S903, the CPU 201 of the message application server 20 polls to determine whether to display a reply reminder as a pop-up window.

[0075] In step S1204, similar to step S904, the CPU 201 of the message application server 20 searches for chats that are eligible for reply notifications by referring to the chat history information 503. Here, it is assumed that a reply notification has been found, and replies have been requested for users B and C.

[0076] In step S1205, similar to step S905, the CPU 201 of the message application server 20 requests the tenant server 30 to obtain the personal settings information of user B 505.

[0077] In step S1206, similar to step S906, if the CPU 301 of the tenant server 30 has received the request in step S1205, the CPU 301 responds by sending the personal settings information 505 of user B to the message application server 20.

[0078] In step S1207, similar to step S907, the CPU 201 of the message application server 20 receives the personal settings information 505 of user B that was sent in step S1206, and determines whether to issue a reply reminder based on the received personal settings information 505 of user B. Here, it is assumed that it has been determined to issue a reply reminder.

[0079] In step S1208, similar to step S908, the CPU 201 of the message application server 20 executes display control (notification control) to display a reply reminder in a pop-up window on the second user terminal 42 (a reply reminder pops up on the second user terminal 42). As a result, the group chat screen 1100, including the pop-up window 1111, is displayed on the operation panel 401 of the second user terminal 42.

[0080] In step S1209, the CPU 201 of the message application server 20 requests the tenant server 30 to obtain the personal settings information 505 of user C.

[0081] In step S1210, if the CPU 301 of the tenant server 30 has received the request in step S1209, the CPU 301 responds by sending the personal settings information 505 of user C to the message application server 20.

[0082] In step S1211, the CPU 201 of the message application server 20 receives the personal settings information 505 of user C that was sent in step S1210, and determines whether to issue a reply reminder based on the received personal settings information 505 of user C. Here, it is assumed that it is determined to issue a reply reminder.

[0083] In step S1212, the CPU 201 of the message application server 20 performs display control (notification control) to display a reply reminder in a pop-up window on the third user terminal 43 (a reply reminder pops up on the third user terminal 43). As a result, the group chat screen 1100, including the pop-up window 1111, is displayed on the operation panel 401 of the third user terminal 43.

[0084] Through the above control, it is possible to notify user B on the second user terminal 42 that a reply message has not been sent, and to notify user C on the third user terminal 43 that a reply message has not been sent.

[0085] Figure 13 This is a flowchart illustrating the process performed by the message application server in the second embodiment. For example... Figure 13 As shown, in step S1301, the CPU 201 of the message application server 20 lists the candidate messages that may become the object of the reply reminder from all the messages that the message application server 20 has received.

[0086] In step S1302, similar to step S1204, CPU 201 determines whether there are any reply reminders for all the messages listed in step S1301. As a result of the determination in step S1302, if the determination of whether there are any reply reminders for all the messages listed in step S1301 has been completed, the process ends. On the other hand, as a result of the determination in step S1302, if the determination of whether there are any reply reminders for all the messages listed in step S1301 has not been completed, the process proceeds to step S1303.

[0087] In step S1303, CPU 201 selects a message that has not yet completed the determination of whether a reply reminder exists.

[0088] In step S1304, CPU 201 obtains the list of mentioned users from the message selected in step S1303.

[0089] In step S1305, CPU 201 determines whether there are any reply notifications for all users included in the list obtained in step S1304. As a result of the determination in step S1305, if the determination regarding whether there are any reply notifications for all users included in the list obtained in step S1304 has been completed, the process returns to step S1302 and executes subsequent steps sequentially. Conversely, as a result of the determination in step S1305, if the determination regarding whether there are any reply notifications for all users included in the list obtained in step S1304 has not been completed, the process proceeds to step S1306.

[0090] In step S1306, CPU 201 selects users who have not yet completed the determination regarding whether a reply reminder exists.

[0091] In step S1307, similar to steps S1205 and S1209, CPU 201 requests tenant server 30 to obtain the personal settings information 505 of the user selected in step S1306.

[0092] In step S1308, CPU 201 determines whether the personal settings information 505 sent from tenant server 30 based on the request in step S1307 has been obtained. If, as a result of the determination in step S1308, the personal settings information 505 has been obtained, the process proceeds to step S1309. Conversely, if, as a result of the determination in step S1308, the personal settings information 505 has not been obtained, the process remains in step S1308 and waits.

[0093] In step S1309, similar to steps S1207 and S1211, CPU 201 determines whether to issue a reply notification based on personal setting information 505 from tenant server 30. If, as a result of the determination in step S1309, a reply notification is issued, the process proceeds to step S1310. Conversely, if, as a result of the determination in step S1309, a reply notification is not issued, the process returns to step S1305 and executes subsequent steps sequentially.

[0094] In step S1310, similar to steps S1208 and S1212, CPU 201 executes display control (notification control) to display a reply reminder in a pop-up window (i.e., a pop-up reply reminder). As a result, the group chat screen 1100, including the pop-up window 1111, is displayed on the operation panel 401 of the second user terminal 42 and the operation panel 401 of the third user terminal 43. After executing step S1310, the process returns to step S1305 and executes subsequent steps in sequence.

[0095] Furthermore, although this disclosure is applied to group chat in the above embodiments, it is not limited thereto.

[0096] According to this disclosure, it is possible to reduce the number of missed responses to messages.

[0097] Other embodiments Embodiments of this disclosure can also be implemented by a computer that reads and executes computer-executable instructions (e.g., one or more programs) recorded on a storage medium (which may also be more fully referred to as a "non-transitory computer-readable storage medium") to perform one or more functions of the above embodiments and / or includes one or more circuits (e.g., application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs)) for performing one or more functions of the above embodiments. Furthermore, embodiments of this disclosure can be implemented using a method performed by the computer of the system or device, for example, reading and executing the computer-executable instructions from the storage medium to perform one or more functions of the above embodiments and / or controlling the one or more circuits to perform one or more functions of the above embodiments. The computer may include one or more processors (e.g., central processing unit (CPU), microprocessor unit (MPU)) and may include separate computers or a network of separate processors to read and execute the computer-executable instructions. The computer-executable instructions may be provided to the computer, for example, from a network or the storage medium. The storage medium may include one or more of the following: hard disk, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), memory of a distributed computing system, optical disc (such as compressed optical disc (CD), digital versatile optical disc (DVD) or Blu-ray disc (BD)™), flash memory device, and memory card.

[0098] The embodiments of the present invention can also be implemented by the following method: providing software (including computer program products of computer programs) that performs the functions of the above embodiments to a system or device via a network or various storage media, and the computer (central processing unit (CPU) or microprocessor unit (MPU) of the system or device) reads out and executes the computer program.

[0099] Although this disclosure has been described with reference to embodiments, it should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. The scope of the appended claims should be given the broadest interpretation to cover all such variations, equivalent structures, and functions.

[0100] This application claims the benefit of Japanese Patent Application No. 2025-068635, filed on April 18, 2025, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

1. An information processing apparatus communicatively connected to and processing messages exchanged between a plurality of terminal devices, the information processing apparatus comprising: A receiving unit is used to receive messages sent from one of the plurality of terminal devices, which has identified the user; At least one processor; as well as A memory coupled to the processor and storing instructions, which, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to function as: A notification unit is configured to notify the user on another terminal device that a reply message has not been sent when a message received by the receiving unit includes information indicating a request to notify the user, and a reply message has not yet been sent from another terminal device included in the plurality of terminal devices other than the one terminal device.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein... The notification unit is configured to switch between performing notification control to notify the other terminal device that the reply message has not yet been sent and stopping the execution of the notification control.

3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein... The notification unit performs the notification control if the reply message is not sent even after a predetermined time has elapsed.

4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein... The notification unit is configured to change the timing of executing the notification control.

5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein... The notification unit stops executing the notification control once the message exchange between the multiple terminal devices has been completed.

6. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The processor also functions as a determining unit, which determines whether the message received by the receiving unit includes information indicating a request to notify the user, and further determines whether the reply message has not yet been sent from the other terminal device.

7. The information processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein The message received by the receiving unit includes identification information that identifies the user, and The determining unit determines, based on the identification information, whether the message received by the receiving unit includes information indicating a request to notify the user.

8. The information processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein The determination performed by the determining unit is repeated until the message exchange between the plurality of terminal devices is completed.

9. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein Each of the plurality of terminal devices includes a display unit for displaying images, and The notification unit causes the display unit of the other terminal device to display on the screen that the reply message has not yet been sent.

10. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein There are multiple users, and The notification unit notifies the multiple users, through the other terminal device used by each of the multiple users, that the reply message has not yet been sent.

11. A control method for controlling an information processing device, the information processing device being communicatively connected to a plurality of terminal devices and processing messages exchanged between the plurality of terminal devices. The control method includes: The receiving step involves receiving a message from one of the multiple terminal devices, which has identified the user. as well as In the notification step, if the message received in the receiving step includes information indicating a request to notify the user, and a reply message has not yet been sent from another terminal device included in the plurality of terminal devices (excluding the one terminal device), the user is notified on the other terminal device that the reply message has not yet been sent.

12. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing a program for causing a computer to execute a control method for controlling an information processing device, the information processing device being communicatively connected to a plurality of terminal devices and processing messages exchanged between the plurality of terminal devices. The control method includes: The receiving step involves receiving a message from one of the multiple terminal devices, which has identified the user. as well as In the notification step, if the message received in the receiving step includes information indicating a request to notify the user, and a reply message has not yet been sent from another terminal device included in the plurality of terminal devices (excluding the one terminal device), the user is notified on the other terminal device that the reply message has not yet been sent.

13. A computer program product comprising a program for causing a computer to execute a control method for controlling an information processing device, the information processing device being communicatively connected to and processing messages exchanged between the plurality of terminal devices. The control method includes: The receiving step involves receiving a message from one of the multiple terminal devices, which has identified the user. as well as In the notification step, if the message received in the receiving step includes information indicating a request to notify the user, and a reply message has not yet been sent from another terminal device included in the plurality of terminal devices (excluding the one terminal device), the user is notified on the other terminal device that the reply message has not yet been sent.

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