Chat system and control method for chat system

Abstract

To provide a technique for realizing a chat room that is available even in a scene where a user feels resistance to usage of SNS.SOLUTION: A chat system comprises: a plurality of user terminals; a server; and an information code provided to a plurality of users at a predetermined place and recording a room identifier identifying a chat room. When a first user terminal in the plurality of user terminals reads the room identifier from the information code, the server receives the room identifier from the first user, imparts a first participation identifier to a first participant who participates in the chat room with the first user terminal reading the room identifier from the information code defined as a trigger, connects the first user terminal to the chat room by utilizing the room identifier received from the first user terminal and the first participation identifier, and manages information posted from the first participant.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The technology disclosed in this specification relates to a chat system that provides chat rooms. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a server device that provides both Web chat and login chat. The server device determines whether to guide the user to the Web chat or the login chat based on a response from the user in a chat BOT engine. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2022-027128 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Multiple users can participate in a chat, and chat is provided by various SNS (Social Networking Service). To use chat on an SNS, each user exchanges SNS accounts with the other users.

[0005] Although chat is a convenient way to exchange information, there are situations where people feel reluctant to use SNS. For example, there are situations where chat is used to exchange information at a temporary event. This is because at a temporary event, participants meet each other for the first time and may feel risky about letting other participants know their SNS accounts.

[0006] This specification provides a technology that realizes a chat room that can be used even in situations where people feel uncomfortable using SNS. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The chat system disclosed in this specification comprises a plurality of user terminals, a server that manages chat rooms, and an information code that is provided to a plurality of users at a predetermined location and records a room identifier that identifies the chat room, wherein the server receives the room identifier from the first user terminal when a first user terminal of the plurality of user terminals reads the room identifier from the information code, and assigns a first participation identifier to a first participant participating in the chat room, triggered by the first user terminal reading the room identifier from the information code, and uses the room identifier received from the first user terminal and the first participation identifier to A first user terminal is connected to the chat room to manage information posted by the first participant, and when a second user terminal of the multiple user terminals reads the room identifier from the information code, the room identifier is received from the second user terminal, and the second user terminal's reading of the room identifier from the information code is used as a trigger to assign a second participation identifier to the second participant participating in the chat room, and the second user terminal is connected to the chat room using the room identifier received from the second user terminal and the second participation identifier received from the second user terminal to manage the information posted by the second participant.

[0008] According to the above configuration, each user can participate in a chat room simply by reading with each user terminal an information code provided at a predetermined location where a temporary event or the like is held. Here, each participant's posts are managed using a participation identifier that is assigned when each user terminal reads the information code. In other words, each user's posts are managed without using an SNS account. As described above, it is possible to realize a chat room that can be used even in situations where users feel uncomfortable using an SNS.

[0009] The chat system may include a plurality of the information codes, the plurality of information codes including a first information code and a second information code, the first information code recording the room identifier and the first participation identifier, and the second information code recording the room identifier and the second participation identifier, the server assigning the first participation identifier to the first participant by receiving from the first user terminal the first participation identifier read by the first user terminal from the first information code, and the server assigning the second participation identifier to the second participant by receiving from the second user terminal the second participation identifier read by the second user terminal from the second information code.

[0010] According to the above configuration, the first participant can participate in the chat room by presenting the first information code to the first participant. In particular, since the first participation identifier is recorded in the first information code, the first participant does not need to register as a user on the server. Similarly, the second participant can participate in the chat room without needing to register as a user on the server.

[0011] The first information code may further record a first password and the second information code may further record a second password, and the server may allow the first participant to participate in the chat room if the first password read by the first user terminal from the first information code matches a password entered into the first user terminal, and the server may allow the second participant to participate in the chat room if the second password read by the second user terminal from the second information code matches a password entered into the second user terminal.

[0012] According to the above configuration, it is possible to prevent a third party other than the first participant who knows the first password from participating in the chat room. Similarly to the first participant, it is possible to prevent the second participant from participating in the chat room.

[0013] Each of the plurality of information codes may be printed on a paper medium.

[0014] According to the above configuration, by distributing the paper medium on which each information code is printed to each participant at a predetermined location, each participant can be allowed to participate in the chat room.

[0015] The first participation identifier may be first biometric information of the first participant, and the second participation identifier may be second biometric information of the second participant, and the server may allow the first participant to participate in the chat room if the first biometric information read by the first user terminal from the first information code matches the biometric information acquired by the first user terminal from the first participant, and the server may allow the second participant to participate in the chat room if the second biometric information read by the second user terminal from the second information code matches the biometric information acquired by the second user terminal from the second participant.

[0016] According to the above configuration, it is possible to prevent a third party other than the first participant having the first biometric information from participating in the chat room. Similarly to the first participant, it is possible to prevent a second participant from participating in the chat room.

[0017] The information code may be displayed on a display medium installed at the specified location, and each of the first user terminal and the second user terminal may read the room identifier from the information code displayed on the display medium.

[0018] According to the above configuration, by installing the display medium in a predetermined location, each participant can participate in the chat room.

[0019] The first user terminal may store a first terminal identifier that identifies the first user terminal, and the second user terminal may store a second terminal identifier that identifies the second user terminal, and the server may receive the first terminal identifier from the first user terminal that reads the information code and assign the first terminal identifier to the first participant as the first participation identifier, and the server may receive the second terminal identifier from the second user terminal that reads the information code and assign the second terminal identifier to the second participant as the second participation identifier.

[0020] According to the above configuration, the terminal identifier can be used as the participation identifier, and the participation identifier does not need to be recorded in the information code.

[0021] The server may assign the first account information to the first participant as the first participation identifier when the first user terminal that reads the information code logs in to the server using first account information, and the server may assign the second account information to the second participant as the second participation identifier when the second user terminal that reads the information code logs in to the server using second account information.

[0022] According to the above configuration, the account information can be used as the participation identifier, and the participation identifier does not need to be recorded in the information code.

[0023] The server may delete the chat room if a predetermined period of time has passed since information was last posted to the chat room.

[0024] According to the above configuration, a chat room that is no longer needed after a temporary event ends can be deleted.

[0025] Information posted by the first participant may be displayed in the chat room in a first manner, and information posted by the second participant may be displayed in the chat room in a second manner different from the first manner. For example, the first manner may be a first color, and the second manner may be a second color different from the first color.

[0026] According to the above configuration, even if each participant is anonymous, the participant can distinguish each piece of information posted by the other participant. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0027] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a chat system. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a chat system. [Diagram 3] FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing a process of providing a chat code. [Figure 4] FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing a process of using a chat room. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a configuration diagram of a chat system according to another embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram illustrating a process of providing a chat code according to another embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram of another embodiment showing a process of using a chat room. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram illustrating a process of providing a chat code according to another embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram of another embodiment showing a process of using a chat room. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram illustrating a process of providing a chat code according to another embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram of another embodiment showing a process of using a chat room. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram of another embodiment showing a process of using a chat room. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0028] (First Example) (Configuration of chat system 2; Fig. 1, Fig. 2) The chat system 2 is a system that provides chat rooms to a plurality of users 310-510. The chat system 2 includes an administrator terminal 10, a printer 100, a code sheet 110, a server 200, and a plurality of user terminals 300-500. The server 200 manages the chat rooms. The administrator terminal 10 is, for example, a laptop PC, a desktop PC, a tablet terminal, a smartphone, or the like. Each of the user terminals 300-500 is a portable terminal device, for example, a smartphone. In a modified example, each of the user terminals 300-500 may be a stationary terminal device, for example, a desktop PC.

[0029] Each of the devices 10, 200, 300, 400, and 500 is connected to the Internet 6. For example, the administrator terminal 10 can communicate with the server 200 via the Internet 6. The printer 100 is connected to the administrator terminal 10 via a communication means such as a LAN or USB.

[0030] The code sheet 110 is a paper medium on which a plurality of chat codes 112 are printed. The chat codes 112 are information codes, such as two-dimensional codes, bar codes, and multi-line bar codes. In FIG. 1, the reference symbol 112 is attached to one of the plurality of chat codes 112, and the attachment of reference symbols to the other chat codes is omitted.

[0031] The code sheet 110 is printed by the printer 100. The code sheet 110 has perforations 110a for dividing the code sheet 110 into a plurality of pieces. When the code sheet 110 is divided along the perforations 110a, a card 120 on which one chat code 112 is displayed is generated. In this embodiment, one card 120 is distributed to one user.

[0032] Each chat code 112 has a room URL recorded therein for accessing a chat room managed by the server 200. For example, the user 310 operates the user terminal 300 to have the user terminal 300 read the information in the chat code 112 displayed on the card 120. As a result, the user terminal 300 uses the room URL in the chat code 112 to access the server 200 and display a room screen SC1 indicating the chat room. The user 310 can post information to the chat room via the user terminal 300, and can also view information posted to the chat room by other users (e.g., 410).

[0033] (Configuration of administrator terminal 10; Figure 2) The administrator terminal 10 includes a communication interface 20 and a control unit 30. In the following, "interface" will be abbreviated as "I / F." The communication I / F 20 is an I / F for communicating via the Internet 6, and is connected to the Internet 6. Although not shown in the figures, the administrator terminal 10 includes, for example, an operation unit such as a keyboard or a touch panel, and a display unit such as a liquid crystal display.

[0034] The control unit 30 includes a CPU 32 and a memory 34. The CPU 32 executes various processes in accordance with programs 40 and 42 stored in the memory 34. The memory 34 includes a volatile memory and a non-volatile memory.

[0035] The OS program 40 controls the basic operation of the administrator terminal 10. The generation application 42 is an application program for generating the code sheet 110. The generation application 42 is installed in the administrator terminal 10 from a server on the Internet 6, for example.

[0036] (Configuration of user terminal 300; Fig. 2) The user terminal 300, like the administrator terminal 10, includes a communication I / F 320 and a control unit 330, and the control unit 330 includes a CPU 332 and a memory 334. The CPU 332 executes various processes according to the programs 340 and 342 stored in the memory 334. The OS program 340 controls the basic operation of the user terminal 300. The browser 342 is a general-purpose browser program. Although not shown, the user terminal 300 includes an operation unit and a display unit. The other user terminals 400 and 500 also have the same configuration as the user terminal 300.

[0037] (Server 200 configuration; Figure 2) The server 200 includes a communication I / F 220 and a control unit 230. The communication I / F 220 is connected to the Internet 6. The control unit 230 includes a CPU 232 and a memory 234. The CPU 232 executes various processes in accordance with a program 240 stored in the memory 34.

[0038] The memory 34 further stores a management table 250. The management table 250 manages one or more chat rooms. For each of the one or more chat rooms, the management table 250 stores a room ID for identifying the chat room and a code ID assigned to each chat code 112 in association with each other.

[0039] (Chat code provided; Figure 3) The process for providing each user with a chat code will be described with reference to FIG. 3. In the following, for ease of understanding, the operations executed by a CPU (e.g., 32) in accordance with each program (e.g., 40) will be described with each device (e.g., 10) as the subject, rather than with the CPU as the subject. Also, communication with the server 200 is executed via the Internet 6, the communication I / F 20, the communication I / F 220, and the communication I / F 320. In the following, when describing communication with the server 200, the terms "via the Internet 6," "via the communication I / F 20," "via the communication I / F 220," and "via the communication I / F 320" will be omitted.

[0040] In T100, the administrator terminal 10 starts the generation application 42 in response to a user operation. The processing from T102 onwards is executed in accordance with the generation application 42. Note that, in a modified example, the administrator terminal 10 may not have the generation application 42 installed, and the processing from T102 onwards may be executed in accordance with, for example, a general-purpose browser program.

[0041] In T102, the administrator terminal 10 transmits a generation request to the server 200 to request the generation of sheet image information representing the code sheet 110.

[0042] When the server 200 receives a generation request from the administrator terminal 10 in T102, the server 200 generates a room ID "r01" and eight code IDs "c01" to "c08" in T110. In T112, the server 200 associates each of the eight code IDs "c01" to "c08" with the room ID "r01" and stores them in the management table 250. In T114, the server 200 generates sheet image information representing a code sheet 110 using the room ID "r01" and the eight code IDs "c01" to "c08". In this case, as shown in FIG. 3, eight chat codes 112 are displayed on the code sheet 110. For example, a room URL, a room ID "r01", and a code ID "c01" are recorded in one chat code 112, and a room URL, a room ID "r01", and a code ID "c02" are recorded in another chat code 112. That is, the room URL and room ID "r01" are commonly recorded in the eight chat codes 112, and different code IDs are recorded in each of the eight chat codes 112. Note that the number of chat codes 112 is merely an example.

[0043] In this embodiment, the chat code 112 has a public section and a private section. For example, the room URL may be recorded in the public section, and the room ID and the code ID may be recorded in the private section. The public section is readable by a general-purpose terminal device, while the private section is readable only by a specific terminal device. The specific terminal device is, for example, a terminal device in which a specific application program is installed. By recording the room ID and the code ID in the private section, the security of the room ID and the code ID can be improved. Note that in a modified example, the chat code 112 does not need to include a private section.

[0044] In T116, the server 200 transmits the sheet image information generated in T114 to the administrator terminal 10.

[0045] When the administrator terminal 10 receives the sheet image information from the server 200 in T116, it transmits print data to the printer 100 in T122. The print data is data for printing the code sheet 110 represented by the sheet image information. As a result, the printer 100 prints the code sheet 110 in T124.

[0046] (Chat room usage; Figure 4) A process for using a chat room will be described with reference to Fig. 4. For example, in this case, the chat room is used for sharing information among participants of a temporary event such as a bus tour. Each of a plurality of cards 120 divided from the code sheet 110 generated in the process of Fig. 3 is dealt to each participant.

[0047] In this case, a card 120 having a code ID "c01" recorded thereon is distributed to a participant 310 carrying a user terminal 300. In T140, the user terminal 300 reads information from the chat code 112 on the card 120. As a result, in T142, the user terminal 300 obtains the room URL, the room ID "r01", and the code ID "c01".

[0048] In T144, the user terminal 300 starts the browser 342 and transmits an HTTP command including the room URL as an access destination to the server 200. The HTTP command further includes the room ID "r01" and the code ID "c01". The processing from T146 onwards is executed in accordance with the browser 342. Note that in a modified example, a dedicated application program for accessing the server 200 may be installed in the user terminal 300. Then, the processing from T144 onwards may be executed in accordance with the application program. Note that in this modified example, the command of T144 may be a command according to a protocol other than HTTP.

[0049] When the server 200 receives an HTTP command from the user terminal 300 in T144, the server 200 calls a chat room (hereinafter, referred to as chat room "r01") identified by the room ID "r01" included in the HTTP command. Then, in T146, the server 200 establishes a session "r01-c01" between the user terminal 300 and the chat room "r01" using the room ID "r01" and the code ID "c01". The code ID "c01" is not related to the participant 310 until it is received by the server 200 from the user terminal 300. By receiving the code ID "c01" from the user terminal 300, the server 200 establishes a session "r01-c01" between the user terminal 300 carried by the participant 310. That is, by receiving the code ID "c01" from the user terminal 300, the server 200 assigns the code ID "c01" to the participant 310.

[0050] Using the session "r01-c01," user terminal 300 receives Web page data representing a room screen SC1 of chat room "r01" from server 200. User terminal 300 then displays the room screen SC1.

[0051] Also, in this case, another card 120 with code ID "c02" recorded on it is distributed to participant 410 carrying user terminal 400. T160 to T168 are similar to T140 to T168, except that user terminal 400 and code ID "c02" are used. That is, session "r01-c02" is established between user terminal 400 and chat room "r01".

[0052] In T150, the participant 310 operates the user terminal 300 to post information. In T152, the user terminal 300 transmits the posted information, which is the information posted by the participant 310, to the server 200. When the server 200 receives the posted information from the user terminal 300 in T152, the server 200 transmits update information to the user terminal 300 for updating the chat room "r01" by reflecting the posted information of T152 in the chat room "r01". In this way, the user terminal 300 updates the room screen SC1. Here, the session "r01-c01" is used for the communications of T152 and T154, and the information posted by the participant 310 is distinguished from the information posted by other participants. T170 to T176 are similar to T150 to T156 except that the user terminal 400 is used. By the participant 310 and the participant 410 posting information in the same chat room "r01", information is shared between the participant 310 and the participant 410. Furthermore, the posts of each participant are distinguished from each other by a code ID, and each participant does not have to post his / her own name. Each participant can post anonymously.

[0053] Even at temporary events such as bus tours, there is a demand for participants to exchange information with each other. Chat is a convenient place for exchanging information. Chat is also provided by various SNS. However, at temporary events, participants may feel reluctant to use SNS. This is because at temporary events, participants meet each other for the first time and may feel there is a risk in having other participants know their SNS accounts.

[0054] In this embodiment, each participant can participate in the chat room "r01" simply by reading, with each user terminal, the chat code 112 displayed on a card 120 that is distributed at a predetermined location where a temporary event or the like is held. In particular, the ID given to each participant is the code ID recorded in the chat code 112, and the ID is given to each participant when each user terminal reads the chat code 112 (T144 and T146). In other words, the posts of each participant are managed without using an SNS account. As described above, it is possible to realize a chat room that can be used even in situations where users are reluctant to use an SNS.

[0055] Furthermore, according to the configuration of this embodiment, a code ID is recorded in the chat code 112, and each participant is identified by the code ID, and user registration in the server 200 is not required. User registration is the registration of personal information of each participant. By eliminating the need to register personal information, it is possible to encourage each participant to participate in the chat room.

[0056] In this embodiment, on the room screen SC1, information posted by the participant 310 is displayed in a first color, and information posted by the participant 410 is displayed in a second color. The first color is, for example, blue, and the second color is, for example, yellow. Generally speaking, the second color is a color different from the first color. Each participant can distinguish information posted by other participants by using the difference in color, even if the participant is anonymous.

[0057] Generally speaking, it is sufficient that the information posted by the participant 310 is displayed in a different manner from the information posted by the participant 410. For example, the different manner is a different symbol, a different character, or a different nickname. This configuration is not limited to this embodiment, and can also be adopted in other embodiments described later. Note that, in a modified example, the information posted by the participant 310 may be displayed in the same manner as the information posted by the participant 410.

[0058] In this embodiment, the server 200 monitors in T180 whether a predetermined period has passed since information was last posted to the chat room "r01". If the predetermined period has passed since the last posting (YES in T180), the server 200 deletes the chat room "r01" in T182. For example, the server 200 deletes all information posted to the chat room "r01" from the server 200. The chat room "r01" that is no longer needed after the end of a temporary event can be deleted. This configuration is not limited to this embodiment, and can also be adopted in other embodiments described later. Note that in a modified example, the processes of T180 and T182 do not need to be executed.

[0059] (Correspondence) The chat system 2 and the server 200 are examples of a "chat system" and a "server", respectively. The user terminals 300 to 500 are examples of a "multiple user terminals", and the users 310 to 510 are examples of a "multiple users". The user terminal 300 and the user 310 are examples of a "first user terminal" and a "first participant", respectively. The user terminal 400 and the user 410 are examples of a "second user terminal" and a "second participant", respectively. The chat code 112 is an example of an "information code". The chat room "r01" and the room ID "r01" are examples of a "chat room" and a "room identifier", respectively. The chat code 112 and the code ID "c01" distributed to the participant 310 are examples of a "first information code" and a "first participation identifier", respectively, and the chat code 112 and the code ID "c02" distributed to the participant 410 are examples of a "second information code" and a "second participation identifier", respectively. The code sheet 110 is an example of a “paper medium.” T152 and T154 in Fig. 4 are examples of “managing information posted by the first participant.”

[0060] (Second Example) (Configuration of chat system 3; Figure 5) The chat system 3 of this embodiment is similar to the chat system 2 of the first embodiment, except for the difference in the method of displaying the chat code 114. Specifically, the chat system 3 includes a display device 150 instead of the code sheet 110. The display device 150 is, for example, a liquid crystal display or a projector. The display device 150 is connected to the administrator terminal 10 so as to be able to communicate with the administrator terminal 10. In this embodiment, one chat code 114 is displayed on the display device 150.

[0061] (Providing chat code; Figure 6) T200 and T202 are the same as T100 and T102 in FIG. 3. When the server 200 receives a generation request from the administrator terminal 10 in T202, it generates a room ID "r01" in T210, and stores the room ID "r01" in the management table 250 in T212. In this embodiment, a terminal ID is used instead of a code ID. The terminal ID is an identifier stored in a user terminal, such as a MAC address, a serial number, or an IP address. The management table 250 can store the terminal ID in association with the room ID. At this time, the management table 250 does not store any terminal ID in association with the room ID "r01".

[0062] In T214, the server 200 generates code screen information. The code screen information represents the code screen SC2 including the chat code 114 to be displayed on the display device 150. In T216, the server 200 transmits the code screen information generated in T214 to the administrator terminal 10.

[0063] When the administrator terminal 10 receives the code screen information from the server 200 in T216, it transmits the code screen information to the display device 150 in T222. As a result, the display device 150 displays the code screen SC2.

[0064] (Chat room usage; Figure 7) The process for using a chat room will be described with reference to Fig. 7. For example, in this case, display device 150 is installed on a bus for a bus tour. Each participant of the bus tour participates in the chat room by having each user terminal read chat code 114 displayed on display device 150.

[0065] In T240, the user terminal 300 reads information from the chat code 114 of the display device 150. As a result, in T242, the user terminal 300 acquires the room URL and the room ID "r01". Furthermore, in T243, the user terminal 300 acquires from its own memory the terminal ID "t01" that identifies the user terminal 300.

[0066] T244 is similar to T144 in FIG. 4 except that the HTTP command includes the terminal ID "t01". When the server 200 receives the HTTP command from the user terminal 300 in T244, the server 200 stores the terminal ID "t01" included in the HTTP command in the management table 250 in association with the room ID "r01" included in the HTTP command in T245. T246 is similar to T146 in FIG. 4 except that the terminal ID "t01" is used. In this embodiment, the terminal ID "t01" that identifies the user terminal 300 is used as the ID to be assigned to the participant 310.

[0067] T246 and T248 are similar to T146 and T148 in FIG. 4, except that the session "r01-t01" using the terminal ID "t01" is used.

[0068] In this case, the user terminal 400 also reads information from the chat code 114 of the display device 150. T260 to T268 are similar to T240 to T248, except that the terminal ID "t02" of the user terminal 400 is used. That is, a session "r01-c02" using the terminal ID "t02" is established between the user terminal 400 and the chat room "r01".

[0069] T250 to T256 are the same as T150 to T156 in Fig. 4 except that session "r01-t01" is used. T270 to T276 are the same as T170 to T176 in Fig. 4 except that session "r01-t02" is used.

[0070] In this embodiment, each participant can participate in the chat room "r01" simply by reading the chat code 114 displayed on a display device 150 installed at a specified location with each user terminal. In this embodiment, the terminal ID is also used as the ID given to the participant. In other words, the posts of each participant are managed without using an SNS account. As described above, it is possible to realize a chat room that can be used even in situations where people feel uncomfortable using an SNS.

[0071] Furthermore, according to the configuration of this embodiment, by using the terminal ID as the ID to be assigned to the participant, each participant is identified by the terminal ID, and user registration in the server 200 is not required.

[0072] (Correspondence) The chat system 3 and the display device 150 are examples of a "chat system" and a "display medium", respectively. The terminal ID "t01" is an example of a "first participation identifier" and a "first terminal identifier". The terminal ID "t02" is an example of a "second participation identifier" and a "second terminal identifier".

[0073] (Third Example) (Provide chat code; Figure 8) This embodiment is similar to the first embodiment, except that a password is used. T300 is similar to T100 in FIG. 3. When the administrator terminal 10 starts the generation application 42, it displays a screen for entering a password. In T301, the administrator terminal 10 detects the entry of an arbitrary password "xxxx". T302 is similar to T102 in FIG. 3, except that the generation request includes the password "xxxx" entered in T301.

[0074] T301 is the same as T110 in FIG. 3. In T312, the server 200 associates two code IDs "c01" and "c02" with a room ID "r01" and stores them in the management table 250, and associates a password "xxxx" with the room ID "r01" and stores them in the management table 250. In T314, the server 200 generates sheet image information representing a code sheet 130 using the room ID "r01" and two code IDs "c01" and "c02". In this case, as shown in FIG. 8, the code sheet 130 displays two chat codes 132, and the two chat codes 132 correspond to the two code IDs "c01" and "c02", respectively. Furthermore, the password "xxxx" is also displayed on the code sheet 130. In a modified example, the code sheet 130 does not need to display the password "xxxx". Also, please note that the number of chat codes 132 is just an example.

[0075] T316 to T324 are similar to T116 to T124 in FIG. 3, except that code sheet 130 is printed thereon.

[0076] (Chat room usage; Figure 9) The process for using a chat room will be described with reference to FIG. 9. For example, in this case, the code sheet 130 is distributed to the participants of the matching event. The administrator of the matching event uses the administrator terminal 10 to distribute the code sheet 130 to the two participants who have been matched in the matching event. The two participants divide the code sheet 130 into two cards 120, and each participant possesses one card 120. Each participant uses the chat code 132 in each card 120 to participate in the chat room "r01", and continues the conversation even after the matching event ends.

[0077] T340 is the same as T140 in Fig. 4. T342 is the same as T142, except that the user terminal 300 obtains the password "xxxx" from the chat code 132. T344 is the same as T144.

[0078] When the server 200 receives the HTTP command from the user terminal 300 in T344, the server 200 transmits, in T346, authentication screen information to the user terminal 300. The authentication screen information represents an authentication screen including a field for inputting a password.

[0079] When the user terminal 300 receives authentication screen information from the server 200 in T346, the user terminal 300 displays the authentication screen in T348. In T350, the user terminal 300 detects the input of the password "xxxx" on the authentication screen. Then, the user terminal 300 executes password authentication to determine whether the password acquired in T342 matches the password input in T350. In this case, since the two passwords match, the user terminal 300 determines in T352 that the password authentication has been successful, and transmits an authentication success notification indicating that the password authentication has been successful to the server 200 in T354. If the two passwords do not match and the password authentication fails, the processing from T354 onwards is not executed, and the processing in FIG. 9 ends. That is, the participant 310 cannot participate in the chat room.

[0080] T356 and T358 are similar to T146 and T148 in Fig. 4. In this case, too, the participant 310 posts information to the chat room "r01" in the same manner as T150 to T156 in Fig. 4.

[0081] T360 to T378 are similar to T340 to T358, except that user terminal 400 and code ID “c02” are used. In this case, participant 410 also posts information to chat room “r01”, similar to T170 to T176 in FIG.

[0082] According to the configuration of this embodiment, it is possible to prevent a third party other than the participants who know the password "xxxx" from participating in the chat room "r01". Also, since the password "xxxx" is recorded in the chat code 132, it is possible to execute password authentication within the user terminal (e.g., 300). Since communication is not used for password authentication, it is possible to prevent the password "xxxx" from leaking out.

[0083] (Correspondence) The password "xxxx" is an example of a "first password" and a "second password."

[0084] (Fourth Example) This embodiment is similar to the first embodiment, except that biometric information is used. In this embodiment, the biometric information is used as an ID given to the participant, and authentication using the biometric information is also performed.

[0085] (Providing chat code; Figure 10) T400 is the same as T100 in FIG. 3. When the administrator terminal 10 starts the generation application 42, it executes a process of acquiring biometric information from each participant. Here, the biometric information is information that can be used for biometric authentication, such as features of a face, a fingerprint, an iris, a voiceprint, and a behavior. In this case, for example, as in the third embodiment, it is assumed that the case will be used in a matching event. In T401A, the administrator terminal 10 acquires biometric information BI1 from a participant 310, and in T401B, it acquires biometric information BI2 from a participant 410. T402 is the same as T102 in FIG. 3, except that the generation request includes biometric information BI1 and BI2.

[0086] When the server 200 receives the generation request from the administrator terminal 10 in T402, the server 200 generates a room ID "r01" in T410. Then, in T412, the server 200 associates the biometric information BI1 and BI2 included in the generation request with the room ID "r01" and stores them in the management table 250. In this embodiment, biometric information is used as an ID for identifying participants, instead of the code ID of the first embodiment.

[0087] T414 to T424 are the same as in the first embodiment, except that the code sheet 140 is printed. In this case, as shown in Fig. 10, the code sheet 140 displays two chat codes 142, one chat code 142 records biometric information BI1, and the other chat code 142 records biometric information BI2. Note that the number of chat codes 142 is merely an example.

[0088] (Chat room usage; Figure 11) The process for using a chat room will be described with reference to Fig. 11. T440 is the same as T140 in Fig. 4. T442 is the same as T142, except that user terminal 300 acquires biometric information BI1 from chat code 142. T444 is the same as T144.

[0089] When the server 200 receives the HTTP command from the user terminal 300 in T444, in T446, the server 200 transmits guide screen information to the user terminal 300. The guide screen information represents a guide screen that guides the participant 310 (i.e., the user of the user terminal 300) on acquiring biometric information.

[0090] When the user terminal 300 receives the guide screen information from the server 200 in T446, the user terminal 300 displays the guide screen in T448. The participant 310 looks at the guide screen and executes an operation to make the user terminal 300 acquire the biometric information BI1. In T450, the user terminal 300 acquires the biometric information BI1 from the participant 310. Then, the user terminal 300 executes biometric authentication to determine whether the biometric information BI1 acquired from the chat code 142 in T442 matches the biometric information BI1 acquired from the participant 310 in T450. In this case, since both pieces of biometric information match, the user terminal 300 determines in T452 that the biometric authentication has been successful, and transmits an authentication success notification indicating that the biometric authentication has been successful to the server 200 in T454. If both pieces of biometric information do not match and the biometric authentication fails, the processing from T454 onwards is not executed, and the processing of FIG. 11 ends. That is, the participant 310 cannot participate in the chat room.

[0091] T456 and T458 are similar to T146 and T148 in Fig. 4. In this case, too, the participant 310 posts information to the chat room "r01" in the same manner as T150 to T156 in Fig. 4.

[0092] T460 to T478 are similar to T440 to T458, except that the user terminal 400 and the biometric information BI2 are used. In this case, too, the participant 410 posts information to the chat room "r01", similar to T170 to T176 in FIG.

[0093] According to the configuration of this embodiment, it is possible to prevent a third party other than the participant 310 having the biometric information BI1 and the participant 410 having the biometric information BI2 from participating in the chat room "r01". In addition, since the biometric information BI1 and BI2 are recorded in the chat code 142, the biometric authentication can be performed within the user terminal (e.g., 300). Since communication is not used for the biometric authentication, it is possible to prevent the leakage of the biometric information BI1 and BI2.

[0094] (Correspondence) The biometric information BI1 is an example of a “first participation identifier” and “first biometric information.” The biometric information BI2 is an example of a “second participation identifier” and “second biometric information.”

[0095] (Fifth Example) This embodiment is similar to the second embodiment, except that account information is used instead of a terminal ID. In this embodiment, the process of providing a chat code is similar to the process in FIG. 6. In this embodiment, each participant has account information for logging in to the server 200. The account information includes, for example, an account name.

[0096] (Chat room usage; Figure 12) The process for using a chat room will be described with reference to Fig. 12. For example, in this case, display device 150 is installed in a predetermined location (e.g., a hallway) in a company. Company employees participate in the chat room by having each user terminal read chat code 112 displayed on display device 150. The chat room in this case is used, for example, for anonymous exchange of opinions between company employees.

[0097] T540 and T542 are the same as T240 and T242 in Fig. 7. At T544, the user terminal 300 transmits to the server 200 an HTTP command including the room ID "r01".

[0098] When the server 200 receives the HTTP command from the user terminal 300 in T544, the server 200 transmits login screen information to the user terminal 300 in T546. The login screen information represents a login screen that guides the user to log in to the server 200, and the login screen includes a field for inputting account information.

[0099] When the user terminal 300 receives the login screen information in T546, it displays the login screen in T547. In T548, the user terminal 300 detects the input of account information AI1 on the login screen. In T550, the user terminal 300 transmits the account information AI1 input on the login screen to the server 200.

[0100] When server 200 receives account information AI1 from user terminal 300 in T550, it executes login using account information AI1. In this case, login using account information AI1 is successful in T522. If login using account information AI1 fails, the processes from T554 onwards are not executed, and the process in Fig. 12 ends. That is, participant 310 cannot participate in the chat room.

[0101] 7, except that the account information AI1 is stored in management table 250 in association with room ID "r01." In this embodiment, the account information AI1 used by participant 310 to log in to server 200 is used as an ID for participant 310 to participate in chat room "r01." That is, the account information AI1 is given to participant 310 as an ID for participating in chat room "r01."

[0102] T556 and T558 are the same as T246 and T248 in Fig. 7, except that account information AI1 is used. That is, a session "r01-AI1" using account information AI1 is established between user terminal 300 and chat room "r01". In this case, participant 310 also posts information to chat room "r01" in the same manner as T150 to T156 in Fig. 4.

[0103] T560 to T578 are similar to T540 to T558, except that the user terminal 400 and account information AI2 are used. The account information AI2 is information for the participant 410 to log in to the server 200. In this case, the participant 410 also posts information to the chat room "r01", similar to T170 to T176 in FIG.

[0104] According to the configuration of this embodiment, the account information can be used as an ID for participants to participate in the chat room "r01". Participants can use the account information they already have, improving user convenience. Furthermore, the account information of this embodiment is information for logging in to a server 200 that is different from the server that provides the SNS, and this embodiment also makes it possible to realize a chat room that can be used in situations where users are reluctant to use an SNS.

[0105] (Correspondence) The account information AI1 is an example of a “first participation identifier” and “first account information.” The account information AI2 is an example of a “second participation identifier” and “second account information.”

[0106] Although specific examples of the technology disclosed in this specification have been described above, these are merely examples and do not limit the scope of the claims. The technology described in the claims includes various modifications and variations of the specific examples exemplified above. For example, the following modifications may be adopted.

[0107] (Variation 1) In the first embodiment, biometric information similar to that in the fourth embodiment may be used instead of the code ID. In this variation, the biometric information may be acquired similarly to T401A and T401B in FIG. 10 and stored in the management table 250. In this variation, the biometric information may be used simply as an ID, and biometric authentication may not be performed. In this variation, the biometric information is an example of a "first participation identifier" and a "second participation identifier."

[0108] (Variation 2) In the second embodiment, biometric information similar to that in the fourth embodiment may be used instead of the terminal ID. In this variation, biometric information of each participant may be acquired at T243 and T263 in FIG. 7, and may be stored in the management table 250 at T245 and T265. In this variation, the biometric information may be used simply as an ID, and biometric authentication may not be performed. In this variation, the biometric information is an example of a "first participation identifier" and a "second participation identifier".

[0109] (Modification 3) In the second embodiment, the chat code 114 may be printed on a paper medium and pasted in a predetermined location (for example, a bulletin board). In this modification, the paper medium is an example of a "display medium".

[0110] (Modification 4) In the third embodiment, different passwords may be set for the participants 310 and 410. Generally speaking, the "second password" may be different from the "first password".

[0111] The technical elements described in this specification or drawings have technical utility either alone or in various combinations, and are not limited to the combinations described in the claims at the time of filing. In addition, the technologies illustrated in this specification or drawings achieve multiple objectives simultaneously, and achieving one of these objectives is itself technically useful. [Explanation of symbols]

[0112] 2: Chat system 3: Chat system 6: Internet 10: Administrator terminal 20: Communication I / F 30: Control section 32 :CPU 34: Memory 40: OS program 42: Generation app 100: Printer 110, 130, 140: Code sheet 110a: Perforation 120: Card 112, 114, 132, 142: Chat codes 150:Display device 200 :Server 220: Communication I / F 230: Control section 232 :CPU 234: Memory 240: Program 250: Management table 300: User terminal 310: User (participant) 320: Communication I / F 330: Control section 332 :CPU 334: Memory 340: OS program 342: Browser 400: User terminal 410: User (participant) AI1, AI2: Account information BI1, BI2: Biological information SC1: Room Screen SC2: Code Screen

Claims

1. A plurality of user terminals; A server for managing chat rooms; an information code that is provided to a plurality of users at a predetermined location and records a room identifier that identifies the chat room; Equipped with The server, receiving the room identifier from a first user terminal among the plurality of user terminals when the first user terminal reads the room identifier from the information code; assigning a first participation identifier to a first participant participating in the chat room, triggered by the first user terminal reading the room identifier from the information code; connecting the first user terminal to the chat room using the room identifier and the first participation identifier received from the first user terminal, and managing information posted by the first participant; receiving the room identifier from a second user terminal among the plurality of user terminals when the second user terminal reads the room identifier from the information code; a second participation identifier is assigned to a second participant who participates in the chat room, triggered by the second user terminal reading the room identifier from the information code; connecting the second user terminal to the chat room by utilizing the room identifier received from the second user terminal and the second participation identifier received from the second user terminal, and managing information posted by the second participant. Chat system.

2. The chat system includes a plurality of the information codes, the plurality of information codes include a first information code and a second information code, the first information code records the room identifier and the first participation identifier; the second information code records the room identifier and the second participation identifier; the server assigns the first participation identifier to the first participant by receiving from the first user terminal the first participation identifier that the first user terminal reads from the first information code; 2. The chat system of claim 1, wherein the server assigns the second participation identifier to the second participant by receiving from the second user terminal the second participation identifier which the second user terminal reads from the second information code.

3. The first information code further records a first password; The second information code further records a second password; the server permits the first participant to participate in the chat room if the first password read by the first user terminal from the first information code matches a password input to the first user terminal; 3. The chat system of claim 2, wherein the server allows the second participant to participate in the chat room if the second password read by the second user terminal from the second information code matches the password entered into the second user terminal.

4. 3. The chat system according to claim 2, wherein each of the plurality of information codes is printed on a paper medium.

5. the first participation identifier is first biometric information of the first participant; the second participation identifier is second biometric information of the second participant; the server permits the first participant to participate in the chat room when the first biometric information read from the first information code by the first user terminal matches the biometric information acquired from the first participant by the first user terminal; 3. The chat system of claim 2, wherein the server allows the second participant to participate in the chat room if the second biometric information read from the second information code by the second user terminal matches the biometric information acquired from the second participant by the second user terminal.

6. the information code is displayed on a display medium installed at the predetermined location, 2. The chat system according to claim 1, wherein each of the first user terminal and the second user terminal reads the room identifier from the information code displayed on the display medium.

7. a first terminal identifier for identifying the first user terminal is stored in the first user terminal; a second terminal identifier for identifying the second user terminal is stored in the second user terminal; the server receives the first terminal identifier from the first user terminal that has read the information code, and assigns the first terminal identifier to the first participant as the first participation identifier; 7. The chat system according to claim 6, wherein the server receives the second terminal identifier from the second user terminal that reads the information code, and assigns the second terminal identifier to the second participant as the second participation identifier.

8. the server assigns the first account information to the first participant as the first participation identifier by the first user terminal having read the information code logging in to the server using first account information; 7. The chat system of claim 6, wherein the server assigns the second account information to the second participant as the second participation identifier when the second user terminal that reads the information code logs into the server using the second account information.

9. The chat system according to claim 1 , wherein the server deletes the chat room when a predetermined period of time has elapsed since information was last posted to the chat room.

10. the information posted by the first participant is displayed in a first manner in the chat room; The chat system of claim 1 , wherein the information posted by the second participant is displayed in the chat room in a second manner different from the first manner.

11. the first aspect is a first color; The chat system of claim 10 , wherein the second aspect is a second color different from the first color.

12. A method for controlling a chat system, comprising: a first receiving step of receiving a room identifier from a first user terminal among a plurality of user terminals when the first user terminal reads a room identifier identifying a chat room from an information code, the information code being provided to a plurality of users at a predetermined location, and recording the room identifier; a first assigning step of assigning a first participation identifier to a first participant who participates in the chat room, triggered by the first user terminal reading the room identifier from the information code; a first management step of connecting the first user terminal to the chat room by using the room identifier and the first participation identifier received from the first user terminal, and managing information posted by the first participant; a second receiving step of receiving the room identifier from a second user terminal of the plurality of user terminals when the second user terminal reads the room identifier from the information code; a second assigning step of assigning a second participation identifier to a second participant who participates in the chat room, triggered by the second user terminal reading the room identifier from the information code; a second management step of connecting the second user terminal to the chat room by using the room identifier received from the second user terminal and the second participation identifier received from the second user terminal, and managing information posted by the second participant; A control method comprising:

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