Program, information processing method, and terminal

Abstract

To provide a new technology related to a chat service.SOLUTION: A program to be executed by a terminal includes: displaying a first chat room including a user of the terminal on a display unit of the terminal; moving from the first chat room displayed on the display unit to a second chat room, and displaying first information about displaying the second chat room on the display unit, on the display unit; and causing a control unit of the terminal to execute first processing on displaying the second chat room, on the basis of an input to the terminal on which the first information is displayed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1-1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a program, an information processing method, a terminal, and the like. [Background technology]

[0002] Recently, there are increasing opportunities for users to use chat services such as messaging services using terminals such as smartphones, personal computers, etc. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology related to messaging services. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2014-160467 A Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a program to be executed by a terminal includes displaying a first chat room including a user of the terminal on a display unit of the terminal, displaying on the display unit a first display related to moving from the first chat room displayed on the display unit to a second chat room and displaying the second chat room on the display unit, and performing a first process related to displaying the second chat room by a control unit of the terminal based on an input to the terminal on which the first display is displayed. According to a second aspect of the present invention, an information processing method for a terminal includes displaying a first chat room including a user of the terminal on a display unit of the terminal, displaying a first display on the display unit related to moving from the first chat room displayed on the display unit to a second chat room and displaying the second chat room on the display unit, and performing a first process related to displaying the second chat room by a control unit of the terminal based on an input to the terminal on which the first display is displayed. According to a third aspect of the present invention, a terminal includes a display unit that displays a first chat room including a user of the terminal, moves from the displayed first chat room to a second chat room, and displays a first display related to displaying the second chat room, and a control unit that performs a first process related to displaying the second chat room based on an input to the terminal on which the first display is displayed. According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, a terminal includes a processor that reads a program stored in a memory unit and executes processing based on the program, and the processor executes the following: displaying a first chat room including a user of the terminal on a display unit of the terminal; displaying on the display unit a first display related to moving from the first chat room displayed on the display unit to a second chat room and displaying the second chat room on the display unit; and performing a first process related to the display of the second chat room based on an input to the terminal on which the first display is displayed. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0005] [Figure 1-1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration of a communication system according to an embodiment. [Figure 1-2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of functions realized by a control unit of the server according to the first embodiment. [Figure 1-3] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of information stored in a storage unit of the server according to the first embodiment. [Figure 1-4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of user registration data according to the first embodiment. [Figure 1-5] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of friend registration data according to the first embodiment. [Figure 1-6] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of functions realized by a control unit of the terminal according to the first embodiment. [Figure 1-7] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of information stored in a storage unit of the terminal according to the first embodiment. [Figure 1-8] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a talk room pattern table according to the first embodiment. [Figure 1-9] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on a display unit of the terminal according to the first embodiment. [Figure 1-10]FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on a display unit of the terminal according to the first embodiment. [Figure 1-11] 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of a process executed by the terminal according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2-1] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a destination talk room candidate determination table in the second embodiment. [Figure 2-2] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on a display unit of a terminal according to a second embodiment. [Figure 2-3] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on a display unit of a terminal according to a second embodiment. [Figure 2-4] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on a display unit of a terminal according to a second embodiment. [Figure 2-5] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of a process executed by a terminal according to a second embodiment. [Figure 2-6] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processes executed by each device according to a second modified example. [Figure 3-1] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a talk room information display condition table according to the third embodiment. [Figure 3-2] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on a display unit of a terminal according to a third embodiment. [Figure 3-3] 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of a process executed by a terminal according to a third embodiment. [Figure 4-1] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a talk room information display deletion condition table according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 4-2] 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of a process executed by a terminal according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 5-1] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on a display unit of a terminal according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 5-2] 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of a process executed by a terminal according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 6-1] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on a display unit of a terminal according to the sixth embodiment. [Figure 6-2] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on a display unit of a terminal according to the sixth embodiment. [Figure 6-3]23 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of a process executed by a terminal according to the sixth embodiment. [Figure 6-4] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on a display unit of a terminal according to a sixth modified example. [Figure 7-1] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on a display unit of a terminal according to the seventh embodiment. [Figure 7-2] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on a display unit of a terminal according to a seventh modified example. [Figure 7-3] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on a display unit of a terminal according to a seventh modified example. [Figure 8-1] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on a display unit of a terminal according to an eighth embodiment.

[0006] <System configuration> FIG. 1-1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration of a communication system 1 according to the present embodiment. In the communication system 1, as an example and not a limitation, a server 10 is connected to one or more terminals 20 (terminal 20A, terminal 20B, terminal 20C, . . . ) via a network 30.

[0007] The server 10 has a function of providing a messaging service, which is an example of a chat service, to a terminal 20 owned by a user via a network 30. The server 10 can also be expressed as a messaging server, a messaging service server, etc. In this embodiment, as an example and not a limitation, a user of the server 10 is a messaging service provider. The number of servers 10 and the number of terminals 20 connected to the network 30 are not limited.

[0008] The terminal 20 (terminal 20A, terminal 20B, terminal 20C, ...) may be any information processing terminal capable of implementing the functions described in each embodiment. The terminal 20 includes, but is not limited to, a smartphone, a mobile phone (feature phone), a computer (such as, but not limited to, a desktop, laptop, tablet, etc.), a media computer platform (such as, but not limited to, a cable or satellite set-top box, digital video recorder), a handheld computer device (such as, but not limited to, a PDA (personal digital assistant), email client, etc.), a wearable device (such as a glasses-type device, a watch-type device, etc.), a VR (Virtual Reality) terminal, a smart speaker (a device for voice recognition), or other types of computers or communication platforms. The terminal 20 may also be expressed as an information processing terminal.

[0009] The configurations of the terminals 20A, 20B, and 20C can be the same as one another, for example and not for limitation. In addition, if necessary, the terminal used by the user X may be expressed as the terminal 20X, and the user information in a predetermined service associated with the user X or the terminal 20X may or may not be expressed as the user information X. The user information is information of a user associated with an account used by the user in a specific service. The user information includes, but is not limited to, information associated with a user, such as the user's name, the user's icon image, the user's age, the user's sex, the user's address, the user's hobbies and interests, and the user's identifier, which is input by the user or given by a specific service, and may be any one of these, or a combination of these, or may not be the same.

[0010] The network 30 plays a role of connecting one or more terminals 20 and one or more servers 10. In other words, the network 30 refers to a communication network that provides a connection path so that the above-mentioned various devices can be connected and then transmit and receive data.

[0011] One or more portions of network 30 may or may not be wired or wireless networks. Network 30 may include, by way of example and not limitation, an ad hoc network, an intranet, an extranet, a virtual private network (VPN), a local area network (LAN), a wireless LAN (WLAN), a wide area network (WAN), a wireless WAN (WWAN), a metropolitan area network (MAN), a portion of the Internet, a portion of the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), a cellular network, integrated service digital networks (ISDN), wireless LAN, long term evolution (LTE), code division multiple access (CDMA), Bluetooth, satellite communications, or the like, or a combination of two or more thereof. Network 30 may include one or more networks 30.

[0012] The server 10 (not limited to, but an example of a server, information processing device, or information management device) has a function of providing a predetermined service (messaging service in the embodiment described below) to the terminal 20. The server 10 may be any device as long as it is an information processing device capable of realizing the functions described in each embodiment. The server 10 includes, not limited to, but an example of a server device, a computer (not limited to, but an example of a desktop, laptop, tablet, etc.), a media computer platform (not limited to, but an example of a cable, satellite set-top box, digital video recorder), a handheld computer device (not limited to, but an example of a PDA, email client, etc.), or other types of computers or communication platforms. The server 10 may also be expressed as an information processing device. When it is not necessary to distinguish between the server 10 and the terminal 20, the server 10 and the terminal 20 may or may not be expressed as information processing devices.

[0013] [Hardware (HW) configuration of each device] The hardware configuration of each device included in the communication system 1 will be described.

[0014] (1) Terminal hardware configuration FIG. 1-1 shows an example of the hardware configuration of the terminal 20. In FIG. The terminal 20 includes a control unit 21 (CPU: central processing unit), a storage unit 28, a communication I / F 22 (interface), an input / output unit 23, a clock unit 29A, and a position calculation information detection unit 29B. The HW components of the terminal 20 are connected to each other via a bus B, for example and not for limitation. It is not essential that the HW configuration of the terminal 20 includes all of the components. For example and not for limitation, the terminal 20 may or may not be configured such that individual components or multiple components are removable.

[0015] The communication I / F 22 transmits and receives various data via the network 30. The communication may be performed either wired or wirelessly, and any communication protocol may be used as long as the communication between the two devices is possible. The communication I / F 22 has a function of communicating with various devices such as the server 10 via the network 30. The communication I / F 22 transmits various data to various devices such as the server 10 according to instructions from the control unit 21. The communication I / F 22 also receives various data transmitted from various devices such as the server 10 and transmits it to the control unit 21. The communication I / F 22 may also be simply referred to as a communication unit. When the communication I / F 22 is configured with a physically structured circuit, it may also be referred to as a communication circuit.

[0016] The input / output unit 23 includes a device for inputting various operations to the terminal 20, a device for outputting the results of processing performed by the terminal 20, etc. The input / output unit 23 may be an integrated input unit and an output unit, or may be separate from the input unit and the output unit, or may not be.

[0017] The input unit is realized by any one or a combination of all kinds of devices that can receive input from a user and transmit information related to the input to the control unit 21. Examples of the input unit include, but are not limited to, a touch panel, a touch display, hardware keys such as a keyboard, a pointing device such as a mouse, a camera (operation input via moving images), and a microphone (operation input by voice).

[0018] The output unit is realized by any one or a combination of all kinds of devices capable of outputting the processing results processed by the control unit 21. Examples of the output unit include, but are not limited to, a touch panel, a touch display, a speaker (audio output), a lens (for example, but not limited to, 3D (three dimensions) output and hologram output), a printer, etc.

[0019] By way of example only, the input / output unit 23 includes, by way of example and not limitation, a display unit 24, a sound input unit 25, a sound output unit 26, and an imaging unit 27.

[0020] The display unit 24 is realized by any one of all kinds of devices capable of displaying according to the display data written in the frame buffer, or a combination thereof. The display unit 24 includes, but is not limited to, a touch panel, a touch display, a monitor (for example, but not limited to, a liquid crystal display or an organic electroluminescence display (OLED)), a head mounted display (HDM), a projection mapping, a hologram, a device capable of displaying images, text information, and the like in air (which may or may not be a vacuum). Note that these display units 24 may or may not be capable of displaying display data in 3D.

[0021] The sound input unit 25 is used to input sound data (including voice data; the same applies below). The sound input unit 25 includes a microphone and the like. The sound output unit 26 is used to output sound data and includes a speaker and the like. The imaging unit 27 is used to obtain image data (including still image data and moving image data; the same applies below.) The imaging unit 27 includes a camera and the like.

[0022] When the input / output unit 23 is a touch panel, the input / output unit 23 and the display unit 24 may be disposed facing each other and have approximately the same size and shape.

[0023] The clock unit 29A is a built-in clock of the terminal 20, and outputs time information (timekeeping information). The clock unit 29A is configured to include, for example and not limitation, a clock using a crystal oscillator. The clock unit 29A can also be expressed as a timekeeping unit or a time information detection unit, for example and not limitation.

[0024] The clock unit 29A may or may not have a clock that conforms to the Network Identity and Time Zone (NITZ) standard or the like.

[0025] The position calculation information detection unit 29B is a functional unit that detects (measures) information (hereinafter referred to as "position calculation information") necessary for the control unit 21 to calculate (measure) the position of its own terminal 20. The position calculation information detection unit 29B can also be expressed as a position calculation sensor unit, for example and not by way of limitation.

[0026] The position calculation information detection unit 29B includes, by way of example and not limitation, a satellite positioning sensor (satellite positioning unit) which is a sensor or unit for calculating the position of the terminal 20 using a satellite positioning system such as GPS (Global Positioning System), an inertial measurement sensor (inertial measurement unit (IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit))) which is a sensor or unit for calculating the position of the terminal 20 using an inertial navigation system, a UWB positioning sensor (UWB positioning unit) which is a sensor or unit for calculating the position of the terminal 20 using UWB (Ultra Wide Band), and the like.

[0027] The satellite positioning unit includes, by way of example and not limitation, an RF receiving circuit that converts RF (Radio Frequency) signals, including positioning satellite signals transmitted from positioning satellites and received by an antenna (not shown), into digital signals, and a baseband processing circuit that performs correlation calculation processing or the like on the digital signals output from the RF receiving circuit to capture the positioning satellite signals, and outputs information such as satellite orbit data and time data extracted from the positioning satellite signals as information for position calculation.

[0028] The inertial measurement unit has an inertial sensor that is a sensor that detects information required for calculating the position of the terminal 20 by inertial navigation calculation. The inertial sensor includes, but is not limited to, a three-axis acceleration sensor and a three-axis gyro sensor, and outputs the acceleration detected by the acceleration sensor and the angular velocity detected by the gyro sensor as information for position calculation.

[0029] The UWB positioning unit includes, by way of example and not limitation, an ultra-wideband RF receiving circuit that converts an ultra-wideband RF (Radio Frequency) signal, including an ultra-wideband pulse signal for positioning transmitted from a positioning beacon and received by an antenna not shown, into a digital signal, and a relative position calculation processing circuit that calculates the relative position between the terminal 20 and the positioning beacon based on the digital signal output from the ultra-wideband RF receiving circuit. As an example and not by way of limitation, the UWB positioning unit may or may not cause the terminal 20 to function as a positioning beacon by transmitting an ultra-wideband RF signal including an ultra-wideband pulse signal for positioning from an antenna not shown.

[0030] As an example and not a limitation, the control unit 21 calculates the position of its own terminal 20 at regular timing or specific timing based on the position calculation information detected by the position calculation information detection unit 29B. The terminal position is referred to as the "terminal position", and the calculated terminal position is referred to as the "calculated terminal position". The control unit 21 may, but may not, associate the calculated terminal position with the date and time when the calculated terminal position is calculated and store it in the storage unit 28 as calculated terminal position history data.

[0031] The control unit 21 has a circuit physically structured to execute the functions realized by the code or instructions contained in the program, and is realized by a data processing device built into hardware, for example and not by way of limitation. Therefore, the control unit 21 may or may not be expressed as a control circuit.

[0032] The control unit 21 includes, by way of example and not limitation, a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor, a processor core, a multiprocessor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), and a field programmable gate array (FPGA).

[0033] The storage unit 28 has a function of storing various programs and various data required for the operation of the terminal 20. The storage unit 28 includes, by way of example and not limitation, various storage media such as a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), a flash memory, a random access memory (RAM), and a read only memory (ROM). In addition, the storage unit 28 may or may not be expressed as a memory.

[0034] Terminal 20 stores program P in storage unit 28, and executes this program P, causing control unit 21 to execute processing as each unit included in control unit 21. In other words, program P stored in storage unit 28 causes terminal 20 to realize each function executed by control unit 21. Also, this program P may or may not be expressed as a program module.

[0035] (2) Server hardware configuration FIG. 1-1 shows an example of the HW configuration of the server 10. In FIG. The server 10 includes a control unit 11 (CPU), a storage unit 15, a communication I / F 14 (interface), an input / output unit 12, and a clock unit 19. The components of the HW of the server 10 are connected to each other via a bus B, for example and not for limitation. It is not essential that the HW of the server 10 includes all the components as the configuration of the HW of the server 10. For example and not for limitation, the HW of the server 10 may or may not be configured such that individual components or multiple components are removable.

[0036] The control unit 11 has circuits physically structured to execute functions realized by codes or instructions contained in a program, and is realized, for example and not by way of limitation, by a data processing device embedded in hardware.

[0037] The control unit 11 is typically a central processing unit (CPU), but may also be a microprocessor, a processor core, a multiprocessor, an ASIC, or an FPGA, but is not limited to these in the present disclosure.

[0038] The storage unit 15 has a function of storing various programs and various data required for the operation of the server 10. The storage unit 15 is realized by various storage media such as an HDD, an SSD, and a flash memory. However, in the present disclosure, the storage unit 15 is not limited to these. Furthermore, the storage unit 15 may or may not be expressed as a memory.

[0039] The communication I / F 14 transmits and receives various data via the network 30. The communication may be performed either wired or wirelessly, and any communication protocol may be used as long as the communication between the two devices is possible. The communication I / F 14 has a function of communicating with various devices such as the terminal 20 via the network 30. The communication I / F 14 transmits various data to various devices such as the terminal 20 according to instructions from the control unit 11. The communication I / F 14 also receives various data transmitted from various devices such as the terminal 20 and transmits it to the control unit 11. The communication I / F 14 may also be simply referred to as a communication unit. When the communication I / F 14 is configured with a physically structured circuit, it may also be referred to as a communication circuit.

[0040] The input / output unit 12 includes a device for inputting various operations to the server 10, a device for outputting the results of processing by the server 10, etc. The input / output unit 12 may be an integrated input unit and an output unit, or may be separate input unit and output unit, or may not be the same.

[0041] The input unit is realized by any one or a combination of all kinds of devices capable of receiving input from a user and transmitting information related to the input to the control unit 11. The input unit is typically realized by hardware keys such as a keyboard or a pointing device such as a mouse. Note that the input unit may or may not include a touch panel, a camera (operation input via moving images), or a microphone (operation input by voice), as examples and without limitation.

[0042] The output unit is realized by any one or a combination of all kinds of devices capable of outputting the processing results processed by the control unit 11. Examples of the output unit include, but are not limited to, a touch panel, a touch display, a speaker (sound output), a lens (for example, but not limited to, 3D (three dimensions) output and hologram output), a printer, etc.

[0043] By way of example only, the input / output unit 12 includes a display unit 13, by way of example and not by way of limitation.

[0044] The display unit 13 is realized by a display or the like. The display is typically realized by a monitor (for example, but not limited to, a liquid crystal display or an organic electroluminescence display (OLED)). The display may or may not be a head mounted display (HDM) or the like. These displays may or may not be capable of displaying display data in 3D. In the present disclosure, the display is not limited to these.

[0045] The clock unit 19 is a built-in clock of the server 10, and outputs time information (timekeeping information). The clock unit 19 is configured to include, for example and not limitation, an RTC (Real Time Clock) as a hardware clock, a system clock, etc. The clock unit 19 can also be expressed as a timekeeping unit or a time information detection unit, for example and not limitation.

[0046] (3)Other The server 10 stores a program P in the storage unit 15, and by executing this program P, the control unit 11 executes the processes of each unit included in the control unit 11. In other words, the program P stored in the storage unit 15 causes the server 10 to realize each function executed by the control unit 11. This program P may or may not be expressed as a program module. The same applies to other devices.

[0047] In each embodiment of the present disclosure, the description will be given assuming that the CPU of the terminal 20 and / or the server 10 executes the program P to realize the present invention. The same applies to other devices.

[0048] The control unit 21 of the terminal 20 and / or the control unit 11 of the server 10 may or may not realize each process by a CPU having a control circuit, but may also realize each process by a logic circuit (hardware) formed in an integrated circuit (IC (Integrated Circuit) chip, LSI (Large Scale Integration)) or a dedicated circuit. These circuits may or may not be realized by one or more integrated circuits, and the multiple processes shown in each embodiment may or may not be realized by one integrated circuit. Furthermore, an LSI may be called a VLSI, a super LSI, an ultra LSI, or the like, depending on the degree of integration. Therefore, the control unit 21 may or may not be expressed as a control circuit. The same applies to other devices.

[0049] In addition, the program P (as an example, but not limited to, a software program, a computer program, or a program module) of each embodiment of the present disclosure may or may not be provided in a state stored in a computer-readable storage medium. The storage medium can store the program P in a "non-transitory tangible medium." In addition, the program P may or may not be for realizing part of the functions of each embodiment of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the program P may or may not be a so-called difference file (difference program) that can realize the functions of each embodiment of the present disclosure in combination with a program P already recorded in a storage medium.

[0050] The storage medium may include one or more semiconductor-based or other integrated circuits (ICs) (such as, by way of example and not limitation, a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or an application specific IC (ASIC)), a hard disk drive (HDD), a hybrid hard drive (HHD), an optical disk, an optical disk drive (ODD), a magneto-optical disk, a magneto-optical drive, a floppy diskette, a floppy disk drive (FDD), a magnetic tape, a solid state drive (SSD), a RAM drive, a secure digital card, or a drive, any other suitable storage medium, or a suitable combination of two or more of these. The storage medium may be volatile, non-volatile, or a combination of volatile and non-volatile, where appropriate. It should be noted that the storage medium is not limited to these examples and may be any device or medium capable of storing the program P. In addition, the storage medium may or may not be referred to as a memory.

[0051] The server 10 and / or the terminal 20 can realize the functions of the multiple functional units shown in each embodiment by reading out the program P stored in a storage medium and executing the read out program P. The same applies to other devices.

[0052] Furthermore, the program P of the present disclosure may or may not be provided to the server 10 and / or the terminal 20 via any transmission medium capable of transmitting a program (such as a communication network or broadcast waves). The server 10 and / or the terminal 20 executes the program P downloaded via the Internet or the like, for example and not for limitation, to realize the functions of the multiple functional units shown in each embodiment. The same applies to other devices.

[0053] In addition, each embodiment of the present disclosure may also be realized in the form of a data signal in which the program P is embodied by electronic transmission. At least a part of the processing in the server 10 and / or the terminal 20 may or may not be realized by cloud computing configured with one or more computers. At least a part or all of the processing in the terminal 20 may or may not be performed by the server 10. In this case, at least a part or all of the processing of each functional unit of the control unit 21 of the terminal 20 may or may not be performed by the server 10. At least a part or all of the processing in the server 10 may or may not be performed by the terminal 20. In this case, at least a part or all of the processing of each functional unit of the control unit 11 of the server 10 may or may not be performed by the terminal 20. Unless explicitly stated, the judgment configuration in the embodiments of the present disclosure is not essential, and a specified process may or may not be executed when the judgment condition is satisfied, or a specified process may or may not be executed when the judgment condition is not satisfied.

[0054] Note that the programs of the present disclosure are implemented using, by way of example and not limitation, scripting languages ​​such as ActionScript and JavaScript (registered trademark), compiler languages ​​such as Objective-C and Java (registered trademark), and markup languages ​​such as HTML5.

[0055] <Example> An embodiment to which the method of the present disclosure is applied will be described below. Note that the embodiments and modifications described in this specification are merely examples of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the embodiments and modifications described in this specification.

[0056] A possible method for switching talk rooms on terminal 20 is to temporarily exit the currently displayed talk room, and then move to a screen for selecting the talk room to be displayed next, based on the user's operation of temporarily exiting the currently displayed talk room and then moving to a screen for selecting the talk room to be displayed next. Then, based on the user's selection (designation) of the talk room to be displayed next, a method for displaying the next talk room is considered. As a non-limiting example, a method is to temporarily exit the currently displayed talk room, and then select a talk room from a talk room list screen that displays a list of talk rooms. However, this method requires complicated operations to switch talk rooms, which is insufficient in terms of user convenience.

[0057] Hereinafter, an embodiment in which the terminal 20 and the server 10 perform processing and control according to the purpose and motivation of the user will be described, taking a messaging service as an example.

[0058] Also, messaging services (MS) (including IMS) can be considered as one form of social networking services (SNS). Therefore, messaging services and social networking services may or may not be distinguished. In other words, social networking services may or may not include messaging services.

[0059] In the embodiment described below, the messaging service will be described as an instant messaging service (IMS) that transmits and receives simple messages between multiple devices via a server 10. Also, an application for implementing this messaging service will be called a "messaging application" and will be illustrated and described as a "Messaging App" as appropriate.

[0060] In addition to simple text, messages can include various types of information that can be sent and received between devices, such as, but not limited to, image information (including at least one of still image information and moving image information), sound information (including voice information), operation information (including buttons, icons, etc.), specific information, communication information, and link information (URL, URI, etc.).

[0061] The text may include, by way of example and not limitation, at least one of national characters, extended characters, machine-dependent characters, numbers, symbols, graphics, and symbols represented by character codes. The text does not have to include at least one of the above characters, extended characters, machine-dependent characters, numbers, symbols, figures, and signs, and may include other text.

[0062] The image information (image) may include, by way of example and not limitation, at least one of various types of image information such as an icon, a button, a stamp, an emoji, and a banner image.

[0063] In this specification, information sent and received via messaging services is referred to as a "message," but this may also be expressed as "content" in a broader sense. In this case, the content may include various types of information that can be transmitted and received between devices, such as, but not limited to, text, image information (including at least one of still image information and moving image information), sound information (including voice information), operation information (including buttons, icons, etc.), specific information, communication information, and link information (URL, URI, etc.). Also, by way of example and not limitation, the message may be text, and the "content" may include both the message and information other than the message.

[0064] The messaging service herein is an example of a chat service. The messaging service is configured to allow users to chat using chat rooms. In the following description, a UI (User Interface) or GUI (Graphical User Interface) that allows each user to view content transmitted and received between terminals of multiple users will be referred to as a "talk room" as appropriate. Note that the talk room may or may not be called a chat room.

[0065] Also, talk rooms can include, by way of example and not limitation, one-to-one user talk rooms (hereinafter referred to as "one-to-one talk rooms"), as well as talk rooms for groups including multiple users (hereinafter referred to as "group talk rooms"). In this case, a talk room refers to a UI or GUI that allows users in a group to view content transmitted and received between terminals in a group including multiple users.

[0066] Additionally, chat rooms may include, by way of example and not limitation, chat rooms (hereinafter referred to as "open chat rooms") for anonymous chatting (hereinafter referred to as "open chat") separate from a user's account. In this embodiment, in an open chat room of a messaging service, as an example and not a limitation, a user can create a group that anyone can join and chat with users other than those registered as friends.

[0067] In this specification, a user of the terminal 20 who uses the messaging service (messaging application) is referred to as a "general user", and an account of this general user is referred to as a "general account". In contrast, a user of an OA provider device or an OA provider terminal (not shown) that uses the messaging service is referred to as an "OA provider," and the account of this OA provider is referred to as an "official account." In other words, in this specification, messaging service accounts include general accounts and official accounts.

[0068] As a non-limiting example, an OA provider having an official account can also send and receive messages to and from other devices via the server 10 using an OA provider device or an OA provider terminal, in the same way as a terminal 20 having a general account. As a non-limiting example, in the same way as when a message is sent to another terminal 20, a message sent from a terminal 20 of a user having a general account to an OA provider device or an OA provider terminal is also delivered to the OA provider device or the OA provider terminal via the server 10. Then, the history of the message is displayed as a talk room or the like on a display unit (not shown) of the OA provider device or the OA provider terminal.

[0069] In addition, talk rooms can include, by way of example and not limitation, a "one-to-one talk room" that is a one-to-one user talk room, a "group talk room" for a group including multiple users, and, by way of example and not limitation, a talk room with an OA provider (hereinafter referred to as an "OA talk room").

[0070] In the embodiment described below, "talk room information" is exemplified as information used to move (transition) from a first talk room to a second talk room. The talk room information is information about a talk room associated with a talk room in the messaging service. This talk room information may include, by way of example and not limitation, information associated with the talk room, such as the name of the talk room (text information), the icon image of the talk room (image information), and the talk room identifier (identification information) entered by the user or assigned by the messaging service, and may be any one of these, or a combination of two or more of these, or may not be the same.

[0071] The talk room information is information selected (specified) by the user of the terminal 20, and is information for moving from a first talk room to a second talk room and displaying the second talk room. For this reason, the talk room information may or may not be expressed as talk room selection information, talk room designation information, destination talk room information, etc.

[0072] In the embodiment described below, roughly two types of talk room information are exemplified. (1) Icon-type chat room information (hereinafter referred to as "icon-type chat room information") (2) Switcher-type talk room information (hereinafter referred to as "switcher-type talk room information")

[0073] In addition, in the following embodiments, by way of example and not limitation, talk information is stored and managed in memory unit 15 of server 10, but talk information added and updated in server 10 is transmitted to terminal 20, and the talk information is also stored and retained in memory unit 28 of terminal 20 separately from server 10.

[0074] In this case, due to issues such as the memory capacity of the server 10, the talk information stored and managed by the server 10 can be deleted from the memory unit 15 of the server 10 after a certain period of time (not limited to a certain period of time, but several weeks) has elapsed, for example and not by way of limitation. On the other hand, the talk information data stored in the memory unit 28 of the terminal 20 can be retained and not deleted unless a deletion request is made by the user of the terminal 20 via the input unit.

[0075] However, this is merely an example and is not limited to this form. As a non-limiting example, talk information may not be retained in terminal 20, and talk information stored and managed in server 10 may be acquired by terminal 20 and displayed, or may not be retained.

[0076] In the following description, it is assumed that the chat service is provided and managed by the server 10, and that the terminal 20 transmits and receives content via the server 10, but the present invention is not limited to this. The present invention is not limited to a system including the terminal 20 and the server 10, but may also be applied to a system that does not include the server 10. This is, by way of example and not of limitation, the following system. A system (distributed system) in which the terminal 20 has the functions of the server 10. This can be realized by using, for example and not by way of limitation, blockchain technology. A system in which terminals 20 communicate wirelessly with each other. This can be realized, for example and not by way of limitation, by communicating in a peer-to-peer (P2P) manner using short-range wireless communication technology such as Bluetooth.

[0077] As a non-limiting example, if a system is applied in which terminals 20 communicate wirelessly with each other, the terminals 20 can directly transmit and receive content to each other via wireless communication without going through the server 10.

[0078] <First Example> The first embodiment is an embodiment in which (1) icon-type talk room information is applied. In the first embodiment, when a first chat room (a currently displayed talk room, as an example and not a limitation) is displayed on the display unit 24, the terminal 20 moves from the first chat room to a second chat room (a talk room to be displayed next, as an example and not a limitation) and displays a first display (icon-type talk room information, as an example and not a limitation) regarding displaying the second chat room on the display unit 24. Then, based on an input on this first display, the terminal 20 uses the control unit 21 of the terminal 20 to perform a first process (a process of switching talk rooms, as an example and not a limitation) regarding displaying the second chat room. By way of example and not limitation, at least one of the first chat room and the second chat room may be an open chat room as discussed above. The contents described in the first embodiment are applicable to any of the other embodiments and other modified examples.

[0079] As described above, an icon is a type of image information (image), so icon-type talk room information is a type of image-type talk room information and an example of image-type talk room information.

[0080] In the following, a case where icon-type talk room information is applied is illustrated as an example, but is not limited to this. As another example, and not a limitation, text-type talk room information represented by text such as characters may be applied.

[0081] [Functional configuration of each device] (1) Server FIG. 1-2 is a diagram showing an example of functions realized by the control unit 11 of the server 10 in this embodiment. The control unit 11 includes, as a functional unit, a messaging application management processing unit 111 for executing messaging application management processing in accordance with a messaging application management processing program 151 stored in the storage unit 15, for example and not by way of limitation.

[0082] FIG. 1-3 is a diagram showing an example of information stored in the storage unit 15 of the server 10 in this embodiment. The memory unit 15 stores, by way of example and not limitation, a messaging application management processing program 151 executed as a messaging application management processing, account registration data 153, friend registration data 154, an account management database 155, and a talk information management database 159.

[0083] The account registration data 153 is registration data related to an account of an application (messaging application in this example), and an example of the data configuration is shown in FIG. 1-4. In the account registration data 153, for example and not by way of limitation, a user name, an application ID, and other registration information are stored in association with each other.

[0084] The user name is the name of the user of the terminal 20 who uses the application, and as a non-limiting example, the name registered by the user of the terminal 20 when using the application is stored.

[0085] The application ID is information used to identify an application account, or the account itself. Note that the number of accounts owned by a single user is not limited to one, and a user may own multiple accounts.

[0086] This application ID is preferably a value unique to each account, and as a non-limiting example, a unique value (proper value) is set and stored by the server 10 for each account. The application ID is information associated with the terminal 20 or the user of the terminal 20, and is an example of information related to the terminal or information related to the user of the terminal.

[0087] Other registration information may include, by way of example and not limitation, various types of information such as identification information for identifying terminal 20, the telephone number (terminal telephone number) of terminal 20, an email address (terminal email address), and authentication information such as passwords (login password, authentication password, etc.) used for various authentications in applications.

[0088] The identification information for identifying the terminal 20 may be, for example and not for limitation, a terminal ID (for example and not for limitation, an International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI)). Moreover, the identification information for identifying the user of the terminal 20 may be, for example and without limitation, an application ID. Note that a "user ID" may or may not be used instead of the application ID.

[0089] Furthermore, if the application allows only one account to be registered per terminal 20, then, as a non-limiting example, "identification information for identifying terminal 20 = identification information for identifying the user of terminal 20 = application ID" may be used.

[0090] Also, by way of example and not limitation, it may or may not be possible to assign multiple terminal IDs to one user ID.

[0091] Also, instead of various IDs such as application IDs, it is possible to apply a method of managing accounts using information such as terminal telephone numbers. In this case, instead of storing ID information such as an application ID in the account registration data 153, information such as a terminal telephone number can be stored in the account registration data 153.

[0092] In addition to the information exemplified above, various other information can also be stored as other registered information. For example and not for limitation, personal information and attribute information (for example and not for limitation, age, sex, place of residence, occupation, hobbies, etc.) of the user of the terminal 20 may be stored. For example and not for limitation, such information may be requested to be input and registered by the user of the terminal 20 when using the messaging application.

[0093] Also, by way of example and not limitation, a history of location information of the terminal 20 (hereinafter referred to as "terminal location information") may be stored. In this case, as an example and not a limitation, the terminal 20 transmits the terminal position information calculated based on the position calculation information detected by the position calculation information detection unit 29B to the server 10 at regular intervals. Alternatively, the terminal 20 transmits the terminal position information to the server 10 in response to a request from the server 10. Then, the server 10 can store the history of the terminal position information received and acquired from the terminal 20 in this manner as terminal position history data.

[0094] The friend registration data 154 is friend management data in an application (messaging application in this example), and an example of the data configuration is shown in FIG. 1-5. In the friend registration data 154, for example and not for limitation, an application ID, a friend application ID, and a friend user name are stored in association with each other.

[0095] In the application ID, the application ID stored and registered in the account registration data 153 is stored. The friend application ID stores the application ID of an account that has registered the account with this application ID as a friend. The friend user name is stored as the user name stored and registered in the account registration data 153 in association with this friend application ID.

[0096] It should be noted that, since the friend user name can be identified from the friend application ID by referring to the account registration data 153, the friend registration data 154 does not necessarily have to store the friend user name.

[0097] The account management database 155 is a database for managing accounts stored in the account registration data 153, and by way of example and not limitation, the account management data is stored as management data for each application ID stored in the account registration data 153. Each account management data stores, by way of example and not limitation, an application ID.

[0098] The talk information management database 159 is a database for managing talk information of each account of the messaging application. Accounts include the general accounts mentioned above as well as, by way of example and not limitation, the official accounts mentioned above.

[0099] Chat information is, by way of example and not limitation, a series of chat contents including content (by way of example and not limitation, messages) exchanged between accounts (including one-to-one and group), and the history of content exchanges (history of sending and receiving content).

[0100] For example, but not for limitation, server 10 receives content transmitted from terminal 20, which is the source of the content, and performs a process of adding the received content to the corresponding chat room. Specifically, the received content is added to and updated in the talk information of the corresponding chat room in talk information management database 159 (talk storage unit). Then, server 10 transmits the additions to the chat room (information on the content added to the chat room) to terminal 20 of the destination user. As a result, the content of the chat room displayed on display unit 24 of terminal 20 is updated.

[0101] (2) Terminal FIG. 1-6 is a diagram showing an example of functions realized by a control unit 21 of a terminal 20 in this embodiment. The control unit 21 includes, as a functional unit, a messaging application processing unit 211 for executing messaging application processing according to a messaging application processing program 281 stored in the storage unit 28, for example and not by way of limitation.

[0102] FIG. 1-7 is a diagram showing an example of information stored in the storage unit 28 of the terminal 20 in this embodiment. The memory unit 28 stores, by way of example and not limitation, a messaging application processing program 281 executed as messaging application processing, an application ID 283, friend data 284, terminal data 285, user data 287, and a talk-related information database 289.

[0103] In the application ID 283, the application ID of the messaging application of the own terminal 20 or the user of the own terminal 20 is stored. It should be noted that the application ID 283 may or may not be capable of storing multiple application IDs.

[0104] Friend data 284 stores the application IDs of accounts that have the account of application ID 283 registered as a friend. Since the friend information is stored and managed on the server 10 side as the friend management data 154, the friend data 284 may not be stored in the storage unit 28 of the terminal 20. In this case, the terminal 20 can acquire the friend information from the server 10.

[0105] In the terminal data 285, various data related to the terminal 20 itself is stored. As an example and not as a limitation, this may include terminal position history data, which is data on the history of terminal position information calculated by control unit 21 of terminal 20 based on position calculation information detected by position calculation information detection unit 29B.

[0106] In the user data 287, various data related to the user of the terminal 20 is stored. As a non-limiting example, personal information and attribute information of the user of the terminal 20 (such as age, sex, place of residence, occupation, hobbies, etc.) may be stored. It is not essential to store this information in the memory unit 28 of the terminal 20, and as a non-limiting example, the personal information and attribute information data of the user registered on the server 10 side may be obtained from the server 10.

[0107] The talk-related information database 289 is a database in which talk information and information related to this talk information (hereinafter collectively referred to as "talk-related information"). This talk-related information database 289 includes, by way of example and not limitation, the following data: Chat history data, which is data on the history of chat information corresponding to an account (the user's own terminal 20 or the user's account of the user's own terminal 20) corresponding to the application ID 283 Chat room data that stores information about chat rooms Chat room display history data, which is data on the display history of chat rooms Chat room operation history data, which is data on the history of operations performed in a chat room It is not necessary to store all of this data in the memory unit 28 of the terminal 20. As a non-limiting example, some of the data may be stored and managed by the server 10, and the terminal 20 may obtain information from the server 10.

[0108] <Chat room pattern table> In this specification, the first talk room may be, by way of example and not limitation, a one-to-one talk room, a group talk room, or an OA talk room, and the second talk room may be, by way of example and not limitation, a one-to-one talk room, a group talk room, or an OA talk room.

[0109] An example of a talk room pattern in which the first talk room is a one-to-one talk room, a group talk room, or an OA talk room, and the second talk room is a one-to-one talk room, a group talk room, or an OA talk room, is described with reference to the talk room pattern table shown in Figure 1-8.

[0110] The talk room pattern table lists talk room pattern names and corresponding first talk rooms and second talk rooms.

[0111] The talk room pattern name is a name that functions as identification information for identifying a talk room pattern.

[0112] The talk room pattern name "PA-01" is a pattern in which the first talk room and the second talk room are both "one-to-one talk rooms."

[0113] The talk room pattern name "PA-02" is a pattern in which the first talk room is a "one-to-one talk room" and the second talk room is a "group talk room."

[0114] The talk room pattern name "PA-03" is a pattern in which the first talk room is a "one-to-one talk room" and the second talk room is an "OA talk room."

[0115] The talk room pattern name "PA-04" is a pattern in which the first talk room is a "group talk room" and the second talk room is a "one-on-one talk room."

[0116] The talk room pattern name "PA-05" is a pattern in which the first talk room and the second talk room are both "group talk rooms."

[0117] The talk room pattern name "PA-06" is a pattern in which the first talk room is a "group talk room" and the second talk room is an "OA talk room."

[0118] The talk room pattern name "PA-07" is a pattern in which the first talk room is an "OA talk room" and the second talk room is a "one-to-one talk room."

[0119] The talk room pattern name "PA-08" is a pattern in which the first talk room is an "OA talk room" and the second talk room is a "group talk room."

[0120] The talk room pattern name "PA-09" is a pattern in which the first talk room and the second talk room are both "OA talk rooms."

[0121] <Display screen> Here, as an example and not a limitation, the talk room pattern is one with a talk room pattern name "PA-01" in which the first talk room is a one-to-one talk room and the second talk room is also a one-to-one talk room, and an example display screen for the second talk room after switching talk rooms will be described.

[0122] (1) First display screen example FIG. 1-9 illustrates an example of a display screen in which the display of icon-type talk room information is erased when the talk room is switched.

[0123] FIG. 1-9 is a diagram showing an example of transition of a screen displayed on the display unit 24 of the terminal 20A of the user AA.

[0124] The name of the messaging application is displayed in the center of the top of the screen as "Messaging App." In addition, the icon image and user name (user AA in this example) of the messaging application of the user of this terminal 20 are displayed in the top right of the screen.

[0125] In Figure 1-9, as an example and not as a limitation, an icon-type talk room information display area ER1 is provided at the bottom of the screen of the currently displayed talk room, in which one or more icon-type talk room information (an example of the first display, not as a limitation) is displayed, allowing the user to select the talk room to move to.

[0126] In addition, on the left screen of Fig. 1-9, below the area at the top of the screen where the name of the messaging application and the like are displayed, a talk room name display area CLR including the name of the talk room (hereinafter referred to as "talk room name") is provided as a type of area indicating which page (in this example, the talk room) in the messaging application is currently displayed, by way of example and not limitation. The talk room name display area CLR can also be said to be an area indicating the page (in this example, the talk room) in the messaging application where the user is currently located.

[0127] In this example, the talk room name display area CLR displays, by way of example and not limitation, characters (in this example, "BB") indicating that this is a talk room for user AA to talk with user BB. Below that is a talk area where users AA and BB can talk in an interactive format, with messages from the other user, user BB, displayed on the left side of the screen and messages from user AA, the user, displayed on the right side of the screen.

[0128] In the icon-type talk room information displayed in the icon-type talk room information display area ER1, users who are registered as friends by the user of the terminal 20A (user AA) are displayed, by way of example and not by way of limitation. In this example, by way of example and not limitation, multiple icon-type talk room information is displayed, including a username "User CC" and a corresponding icon, and a username "User DD" and a corresponding icon.

[0129] The center screen of FIG. 1-9 shows, by way of example and not by way of limitation, a state in which the user name "CC" or the corresponding icon is tapped among multiple icon-type chat room information. In this case, the display switches from the chat room (first chat room) in which the currently displayed contact is user BB to the chat room (second chat room) in which the contact is user CC. As a result, by way of example and not by way of limitation, the screen shown on the right of FIG. 1-9 is displayed.

[0130] This screen is a talk room where user AA can talk with user CC, and by way of example and not limitation, the talk room name display area CLR displays characters (in this example, "CC") indicating that this is a talk room for the user name "CC."

[0131] Also, by way of example and not limitation, multiple pieces of icon-type talk room information are erased from the icon-type talk room information display area ER1 at the bottom of the screen.

[0132] (2) Example of the second display screen FIG. 1-10 illustrates an example of a display screen in which icon-type talk room information continues to be displayed when the talk room is switched.

[0133] FIG. 1-10 is a diagram showing an example of transition of a screen displayed on the display unit 24 of the terminal 20A of the user AA. The screen on the left of FIG. 1-10 is an example of a screen of the first chat room in which user AA is chatting with user BB. In this example, the icon-type talk room information display area ER1 displays, by way of example and not limitation, users who are registered as friends by the user of the terminal 20A (user AA). Specifically, by way of example and not limitation, multiple icon-type chat room information is displayed, including a user name "CC" and a corresponding icon, a user name "DD" and a corresponding icon, and a user name "EE" and a corresponding icon.

[0134] The screen in the center of FIG. 1-10 shows, by way of example and not limitation, a state in which the user name "CC" or the corresponding icon is tapped among multiple icon-type chat room information. In this case, the display switches from the chat room (first chat room) in which the currently displayed contact is user BB to the chat room (second chat room) in which the contact is user CC. As a result, the screen shown on the right of FIG. 1-10 is displayed, by way of example and not limitation.

[0135] This screen is a talk room where user AA can talk with user CC, and by way of example and not limitation, the talk room name display area CLR displays characters (in this example, "CC") indicating that this is a talk room for the user name "CC."

[0136] In addition, the icon-type talk room information display area ER1 at the bottom of the screen displays multiple icon-type talk room information items, including, by way of example and not limitation, the user name "User DD" and a corresponding icon, and the user name "User BB" and a corresponding icon.

[0137] In addition, in any of the other embodiments and other modified examples described below, when the talk room is switched, a configuration may be adopted in which the display of icon-type talk room information continues, or a configuration may be adopted in which the display of icon-type talk room information is erased.

[0138] <Processing> FIG. 1-11 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing executed by the control unit 21 of the terminal 20 in this embodiment. The process described below is merely an example of a process for implementing the method of the present disclosure, and is not limited to this process. Other steps may be added to this process, or some steps may be omitted (deleted). This also applies to each of the flowcharts (processes) described below.

[0139] First, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20 causes the display unit 24 to display the first talk room based on a user's input to the input unit (A110).

[0140] Thereafter, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20 causes the display unit 24 to display the icon-type talk room information (A120). In this case, as one method, but not by way of limitation, the server 10 determines users who are registered as friends by the user of the terminal 20 based on the friend management data 154, and transmits information such as the latest user names and icon images of the users from the server 10 to the terminal 20. Then, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20 can display the icon-type talk room information based on the information received from the server 10.

[0141] Alternatively, information such as the user names and icon images of users who are registered as friends may be stored and saved in the memory unit 28 of the terminal 20, and the control unit 21 of the terminal 20 may read this information from the memory unit 28 and display the icon-type talk room information, but this is not essential.

[0142] Note that the control unit 21 of the terminal 20 may cause the display unit 24 to display two or more pieces of icon-type talk room information, or may cause the display unit 24 to display one piece of icon-type talk room information.

[0143] Next, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20A determines, by way of example and not limitation, whether or not there has been an input to the icon-type talk room information by the user of the terminal 20 via the input unit (A130). If there is no input for the icon-type talk room information (A130: NO), the control unit 21 of the terminal 20 ends the process.

[0144] On the other hand, if there is input for icon-type talk room information (A130: YES), the control unit 21 of the terminal 20 performs control to switch the display from the first talk room displayed on the display unit 24 to the talk room (second talk room) corresponding to the icon-type talk room information input in A130. Then, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20 ends the process.

[0145] As in the case of the first talk room, after the second talk room is displayed, icon-type talk room information may or may not be displayed in the second talk room.

[0146] <Effects of the First Embodiment> In this embodiment, the terminal 20 displays on the display unit 24 a first talk room (not limited to, an example of the first chat room) including the user of the terminal 20. The terminal 20 also displays on the display unit 24 icon-type talk room information (not limited to, an example of the first display relating to moving from the first chat room displayed on the display unit to the second chat room and displaying the second chat room on the display unit) corresponding to a second talk room (not limited to, an example of the second chat room) to which the user is to move (transition). The terminal 20 then performs, via the control unit 21, a process (not limited to, an example of the first process) of switching from the first talk room being displayed to the second talk room and displaying the second chat room on the display unit, based on an input to the displayed icon-type talk room information (not limited to, an example of an input to the terminal on which the first display is displayed). As an example of an effect of the embodiment obtained by such a configuration, it is possible to easily move from the first chat room to the second chat room based on an input to the terminal on which the first display is displayed. Since a complicated operation for switching chat rooms is not required, the convenience for the user can be improved.

[0147] In this case, the icon-type talk room information can be displayed in the first talk room. As an example of an effect of an embodiment obtained by such a configuration, it is possible for a terminal user to check a movable second chat room while displaying the first chat room.

[0148] In this case, the terminal 20 can perform processing to display the second talk room on the display unit 24 based on an input such as a tap operation on the icon-type talk room information displayed in the first talk room (not limited to this, but an example of an input to the first display). As an example of an effect of an embodiment obtained by such a configuration, a user of a terminal can easily display a second chat room by making a second input to the first display while a first chat room is displayed.

[0149] <Second Example> The second embodiment is an embodiment relating to a method for determining a candidate chat room as a transfer destination (a second chat room as a transfer candidate). The contents described in the second embodiment are applicable to any of the other embodiments and other modified examples. In addition, the same components as those already mentioned are given the same reference numerals and will not be described again. Omitted.

[0150] In this embodiment, a case will be illustrated in which the terminal 20 performs a process of determining a destination talk room candidate (hereinafter, referred to as a "destination talk room candidate determination process"). Specifically, in this embodiment, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20 acquires various pieces of information (not limited to, an example of the first information) acquired based on input by the user of the terminal 20 to the input unit, and various pieces of information (not limited to, an example of the first information) already stored in the memory unit 28, and determines candidate destination talk rooms based on the acquired information.

[0151] Alternatively, the terminal 20 may acquire various pieces of information (not limited to this, but an example of the first information) stored and managed in the server 10 from the server 10. Then, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20 may or may not determine the destination talk room candidate based on the information acquired from the server 10. Among the information used to determine destination talk room candidates (information necessary to determine destination talk room candidates), for information that is not stored in memory unit 28 of terminal 20 but is stored in memory unit 15 of server 10, terminal 20 can obtain the information from server 10 and then determine the destination talk room candidate.

[0152] The destination talk room candidate determination table is a table that is referenced when the destination talk room candidate determination process is executed. FIG. 2-1 shows an example of the table configuration of the destination talk room candidate determination table.

[0153] Determining a destination talk room candidate may include, in addition to determining a destination talk room, for example and not by way of limitation, proposing (suggesting) the determined destination talk room to the user.

[0154] The table for determining destination talk room candidates stores, by way of example and not limitation, a category No. which is the number of a category for determining destination talk room candidates, a No. which is the number of a destination talk room candidate included in the category of this category No., a destination talk room candidate with this No., and a destination talk room candidate possibility indicating whether or not this destination talk room candidate is possible.

[0155] It should be noted that this table is merely an example and is not limiting. It is not necessary to store all of the above information in association with one another, and some of the information may not be stored. Also, although a "Category No." column is provided here for ease of understanding, this column does not have to be provided. Furthermore, the destination talk room candidates may be determined by a program rather than by using the above table. This also applies to the tables described in the other embodiments.

[0156] The destination chat room candidate eligibility is determined based on the corresponding destination chat room candidate, with "Yes (OK)" indicating that the room can be a destination chat room candidate, and "No (NO)" indicating that the room cannot be a destination chat room candidate. In this example, for No. "SP03-6," "SP04-2B," and "SP05-1B," "X (not possible)" is set as the destination chat room candidate, and "〇 (possible)" is set for the other conditions.

[0157] Each of the destination talk room candidates and the method of determining them will be described in detail below.

[0158] <Category No. "SP01"> Category No. "SP01" is a category of "number of displays, number of taps", and includes, by way of example and not limitation, conditions No. "SP01-1" and "SP01-2". The number of displays may or may not correspond to the frequency of display, and the number of taps may or may not correspond to the frequency of tapping. In addition, when the terminal 20 is a personal computer, the number of taps (tap frequency) can be read as the number of clicks (click frequency).

[0159] For No. "SP01-1," the destination chat room candidates are set to be "chat rooms that have been viewed the most within a set period of time." The set time can be, for example and without limitation, set in advance at the terminal 20 side or the server 10 side any time. By way of example and not limitation, if a relatively short period of time (by way of example and not limitation, within a few hours) is set, chat rooms that have been displayed many times within the set period of time are likely to be chat rooms that the user currently has a high need to use, and will therefore be determined to be candidate destination chat rooms. On the other hand, by way of example and not limitation, if a relatively long period of time (by way of example and not limitation, in days) is set, chat rooms that have been displayed many times within the set period of time are likely to be chat rooms that the user uses frequently or frequently on a daily basis, and therefore will be determined to be candidate chat rooms to move to.

[0160] In determining the destination talk room candidates, as a non-limiting example, terminal 20 can obtain the number of times that talk rooms were displayed within a set time period stored in the talk room display history data of talk-related information database 289, and determine the destination talk room candidates in order of the number of times.

[0161] For No. “SP01-2,” “chat rooms whose chat room information has been tapped many times within a set time period” are defined as destination chat room candidates. In this case, too, the set time period can be set arbitrarily. As an example and not as a limitation, when a relatively short time (for example and not as a limitation, a time within a few hours) is set, a talk room whose talk room information has been tapped many times within the set time period is determined to be a candidate destination talk room because there is a possibility that this talk room information will be tapped again by the user of terminal 20 within a short time period and the talk room corresponding to that talk room information will be displayed. On the other hand, by way of example and not limitation, if a relatively long period of time (by way of example and not limitation, in days) is set, a talk room whose talk room information is tapped many times within the set period is likely to be a talk room that the user uses frequently or frequently on a daily basis, and therefore will be determined to be a candidate destination talk room.

[0162] In determining the destination talk room candidates, as a non-limiting example, terminal 20 can obtain the number of times talk room information was tapped within a set time period stored in the talk room operation history data of talk-related information database 289, and determine the destination talk room candidates in order of the number of times.

[0163] These conditions are, by way of example and not limitation, an example of conditions regarding the use of chat rooms by users of terminals. Moreover, information such as the number of displays (display frequency) and the number of taps (tap frequency) is an example of information related to the user of the terminal and information related to the use of chat rooms by the user of the terminal.

[0164] <Category No. "SP02"> Category No. "SP02" is a category of "information about currently displayed chat room," and includes, by way of example and not limitation, destination chat room candidates No. "SP02-1" and "SP02-2."

[0165] For No. "SP02-1," "chat rooms related to the context of the currently displayed chat room" are defined as candidate chat rooms to move to. "Context in the displayed talk room" means, by way of example and not by way of limitation, the context or chronology determined based on content sent in the talk room by the user of terminal 20 (by way of example and not by way of limitation, text content, image content, audio content, etc.) and content received from a user other than the user of terminal 20 (the other user in the case of a "one-to-one talk room," a member of a group in the case of a "group talk room," or an OA provider in the case of an "OA talk room," hereinafter collectively referred to as the "other user"). If a talk room is related to the context of the currently displayed talk room, it means that the user is highly interested in the talk room and there is a possibility that the user will request to display this talk room, so it will be selected as a candidate for the destination talk room.

[0166] In determining the candidate destination talk rooms, as a non-limiting example, terminal 20 can determine a context based on the content stored in the talk history data of talk-related information database 289, and determine candidate destination talk rooms related to the determined context.

[0167] As a non-limiting example, if it is determined that a conversation about travel-related content is taking place in a talk room, a travel-related talk room may be determined as a candidate destination talk room.

[0168] For No. “SP02-2”, “talk rooms related to other users in the currently displayed talk room” are defined as the talk room candidates to which the user should move. "Other users in the displayed talk room" refers, by way of example and not by way of limitation, to users other than the user of the terminal 20 in the talk room. This "other users" includes the other user in a "one-to-one talk room", group members in a "group talk room", and the OA business in an "OA talk room". This means that a talk room related to another user in the currently displayed talk room is highly relevant to the user of terminal 20 and there is a possibility that the user will be asked to display this talk room, so it is determined to be a candidate for the destination talk room.

[0169] In determining the candidate destination talk rooms, by way of example and not limitation, terminal 20 may obtain information related to talk rooms to which other users belong that are stored in friend data 284, and determine the candidate destination talk rooms.

[0170] <Category No. "SP03"> Category No. "SP03" is a category of "attribute information of other chat rooms," and includes, by way of example and not limitation, destination chat room candidates No. "SP03-1" to "SP03-6."

[0171] For No. "SP03-1," "chat rooms with new messages" are defined as the candidate chat room to move to. A "talk room with new messages" refers to, by way of example and not limitation, a talk room that has received a new message. A chat room containing new messages has a high viewing priority for the user and there is a possibility that the user will be asked to display this chat room, so this means that the chat room will be determined as a candidate for the destination chat room.

[0172] In determining the candidate destination talk rooms, as a non-limiting example, terminal 20 can obtain the presence or absence of new messages stored in the talk history data of talk-related information database 289 and determine the candidate destination talk rooms.

[0173] The chat rooms in which you are mentioned are defined as possible destination chat rooms for No. "SP03-2". The "talk room in which I am mentioned" refers, by way of example and not by way of limitation, to a talk room in which a message addressed to me (the user of the terminal 20) has been received. This means that a chat room in which you are mentioned has a high viewing priority for the user and there is a possibility that you will be asked to display this chat room, so it will be selected as a candidate destination chat room.

[0174] In determining the candidate destination talk rooms, as a non-limiting example, terminal 20 can obtain the presence or absence of messages mentioning itself stored in the talk history data of talk-related information database 289 and determine the candidate destination talk rooms.

[0175] For No. "SP03-3," "chat rooms with unread messages" are defined as the candidate chat room destination.

[0176] Here, "read" can be defined as the opposite of "unread". As a condition for a message to be marked as read (hereinafter referred to as a "read condition"), any of the following conditions may be applied, by way of example and not by way of limitation. (A) A message was displayed. (B) A certain amount of time (no set limit, a few seconds to about 10 seconds) has passed since the message was displayed. (C) After the message is displayed, the displayed message is tapped (clicked). (D) After the message is displayed, a reply is made to the message. (E) in the case where the message is a video message, the video has been played. (F) In the case where the message is a video message, a certain period of time (not limited to a certain period of time, but ranging from a few seconds to about 10 seconds) has elapsed since the video was played.

[0177] In this case, the "unread" state may be defined, by way of example and not limitation, as not meeting the read conditions listed above. The "unread" state is a type of state in which a user has not yet viewed a message (content).

[0178] The term "talk room with unread messages" refers to, by way of example and not by way of limitation, a talk room with messages in the above unread state. A chat room containing unread messages has a high viewing priority for the user, and there is a possibility that the user will be asked to display this chat room, so this means that the chat room will be determined as a candidate for the destination chat room.

[0179] The destination talk room candidates may or may not be determined based on the number of unread messages (hereinafter, referred to as the "unread number"). As a non-limiting example, a chat room with a number of unread messages equal to or greater than a prescribed or set number (as a non-limiting example, a number of unread messages equal to or greater than 10) may or may not be determined to be a candidate destination chat room.

[0180] On the other hand, chat rooms with an extremely large number of unread messages (for example, but not limited to, chat rooms with 30 or more unread messages) may not be selected as destination chat room candidates. This is because there is a possibility that the user has left the chat room unviewed intentionally.

[0181] In addition, when displaying talk room information corresponding to a candidate destination talk room with unread messages, information that allows the user to identify the number of unread messages (as an example, but not limited to, a number corresponding to the number of unread messages, an image for identifying the number of unread messages, etc.) may be displayed in a specified position (as an example, but not limited to, the upper right corner of the talk room information), or it is not necessary to do so.

[0182] In determining the candidate destination talk rooms, as a non-limiting example, terminal 20 can obtain the presence or absence and number of unread messages stored in the talk history data of talk-related information database 289 to determine the candidate destination talk rooms.

[0183] Information such as the number of unread messages is, by way of example and not limitation, an example of information regarding the viewing by the user of the terminal of the content displayed in the second chat room.

[0184] For No. "SP03-4," "chat rooms registered as favorites" are defined as possible destination chat rooms. "Talk rooms registered as favorites" refers, by way of example and not limitation, to talk rooms that the user of terminal 20 has registered as favorites in a messaging service in which the user of terminal 20 can register any talk room as a favorite. A chat room that is registered as a favorite is considered to be important to the user and there is a possibility that the user will request to display this chat room, so this chat room will be determined as a candidate for the destination chat room.

[0185] In this embodiment, the talk room candidate for the destination talk room of No. "SP03-4" is an example of a talk room that the user of the terminal 20 has registered in his / her favorites, but the present invention is not limited to this. As a non-limiting example of a candidate destination talk room for No. "SP03-4", in a case where the messaging application is configured to allow the user of terminal 20 to pin any talk room, the candidate may be a talk room pinned by the user of terminal 20. "Pinning a chat room" is a type of function that allows you to pin a frequently used chat room to a specific location on the screen (for example, but not limited to, the top of the screen), by way of example and not by way of limitation.

[0186] In determining the candidate destination talk rooms, as a non-limiting example, terminal 20 can obtain information on whether or not a talk room stored in the talk room data of talk-related information database 289 is registered as a favorite, and use that information to determine the candidate destination talk room.

[0187] For No. "SP03-5," "chat rooms in a folder" are defined as the destination chat room candidates. "Talk rooms in a folder" refers, by way of example and not limitation, to talk rooms that a user of terminal 20 has placed in a folder in a messaging service that allows the user of terminal 20 to divide any talk rooms into folders. A chat room that is in a folder means that the chat room is highly important to the user and there is a possibility that the user will request to display the chat room, so the chat room will be determined as a candidate for the destination chat room.

[0188] In this embodiment, the messaging application has a "folder" function as a type of function that allows a user to organize arbitrary chat rooms, by way of example and not by way of limitation, and the folder can be named as desired by the user, by way of example and not by way of limitation. Since users can place chat rooms of their choice in folders with names of their own choosing, multiple chat rooms can be organized to suit the user, improving user convenience. Specifically, users can clearly organize their chat rooms by placing chat rooms related to their work (one-on-one chat rooms, group chat rooms, OA chat rooms, etc.) in a folder named "Work-related," and chat rooms related to personal matters unrelated to work (family, friends, hobbies, etc.) (one-on-one chat rooms, group chat rooms, OA chat rooms, etc.) in a folder named "Private."

[0189] Note that, for example and not limitation, predetermined attribute information is set for this folder, and for example and not limitation, the folder may have a function of automatically dividing talk rooms into folders. The predetermined attribute information of the folder may be, for example and not limitation, "contains only talk rooms with unread messages" or "contains only OA talk rooms", etc.

[0190] In determining the candidate destination talk room, by way of example and not limitation, terminal 20 can obtain information as to whether or not a talk room stored in the talk room data of talk-related information database 289 is in a folder and determine the candidate destination talk room.

[0191] For No. "SP03-6," "a chat room set to hidden" is set as a candidate for the destination chat room. In the condition for No. "SP03-6," "No (x)" is set as the destination chat room candidate. "A talk room that is set to hidden" means, by way of example and not limitation, a talk room that the user of terminal 20 has set to hidden in a messaging service in which the user of terminal 20 can set any talk room to hidden. A chat room that is set to hidden may be one that the user does not want to display, and therefore will not be selected as a destination chat room candidate.

[0192] In determining the candidate destination talk rooms, as a non-limiting example, terminal 20 can obtain information as to whether or not the talk rooms stored in the talk room data in talk-related information database 289 are set to hidden, and determine the candidate destination talk rooms.

[0193] <Category No. "SP04"> Category No. "SP04" is a category of "user attribute information," and includes, by way of example and not limitation, destination chat room candidates No. "SP04-1," "SP04-2A," and "SP04-2B."

[0194] For No. "SP04-1," "chat rooms related to the user's hobbies and interests" are defined as possible destination chat rooms. "A talk room related to the user's hobbies and preferences" refers, for example and not limitation, to a talk room related to the type of a talk room of an official account of an OA business that the user of terminal 20 has already registered as a friend of. For example and not limitation, this includes a case where, when the type of the talk room of an official account of an OA business that the user of terminal 20 has already registered as a friend of (Café A, as an example and not limitation), the talk room of the official account of another OA business (Café B, as an example and not limitation) is determined as a candidate destination talk room as a talk room related to this talk room. This means that a chat room related to the user's hobbies and preferences is likely to match the user's hobbies and preferences, and there is a possibility that the user will be asked to display this chat room, so it will be determined as a candidate destination chat room.

[0195] In determining the candidate destination talk rooms, as a non-limiting example, the terminal 20 can obtain information related to the type of talk room of the official account of the OA operator stored in the friend data 284 and determine the candidate destination talk rooms.

[0196] In No. "SP04-2A," "chat rooms related to the user's location information" are defined as possible destination chat rooms. "Talk rooms related to user location information" refers, for example and not by way of limitation, to talk rooms related to location information of a terminal capable of acquiring the location information of the terminal 20. For example and not by way of limitation, this includes acquiring location information of the user of the terminal 20, and determining, as a destination talk room candidate, an OA talk room of an official account of an OA operator of a store within a predetermined range (for example and not by way of limitation, within 500 km) from the location information of the terminal 20. Chat rooms related to the user's location information are expected to be of high interest to the user, and there is a high probability that these chat rooms will be displayed, which improves user convenience and means that they will be suggested as candidate chat rooms to move to.

[0197] In determining the destination talk room candidates, as a non-limiting example, the terminal 20 may acquire position information detected by the position calculation information detection unit 29B and determine the destination talk room candidates.

[0198] No. "SP04-2B" specifies "chat rooms related to the user's location information" as possible destination chat rooms. For example and not for limitation, when location information of the user of terminal 20 is acquired and the location information of terminal 20 is outside a predetermined range (for example and not for limitation, when the user is more than 100 km away from home), the user may be outside the usual range of activities considered to be working, i.e., not working (spending leisure time).For this reason, this includes cases where work-related chat rooms are not determined as destination chat room candidates. The talk room in this example may be of low priority to the user, so it may not be determined as a destination talk room candidate.

[0199] <Category No. "SP05"> Category No. "SP05" is an "Other" category, and includes, by way of example and not limitation, destination chat room candidates No. "SP05-1A," "SP05-1B," and "SP05-2."

[0200] In No. "SP05-1A," "work-related chat rooms on weekdays" are defined as possible chat room destinations. "Work-related talk rooms on weekdays" refers, by way of example and not by way of limitation, to group talk rooms made up of work-related members of the workplace during weekdays (Monday to Friday) when the user of terminal 20 is likely to be at work. If it is a weekday, a work-related talk room is considered to be of high importance to the user during the weekday period and is likely to be displayed, so this means that the talk room is determined to be a candidate for the destination talk room.

[0201] In determining the destination talk room candidates, as a non-limiting example, terminal 20 can acquire clock information (timing information) output from clock unit 29A, and as a non-limiting example, terminal 20 can acquire information as to whether or not the talk rooms stored in the talk room data in talk-related information database 289 are work-related talk rooms, and can determine the destination talk room candidates.

[0202] No. "SP05-1B" specifies "work-related chat rooms on holidays" as possible destination chat rooms. "Work-related chat rooms on holidays" refers, by way of example and not limitation, to group chat rooms made up of work-related members of the workplace on holidays (Saturdays and Sundays) when the user of terminal 20 is not considered to be at work. When it is a holiday, work-related talk rooms are considered less important to the user during the holiday period and are less likely to be displayed, so they can be prevented from being selected as candidate destination talk rooms.

[0203] In determining the destination talk room candidates, as a non-limiting example, terminal 20 can acquire clock information (timing information) output from clock unit 29A, and as a non-limiting example, terminal 20 can acquire information as to whether or not the talk rooms stored in the talk room data in talk-related information database 289 are work-related talk rooms, and can determine the destination talk room candidates.

[0204] No. "SP05-2" specifies that "when specific information is received in another app, chat rooms related to that app" are candidates for the destination chat room. By "other app" is meant, by way of example and not limitation, an application for implementing a service other than a messaging application for implementing a messaging service. By way of example and not limitation, the other app may be a "weather application" for implementing a weather forecast service (hereinafter referred to as "weather service").

[0205] Moreover, the "specific information" may be, for example and not by way of limitation, information that is useful to a user of the terminal 20. For example and not by way of limitation, when applying the above-mentioned weather application, the specific information may be information in the weather application that the probability of precipitation within one hour is 50% or more.

[0206] In addition, "chat room related to the app" refers to, by way of example and not by way of limitation, an OA chat room of an official account of an OA business providing a service realized by another app. For example and not by way of limitation, when applying the above weather application, "chat room related to the app" may refer to, by way of example and not by way of limitation, an OA chat room of an official account of an OA business providing a weather application.

[0207] In this way, when specific information is received in another app, a chat room related to that app is deemed to be of high importance to the user and there is a possibility that this chat room will be displayed, so it is determined to be a candidate for the destination chat room.

[0208] <Display screen> 2-2, 2-3, and 2-4 are diagrams showing an example of transition of screens displayed on the display unit 24 of the terminal 20A of the user AA.

[0209] (1) First display screen example FIG. 2-2 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen when the “talk room related to the context of the displayed talk room” with No. “SP02-1” is determined as the destination talk room candidate in the first destination talk room candidate determination process. Here, as an example and not as a limitation, we will show a case where, based on the term "travel" being present in a message sent by the user of terminal 20 in the first talk room, a talk room of an official account of a travel-related OA business (as examples and not a limitation, "domestic travel", "overseas travel", "hot spring inn", etc.) is determined as a candidate destination talk room as a talk room related to the term "travel".

[0210] The name of the messaging application is displayed in the center of the top of the screen as "Messaging App." In addition, the icon image and user name (user AA in this example) of the messaging application of the user of this terminal 20 are displayed in the top right of the screen.

[0211] In the left screen of Figure 2-2, the talk room name display area CLR displays, by way of example and not limitation, characters (in this example, "BB") indicating that this is a talk room for user AA to talk with user BB.

[0212] Below that is a talk area where users AA and BB can talk in an interactive format, with messages from the other user, user BB, displayed on the left side of the screen and messages from user AA, the user, displayed on the right side of the screen. In this example, a message MS1 containing the term "travel" sent by user AA is displayed.

[0213] In addition, at the bottom of the talk area, there is provided an icon-type talk room information display area ER1 that displays one or more icon-type talk room information (not limited to this, an example of the first display) that is configured to allow the user to select the talk room to move to.

[0214] The icon-type talk room information displayed in the icon-type talk room information display area ER1 displays, by way of example and not limitation, icon-type talk room information corresponding to the destination talk room candidate determined in the first destination talk room candidate determination process. In this example, by way of example and not limitation, multiple icon-type chat room information is displayed, including the user name "Domestic Travel" and a corresponding icon, the user name "Overseas Travel" and a corresponding icon, and the user name "Hot Spring Inn" and a corresponding icon.

[0215] In this example, since the displayed icon-type talk room information corresponds to a talk room of an official account of an OA company, information that allows a user to identify that the talk room is an official account of an OA company is displayed in association with the icon-type talk room information. Specifically, as a non-limiting example, an icon including the letters "OA" is displayed superimposed on the lower right corner of the icon-type talk room information.

[0216] The screen in the center of Figure 2-2 shows, by way of example and not limitation, a state in which the OA business name "Domestic Travel" or the corresponding icon is tapped among multiple icon-type chat room information. In this case, the display switches from the chat room (first chat room) in which the other user is user BB to a chat room (second chat room) in which the other user is the OA business "Domestic Travel". As a result, by way of example and not limitation, the screen shown on the right of Figure 2-2 is displayed.

[0217] This screen is a chat room screen for user AA to talk with OA provider "Domestic Travel", and by way of example and not limitation, the chat room name display area CLR displays text indicating that it is a chat room for the OA provider name "Domestic Travel" (in this example, an icon containing the letters "OA" and "Domestic Travel").

[0218] This chat room screen displays information indicating that the "20% off domestic travel" service is available, such as a description, a registered URL, and a banner image with a link based on the registered URL.

[0219] As a non-limiting example, when a user performs an operation (for example, a tap operation) on the above-mentioned registered URL or banner image, a request to add a registered message associated with the registered URL is made from terminal 20 to server 10.

[0220] In addition, the icon-type talk room information display area ER1 at the bottom of the screen displays multiple icon-type talk room information including, by way of example and not limitation, the OA business name "Overseas Travel" and its corresponding icon, and the OA business name "Hot Spring Inn" and its corresponding icon.

[0221] (2) Example of the second display screen FIG. 2-3 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen when the “talk room with unread messages” with No. “SP03-3” is determined as the destination talk room candidate in the first destination talk room candidate determination process. Here, we will show a case where a talk room with the number of unread messages equal to or greater than a set number (as an example and not a limitation, the number of unread messages is "1 or more") is determined as a destination talk room candidate. As an example and not a limitation, we will show a case where the talk room of user CC with an unread number of "5", the talk room of user DD with an unread number of "2", and the talk room of user EE with an unread number of "1" are determined as destination talk room candidates.

[0222] The screen on the left of FIG. 2-3 is an example of a screen of the first chat room in which user AA is chatting with user BB. In the icon-type talk room information display area ER1, icon-type talk room information corresponding to the destination talk room candidate determined in the first destination talk room candidate determination process is displayed, by way of example and not limitation. In this example, by way of example and not limitation, multiple icon-type talk room information is displayed, including the username "CC" and its corresponding icon, the username "DD" and its corresponding icon, and the username "EE" and its corresponding icon.

[0223] In addition, in this example, at a designated position of each icon (as an example, not a limitation, the upper right corner of the icon-type chat room information), numerical information corresponding to the number of unread messages is displayed as information that allows the user to identify the number of unread messages, as an example, not a limitation. Specifically, the number "5" corresponding to 5 unread messages is displayed in the upper right corner of the icon corresponding to user CC, the number "2" corresponding to 2 unread messages is displayed in the upper right corner of the icon corresponding to user DD, and the number "1" corresponding to 1 unread message is displayed in the upper right corner of the icon corresponding to user EE.

[0224] The screen in the center of FIG. 2-3 shows, by way of example and not by way of limitation, a state in which the user name "CC" or the corresponding icon is tapped among multiple icon-type chat room information. In this case, the display switches from the chat room (first chat room) in which the currently displayed contact is user BB to the chat room (second chat room) in which the contact is user CC. As a result, the screen shown on the right of FIG. 2-3 is displayed, by way of example and not by way of limitation.

[0225] This screen is a talk room where user AA can talk with user CC, and by way of example and not limitation, the talk room name display area CLR displays characters (in this example, "CC") indicating that this is a talk room for the user name "CC." Below that is a talk area where users AA and CC can talk interactively, with messages from the other user, user CC, displayed on the left side of the screen and messages from user AA, displayed on the right side of the screen.

[0226] In addition, the icon-type talk room information display area ER1 at the bottom of the screen displays multiple icon-type talk room information items, including, by way of example and not limitation, the user name "DD" and its corresponding icon, and the user name "EE" and its corresponding icon.

[0227] (3) Third display screen example FIG. 2-4 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen when “talk room related to user's hobbies and interests” with No. “SP04-1” is determined as the destination talk room candidate in the first destination talk room candidate determination process. Here, as an example and not as a limitation, we will show a case where, based on the type of the talk room of the official account of an OA business (Cafe A, as an example and not as a limitation) that the user of terminal 20 has registered as a friend, the talk rooms of the official accounts of other OA businesses (Cafe B, Cafe C, Cafe D, etc., as examples and not as a limitation) that are of a cafe type are determined as candidate destination talk rooms related to this talk room.

[0228] In Figure 2-4, the talk room name display area CLR displays text indicating that this is a talk room for user AA to talk with OA company "Cafe A" (in this example, an icon containing the letters "OA" and "Cafe A") as the talk room name. Below that is a talk area where user AA and OA business "Cafe A" can talk in an interactive format, with messages from the other party, OA business "Cafe A," displayed on the left side of the screen and messages from user AA on the right side.

[0229] This chat room screen displays advertising information indicating that a new coffee product is being released for 399 yen, including a description, a registered URL, and a banner image with a link based on the registered URL.

[0230] As a non-limiting example, when a user performs an operation (for example, a tap) on the above-mentioned registered URL or banner image, a request to add a registered message associated with the registered URL is made from terminal 20 to server 10.

[0231] In the icon-type talk room information display area ER1, icon-type talk room information corresponding to the destination talk room candidate determined in the first destination talk room candidate determination process is displayed, by way of example and not limitation. In this example, multiple icon-type talk room information is displayed, including the OA business name "Cafe B" and its corresponding icon, the OA business name "Cafe C" and its corresponding icon, and the OA business name "Cafe D" and its corresponding icon.

[0232] In addition, in this example, when icon-type talk room information corresponding to a talk room of an official account of an OA operator is displayed, information that allows a user to identify that it is a talk room of an official account of an OA operator (as an example, not a limitation, an icon containing the letters "OA") is displayed in a specified position (as an example, not a limitation, the lower right corner of the icon-type talk room information).

[0233] The screen in the center of FIG. 2-4 shows, by way of example and not by way of limitation, a state in which the OA company name "Cafe B" or the icon corresponding to it is tapped among multiple icon-type chat room information. In this case, the display switches from the chat room (first chat room) in which the currently displayed partner is user BB to a chat room (second chat room) in which the partner's OA company is "Cafe B Co." As a result, by way of example and not by way of limitation, the screen shown on the right of FIG. 2-4 is displayed.

[0234] This screen is a talk room in which user AA can talk with OA company "Cafe B Company." By way of example and not limitation, the talk room name display area CLR displays text indicating that this is a talk room for the OA company name "Cafe B Company" (in this example, an icon containing the letters "OA" and "Cafe B").

[0235] This chat room screen displays information indicating that the service "100 yen off your bill" is available, such as an explanatory text, a registered URL, and a banner image with a link based on the registered URL.

[0236] As an example and not as a limitation, when a user performs an operation (for example and not as a limitation, a tap) on a displayed registered URL or banner image, a request to add a registered message associated with the registered URL is made from terminal 20 to server 10.

[0237] In addition, the icon-type talk room information display area ER1 at the bottom of the screen displays multiple icon-type talk room information including, by way of example and not limitation, the OA business name "Cafe C Company" and its corresponding icon, and the OA business name "Cafe D Company" and its corresponding icon.

[0238] <Processing> In the present embodiment, when the first talk room is displayed, a destination talk room candidate determination process is executed by the terminal 20. For convenience, the destination talk room candidate determination process executed by the terminal 20 is referred to as a “first destination talk room candidate determination process.”

[0239] FIG. 2-5 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing executed by the control unit 21 of the terminal 20 in this embodiment. The same steps as those in the previously described flowcharts are given the same reference numerals and will not be described again.

[0240] After A110, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20 executes a first destination talk room candidate determination process (A115). In the first destination talk room candidate determination process, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20 determines a destination talk room candidate based on the above-mentioned destination talk room candidate determination table.

[0241] After that, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20 causes the display unit 24 to display icon-type talk room information corresponding to the determined destination talk room candidate (A120). That is, the control unit 21 causes the display unit 24 to display icon-type talk room information corresponding to the determined destination talk room candidate in the same manner as described in step A120 of FIG. 1-11. Then, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20 advances the process to A130.

[0242] <Effects of the second embodiment> This embodiment illustrates a configuration in which terminal 20 determines a destination talk room candidate (not limited to, but an example of a second chat room to move to) by control unit 21 based on information acquired by terminal 20 (not limited to, but an example of first information). As an example of an effect of the embodiment obtained by such a configuration, the second chat room to move to (candidates for the second chat room to move to) can be appropriately determined based on the first information acquired by the terminal.

[0243] Also in this case, the information obtained by the terminal 20 may include, by way of example and not limitation, information regarding the user of the terminal 20. As an example of an effect of the embodiment obtained by such a configuration, the second chat room to which the user moves can be appropriately determined based on information about the user of the terminal.

[0244] In this case, the information regarding the user of terminal 20 may include, by way of example and not limitation, information regarding the number of times a chat room is displayed (display frequency) or the number of taps (tap frequency) by the user of terminal 20 (an example of information regarding the use of chat rooms by the user of the terminal, which is not limiting). As an example of the effect of the embodiment obtained by such a configuration, the second chat room to be moved to can be appropriately determined based on information regarding the use of chat rooms by the user of the terminal. By determining, as a non-limiting example, a chat room that has been displayed many times / frequently or a chat room whose first display has been tapped (clicked) many times / frequently as the second chat room to be moved to, it becomes possible to reflect the needs of the user of the terminal in the use of the chat rooms, and the convenience for the user can be improved.

[0245] In this case, the information relating to the user of terminal 20 may include, by way of example and not limitation, information regarding unread content and information regarding the number of unread pieces of content (an example of information relating to the user of said terminal viewing the content displayed in the second chat room). As an example of the effect of the embodiment obtained by such a configuration, the second chat room to be moved to can be appropriately determined based on information regarding the browsing of the content displayed in the second chat room by the user of the terminal. By way of example and not of limitation, by determining a chat room with unread content or a chat room with a relatively large amount of unread content as the second chat room to be moved to, it is possible to reflect the browsing status of the chat room by the user of the terminal, thereby improving the convenience for the user.

[0246] In this case, the information acquired by the terminal 20 may also include information about the chat room. As an example of an effect of the embodiment obtained by such a configuration, the second chat room to which the user moves can be appropriately determined based on information about the chat room.

[0247] In this case, the information about the chat room may include information about a message (not limited to this, but an example of content) displayed in the source chat room (not limited to this, but an example of a first chat room). As an example of an effect of the embodiment obtained by such a configuration, the second chat room to move to can be appropriately determined based on information of the content displayed in the first chat room.

[0248] In this case, the source talk room is a group talk room (not limited to, but an example of a group chat room) of a group that includes the user of terminal 20 and multiple users other than the user of terminal 20, and information about the chat room can include information about the users included in this group. As an example of an effect of an embodiment obtained by such a configuration, the second chat room to move to can be appropriately determined based on information of users included in a group that includes the user of the terminal and multiple users other than the user of the terminal.

[0249] In this case, the information about the talk room may be a message displayed in the second chat room, and may include content in which the user of terminal 20 is mentioned (not limited to this, but is an example of content associated with information indicating the user of the terminal). As an example of an effect of an embodiment obtained by such a configuration, a second chat room including content displayed in the second chat room and associated with information indicating the user of the terminal can be determined as a candidate second chat room to move to.

[0250] In addition, this embodiment illustrates a configuration in which a talk room that is not determined as a candidate destination talk room (not limited to this, but an example of a second chat room that is not subject to the first display) is determined based on location information of the user of terminal 20 (or terminal 20) or work information of the user of terminal 20 (not limited to this, but an example of information related to the user of terminal 20). As an example of an effect of the embodiment obtained by such a configuration, it is possible to appropriately determine second chat rooms that are not to be the target of the first display based on information about the user of the terminal. By not displaying the first display corresponding to the second chat rooms that the user of the terminal does not want to display, it is possible to improve the convenience of the user of the terminal.

[0251] <Second Modification Example (1)> In the second embodiment, the destination talk room candidate determination process is executed by the terminal 20, but the present invention is not limited to this. As an example and not a limitation, the destination talk room candidate determination process may or may not be performed by the server 10.

[0252] <Processing> In this modification, when the first talk room is displayed, a destination talk room candidate determination process for determining a destination talk room candidate is executed by the server 10. For convenience, the destination talk room candidate determination process executed by the server 10 is referred to as a “second destination talk room candidate determination process.”

[0253] 2-6 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing executed by each device in this modified example. In this figure, the left side shows processing executed by the control unit 21 of the terminal 20, and the right side shows processing executed by the control unit 11 of the server 10. Here, it is assumed that the user of the terminal 20 is already registered in the first talk room and the second talk room in the messaging application.

[0254] The same steps as those in the previously described flowcharts are given the same reference numerals and will not be described again. The same applies to the other embodiments and modifications.

[0255] After A110, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20 sends a destination talk room candidate request to the server 10 via the communication I / F 22, requesting destination talk room candidates (information on destination talk room candidates) from the server 10 (A112).

[0256] In response to this request, the control unit 11 of the server 10 executes a second destination talk room candidate determination process (S110). In the second destination talk room candidate determination process, the control unit 11 of the server 10 determines a destination talk room candidate based on the above-mentioned destination talk room candidate determination table. In this case, as described above, by way of example and not limitation, the server 10 can store and manage information about the user of the terminal 20 and information about the terminal 20 in the account registration data 153, etc. In this case, the control unit 11 of the server 10 can acquire information from these data, and determine destination talk room candidates based on the acquired information in a similar manner to that of the terminal 20.

[0257] In addition, if some of the information used to determine destination talk room candidates (information necessary to determine destination talk room candidates) is not stored in memory unit 15 of server 10 but is stored in memory unit 28 of terminal 20, server 10 can obtain that information from terminal 20 and then determine the destination talk room candidates.

[0258] Next, the control unit 11 of the server 10 transmits destination talk room candidate determination information including the destination talk room candidates determined in the second destination talk room candidate determination process to the terminal 20 via the communication I / F 22 (S120).

[0259] When the control unit 21 of the terminal 20 receives the destination talk room candidate information from the server 10 via the communication I / F 22, the control unit 21 causes the display unit 24 to display iconic talk room information based on the received destination talk room candidate determination information (A125). That is, in a manner similar to that described in step A120 of FIG. 1-11, iconic talk room information corresponding to the destination talk room candidates included in the destination talk room candidate determination information received from the server 10 is displayed. Then, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20 advances the process to A130.

[0260] In this process, the destination talk room candidate determination information including the determined destination talk room candidates is transmitted from the server 10 to the terminal 20, but this is not limited to the above. As an example and not a limitation, icon-type talk room information corresponding to the determined destination talk room candidate may be transmitted from server 10 to terminal 20, and the icon-type talk room information may be displayed on display unit 24 of terminal 20.

[0261] Furthermore, there are cases where a user does not want the server 10 to refer to or use without permission information about the terminal 20, information about the user, information about chat content between users, and the like. Therefore, as a non-limiting example, the user may be required to confirm through terms of use or the like that the information may be referenced and used by the server 10, and only when the user's consent (approval) is obtained can the server 10 be allowed to reference and use the information. Also, as a non-limiting example, the server 10 may be able to use information about chat content in the above-mentioned open chat without requiring approval from the user.

[0262] As one example, but not by way of limitation, when it is determined that saunas are being discussed in an open chat room (first talk room), the control unit 11 of the server 10 executes a context determination process and determines that saunas are the theme. Then, the control unit 11 of the server 10 can determine an open chat room with a sauna theme or an OA talk room of an OA business operator of saunas as the destination talk room.

[0263] According to this modification, the destination talk room candidates are determined by the server, so that the terminal does not have to determine the destination talk room candidates, thereby reducing the processing load on the terminal.

[0264] Furthermore, these contents can be similarly applied to other embodiments and variants related to the display of icon-type talk room information, as well as other embodiments and variants related to the display of switched-type talk room information, which will be described in detail below.

[0265] <Second Modification Example (2)> In addition to the method described in the second embodiment, as a non-limiting example, a destination talk room candidate may be determined based on information input via an input unit of terminal 20. As a non-limiting example, a destination talk room candidate may be determined based on sound information (including voice information) input from sound input unit 25 or image information captured by imaging unit 27.

[0266] Specifically, as a non-limiting example, when a user name of a specific user, a group name of a specific group, or information related thereto is input by sound input unit 25, the talk room of that user or the group talk room of that group may be determined as a destination talk room candidate. Similarly, when an image of a specific user is captured by imaging unit 27, the talk room of that user or a group talk room including that user may be determined as a destination talk room candidate.

[0267] Also, as a non-limiting example, when a term related to the work of the user of terminal 20 is input from sound input unit 25, or when an object related to the work of the user of terminal 20 is imaged by imaging unit 27, a talk room related to the work of the user of terminal 20 may be determined as a candidate destination talk room.

[0268] These can be realized by the control unit 21 of the terminal 20 performing, by way of example and not limitation, sound recognition processing (including voice recognition processing) or image recognition processing on input information.

[0269] <Third Example> The third embodiment relates to conditions and timing for displaying talk room information. The contents described in the third embodiment are applicable to any of the other embodiments and other modified examples. Furthermore, the same components as those already mentioned are given the same reference numerals and will not be described again.

[0270] In the present embodiment, a case will be illustrated in which the terminal 20 performs a process of determining whether or not to display talk room information (hereinafter, referred to as a "talk room information display determination process").

[0271] <Chat room information display condition table> The talk room information display condition table is a table that is referenced when the talk room information display determination process is executed, and an example of the table configuration of the talk room information display condition table is shown in FIG. 3-1.

[0272] In the talk room information display condition table, as a non-limiting example, a condition No. which is the number of the talk room information display condition and the talk room information display condition of this No. are stored in association with each other.

[0273] Below, each of the talk room information display conditions and the method of determining them will be described in detail.

[0274] <Condition No. "SP11-1" ~ "SP11-4"> Conditions No. "SP11-1" to "SP11-4" are "conditions related to the first chat room."

[0275] Condition No. "SP11-1" defines "a specific context is detected" as a condition for displaying chat room information. Context refers to the context, context, and relationship between the content displayed in a chat room.

[0276] In one approach, a context-aware algorithm may be used by the control unit 21 of the terminal 20 to determine when a talk has ended.

[0277] As another method, content suggesting the end of a talk can be registered in advance on the terminal 20 side or on the server 10 side, and the control unit 21 of the terminal 20 can determine the end of the talk based on the registered content. By way of example and not limitation, specific text content such as "goodbye," "see you," and "got it" may be registered.

[0278] This condition means that if a specific context is detected in the first chat room, it is determined that the talk in the first chat room may have ended, and therefore the chat room information is to be displayed.

[0279] In determining whether or not to display this talk room information, as a non-limiting example, the determination as to whether or not to display the talk room information can be made based on the history of content stored in the talk history data of the talk-related information database 289.

[0280] Condition No. "SP11-2" defines the chat room information display condition as "the stamp is pressed consecutively a set number of times or more." The set number of times can be, for example and without limitation, settable in advance on the terminal 20 side or the server 10 side to any number of times.

[0281] This condition means that if a stamp is pressed in the first chat room more than a set number of times in succession (for example, more than five times, but not limited to this), it will determine that the chat in the first chat room may have ended, so it will display the chat room information.

[0282] In determining whether or not to display this talk room information, as a non-limiting example, it can be determined that the talk room information should be displayed if a set number or more of stamp content have been sent consecutively from a user of one's own terminal 20 to another user based on the content history stored in the talk history data of the talk-related information database 289.

[0283] Condition No. "SP11-3" defines the chat room information display condition as "a set time has elapsed with no message being entered." The set time can be, for example and without limitation, set in advance at the terminal 20 side or the server 10 side any time. This condition means that if a set time (for example, but not limited to, 5 minutes) has elapsed without any message being entered in the first chat room, it will be determined that the chat in the first chat room may have ended, so it will be determined that the chat room information should be displayed.

[0284] In determining whether or not to display this talk room information, as a non-limiting example, terminal 20 can acquire clock information (timing information) output from clock unit 29A, and, as a non-limiting example, terminal 20 can determine to display the talk room information if a set time has elapsed without any input since the most recent message was input, based on the message input history identified from the talk history data in talk-related information database 289.

[0285] Condition No. "SP11-4" defines the chat room information display condition as "a set time has elapsed without any messages being sent or received." The set time can be, for example and without limitation, set in advance at the terminal 20 side or the server 10 side any time. This condition means that if a set time (for example, but not limited to, 5 minutes) has elapsed without any messages being sent or received in the first chat room, it will be determined that the chat in the first chat room may have ended, so it is necessary to display the chat room information.

[0286] In determining whether or not to display this talk room information, as a non-limiting example, terminal 20 can acquire clock information (timing information) output from clock unit 29A, and, as a non-limiting example, terminal 20 can determine to display the talk room information if a set time has elapsed since the most recent message was sent or received without any message being sent or received, based on the message sending and receiving history stored in the talk history data of talk-related information database 289.

[0287] <Condition No. "SP11-5" ~ "SP11-8"> Conditions No. "SP11-5" to "SP11-8" are "conditions related to the second chat room."

[0288] In condition No. "SP11-5", "a new message is received" is defined as the talk room information display condition. This condition means that when a new message is received, it is determined that the talk room in which the new message is displayed is to be displayed because the talk room is likely to have a high viewing priority for the user. In this case, by way of example and not limitation, talk room information including at least talk room information corresponding to talk rooms that satisfy this condition may be displayed.

[0289] In determining whether or not to display this talk room information, as a non-limiting example, if it is determined that a new message has been received from server 10 via communication I / F 22, it can be determined that the talk room information is to be displayed.

[0290] Condition No. "SP11-6" defines the chat room information display condition as "a set time has elapsed while there is a chat room in which you are mentioned." The set time can be, for example and without limitation, set in advance at the terminal 20 side or the server 10 side any time. This condition means that if there is a chat room in which you are mentioned and a set time has passed (for example, not limited to, 10 minutes), it will be determined that the chat room information should be displayed, as it is possible that the chat room has a high viewing priority for the user but has not been viewed for a while. In this case, by way of example and not limitation, talk room information including at least talk room information corresponding to talk rooms that satisfy this condition may be displayed.

[0291] In determining whether or not to display this talk room information, as a non-limiting example, terminal 20 can obtain clock information (timing information) output from clock unit 29A, and as a non-limiting example, refer to the talk information data in talk-related information database 289, and determine to display the talk room information if there is a message mentioning the user and a set time has passed since the message was received.

[0292] In condition No. "SP11-7," the talk room information display condition is set as "a set time has elapsed when there is a talk room with unread messages." In this case, too, the set time can be set arbitrarily. This condition means that if a set time (for example, not limited to, 10 minutes) has elapsed while there is a chat room with unread messages, it will be determined that the chat room information should be displayed, since it may be a chat room that has not been viewed for a while despite being of high viewing priority to the user. In this case, by way of example and not limitation, talk room information including at least talk room information corresponding to talk rooms that satisfy this condition may be displayed.

[0293] It should be noted that it may be possible to determine whether or not to display the talk room information based on the number of unread messages, but this is not essential. As an example and not as a limitation, if a talk room in which the number of unread messages is a first specified number (or a first set number) or more (as an example and not as a limitation, the number of unread messages is 10 or more) is a second specified number (or a second set number) or more (as an example and not as a limitation, 3 or more), it may or may not be determined to display the talk room information.

[0294] In determining whether or not to display this talk room information, as a non-limiting example, terminal 20 can obtain clock information (timekeeping information) output from clock unit 29A, and as a non-limiting example, terminal 20 can obtain the presence or absence of unread messages stored in the talk history data and the number of unread messages stored therein, and determine whether or not to display the talk room information.

[0295] In condition No. “SP11-8,” the talk room information display condition is set as “a set time has elapsed while a talk room is registered in favorites.” In this case, too, the set time can be set arbitrarily. As a non-limiting example, if a chat room is registered as a favorite and a set time has passed (for example, but not limited to, 10 minutes), it is possible that the chat room is important to the user but has not been viewed for a while, so it is determined that the chat room information should be displayed. In this case, by way of example and not limitation, talk room information including at least talk room information corresponding to talk rooms that satisfy this condition may be displayed.

[0296] In determining whether or not to display this talk room information, as a non-limiting example, terminal 20 can obtain clock information (timing information) output from clock unit 29A, and as a non-limiting example, terminal 20 can obtain information as to whether or not a talk room stored in the talk room information data of talk-related information database 289 is registered as a favorite, and determine whether or not to display the talk room information.

[0297] In condition No. “SP11-9,” the talk room information display condition is set as “a set time has elapsed with a talk room in the folder.” In this case, too, the set time can be set arbitrarily. This condition means that if a set time (for example, not limited to, 10 minutes) has elapsed while there is a chat room in the folder, it will be determined that the chat room information should be displayed, since it may be a chat room that has not been viewed for a while despite being highly important to the user. In this case, by way of example and not limitation, talk room information including at least talk room information corresponding to talk rooms that satisfy this condition may be displayed.

[0298] In determining whether or not to display this talk room information, as a non-limiting example, terminal 20 can obtain clock information (timing information) output from clock unit 29A, and as a non-limiting example, terminal 20 can obtain information as to whether or not a talk room stored in the talk room information data of talk-related information database 289 is in a folder, and can then determine whether or not to display the talk room information.

[0299] <Display screen> FIG. 3-2 is a diagram showing an example of transition of a screen displayed on the display unit 24 of the terminal 20A of the user AA.

[0300] Here, we will explain an example of the display screen that appears when the talk room information display determination process determines that talk room information should be displayed based on the fact that the talk room information display condition No. "SP11-2" "The stamp is pressed consecutively a set number of times or more" is met. In this example, it is determined that chat room information should be displayed if a stamp is pressed consecutively in the first chat room a set number of times or more (for example, five or more times, but this is not a limitation).

[0301] Also, in this example, it is assumed that in the first destination talk room candidate determination process, the "talk room that was displayed the most within a set time" with No. "SP01-1" is determined as the destination talk room candidate. Specifically, it is assumed that in the first destination talk room candidate determination process, by way of example and not limitation, the talk rooms that were displayed the most within a set time (one hour as an example and not limitation) (as examples and not limitation, a talk room for talking with user CC, a talk room for talking with user DD, and a talk room for talking with user EE) are determined as the destination talk room candidates.

[0302] In the screen on the left of FIG. 3-2, the talk room name display region CLR displays characters (in this example, "BB") indicating that this is a talk room in which user AA can talk with user BB. Below that is a talk area where users AA and BB can talk in an interactive format, with messages from the other user, user BB, displayed on the left side of the screen and messages from user AA, the user, displayed on the right side of the screen.

[0303] In the screen on the left of Figure 3-2, the chat room information display condition has not been met, so icon-type chat room information is not displayed.

[0304] The central screen in Fig. 3-2 shows, by way of example and not by way of limitation, a state in which a stamp has been received once from user BB. Specifically, stamp ST1 is displayed as the first stamp received from user BB.

[0305] After that, it is assumed that four stamps are received consecutively from user BB. Specifically, stamp ST4 and stamp ST5 are displayed as the fourth and fifth stamps out of the five stamps received consecutively from user BB. In this case, five stamps have been received in a row from the other user, user BB, and the chat room information display condition is met. As a result, the screen shown on the right in Figure 3-2 is displayed, which is an example and not a limitation.

[0306] In this case, based on the fact that the talk room information display condition (in this example, condition No. "11-2") is met, the icon-type talk room information display area ER1 at the bottom of the screen displays multiple icon-type talk room information including, by way of example and not limitation, the user name "User CC" and its corresponding icon, the user name "User DD" and its corresponding icon, and the user name "User EE" and its corresponding icon.

[0307] <Processing> In this embodiment, when the first talk room is displayed and a first destination talk room candidate determination process is executed to determine a destination talk room candidate, a talk room information display determination process is executed by terminal 20 to determine whether or not to display icon-type talk room information.

[0308] FIG. 3-3 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing executed by the control unit 21 of the terminal 20 in this embodiment. Here, it is assumed that the user of the terminal 20 is already registered in the first talk room and the second talk room in the messaging application.

[0309] After A115, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20 determines whether icon-type talk room information is being displayed in the first talk room (A116). If icon-type talk room information is being displayed (A116: YES), the control unit 21 of the terminal 20 proceeds to A130.

[0310] If the icon-type talk room information is not being displayed (A116: NO), the control unit 21 of the terminal 20 executes a talk room information display determination process (A117a). In this talk room information display determination process, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20 determines whether or not to display icon-type talk room information based on the above-mentioned talk room information display condition table.

[0311] When it is determined that the icon-type talk room information is not to be displayed (A118a: NO), the control unit 21 of the terminal 20 advances the process to A142. On the other hand, if it is determined that the icon-type talk room information is to be displayed (A118a: YES), the control unit 21 of the terminal 20 advances the process to A130.

[0312] After A140, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20 determines whether the first talk room is being displayed (A142). If the first talk room is not being displayed (A142: NO), the control unit 21 of the terminal 20 ends the process. On the other hand, if the first talk room is being displayed (A142: YES), the control unit 21 of the terminal 20 returns the process to A116.

[0313] <Effects of the third embodiment> In this embodiment, the icon-type talk room information is displayed on the display unit 24 of the terminal 20 based on a talk room information display condition (not limited to this, but an example of the first condition that is set). As an example of an effect of the embodiment obtained by such a configuration, the first display can be displayed on the display unit of the terminal based on the set first condition.

[0314] In this case, the talk room information display conditions may include conditions related to the chat room (not limited to these, but an example of conditions related to the chat room). As an example of an effect of the embodiment obtained by such a configuration, the first display can be appropriately displayed on the display unit of the terminal based on the set conditions related to the chat room.

[0315] In this case, the talk room information display conditions may include conditions regarding the context of messages displayed in the first chat room, which is the source chat room (not limited to this, but an example of a condition regarding the relationship between multiple pieces of content displayed in the first chat room). As an example of an effect of an embodiment obtained by such a configuration, the first display can be appropriately displayed on the display unit of the terminal based on the relationship between the plurality of contents displayed in the first chat room. By way of example and not of limitation, when it is estimated that the chat in the first chat room has ended based on the context of the plurality of contents displayed in the first chat room, the first display can be displayed on the display unit of the terminal, which enables the user of the terminal to easily move to another chat room, thereby improving user convenience.

[0316] In this case, the talk room information display conditions may include conditions such as stamps being pressed consecutively in the first chat room, which is the chat room from which the user has been moved (not limited to this, but an example of a condition regarding the input of content to be displayed in the first chat room). As an example of the effect of the embodiment obtained by such a configuration, the first display can be appropriately displayed on the display unit of the terminal based on a condition related to the input of the content to be displayed in the first chat room. By way of example and not of limitation, when specific content is continuously input as the content to be displayed in the first chat room, it is presumed that the chat in the first chat room has ended, and the first display is displayed on the display unit of the terminal, which allows the user of the terminal to easily move to another chat room, thereby improving the convenience for the user.

[0317] In this case, the talk room information display conditions may include conditions such as receiving a new message in a talk room different from the first chat room (not limited to this, but an example of a condition regarding receiving content to be displayed in the second chat room). As an example of an effect of an embodiment obtained by such a configuration, the first display can be appropriately displayed on the display unit of the terminal based on a condition related to the reception of the content to be displayed in the second chat room. By way of example and not of limitation, when new content is received as content to be displayed in the second chat room, the first display can be displayed on the display unit of the terminal, allowing the user of the terminal to easily move to the chat room in which the new content was received, thereby improving user convenience.

[0318] <Third Modification (1)> As in the second modified example, in the third embodiment, the server 10 may or may not determine whether the talk room information display condition is satisfied. In this case, the control unit 11 of the server 10 performs a talk room information display determination process based on the talk room information display condition. Then, when it is determined that the talk room information display condition is satisfied, the control unit 11 of the server 10 can notify the terminal 20 via the communication I / F 14 to display the talk room information.

[0319] <Third Modification (2)> In the third embodiment, when the terminal 20 detects that messages are being sent and received frequently while displaying the first talk room, the terminal 20 may or may not perform a process of displaying information (such as an icon image for a telephone or video call) in the first talk room suggesting to the user to switch to a telephone or video call.

[0320] In this case, a telephone function may be associated with the information suggesting a telephone call, so that when the information suggesting a telephone call is tapped, the telephone function may be invoked to enable a call with the other user. The same applies to a video call. This also applies when the second chat room is displayed.

[0321] <Fourth Example> The fourth embodiment relates to erasing the display of talk room information. The contents described in the fourth embodiment are applicable to any of the other embodiments and other modified examples. Furthermore, the same components as those already mentioned are given the same reference numerals and will not be described again.

[0322] In this embodiment, a case will be described as an example in which the terminal 20 performs a process for determining whether or not to erase the display of the talk room information (hereinafter, referred to as a "talk room information display erasure determination process"). Erase of the display of the talk room information can also be said to be hiding the currently displayed talk room information.

[0323] <Chat room information display deletion condition table> The talk room information display deletion condition table is a table that is referenced when executing the talk room information display deletion determination process, and an example of the table configuration of the talk room information display deletion condition table is shown in Figure 4-1.

[0324] In the talk room information display deletion condition table, as a non-limiting example, a condition No. which is the number of a talk room information display condition and a talk room information display deletion condition of this No. are stored in association with each other.

[0325] Below, each of the talk room information display conditions and the method of determining them will be described in detail.

[0326] <Condition No. "SP12-1" ~ "SP12-4"> Conditions No. "SP12-1" to "SP12-4" are "conditions related to the first chat room."

[0327] Condition No. "SP12-1" to "SP12-3" are conditions when "user input is detected while the first chat room is displayed."

[0328] Condition No. "SP12-1" defines the condition for clearing the chat room information display as "a tap operation, a scroll operation, etc. is detected." As a non-limiting example, a talk room in which a tap or scroll operation has been performed may be a talk room in which the user currently has a high need to view the content in the talk room (first talk room), so by hiding the currently displayed talk room information, the visibility of the content in the talk room (first talk room) is improved.

[0329] In determining whether or not to erase the display of this talk room information, terminal 20 can obtain the presence or absence of input by the user of terminal 20 to the input unit (for example, but not limited to, a tapping operation or a scrolling operation by the user) and determine whether or not to erase the display of the talk room information.

[0330] Condition No. "SP12-2" defines the condition for deleting the chat room information display as "a message input operation is detected." As an example and not as a limitation, the talk room in which a message input operation was performed may be the talk room in which the user is currently talking, so by hiding the currently displayed talk room information, the visibility and operability of the message input section in the talk room (first talk room) is improved.

[0331] In determining whether or not to erase the display of this talk room information, terminal 20 can obtain whether or not there has been an input by the user of terminal 20 to the input section (as an example, and not a limitation, a message input operation) and determine whether or not to erase the display of the talk room information.

[0332] Conditions No. "SP12-3" to "SP12-4" are conditions related to "sending and receiving messages while the first chat room is displayed."

[0333] Condition No. "SP12-3" defines the condition for deleting the chat room information display as "a message sending operation is detected." As an example and not as a limitation, the talk room in which a message was sent may be the talk room in which the user is currently talking, so by hiding the currently displayed talk room information, the visibility of the sent message in the talk room (first talk room) is improved.

[0334] In determining whether or not to erase the display of this talk room information, terminal 20 can obtain whether or not there has been an input by the user of terminal 20 to the input section (as an example, and not limited to, an operation to send a message) and determine whether or not to erase the display of the talk room information.

[0335] Condition No. "SP12-4" defines the condition for clearing the chat room information display as "a message was sent or received while the first chat room was displayed." For example and not limitation, the talk room from which the message was sent may be a talk room where the user currently needs to check the content of the message sent in the talk room (first talk room) and wait for a reply from the other user. Also, for example and not limitation, the talk room from which the message was received may be a talk room where the user currently needs to check the content of the message received in the talk room (first talk room) and wait for a reply to the other user. Therefore, by hiding the currently displayed talk room information, the visibility of messages sent and received in the talk room (first talk room) is improved.

[0336] In determining whether or not to erase the display of this talk room information, terminal 20 can obtain the presence or absence of new sent and received messages stored in the talk history data of talk-related information database 289 and determine whether or not to erase the display of the talk room information.

[0337] In addition, the talk room information display deletion conditions may include conditions related to input by the other user, not limited to conditions related to input by the user of the own terminal 20. As a non-limiting example, when the first talk room is displayed on the display 24 of one's own terminal 20 and the other user makes an input to that user's terminal 20, the display of the talk room information may be erased. In this case, the terminal 20 can, by way of example and not limitation, obtain information regarding input on the terminal 20 of the other user via the server 10 and then determine whether the talk room information display condition is met.

[0338] <Processing> In this embodiment, when the first talk room is displayed and a first destination talk room candidate determination process is executed to determine a destination talk room candidate, a talk room information display determination process is executed by terminal 20 to determine whether to display talk room information, and a talk room information display erasure determination process is executed by terminal 20 to determine whether to erase the display of talk room information.

[0339] FIG. 4-2 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing executed by the control unit 21 of the terminal 20 in this embodiment.

[0340] When it is determined in A116 that the talk room information is being displayed (A1116: YES), the control unit 21 of the terminal 20 executes a talk room information display deletion determination process (A117b). In this talk room information display deletion determination process, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20 determines whether or not to delete the display of the talk room information based on the above-mentioned talk room information display deletion condition table.

[0341] When it is determined that the display of the talk room information should not be erased (A118b: NO), the control unit 21 of the terminal 20 advances the process to A130. On the other hand, when it is determined that the display of the talk room information should be erased (A118b: YES), the control unit 21 of the terminal 20 erases the display of the talk room information from the display unit 24 (A120b). Then, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20 advances the process to A142.

[0342] <Effects of the Fourth Embodiment> This embodiment illustrates a configuration in which the terminal 20 uses the control unit 21 to perform control to erase the display of the talk room information displayed on the display unit 24 (not a limitation, but an example of control to hide the first display) based on a talk room information display erasure condition (not a limitation, but an example of a set second condition). As an example of an effect of the embodiment obtained by such a configuration, the first display shown on the display unit of the terminal can be made non-display based on the set second condition.

[0343] In this case, the talk room information display deletion condition may include a condition regarding sending and receiving messages displayed in the first talk room, which is the source talk room. As an example of an effect of an embodiment obtained by such a configuration, the first display shown on the display unit of the terminal can be appropriately hidden based on conditions regarding content input by the user of the terminal in the first chat room.

[0344] In this case, the talk room information display deletion condition may include a condition regarding input of a message by the user of the terminal 20 in the first talk room, which is the source talk room. As an example of an effect of an embodiment obtained by such a configuration, the first display shown on the display unit of the terminal can be appropriately hidden based on conditions regarding content input by the user of the terminal in the first chat room.

[0345] <Fourth Modification> As in the third modified example, in the fourth embodiment, the server 10 may or may not determine whether the talk room information display deletion condition is satisfied. In this case, the control unit 11 of the server 10 performs a talk room information display deletion determination process based on the talk room information display deletion condition. Then, when it is determined that the talk room information display deletion condition is satisfied, the control unit 11 of the server 10 can notify the terminal 20 via the communication I / F 14 to delete the display of the talk room information.

[0346] <Fifth Example> The fifth embodiment is an embodiment regarding input to talk room information. The contents described in the fifth embodiment are applicable to any of the other embodiments and other modified examples. Furthermore, the same components as those already mentioned are given the same reference numerals and will not be described again.

[0347] In this embodiment, as an input for talk room information, an example is an input (hereinafter referred to as "first input") to a display other than the user name or the corresponding icon (hereinafter referred to as "first icon") to display information about the destination talk room (second talk room) (for example and not limitation, a preview display of the destination talk room, the reason why it was selected as a candidate for the destination talk room, etc.). In addition, as an example of an input for another talk room information, as described above, an input for a user name or a corresponding icon (hereinafter referred to as "second input") to switch the display from the currently displayed talk room (first talk room) to the destination talk room (second talk room) is given.

[0348] In addition, in this embodiment, when displaying talk room information, an example is shown in which a first icon (as an example, and not a limitation, an icon including the character "?") is displayed in association with the talk room information as information about the destination talk room (second talk room) to indicate the reason why the talk room was selected as a candidate for the destination talk room. As an example and not as a limitation, a first icon is displayed in a predetermined position of the chat room information (as an example and not as a limitation, in the upper left corner of the chat room information).

[0349] It is also possible for the first input and the second input to be different inputs. As a non-limiting example, when the input is an operation input, the first input may be a long press operation on the input target, whereas the second input may be a tap operation on the input target.

[0350] <Display screen> FIG. 5-1 is a diagram showing an example of transition of a screen displayed on the display unit 24 of the terminal 20A of the user AA.

[0351] FIG. 5-1 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen when the “talk room most frequently displayed within a set time” (SP01-1) is determined as the destination talk room candidate in the first destination talk room candidate determination process. Specifically, in the process of determining the first destination talk room candidate, by way of example and not limitation, the talk rooms that have been displayed the most within a set time (by way of example and not limitation, one hour) (by way of example and not limitation, a talk room for talking with user CC, a talk room for talking with user DD, and a talk room for talking with user EE) are determined to be the destination talk room candidates.

[0352] In FIG. 5-1, the talk room name display area CLR displays, by way of example and not limitation, characters (in this example, "BB") indicating that the talk room is a place where user AA can talk with user BB.

[0353] In the talk room information display region ER1, for example and not for limitation, talk room information corresponding to the destination talk room candidates determined in the first destination talk room candidate determination process is displayed. In this example, information on multiple talk rooms is displayed, including a user name "CC" and a corresponding icon, a user name "DD" and a corresponding icon, and a user name "EE" and a corresponding icon.

[0354] In addition, in this example, an icon with the letter "?" is displayed in the upper left corner of the icon corresponding to user CC, an icon with the letter "?" in the upper left corner of the icon corresponding to user DD, and an icon with the letter "?" in the upper left corner of the icon corresponding to user EE as the first icon for displaying information about the destination talk room (second talk room) (as an example, not a limitation, the reason why the destination talk room was selected).

[0355] The center screen in Figure 5-1 shows a state where an icon containing the character "?" in the upper left corner of the icon corresponding to user CC among the multiple first icons mentioned above has been tapped. In this case, the reason why user CC's chat room (second chat room) was selected as the destination chat room candidate is displayed. Specifically, as shown in the right screen of Figure 5-1, an icon containing the character "?" in the upper left corner of the icon corresponding to user CC displays a speech bubble SB1 (a speech bubble containing the words "most viewed chat rooms" as an example, not a limitation) indicating the reason why the chat room was selected as a candidate destination chat room.

[0356] <Processing> FIG. 5-2 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing executed by the control unit 21 of the terminal 20 in this embodiment. After A120, the control unit 21 determines whether a first input has been made to the icon-type talk room information (A530). If it is determined that a first input has been made (A530: YES), the control unit 21 causes the display unit 24 to display information about the second talk room (such as, but not limited to, information about why the second talk room became a candidate for a destination talk room) (A540).

[0357] On the other hand, if it is determined that the first input to the icon-type talk room information has not been made (A530: NO), the control unit 21 determines whether or not the second input to the icon-type talk room information has been made (A550). If it is determined that the second input has been made (A550: YES), the control unit 21 proceeds to A140.

[0358] <Effects of the Fifth Example> In this embodiment, the icon-type talk room information is displayed in the first talk room. As an example of an effect of an embodiment obtained by such a configuration, it is possible for a terminal user to check a movable second chat room while displaying the first chat room.

[0359] In this case, the terminal 20 can display on the display unit 24 a preview of the destination talk room, a display of the reason why the destination talk room was selected as a candidate for the destination talk room (not limited to this, an example of a display related to the second chat room), etc., based on an input such as a long press operation on the icon-type talk room information displayed in the first talk room (not limited to this, an example of a first input), and can perform processing to display the second talk room on the display unit 24 based on an input such as a tap operation on the icon-type talk room information displayed in the first talk room (not limited to this, an example of a second input). As an example of an effect of an embodiment obtained by such a configuration, by making a first input to the first display while the first chat room is displayed, the user of the terminal can check information regarding the second chat room, whereas by making a second input to the first display while the first chat room is displayed, the user of the terminal can easily display the second chat room.

[0360] <Sixth Example> The sixth embodiment is an embodiment to which (B) switched talk room information is applied. The contents described in the sixth embodiment are applicable to any of the other embodiments and other modified examples. Furthermore, the same components as those already mentioned are given the same reference numerals and will not be described again.

[0361] In the above-described embodiment, when a first chat room (the currently displayed talk room, as an example and not a limitation) is displayed on the display unit 24, the terminal 20 moves from the first chat room to a second chat room (the next talk room to be displayed, as an example and not a limitation) and displays icon-type talk room information as an example of a first display (talk room information corresponding to the next talk room to be displayed, as an example and not a limitation) regarding displaying the second chat room.

[0362] In this embodiment, the terminal 20 displays the aforementioned switch-type talk room information instead of the icon-type talk room information, and the terminal 20 performs a first process (a process of switching talk rooms, as an example and not a limitation) related to displaying the second chat room based on an input to the switch-type talk room information by the control unit 21 of the terminal 20.

[0363] Switchable talk room information may include, by way of example and not limitation, information associated with a talk room, such as the name of the talk room (text information), a talk room icon image (image information), a talk room identifier (identification information), and a talk room preview image (image information), which are entered by a user or assigned by a messaging service, and may be any one or a combination of two or more of these.

[0364] In addition, the preview image of the talk room may or may not include, for example and without limitation, the name of the application, a talk area for talking, etc.

[0365] In the present embodiment, the switch-type talk room information is information selected (specified) by the user of the terminal 20, and is information for moving from the first talk room to the second talk room and displaying the second talk room.

[0366] In this embodiment, by way of example and not by way of limitation, terminal 20 does not perform a process of determining whether or not to display switched-type talk room information (talk room information display determination process), but rather, by way of example and not by way of limitation, can display talk room information at any timing based on a predetermined action of the user of terminal 20. As an example and not as a limitation, when a user of terminal 20 performs a predetermined operation (as an example and not as a limitation, an operation of swiping upward from the bottom of the display) at any timing in any talk room of a messaging application, switched talk room information can be displayed in the talk room information display area.

[0367] In this embodiment, the state in which switched-type talk room information is displayed in the talk room information display area by a predetermined user operation is different from the state in which a talk is being conducted in a messaging service, and is a state in which switched-type talk room information is displayed or selected (specified). Therefore, this state can be expressed as a talk room information display mode (state), a talk room information selection mode (state), a talk room information switcher mode (state), etc.

[0368] In the present embodiment, the user of the terminal 20 can select any one of the talk room information by swiping the switchable talk room information in the talk room information display area in the left and right directions.

[0369] In addition, when switching-type talk room information is displayed in the talk room information display area based on the operation of the user of terminal 20, by way of example and not limitation, switching-type source talk room information corresponding to the first chat room may or may not be displayed in an area other than the talk room information display area.

[0370] Hereinafter, the area where the switching-type source talk room information is displayed will be referred to as the “source talk room information display area.” The source talk room information display area may be displayed, for example and not limited to, to the right of the talk room information display area where the switching-type talk room information is displayed.

[0371] In this embodiment, when switched talk room information is displayed in the talk room information display area, the visibility of the talk area of ​​the preview image in the switched talk room information is reduced, and the information is displayed in a manner that makes it difficult for the user of terminal 20 to recognize the talk content. As a non-limiting example, the talk area of ​​the preview image in the switched talk room information may be subjected to mosaic processing, hatching processing, or the like to reduce visibility.

[0372] In addition, when reducing the visibility of the talk area of ​​the preview image in switched-type talk room information, the visibility of the talk area of ​​the preview image in all switched-type talk room information may be reduced, or the visibility of the talk area of ​​the preview image in some of the multiple switched-type talk room information may be reduced. As a non-limiting example, the visibility of the talk area of ​​a preview image in switchable talk room information corresponding to a talk room with unread messages may be reduced, while the visibility of the talk area of ​​a preview image in switchable talk room information corresponding to a talk room with no unread messages may not be reduced.

[0373] In this embodiment, when switched-type source talk room information is displayed in the source talk room information display area, the information is displayed in a manner that allows the user of terminal 20 to recognize the talk content without reducing the visibility of the talk area of ​​the preview image in the switched-type source talk room information. In addition, the visibility of the talk area of ​​the preview image in the switch-type source talk room information may be reduced so that the user of terminal 20 has difficulty recognizing the talk content.

[0374] When applying switchable talk room information, as an example and not a limitation, a destination talk room candidate can be determined by a method similar to the method described in the second embodiment, and switchable talk room information corresponding to the determined destination talk room candidate can be displayed. As one method, as described in the second embodiment, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20 can perform the destination talk room candidate determination process (first destination talk room candidate determination process). As another method, the control unit 11 of the server 10 can perform a destination talk room candidate determination process (second destination talk room candidate determination process).

[0375] Specifically, when switching-type talk room information is applied, similar to when icon-type talk room information is applied, it is possible to execute processing including, by way of example and not limitation, the destination talk room candidate determination processing shown in Figures 2-5 and 2-6. A specific example of this process will be described later.

[0376] <Display screen> 6-1 and 6-2 are diagrams showing an example of transition of screens displayed on the display unit 24 of the terminal 20A of the user AA.

[0377] Here, a figure shows an example of a display screen when the first destination talk room candidate determination process determines the "talk room that has been displayed the most within a set time" (No. "SP01-1") as the destination talk room candidate. Specifically, in the process of determining the first destination talk room candidate, by way of example and not limitation, the talk rooms that have been displayed the most within a set time (by way of example and not limitation, one hour) (by way of example and not limitation, a talk room for talking with user CC, a talk room for talking with user DD, and a talk room for talking with user EE) are determined to be the destination talk room candidates.

[0378] In the left screen of Figure 6-1, the talk room name display area displays, by way of example and not limitation, characters (in this example, "BB") indicating that this is a talk room for user AA to talk with user BB.

[0379] This screen shows a state in which the user of the terminal 20 swipes upward from the bottom of the display unit as an example of an input for displaying switched-type talk room information (hereinafter referred to as a "switched-type talk room information display input"). In this case, the terminal 20 is controlled to the talk room information switcher mode. As a result, the screen shown in the center of FIG. 6-1 is displayed, by way of example and not limitation.

[0380] Specifically, by way of example and not limitation, the talk room information display area ER2 displays switch-type talk room information corresponding to the destination talk room candidate determined in the first destination talk room candidate determination process. In this example, by way of example and not limitation, multiple switched talk room information is displayed, including a username "CC", a corresponding icon, and a corresponding preview image, a username "DD", a corresponding icon, and a corresponding preview image, and a username "EE", a corresponding icon, and a corresponding preview image.

[0381] In this example, the switchable talk room information corresponding to the user name "CC" is displayed in the center of the screen of display unit 24, making it more visible than the switchable talk room information corresponding to the user name "DD" and the switchable talk room information corresponding to the user name "EE," and is displayed in a position that makes it easier for the user to select.

[0382] In addition, in the source talk room information display area ER3, as a non-limiting example, switch-type source talk room information corresponding to the first chat room is displayed. In this example, by way of example and not limitation, switched-type source talk room information including the username "BB", a corresponding icon, and a corresponding preview image is displayed.

[0383] The screen on the right of FIG. 6-1 shows a state in which switched talk room information corresponding to user CC is swiped rightward as an example, but not limited to, of an input for switching the display of switched talk room information, or as an example, but not limited to, an input for changing the position where switched talk room information is displayed (the area where switched talk room information is displayed) (hereinafter referred to as a "switched talk room information display change input"). In this case, the switched talk room information corresponding to user CC moves rightward, and other switched talk room information displayed on the left side of the talk room information display area ER2 (as examples, but not limited to, the switched talk room information corresponding to user DD and the switched talk room information corresponding to user EE) moves rightward. As a result, as an example, but not limited to, the screen shown on the left of FIG. 6-2 is displayed.

[0384] Specifically, in the talk room information display area ER2, as a non-limiting example, switched talk room information moved by a swipe operation by the user is displayed. In this example, by way of example and not limitation, multiple switched talk room information is displayed, including a username "CC", a corresponding icon, and a corresponding preview image, a username "DD", a corresponding icon, and a corresponding preview image, and a username "EE", a corresponding icon, and a corresponding preview image.

[0385] In this example, the switchable talk room information corresponding to the user name "DD" is displayed in the center of the display unit 24, making it more visible than the switchable talk room information corresponding to the user name "CC" and the switchable talk room information corresponding to the user name "EE," and is displayed in a position that makes it easier for the user to select.

[0386] Also, by way of example and not limitation, a state in which switched talk room information corresponding to user DD is tapped is shown. In this case, the control of the talk room information switcher mode is terminated, and the display switches from the talk room with user BB (first talk room) to the talk room with user DD (second talk room). As a result, the screen shown on the right of Figure 6-2 is displayed, by way of example and not limitation.

[0387] Specifically, this is a talk room where user AA can talk with user DD, and by way of example and not limitation, the talk room name display area CLR displays characters (in this example, "DD") indicating that it is a talk room for the user name "DD." Below that is a talk area where users AA and DD can talk in an interactive format, with messages from the other user, user DD, displayed on the left side of the screen and messages from user AA, user AA, displayed on the right side of the screen.

[0388] <Processing> FIG. 6-3 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing executed by the terminal 20 in this embodiment. After A110, the control unit 21 determines whether or not the switched-type talk room information display condition is met (A620). The switched-type talk room information display condition may be, for example and without limitation, that the switched-type talk room information display input described above is made via the input unit.

[0389] If it is determined that the switch-type talk room information display condition is met (A620: YES), the control unit 21 executes a first destination talk room candidate determination process (A115). In this case, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20 can determine a destination talk room candidate by, for example and not by way of limitation, a method similar to the method described above based on the destination talk room candidate determination table (see FIG. 2-1). Then, the control unit 21 causes the display unit 24 to display switch-type talk room information corresponding to the determined destination talk room candidate (A630). In this case, as one method, and not by way of limitation, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20 can generate and display switchable talk room information corresponding to the determined destination talk room candidate based on the talk history and talk room information stored in the memory unit 28.

[0390] Alternatively, the terminal 20 may transmit information about the determined destination talk room candidates to the server 10 and receive talk history and talk room information corresponding to the destination talk room candidates from the server 10. Then, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20 may generate and display switch-type talk room information based on the received information, but this is not essential.

[0391] Next, the control unit 21 determines whether or not a switch-type talk room information display switching condition is met (A640). The switch-type talk room information display switching condition may be, for example and without limitation, that the switch-type talk room information display switching input described above is made via the input unit.

[0392] When it is determined that the switched-type talk room information display switching condition is met (A640: YES), the control unit 21 performs a switched-type talk room information display switching process (A650). Specifically, the control unit 24 performs control to change the display position (display area) of the switched talk room information.

[0393] Thereafter, the control unit 21 determines whether an input (for example, a tap, but not limited to a tap) has been made to the displayed switched-type talk room information (A660). If it is determined that an input has been made (A660: YES), the control unit 21 performs control to switch the display from the first talk room being displayed to the second talk room corresponding to the input switched-type talk room information (A670). Then, the control unit 21 ends the process.

[0394] If it is determined in A660 that no input has been made to the switched talk room information (A660: NO), the control unit 21 determines whether or not to end the process (A690). If it is determined to continue the process (A690: NO), the control unit 21 returns the process to A640. On the other hand, if it is determined to end the process (A690: YES), the control unit 21 ends the process.

[0395] If it is determined in A620 that the switched-type talk room information display condition is not satisfied (A620: NO), the control unit 21 determines whether to end the process (A695). If it is determined to continue the process (A695: NO), the control unit 21 returns to A620. On the other hand, if it is determined to end the process (A695: YES), the control unit 21 ends the process.

[0396] As described in the second modified example, the server 10 may determine the destination talk room candidates. In this case, by way of example and not limitation, the process of FIG. 6-3 above can be rewritten to follow the process of FIG. 2-6 described above. Specifically, by way of example and not limitation, when it is determined in A620 of FIG. 6-3 that the switched-type talk room information display condition is met (A620: YES), the control unit 21 of the terminal 20 executes step A112 of FIG. 2-6. In response to this, the control unit 11 of the server 10 executes steps S110 and S120 in FIG. 2-6. Then, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20 can display the switched-type talk room information based on the destination talk room candidate determination information received from the server 10, and then proceed to step A640 in FIG. 6-3.

[0397] The above contents are also applicable to the other embodiments and modified examples related to the display of switched talk room information.

[0398] <Effects of the Sixth Embodiment> In this embodiment, the terminal 20 displays a display of switched-type talk room information (not limited to this, an example of a first display) on the display unit 24. In this case, the display of the switched-type talk room information is configured to be displayed in an area of ​​the display unit 24 of the terminal 20 that is different from the area in which the first talk room, which is the source talk room, is displayed. As an example of an effect of an embodiment obtained by such a configuration, a display of a second chat room can be easily displayed based on an input to a first display displayed in an area different from the area where the first chat room is displayed on the display unit of the terminal.

[0399] In this case, the display of switched-type talk room information can include switched-type source talk room information (not limited to, an example of a display related to the first chat room) corresponding to the first talk room displayed in the source talk room information display area (not limited to, an example of a first display area) of the display unit 24 of the terminal 20, and switched-type talk room information (not limited to, an example of a display related to the second chat room) corresponding to the destination talk room displayed in the talk room information display area (not limited to, an example of a second display area) of the display unit 24 of the terminal 20. As an example of the effect of the embodiment obtained by such a configuration, since a display related to the first chat room is displayed in the first display area of ​​the display unit of the terminal, the user of the terminal can confirm information related to the first chat room from which the user moved and can also return the display to the first chat room as it is. Also, since a display related to the second chat room is displayed in the second display area of ​​the display unit of the terminal, the user of the terminal can confirm information related to the second chat room from which the user moved and can also move from the first chat room to the second chat room.

[0400] In this case, terminal 20 can be configured to use control unit 21 to perform control to change the display position (display area) of switched-type talk room information (not limited to this, an example of control to display a display related to the second chat room in the first display area) based on input by the user of terminal 20 to change the display position of switched-type talk room information (not limited to this, an example of input by the user of the terminal). As an example of an effect of an embodiment obtained by such a configuration, it is possible to, for example and not by way of limitation, display a display related to a second chat room in the first display area based on an input by a user of the terminal, and conversely, it is possible to, for example and not by way of limitation, display a display related to a first chat room in the second display area based on an input by a user of the terminal.

[0401] In this case, if there is an unread message (not limiting, but an example of content that has not been viewed by the user of the terminal) among the messages displayed in the second talk room, the switched talk room information can be displayed in a manner in which the talk area of ​​the preview image in the switched talk room information has been subjected to mosaic processing, hatching processing, etc. (not limiting, but an example of an aspect in which the content cannot be viewed). As an example of an effect of an embodiment obtained by such a configuration, if there is content displayed in the second chat room that has not been viewed by the user of the terminal, the first display can be displayed in a manner that prevents the user of the terminal from viewing or viewing the unviewed content.

[0402] <Sixth Modification (1)> In the sixth embodiment, when switched-type talk room information is displayed in the talk room information display area of ​​the display unit 24, an example is shown in which switched-type source talk room information corresponding to the first chat room is displayed in a source talk room information display area that is different from the talk room information display area, but this is not limited to this. As a non-limiting example, the switch-type source talk room information corresponding to the first chat room may not be displayed in the source talk room information display area.

[0403] In this case, while switched-type source talk room information is not displayed in the source talk room information display area, a background image of the talk room corresponding to the first talk room (hereinafter referred to as the "source talk room background image") may or may not be displayed as the background image of display unit 24.

[0404] Furthermore, when the background image of the source talk room is displayed as a background image on display unit 24 in this manner, the visibility of this background image of the source talk room may or may not be lower than that of the switched-type talk room information. As an example and not a limitation, the background image of the source talk room as this background image may be an image with a lower display priority than the switched-type talk room information (it has a lower display layer and appears to be displayed in the back) so that its visibility is reduced compared to the switched-type talk room information, and as an example and not a limitation, the background image may be subjected to mosaic processing or hatching processing so that its visibility is reduced compared to the switched-type talk room information.

[0405] <Display screen> Figure 6-4 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the display unit 24 of user AA's terminal 20A in this modified example, and shows an example of a screen in which the source talk room background image is displayed as the background image of the display unit 24 when switched talk room information is displayed.

[0406] Here, an example of a display screen is shown when the "talk room most frequently displayed within a set time" with No. "SP01-1" is determined as the destination talk room candidate in the first destination talk room candidate determination process. Specifically, in the process of determining the first destination talk room candidate, by way of example and not limitation, the talk rooms that have been displayed the most within a set time (by way of example and not limitation, one hour) (by way of example and not limitation, a talk room for talking with user CC, a talk room for talking with user DD, and a talk room for talking with user EE) are determined to be the destination talk room candidates.

[0407] On the screen of FIG. 6-4, the talk room information display area ER2 displays, by way of example and not limitation, switch-type talk room information corresponding to the destination talk room candidate determined in the first destination talk room candidate determination process. In this example, by way of example and not limitation, multiple switched talk room information is displayed, including a username "CC", a corresponding icon, and a corresponding preview image, a username "DD", a corresponding icon, and a corresponding preview image, and a username "EE", a corresponding icon, and a corresponding preview image.

[0408] Also, on this screen, as a background image displayed across the entire screen of display unit 24, a source talk room background image corresponding to the first talk room is displayed, by way of example and not by way of limitation. In this example, as a background image of the source chat room, by way of example and not limitation, the words "Messaging App" are displayed in the top center of the image as the name of the messaging application, an icon image and user name (user AA in this example) for the messaging application of the user of this terminal 20 are displayed in the top right of the image, and the talk room name ("BB" in this example) is displayed in the talk room name display area CLR. Below that is a talk area where users AA and BB can talk in an interactive format, with messages from the other user, user BB, displayed on the left side of the screen and messages from user AA, the user, displayed on the right side of the screen.

[0409] In this case, by way of example and not by way of limitation, the source talk room background image as this background image is an image that has a lower display priority than the switched-type talk room information (it appears to be displayed in the background because it has a lower display layer), and by way of example and not by way of limitation, a hatching process is performed, so that the source talk room background image is displayed with lower visibility than the switched-type talk room information.

[0410] <Sixth Modification (2)> In the sixth embodiment, the terminal 20 is capable of displaying switched talk room information at any timing based on a predetermined action of the user of the terminal 20, without performing a talk room information display determination process, but is not limited to this example. As a non-limiting example, the terminal 20 may perform a talk room information display determination process based on the talk room information display condition table (FIG. 3-1) described in the third embodiment, etc., in a manner similar to that of the third embodiment. Then, when it is determined that the talk room information is to be displayed, the terminal 20 may also display switched-type talk room information.

[0411] Similarly, the terminal 20 performs a talk room information display deletion determination process based on the talk room information display deletion condition table (FIG. 4-1) described in the fourth embodiment, etc., in a manner similar to that of the fourth embodiment. Then, when it is determined that the display of the talk room information should be deleted, the display of the switched-type talk room information can also be deleted.

[0412] As described in the third and fourth modified examples, the talk room information display determination process and the talk room information display deletion determination process may be performed on the server 10 side.

[0413] <Seventh Example> The seventh embodiment relates to a method for preventing misidentification of a switched talk room. The contents described in the seventh embodiment are applicable to any of the other embodiments and other modified examples. Furthermore, the same components as those already mentioned are given the same reference numerals and will not be described again.

[0414] In this embodiment, when a user of terminal 20 switches from a first talk room (one-to-one talk room, group talk room) to a second talk room (one-to-one talk room, group talk room), an example is shown in which the display mode of at least some of the users belonging to the second talk room is changed and displayed on display unit 24.

[0415] In this embodiment, by way of example and not limitation, users belonging to the second talk room include users belonging to the second talk room who belong to the first talk room (hereinafter referred to as "first users"), and users belonging to the second talk room who do not belong to the first talk room (hereinafter referred to as "second users"). As an example and not by way of limitation, if the members belonging to "Group X" (first talk room: group talk room) are user AA, user BB, and user CC, and the members belonging to "Group Y" (second talk room: group talk room) are user AA, user BB, and user DD, then the first user is user AA and user BB, and the second user is user DD.

[0416] As one method for preventing misidentification of the second chat room, when switching to the second chat room, for example and not by way of limitation, the first user and the second user among the members belonging to the second chat room can be displayed in different ways. By way of example and not limitation, the username and corresponding icon corresponding to the first user may be displayed in a normal manner (by way of example and not limitation, username: light text, icon: no highlighted icon), while the username and corresponding icon corresponding to the second user may be displayed in a special manner (by way of example and not limitation, username: bold text, icon: highlighted icon).

[0417] In addition, when an icon corresponding to a second user is displayed in a special manner (as an example, and not by way of limitation, icon: with emphasis icon), as an example, and not by way of limitation, an emphasis icon (as an example, and not by way of limitation, a round icon) can be displayed in a predetermined position (as an example, and not by way of limitation, in the upper left corner of the icon) as information emphasizing to the user that the user does not belong to the first talk room but belongs to the second talk room.

[0418] In addition, the following method can be applied as another method to prevent misidentification of the second chat room to which the user is to move. Examples of inputs for talk room information include input of a user name or a corresponding icon (hereinafter referred to as "third input") to display information about the destination talk room (second talk room) (for example and not limitation, a preview display of the destination talk room, a temporary destination talk room when temporarily switching to the destination talk room described below, etc.). In addition, as an example of an input for another talk room information, as described above, an input for a user name or a corresponding icon (hereinafter referred to as "second input") to switch the display from the currently displayed talk room (first talk room) to the destination talk room (second talk room) is given.

[0419] By way of example and not limitation, when the input is a manipulation input, the third input is a long press operation on the input target, whereas the second input is a tap operation on the input target.

[0420] In this embodiment, when a third input (a long press operation, for example and not limitation) is made to talk room information, a preview display of the destination talk room (second talk room) is displayed as information about the destination talk room, for example and not limitation. As an example and not by way of limitation, the preview display of the destination chat room includes the name of the chat room, and if the chat room is a group chat room, the number of members belonging to the group in parentheses to the right of the chat room name, the names of the members belonging to the group, corresponding icons, and the talk area.

[0421] In addition, without being limited to this form, in a messaging service in which a third input is made to talk room information, it is possible to temporarily switch to a destination talk room and ultimately choose whether to switch the destination talk room, when temporarily switching to the destination talk room, a temporary destination talk room corresponding to the destination talk room may be displayed as information about the destination talk room (second talk room).

[0422] In this embodiment, the visibility of the talk area is reduced by performing mosaic processing or hatching processing on the talk area, making it difficult for the user to recognize the talk content.

[0423] In addition, without being limited to this form, by not performing mosaic or hatching processing on the talk area, it may be possible to make it easier for the user to recognize the talk content without reducing the visibility of the talk area.

[0424] <Display screen> FIG. 7-1 is a diagram showing an example of transition of a screen displayed on the display unit 24 of the terminal 20A of the user AA.

[0425] Here, a figure shows an example of a display screen when the first destination talk room candidate determination process determines the "talk room that has been displayed the most within a set time" (No. "SP01-1") as the destination talk room candidate. Specifically, in the process of determining the first destination talk room candidate, by way of example and not limitation, the talk rooms that have been displayed the most number of times within a set time (by way of example and not limitation, one hour) (by way of example and not limitation, a talk room for talking to the group "work," a talk room for talking to the group "family," and a talk room for talking to user EE) are determined to be the destination talk room candidates.

[0426] In the left screen of Figure 7-1, the talk room name display area CLR displays, by way of example and not limitation, characters (in this example, "BB") indicating that this is a talk room for user AA to talk with user BB.

[0427] In this example, the talk room information display area ER1 displays multiple talk room information including, by way of example and not limitation, a group name "Work" and a corresponding icon, a group name "Family" and a corresponding icon, and a user name "EE" and a corresponding icon.

[0428] Also, in this example, if the talk room is a group talk room, the number of members belonging to the group is displayed in parentheses to the right of the talk room name. Specifically, the number "4" is shown in parentheses to the right of the group name "Work", indicating that the group has four members, and the number "5" is shown in parentheses to the right of the group name "Family", indicating that the group has five members.

[0429] 7-1 shows, by way of example and not limitation, a state in which the group name “Work” or the icon corresponding thereto is pressed and held among a plurality of chat room information items, in which a preview display PV1 of the destination chat room is displayed from the bottom to the top of the display unit 24.

[0430] In this preview display PV1, by way of example and not limitation, at the top of the preview display, text (in this example, "Work") is displayed indicating that this is a chat room for a group named "Work", and to the right of that, in parentheses, a number indicating the number of members in this group (in this example, the number "4") is displayed. Below that, the names of the members belonging to this group (in this example, "AA", "BB", "XX", and "YY") and their corresponding icons are displayed. Furthermore, below that is a chat area where members of this chat room can talk with each other, with messages from the other users, User BB, User XX, and User YY, displayed on the left side of the screen, and messages from User AA, the user himself, displayed on the right side of the screen.

[0431] In this example, by way of example and not limitation, the first users are User AA and User BB, and the second users are User XX and User YY, so that by way of example and not limitation, the usernames and corresponding icons corresponding to the first users (User AA and User BB) are displayed in a normal manner (by way of example and not limitation, User name: light text, Icon: no highlighted icon), while the usernames and corresponding icons corresponding to the second users (User XX and User YY) are displayed in a special manner (by way of example and not limitation, User name: bold text, Icon: highlighted icon).

[0432] In addition, in this example, the talk area where members of the chat room can talk is hatched, which reduces the visibility of the talk area and makes it difficult for users to understand the content of the talk.

[0433] <Effects of the Seventh Embodiment> In the present embodiment, the terminal 20 displays a second talk room including a plurality of users including the user of the terminal 20 on the display unit 24 based on an input to the terminal 20 on which the talk room information is displayed. In this case, the terminal 20 is configured to display at least some of the users included in the second talk room in different display modes. As an example of an effect of the embodiment obtained by such a configuration, it is possible to prevent the user of the terminal from mistakenly recognizing the second talk room to which the user has moved.

[0434] In this case, the multiple users include a first user who is included in the first talk room and a second user who is not included in the first talk room, and the terminal 20 can perform processing to make the display manner of the first user and the second user different. As an example of an effect of an embodiment obtained by such a configuration, it is possible for a user of a terminal to easily distinguish between a first user who is included in the first chat room and a second user who is not included in the first chat room.

[0435] In addition, this embodiment illustrates a configuration in which terminal 20 displays the second talk room on display unit 24 in a display manner different from the case in which the second talk room is displayed without moving from the first talk room, based on an input (not limited to this, an example of a fourth input) to terminal 20 on which talk room information is displayed. As an example of an effect of an embodiment obtained by such a configuration, a user of a terminal can easily identify a second chat room to which the user is to move without moving from the first chat room.

[0436] In addition, this embodiment illustrates a configuration in which terminal 20 displays a preview display of the destination talk room (not limiting, but an example of a display related to the second chat room to be moved to) on display unit 24 based on a long press operation (not limiting, but an example of the fifth input for the first display) on the displayed talk room information (not limiting, but an example of the first display), and displays information such as the names of users included in the second chat room (not limiting, but an example of the users included in the second chat room) on display unit 24. As an example of an effect of an embodiment obtained by such a configuration, it is possible for a user of a terminal to easily identify the second chat room to which the user is to move and the users included in the second chat room to which the user is to move, without moving from the first chat room.

[0437] <Seventh Modification (1)> In the seventh embodiment, the display mode of the users belonging to the second talk room is changed to prevent misidentification of the second talk room to which the user has moved, but the present invention is not limited to this. By way of example and not limitation, misidentification may be prevented by including in the talk room information information relating to the second talk room that is different from the information identifying the second talk room.

[0438] In this variant, by way of example and not limitation, the talk room information may include a talk room name and a corresponding icon as information for identifying the second talk room, and may also include information related to the second talk room. Specifically, information related to the second chat room may include, by way of example and not by way of limitation: - Information that identifies a second chat room other than the chat room name and its corresponding icon (for example, but not limited to, the background image of the chat room) - Chat room attribute information (for example but not limited to, information indicating that the chat room is registered as a favorite, information indicating that the chat room is in a folder, etc.) etc. can be included.

[0439] <Display screen> (1) First display screen example FIG. 7-2 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the display unit 24 of the terminal 20A of the user AA. Here, an example of a screen in which the talk room information includes the above-mentioned (1) talk room background image as information related to the second talk room is shown, by way of example and not limitation.

[0440] Here, a figure shows an example of a display screen when the first destination talk room candidate determination process determines the "talk room that has been displayed the most within a set time" (No. "SP01-1") as the destination talk room candidate. Specifically, in the process of determining the first destination talk room candidate, by way of example and not limitation, the talk rooms that have been displayed the most number of times within a set time (by way of example and not limitation, one hour) (by way of example and not limitation, a talk room for talking to the group "work," a talk room for talking to the group "family," and a talk room for talking to user EE) are determined to be the destination talk room candidates.

[0441] In the screen of Figure 7-2, the talk room name display area CLR displays, by way of example and not limitation, characters (in this example, "BB") indicating that this is a talk room for user AA to talk with user BB. Below that is a talk area where users AA and BB can talk in an interactive format, with messages from the other user, user BB, displayed on the left side of the screen and messages from user AA, the user, displayed on the right side of the screen. In addition, at the bottom of the talk area, there is provided a talk room information display area ER1 that displays one or more talk room information (not limited to this, an example of the first display) configured to allow the user to select the talk room to move to.

[0442] In addition, in this example, in the talk room information display area ER1 in which talk room information is displayed, there are provided, from left to right, a first talk room information display area ER11, a second talk room information display area ER12, and a third talk room information display area ER13.

[0443] In this screen, the talk room information display area ER1 (first talk room information display area ER11, second talk room information display area ER12, third talk room information display area ER13) displays, by way of example and not limitation, talk room information corresponding to the destination talk room candidate determined in the first destination talk room candidate determination process. Specifically, as a non-limiting example of multiple talk room information, multiple talk room information is displayed including a group name "Work" and a corresponding icon in the first talk room information display area ER11, a group name "Family" and a corresponding icon in the second talk room information display area ER12, and a user name "EE" and a corresponding icon in the third talk room information display area ER13.

[0444] Also, in this example, as talk room information, by way of example and not limitation, a background image of the second talk room, which is information related to the second talk room, is displayed together with the talk room name and an icon corresponding thereto. Specifically, in the first talk room information display area ER11, a background image of the talk room corresponding to the group name "Work" is displayed together with the group name "Work" and its corresponding icon, in the second talk room information display area ER12, a background image of the talk room corresponding to the group name "Family" is displayed together with the group name "Family" and its corresponding icon, and in the third talk room information display area ER13, a background image of the talk room corresponding to the user name "EE" is displayed together with the user name "EE" and its corresponding icon.

[0445] Also, in this example, if the talk room is a group talk room, the number of members belonging to the group is displayed in parentheses to the right of the talk room name. Specifically, the number "4" is shown in parentheses to the right of the group name "Work", indicating that the group has four members, and the number "5" is shown in parentheses to the right of the group name "Family", indicating that the group has five members.

[0446] (2) Example of the second display screen FIG. 7-3 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the display unit 24 of the terminal 20A of the user AA. Here, an example of a screen is shown in which the talk room information includes the aforementioned (2) attribute information (information indicating that the talk room has been registered as a favorite) as information related to the second talk room, by way of example and not limitation.

[0447] Here, a figure shows an example of a display screen when the first destination talk room candidate determination process determines the "talk room that has been displayed the most within a set time" (No. "SP01-1") as the destination talk room candidate. Specifically, in the process of determining the first destination talk room candidate, by way of example and not limitation, the talk rooms that have been displayed the most number of times within a set time (by way of example and not limitation, one hour) (by way of example and not limitation, a talk room for talking to the group "work," a talk room for talking to the group "family," and a talk room for talking to user EE) are determined to be the destination talk room candidates.

[0448] Also, in this case, in a messaging service in which the user of terminal 20 can register any talk room as a favorite, it is assumed that the user of terminal 20 has registered a talk room for talking with the group “Family” as a favorite.

[0449] In the screen of Figure 7-3, the talk room name display area CLR displays, by way of example and not limitation, characters (in this example, "BB") indicating that this is a talk room for user AA to talk with user BB. Below that is a talk area where users AA and BB can talk in an interactive format, with messages from the other user, user BB, displayed on the left side of the screen and messages from user AA, the user, displayed on the right side of the screen.

[0450] On this screen, talk room information display area ER1 displays, by way of example and not limitation, talk room information corresponding to the destination talk room candidates determined in the first destination talk room candidate determination process. Specifically, as multiple talk room information, by way of example and not limitation, multiple talk room information is displayed, including a group name "Work" and a corresponding icon, a group name "Family" and a corresponding icon, and a user name "EE" and a corresponding icon.

[0451] In addition, in this example, as talk room information, by way of example and not limitation, information related to the second talk room, indicating that the talk room has been registered as a favorite, is displayed along with the talk room name and a corresponding icon. Specifically, a star-shaped icon indicating that the group is registered as a favorite is displayed in the upper left corner of the icon corresponding to the group name "Family."

[0452] Also, in this example, if the talk room is a group talk room, the number of members belonging to the group is displayed in parentheses to the right of the talk room name. Specifically, the number "4" is shown in parentheses to the right of the group name "Work", indicating that the group has four members, and the number "5" is shown in parentheses to the right of the group name "Family", indicating that the group has five members.

[0453] In this modification, the control unit 21 controls the terminal 20 to display information related to the second talk room in association with the talk room information. As an example of an effect of an embodiment obtained by such a configuration, by displaying information related to the second chat room in association with the first display, it is possible to prevent the user of the terminal from misidentifying the second chat room to which the user is to move.

[0454] In this case, the talk room information may include an icon image of the second talk room (not limited to, an example of first image information for identifying the second chat room), and the information related to the second talk room may include a background image of the second talk room and a mark indicating that the second talk room has been registered as a favorite (not limited to, an example of second image information different from the first image information). As an example of an effect of an embodiment obtained by such a configuration, the first image information can be used to enable the user of the terminal to identify the second chat room, and the second image information, which is different from the first image information, can be used to prevent the user of the terminal from misidentifying the second chat room to which they are scheduled to move.

[0455] <Seventh Modification (2)> In the seventh embodiment, when switching to the second talk room, the display mode of the users belonging to the second talk room is changed to prevent misidentification of the switched talk room, but the present invention is not limited to this. As a non-limiting example, as a method to prevent misidentification of the switched-to talk room, when switching to a second talk room, information regarding the second talk room, which is different from the user belonging to the second talk room, may be displayed in a different manner, or it may not be displayed in a different manner.

[0456] For example and not limitation, when switching to the second talk room, the talk room image of the second talk room may be displayed in an emphasized manner. Specifically, for example and not limitation, the talk room name of the second talk room may be displayed in bold, the background image of the second talk room may be displayed as an animation, the outer frame of the second talk room may be displayed in a bold line, etc.

[0457] <Eighth Example> The eighth embodiment relates to a method for enabling a user to recognize the talk room from which the user moved (before the move) when switching talk rooms, and a method for enabling the user to return to the talk room from which the user moved. The contents described in the eighth embodiment are applicable to any of the other embodiments and other modified examples. Furthermore, the same components as those already mentioned are given the same reference numerals and will not be described again.

[0458] In this embodiment, terminal 20 displays a second chat room (the currently displayed talk room, as an example and not a limitation) on display unit 24, and then moves from this second chat room to a first chat room (the previously displayed talk room, as an example and not a limitation) and displays a second display (as an example and not a limitation, source talk room information corresponding to the talk room to be displayed next) regarding displaying the first chat room on display unit 24. Then, based on an input on this second display, terminal 20 performs a second process (a talk room switching process, as an example and not a limitation) regarding the display of the first chat room by control unit 21 of terminal 20.

[0459] In the present embodiment, “source talk room information” will be described as an example of the second display. The source talk room information is a type of information on a talk room associated with a talk room in a messaging service, and in particular, is a type of information on a talk room associated with the source talk room. This source talk room information may include, by way of example and not limitation, information associated with the talk room, such as the name of the talk room (text information), the talk room icon image (image information), and the talk room identifier (identification information), which are entered by the user or assigned by the messaging service, and may be any one of these, or a combination of two or more of these, or may not be the case.

[0460] In this embodiment, the source talk room information is information selected (specified) by the user of the terminal 20, and is information for moving (returning) from the second talk room to the first talk room and displaying the first talk room again. For this reason, the source talk room information may or may not be expressed as source talk room selection information, source talk room designation information, etc.

[0461] In this embodiment, when displaying the source talk room information, as an example and not a limitation, information (as an example and not a limitation, an icon including a left-facing arrow) that allows the user to identify that this is a type of talk room information corresponding to the source talk room (as an example and not a limitation, an icon including a left-facing arrow that allows the user to return to the source talk room by tapping) is displayed at a specified position (as an example and not a limitation, the upper left corner of the source talk room information).

[0462] In this embodiment, as an example and not as a limitation, a talk room information display area is provided at the bottom of the screen of the currently displayed talk room, in which one or more talk room information (not as a limitation, an example of the first display) is displayed, configured to allow the user to select the talk room to move to. A source talk room information display area ER4 capable of displaying source talk room information is provided in the leftmost area of ​​this talk room information display area ER1.

[0463] <Display screen> FIG. 8-1 is a diagram showing an example of transition of a screen displayed on the display unit 24 of the terminal 20A of the user AA.

[0464] Here, a figure shows an example of a display screen when the first destination talk room candidate determination process determines the "talk room that has been displayed the most within a set time" (No. "SP01-1") as the destination talk room candidate. Specifically, in the process of determining the first destination talk room candidate, by way of example and not limitation, the talk rooms that have been displayed the most within a set time (by way of example and not limitation, one hour) (by way of example and not limitation, a talk room for talking with user CC, a talk room for talking with user DD, and a talk room for talking with user EE) are determined to be the destination talk room candidates.

[0465] In the left screen of Figure 8-1, the talk room name display area CLR displays, by way of example and not limitation, characters (in this example, "BB") indicating that this is a talk room for user AA to talk with user BB. In this example, the talk room information display region ER1 displays, by way of example and not limitation, talk room information corresponding to the destination talk room candidates determined in the first destination talk room candidate determination process. Specifically, information on a number of talk rooms is displayed, including a user name "CC" and a corresponding icon, a user name "DD" and a corresponding icon, and a user name "EE" and a corresponding icon. Below that is a talk area where users AA and BB can talk in an interactive format, with messages from the other user, user BB, displayed on the left side of the screen and messages from user AA, the user, displayed on the right side of the screen.

[0466] This screen also shows, by way of example and not limitation, a state in which the user name "CC" or the icon corresponding to the user name is tapped among multiple chat room information. In this case, the display switches from the chat room with user BB (first chat room) to the chat room with user CC (second chat room). As a result, by way of example and not limitation, the screen shown in the center of FIG. 8-1 is displayed.

[0467] This screen is a talk room where user AA can talk with user CC, and as an example and not a limitation, the talk room name display area CLR displays characters (in this example, "CC") indicating that it is a talk room for the user name "CC." Below that is a talk area where users AA and CC can talk interactively, with messages from the other user, user CC, displayed on the left side of the screen and messages from user AA, displayed on the right side of the screen.

[0468] In addition, in the talk room information display area ER1 at the bottom of the screen, by way of example and not limitation, a plurality of pieces of icon-type talk room information are displayed. Specifically, the source talk room information display area ER4 of the talk room information display area ER1 displays, by way of example and not limitation, source talk room information including the user name "BB" and a corresponding icon, and the area of ​​the talk room information display area ER1 to the right of the source talk room information display area ER4 displays multiple icon-type talk room information including the user name "DD" and a corresponding icon, and the user name "EE" and a corresponding icon.

[0469] In addition, in this example, information that identifies the chat room from which the user was moved and information that allows the user to return to the chat room from which the user was moved is displayed at a specified position of the icon corresponding to the chat room information from which the user was moved (as an example and not a limitation, the upper left corner of the chat room information from which the user was moved). Specifically, an icon including a left-facing arrow indicating a return to the original chat room is displayed in the upper left corner of the icon corresponding to user BB.

[0470] This screen also shows, by way of example and not limitation, a state in which the user name "BB" or the corresponding icon (source chat room information) among multiple chat room information is tapped. In this case, the display switches from the chat room with user CC (second chat room) to the chat room with user BB (first chat room). As a result, by way of example and not limitation, the screen shown on the right of Figure 8-1 is displayed.

[0471] This screen is a chat room where user AA can talk with user BB, and by way of example and not limitation, the chat room name display area CLR displays characters (in this example, "BB") indicating that this is a chat room for the user name "BB." Below that is a talk area where users AA and BB can talk in an interactive format, with messages from the other user, user BB, displayed on the left side of the screen and messages from user AA, the user, displayed on the right side of the screen.

[0472] In addition, in the talk room information display area ER1 at the bottom of the screen, information on a plurality of talk rooms is displayed, for example and not for limitation. Specifically, the source talk room information display area ER4 of the talk room information display area ER1 displays, by way of example and not limitation, source talk room information including the user name "CC" and a corresponding icon, and the area to the right of the source talk room information display area ER4 of the talk room information display area ER1 displays multiple talk room information including the user name "DD" and a corresponding icon, and the user name "EE" and a corresponding icon.

[0473] In addition, in this example, information that identifies the chat room from which the user was moved and information that allows the user to return to the chat room from which the user was moved is displayed at a specified position of the icon corresponding to the chat room information from which the user was moved (as an example and not a limitation, the upper left corner of the chat room information from which the user was moved). Specifically, an icon including a left-facing arrow indicating a return to the original talk room is displayed in the upper left corner of the icon corresponding to user CC.

[0474] In addition, when the transition occurs in the order of the left screen of Figure 8-1 → the center screen of Figure 8-1 → the right screen of Figure 8-1, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20 may, by way of example and not by way of limitation, display in the first talk room (talk room on the right screen of Figure 8-1) a notification regarding moving from the second talk room (talk room on the center screen of Figure 8-1) to the first talk room (talk room on the left screen of Figure 8-1) after moving from the first talk room (talk room on the left screen of Figure 8-1) to the second talk room (talk room on the center screen of Figure 8-1). In this case, as a non-limiting example, text such as "You are now back in the original chat room" may be displayed in pop-up format in the center of the screen or in push notification format at the top of the screen.

[0475] Also, the notification may be given by a method other than display. As a non-limiting example, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20 may notify the user of the terminal 20 that they have returned to the original talk room by controlling a vibration unit (not shown) of the terminal 20 to vibrate the housing (vibration function), by controlling the sound output unit 26 of the terminal 20 to output a specific sound (as a non-limiting example, a voice notifying the user that they have returned to the original talk room, a specific sound effect, etc.), or by controlling a light-emitting unit (not shown) of the terminal 20 to emit light.

[0476] <Effects of the Eighth Example> In this embodiment, terminal 20 displays the second talk room on display unit 24. Then, terminal 20 displays source talk room information (not limited to, but an example of a second display relating to moving from the second chat room to the first chat room and displaying the first chat room on the display unit) in the displayed second talk room on display unit 24. Then, the illustrated configuration shows a configuration in which terminal 20 uses control unit 21 to perform a process of switching the display from the second talk room to the first talk room based on an input for the source talk room information. As an example of the effect of the embodiment obtained by such a configuration, when moving from a first chat room to a second chat room, the second display allows the user to easily recognize the first chat room from which the user moved, and the second display allows the user to easily return to the first chat room from which the user moved based on an input to the terminal on which the second display is displayed.

[0477] In this case, when terminal 20 switches the display from the second talk room to the first talk room based on input for the source talk room information, a message indicating that the user has moved from the second talk room to the first talk room after moving from the first talk room to the second talk room (not limited to this, an example of a notification regarding the user having moved from the second chat room to the first chat room after moving from the first chat room to the second chat room) can be displayed on display unit 24. As an example of an effect of an embodiment obtained by such a configuration, after moving from a first chat room to a second chat room, the user of the terminal can easily recognize that he or she has moved from the second chat room to the first chat room.

[0478] In this case, the terminal 20 can display source talk room information (not limited to, but an example of information related to the first chat room) in the second talk room based on an input to the talk room information displayed in the first talk room. As an example of an effect of an embodiment obtained by such a configuration, it is possible to enable a terminal user to confirm, in the second chat room, the first chat room from which the user has moved, based on an input to the first display. [Explanation of symbols]

[0479] 1. Communication Systems 10 Server 20 Terminals 30 Network

Claims

1. A program executed by a terminal that performs processing related to a service having at least a chat function, displaying a first chat room including the user of the terminal on a display unit of the terminal; When a predetermined condition is satisfied, a first display is displayed on the display unit, the first display prompting the display unit to display one or more second chat rooms different from the first chat room, and when the predetermined condition is not satisfied, the first display is not displayed on the display unit, The predetermined condition includes at least one of the following conditions: newly received content is present in the second chat room; or a mention of the user of the terminal is posted in the second chat room. program.

2. The program according to claim 1, When the first indication is displayed, a second indication regarding a reason for displaying the first indication is displayed on the display unit. program.

3. The program according to claim 2, The second display is displayed adjacent to the first display. program.

4. The program according to claim 2 or 3, and displaying information about the second chat room superimposed on at least a portion of the first chat room, based on an input by a user of the terminal to the first display. program.

5. The program according to claim 1, The predetermined condition further includes a predetermined time period elapsed without any content being input into the first chat room. program.

6. The program according to claim 1, The predetermined condition further includes a predetermined period of time having elapsed without any content being posted to the first chat room. program.

7. An information processing method for a terminal that performs processing related to a service having at least a chat function, displaying a first chat room including the user of the terminal on a display unit of the terminal; displaying a first display on the display unit when a predetermined condition is satisfied, the first display prompting the display unit to display one or more second chat rooms different from the first chat room, and not displaying the first display on the display unit when the predetermined condition is not satisfied, The predetermined condition includes at least one of the following conditions: newly received content is present in the second chat room; or a mention of the user of the terminal is posted in the second chat room. Information processing methods.

8. A terminal that performs processing related to a service having at least a chat function, A display unit; a control unit that displays a first chat room including a user of the terminal on the display unit, and when a predetermined condition is satisfied, displays a first display on the display unit that prompts the display unit to display one or more second chat rooms different from the first chat room, and when the predetermined condition is not satisfied, performs control to not display the first display on the display unit; The predetermined condition includes at least one of the following conditions: newly received content is present in the second chat room; or a mention of the user of the terminal is posted in the second chat room. Terminal.

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