Chat system, method for providing chat service, and program

Abstract

To improve the convenience for a user who uses a chat service.SOLUTION: When a web service screen of a web service used by a user is displayed on a user terminal of the user, a chat request reception unit (201) of a chat system (1) receives, from the user terminal, a chat request for the user to chat with another user, the chat request being managed by the chat service used by the user. When the chat request is received, a chat service providing unit (203) provides the user with the chat service.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a chat system, a method for providing a chat service, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a chat service for a user to chat with other users is known. For example, Patent Document 1 describes an information processing system that realizes a chat between a user who views a website on which the contents of a product or service handled in an e-commerce service are posted and an operator who receives an inquiry about the product or service posted on the website.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, since the information processing system of Patent Document 1 only realizes a chat between a user and an operator as part of customer support, it has not been able to sufficiently improve the convenience of users who use the chat service.

[0005] One of the objects of the present disclosure is to improve the convenience of users who use the chat service.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A chat system according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes a chat request reception unit that receives, from a user terminal, a chat request for chatting with another user managed by a chat service used by the user when a web service screen of a web service used by the user is displayed on the user terminal, and a chat service providing unit that provides the chat service to the user when the chat request is received.

Advantages of the Invention

[0007] According to the present disclosure, the convenience of a user using a chat service can be enhanced.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Embodiment for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] [1. Hardware Configuration] An example of an embodiment of a chat system, a method for providing a chat service, and a program according to the present disclosure will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the chat system. For example, the chat system 1 includes a web service server 10, a chat service server 20, and a user terminal 30. Each of the web service server 10, the chat service server 20, and the user terminal 30 is connected to a network N such as the Internet or a LAN.

[0010] The web service server 10 is a server computer that provides web services to users. A web service is a service provided to users via the web. A web service is sometimes called an online service. In the present embodiment, as an example of a web service, a business support service that supports a user's business will be described. For example, groupware is an example of a business support service. The business support service may be a service that is not classified as groupware.

[0011] Note that the web service may be any service. The web service is not limited to the business support service. For example, the web service may be a service that provides an Internet encyclopedia, a service that provides a homepage of a company or the like, a service that provides news articles, a service that distributes videos, a service that searches for websites, a service that manages e-mails, an SNS, or other services.

[0012] For example, the web service server 10 includes a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, and a communication unit 13. The control unit 11 includes at least one processor. The storage unit 12 includes at least one of a volatile memory such as a RAM and a non-volatile memory such as a flash memory. The communication unit 13 includes at least one of a communication interface for wired communication and a communication interface for wireless communication.

[0013] The chat service server 20 is a server computer that provides a chat service to users. The chat service is a service that enables chats among users logged in to the chat service. In this embodiment, an example is given where the provider of the chat service and the provider of the web service are the same, but these providers may be different from each other. For example, the chat service server 20 includes a control unit 21, a storage unit 22, and a communication unit 23. The hardware configurations of the control unit 21, the storage unit 22, and the communication unit 23 may be the same as those of the control unit 11, the storage unit 12, and the communication unit 13, respectively.

[0014] The user terminal 30 is a user's computer that uses the web service and the chat service. In this embodiment, an example is given where another user who is the chat partner of the user also uses the web service and the chat service, but the other user only needs to use at least the chat service and does not necessarily need to use the web service. In FIG. 1, only one user terminal 30 is shown, but it is assumed that other users also use the user terminal 30.

[0015] For example, the user terminal 30 is a personal computer, a tablet terminal, a smartphone, or a wearable terminal. The user terminal 30 includes a control unit 31, a storage unit 32, a communication unit 33, an operation unit 34, and a display unit 35. The hardware configurations of the control unit 31, the storage unit 32, and the communication unit 33 may be the same as those of the control unit 11, the storage unit 12, and the communication unit 13, respectively. The operation unit 34 is an input device such as a mouse or a touch panel. The display unit 35 is a liquid crystal or organic EL display.

[0016] Note that the programs stored in the storage units 12, 22, and 32 may be supplied via the network N. The hardware configurations of each of the web service server 10, the chat service server 20, and the user terminal 30 are not limited to the example of FIG. 1. For example, at least one of the web service server 10, the chat service server 20, and the user terminal 30 may include at least one of a reading unit (e.g., a memory card slot) that reads a computer-readable information storage medium and an input / output unit (e.g., a USB terminal) for directly connecting to an external device. A program stored in the information storage medium may be supplied to at least one of the web service server 10, the chat service server 20, and the user terminal 30 via at least one of the reading unit and the input / output unit.

[0017] Also, the chat system 1 may include at least one computer. The computer included in the chat system 1 is not limited to the example of FIG. 1. For example, the chat system 1 may include only the chat service server 20 and the user terminal 30. In this case, the web service server 10 exists outside the chat system 1. The chat system 1 may include only the chat service server 20. In this case, the web service server 10 and the user terminal 30 exist outside the chat system 1. The chat system 1 may include the chat service server 20 and another server computer.

[0018] [2. Overview of Chat System] In this embodiment, a case where a user belonging to an organization such as a company uses a web service and a chat service is taken as an example. For example, the organization to which the user belongs contracts for the web service and the chat service. The user uses the web service and the chat service as a member of the organization that has contracted for the web service and the chat service. For example, the user can communicate with other users in the same organization by using the web service and the chat service.

[0019] For example, the user uses a web service and a chat service from the browser of the user terminal 30. Assume that the user has already completed the registration for using the web service and the chat service in advance. When the user logs in to the web service from the browser of the user terminal 30, the user terminal 30 causes the display unit 35 to display a web service screen showing the content of the web service.

[0020] FIGS. 2 to 5 are diagrams showing an example of a browser window displayed on the user terminal 30. As shown in the upper part of FIG. 2, the user terminal 30 causes the web service screen SC1 to be displayed on the tab T1 of the window W. In the present embodiment, since the cloud-based business support service corresponds to the web service, various contents for supporting the user's business are displayed on the web service screen SC1.

[0021] Note that the content displayed on the web service screen SC1 may be known content. In the example in the upper part of FIG. 2, the user terminal 30 causes a list of records registered in an app, which is a type of database, to be displayed on the web service screen SC1 as the content of the business support service. Among other things, for example, the user terminal 30 may cause other contents such as thread posts, user schedules, emails, expense applications, or company regulations to be displayed on the web service screen SC1.

[0022] In the present embodiment, assume that the browser of the user terminal 30 supports an extension function. The extension function is a program for the user to add a specific function to the browser. The extension function may include data referred to by the program. The mechanism of the extension function may be the same as the mechanism adopted in known browsers. The user can select an arbitrary extension function and add it to the browser. When the user selects an extension function and adds it to the browser, the selected extension function is installed on the user terminal 30. The extension function is called from the browser at an arbitrary timing.

[0023] In this embodiment, an example is given where the chat service is provided as an extension function of a browser. When the user selects the extension function of the chat service and adds it to the browser, the user terminal 30 downloads the data of the extension function of the chat service from the chat service server 20. The user terminal 30 installs the extension function of the chat service based on the data downloaded from the chat service server 20.

[0024] For example, when the installation of the extension function of the chat service is completed, the user terminal 30 displays an icon I1 indicating the extension function of the chat service in the menu bar of the tab T1. When the user selects the icon I1, the user terminal 30 activates the extension function of the chat service. When the extension function of the chat service is activated, as shown in the lower part of FIG. 2, the user terminal 30 displays a chat service screen SC2 showing the content of the chat service on the display unit 35.

[0025] In this embodiment, an example is given where the user terminal 30 uses a function called the side panel of the browser to display the chat service screen SC2 on the display unit 35. The side panel is a partial display area of the window W. The side panel may have the same function as a known browser. The user can switch the on / off display of the side panel. For example, when the user selects the "×" in the upper right corner of the chat service screen SC2, the chat service screen SC2 displayed as the side panel disappears.

[0026] Note that the chat service screen SC2 may be displayed at any position of the window W. The display position of the chat service screen SC2 is not limited to the right side of the web service screen SC1 as shown in the lower side of FIG. 2. For example, the chat service screen SC2 may be above, to the left, or below the web service screen SC1. Also, although the chat service screen SC2 is assumed to be displayed outside the tab T1, the chat service screen SC2 may be displayed within the tab T1. That is, the web service screen SC1 and the chat service screen SC2 may be displayed within the same tab T1.

[0027] Further, the user terminal 30 may use functions of a browser other than the side panel to display the chat service screen SC2 on the display unit 35. For example, the user terminal 30 may use the screen splitting function of the browser to display the chat service screen SC2 on the display unit 35. The screen splitting may have the same function as a known browser. The user terminal 30 may display the chat service screen SC2 in a tab different from the tab T1. The user terminal 30 may display the chat service screen SC2 in a window different from the window W.

[0028] For example, the user logs in to the chat service as a member of the organization to which the user belongs from the chat service screen SC2. The user inputs the user ID and password of the chat service into the input forms F20, F21. The user ID and password may be issued uniquely for the chat service, or the user ID and password of another service may be used. The other service may be a web service or a service different from the web service. When the user selects the button B22, the user logs in to the chat service as a member of the organization that has subscribed to the chat service.

[0029] For example, when the user's login is completed, as shown in the upper part of FIG. 3, the user terminal 30 causes the chat service screen SC2 to display a list of chats in which the user participates. The user can chat one-on-one with other users (in the example in the upper part of FIG. 3, users U2 to U4), or can participate in a group chat in which a plurality of other users participate (in the example in the upper part of FIG. 3, the group chat of the Project Z group). The user can also search for the chats in which he / she participates.

[0030] For example, when the user selects the button B23, as shown in the lower part of FIG. 3, the user terminal 30 causes the display unit 35 to display the chat service screen SC2 for the user to create a new chat. The user can select other users who participate in the chat to create a new chat. When a new chat is created, the new chat is added to the list of chats in the upper part of FIG. 3. The user can also delete an existing chat. The mechanism for creating and deleting chats may be a known mechanism.

[0031] For example, when the user selects an arbitrary chat from the list of chats, as shown in the upper part of FIG. 4, the user terminal 30 causes the chat service screen SC2 to display the content of the selected chat. In the example in the upper part of FIG. 4, the user terminal 30 causes the chat service screen SC2 to display the group chat of Project Z for website management. On the web service screen SC1 displayed next to the chat service screen SC2, the content of the application related to Project Z is displayed.

[0032] For example, while checking the content displayed on the web service screen SC1, the user chats with other users participating in the group chat of Project Z on the chat service screen SC2 displayed next to it. The user can input a new message in the input form F24. When the user selects the button B25, the message input in the input form F24 is posted to the group chat of Project Z. Similarly, when the user chats one-on-one with another user, the user can have a one-on-one chat on the chat service screen SC2 displayed next to it while checking the content displayed on the web service screen SC1.

[0033] In this embodiment, even if the user performs a screen transition on the web service screen SC1, the display of the chat service screen SC2 is maintained as shown in the lower part of FIG. 4. Therefore, even if the user performs a screen transition on the web service screen SC1, the chat service screen SC2 does not disappear. The user can chat with other users on the chat service screen SC2 while displaying arbitrary content on the chat service screen SC2. Even if the user displays another screen other than the web service within the tab T1, the display of the chat service screen SC2 is maintained as it is.

[0034] In this embodiment, even if the user generates a new tab T2 or switches from tab T1 to tab T2, the display of the chat service screen SC2 is maintained as shown in the lower part of FIG. 5. Therefore, even if the user generates a new tab T2 or switches from tab T1 to tab T2, the chat service screen SC2 does not disappear. The user can chat with other users on the chat service screen SC2 while generating a new tab T2 or switching from tab T1 to tab T2. A search service such as "CCC Search" displayed on tab T2 is also an example of a web service. The web service screen SC1 of the search service is displayed on tab T2.

[0035] In addition, other users who are the chat partners of the user only need to use at least the chat service. Other users do not have to use the same web service as the user. For example, other users may chat with the user without viewing the same web service screen SC1 as the user. Other users may chat with the user while viewing a different web service screen SC1 from the user or while viewing other screens other than the web service. Other users may chat with the user without specifically viewing other screens other than the chat service. That is, only the chat service screen SC2 may be displayed on the user terminal 30 of other users, and the web service screen SC1 may not be displayed.

[0036] As described above, the chat system 1 of the present embodiment provides a chat service to the user by using the extension function of the browser. The user can chat with other users on the chat service screen SC2 displayed next to the web service content while viewing the web service content on the web service screen SC1. As a result, the user does not have to go back and forth between the web service screen SC1 and the chat service screen SC2, so the chat system 1 can improve the convenience for the user. Hereinafter, the details of the chat system 1 will be described.

[0037] [3. Functions realized by the chat system] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of functions realized by the chat system 1.

[0038] [3-1. Functions realized by the web service server] For example, the web service server 10 includes a data storage unit 100 and a web service providing unit 101. The data storage unit 100 is realized by the storage unit 12. The web service providing unit 101 is realized by the control unit 11.

[0039] [Data storage unit] The data storage unit 100 stores data necessary for providing web services. For example, the data storage unit 100 stores a web service database DB1 in which various data in the web service are stored.

[0040] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the web service database DB1. For example, in the web service database DB1, an organization ID of an organization that has contracted for the web service, data of the organization such as the organization name, a user ID and password of a user belonging to the organization, and personal data of the user such as the user's name are stored. In the present embodiment, a case where the user ID of the web service and the user ID of the chat service are different from each other is taken as an example, but these user IDs may be common. When an organization contracts for a web service, the web service server 10 issues an organization ID of the organization and creates a new record in the web service database DB1. The new record stores data of the organization and data such as the user ID of the user belonging to the organization.

[0041] Note that the data stored in the web service database DB1 is not limited to the example of FIG. 7. Any data of the web service may be stored in the web service database DB1. For example, content data in the web service may be stored in the web service database DB1. The content data in the web service may be data of an app record, data of a message exchanged in a thread, schedule data, file management data, mail data, or other data. These data may be stored in a database other than the web service database DB1.

[0042] Also, the data stored in the data storage unit 100 is not limited to the examples of the present embodiment. The data storage unit 100 may store data necessary for providing web services. For example, the data storage unit 100 may store a database in which various URLs in web services are stored. Content data corresponding to each URL may be stored in the database. The data storage unit 100 can store known data necessary for providing known web services.

[0043] [Web service providing unit] The web service providing unit 101 provides a web service to the user. For the web service providing unit 101 to provide a web service to the user means that the web service providing unit 101 transmits the data of the web service screen SC1 to the user terminal 30. For example, when the user designates an arbitrary URL of a web service, the web service providing unit 101 generates the data of the web service screen SC1 corresponding to the URL designated by the user. The web service providing unit 101 provides a web service to the user by transmitting the generated data to the user terminal 30.

[0044] Note that the data of the web service screen SC1 may be in any format. As in the present embodiment, when a browser is used, the data of the web service screen SC1 is data described in a markup language such as HTML. When a program dedicated to web services is used instead of a browser, the data of the web service screen SC1 may be any data necessary for displaying some screen by the program. Assume that the data of the web service screen SC1 is stored in the data storage unit 100.

[0045] [3-2. Functions realized by the chat service server] For example, the chat service server 20 includes a data storage unit 200, a chat request reception unit 201, a login process execution unit 202, and a chat service provision unit 203. The data storage unit 200 is realized by the storage unit 22. Each of the login process execution unit 202, the chat request reception unit 201, and the chat service provision unit 203 is realized by the control unit 21.

[0046] [Data storage unit] The data storage unit 200 stores data necessary for providing the chat service. For example, the data storage unit 200 stores a chat service database DB2 in which various data in the chat service are stored.

[0047] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the chat service database DB2. For example, in the chat service database DB2, the organization ID of the organization that has contracted for the chat service, the data of the organization such as the organization name, the user ID and password of the users belonging to the organization, and the personal data of the users such as the name of the user are stored. When an organization contracts for the chat service, the chat service server 20 issues the organization ID of the organization and creates a new record in the chat service database DB2. The new record stores the data of the organization and the data such as the user ID of the users belonging to the organization. When an organization contracts for the web service, the contract for the chat service may also be automatically completed.

[0048] Note that the data stored in the chat service database DB2 is not limited to the example of FIG. 8. Any data of the chat service may be stored in the chat service database DB2. For example, the chat service database DB2 may store data of the content in the chat service. The data of the content in the chat service may be data for identifying a chat in which a user participates (for example, a chat ID), data of a message exchanged in the chat, data of a reaction to the message, data of a file registered in the chat, or other data. These data may be stored in a database different from the chat service data.

[0049] Also, the data stored in the data storage unit 200 is not limited to the example of this embodiment. The data storage unit 200 may store data necessary for providing the chat service. For example, the data storage unit 200 may store data of the chat service as an extension function of the browser. When the user selects the extension function of the chat service from the browser, the chat service server 20 transmits the data to the user terminal 30. The user terminal 30 installs the extension function of the chat service based on the data.

[0050] [Chat Request Reception Unit] When the web service screen SC1 of the web service used by the user is displayed on the user terminal 30 of the user, the chat request reception unit 201 receives a chat request from the user terminal 30 for the user to chat with another user managed by the chat service used by the user. The case where the web service screen SC1 is displayed on the user terminal 30 is a state where the user terminal 30 is displaying the web service screen SC1 on the display unit 35. The user can make a chat request in this state.

[0051] For example, on window W where web service screen SC1 is displayed, the user can perform an operation for a chat request. In this embodiment, the selection of icon I1 corresponds to the operation for the chat request. The operation for the chat request may be any operation and is not limited to the selection of icon I1. For example, the operation for the chat request may be an operation where the user selects a predetermined item from the menu of window W, an operation where the user selects a predetermined item in another window displayed from window W, or an operation on web service screen SC1.

[0052] Other users managed by the chat service are other users whose user IDs are managed in the chat service. Other users can also be said to be chat partners with whom the user chats. Other users do not have to be real humans. Other users may be an AI (Artificial Intelligence) registered as one of the users in the chat service. AI is sometimes called a bot. In this case, similar to other users, a user ID for the AI may exist.

[0053] In this embodiment, other users in the organization to which the user belongs correspond to other users managed by the chat service. For example, other persons in the same project (team) as the user in the organization to which the user belongs correspond to other users managed by the chat service. Other users are not operators of the chat service but other users in the same organization as the user. Other users only need to be persons who cooperate with the user in performing tasks and may belong to an organization different from the user. Since the user may chat with an external person, other users managed by the chat service are not limited to persons in the organization to which the user belongs.

[0054] A chat request is data in a predetermined format indicating that a user requests to use a chat. The chat request may be data in a format defined by an API of a chat service or the like. In the present embodiment, when the user selects the icon I1 to activate the extension function of the chat service, the user terminal 30 sends a chat request to the chat service server 20. The chat request reception unit 201 receives a chat request sent when the storage function of the chat service is activated. When the user selects the icon I1 while not logged in to the chat service, a request for the user to log in to the chat service is sent to the chat service server 20, and this request corresponds to a chat request.

[0055] Note that the chat request may be another request. For example, in the chat service screen SC2 on the lower side of FIG. 2, a request for a login process sent when the user selects the button B22 may correspond to a chat request. Additionally, for example, the chat request may be a request sent when the user selects an arbitrary chat from the chat list, a request sent when the user inputs a new message, a request sent when the user creates a new chat, a request sent when the user reacts to another user's message, or other requests. Also, the chat request may be sent to the chat service server 20 when the web service screen SC1 is not displayed on the user terminal 30. In this case, the chat request reception unit 201 receives a chat request sent when the web service screen SC1 is not displayed on the user terminal 30.

[0056] [Login process execution unit] The login process execution unit 202 executes a login process for the user to log in to the chat service. In the present embodiment, since the organization to which the user belongs has a contract with the chat service, the login process execution unit 202 executes a login process for the user to log in to the organization to which the user belongs among the plurality of organizations managed by the chat service. For the user to log in to an organization means that the user logs in to the chat service as a member of the organization. That is, the user logs in to the chat service with a user ID associated with the organization ID.

[0057] For example, the login process execution unit 202 acquires the user ID and password input by the user from the user terminal 30. The login process execution unit 202 executes the login process by determining whether the user ID and password input by the user are stored in the chat service database DB2. If the login process execution unit 202 determines that the user ID and password input by the user are not stored in the chat service database DB2, it determines that the login process has failed, and if it determines that the user ID and password input by the user are stored in the chat service database DB2, it determines that the login process has succeeded.

[0058] In addition, when the user belongs to a plurality of organizations that have contracted with the chat service, the organization to which the user is logging in may be specified by the user ID. In this case, the user ID for the user to log in to a certain organization is different from the user ID for the user to log in to another organization. The login process execution unit 202 specifies which organization the user is trying to log in to based on the user ID input by the user.

[0059] For example, even if a user belongs to a plurality of organizations that have contracted for a chat service, the user ID for the user to log in to one organization and the user ID for the user to log in to another organization may be the same. In this case, the user may select the organization to log in to at the time of login. The login processing execution unit 202 logs the user in to the organization selected by the user. The login processing execution unit 202 may log the user in to all of the plurality of organizations to which the user belongs.

[0060] For example, when a certain user logs in to the chat service, the login processing execution unit 202 records, in the data storage unit 100, login-in progress data indicating that the user is logged in, in association with the user ID of the user. The login-in progress data may be a session ID for maintaining a session. The chat service server 20 provides the chat service to the logged-in user without requesting the user to log in again, based on the login-in progress data.

[0061] [Chat service providing unit] When a chat request is received, the chat service providing unit 203 provides the user with a chat service. For the chat service providing unit 203 to provide the user with a chat service means that the chat service providing unit 203 transmits the data of the chat service screen SC2 to the user terminal 30. In the examples of FIGS. 2 to 5, the chat service providing unit 203 provides the user with a chat service by transmitting all or part of the data of the chat service screen SC2 of FIGS. 2 to 5 to the user terminal 30.

[0062] For example, as shown in FIGS. 2 to 5, the chat service screen SC2 is a screen for accepting input of a user ID and password for the user to log in to the chat service, a screen showing a list of chats the user participates in, a screen showing messages exchanged in the chat, or a screen for the user to create a new chat. The chat service screen SC2 is not limited to these examples. The chat service screen SC2 may be any screen related to the chat service. For example, the chat service screen SC2 may be a screen for the user to specify settings in the chat service, or a screen for the user to input search conditions in the chat service.

[0063] Note that the data of the chat service screen SC2 may be in any format. When a browser is used as in this embodiment, the data of the chat service screen SC2 is data described in a markup language such as HTML. When a program dedicated to web services is used instead of a browser, the data of the chat service screen SC2 may be any data necessary for displaying any screen by the program. Assume that the data of the chat service screen SC2 is stored in the data storage unit 200.

[0064] In this embodiment, the chat service providing unit 203 provides the user with a chat service as an extension function of the browser in the user terminal 30. The processing on the user terminal 30 side for the user to use the chat service is executed by the extension function of the browser. For example, when the user selects the icon I1 to activate the extension function of the chat service, the user terminal 30 sends a chat request. Since the login process is executed first, the chat service providing unit 203 provides the user with a chat service by sending the data of the chat service screen SC2 on the lower side of FIG. 2. The display of the chat service screen SC2 for the login process is also an example of providing the chat service. The login process is executed by the login process execution unit 202.

[0065] For example, the chat service providing unit 203 provides a user with a chat service for chatting with other users belonging to the organization to which the user has logged in. The login process for the user to log in to the chat service as a member of the organization is as described in the function of the login process execution unit 202. In the example in the upper part of FIG. 3, the chat service providing unit 203 provides the user with a chat service by transmitting data of a chat service screen SC2 showing a list of chats between the user and other users in the same organization. It is assumed that the data showing the list of chats is stored in a chat service database DB2 or another database.

[0066] For example, the chat service providing unit 203 transmits data of a chat service screen SC2 of the chat service as data different from the web service screen SC1 to the user terminal 30. In this embodiment, since a browser is used, these data are HTML data. The chat service providing unit 203 transmits the HTML data of the chat service screen SC2 as data different from the HTML data of the web service screen SC1 to the user terminal 30. Therefore, the HTML data of the web service screen SC1 and the HTML data of the chat service screen SC2 are not combined into one.

[0067] Note that at least one of the web service screen SC1 and the chat service screen SC2 may be displayed by a program other than a browser. For example, at least one of a program dedicated to the web service and a program dedicated to the chat service may be installed in the user terminal 30. In this case, the chat service providing unit 203 may provide the user with a chat service based on at least one of these programs. Also in this case, the chat service providing unit 203 may transmit data for displaying the chat service screen SC2 as data different from the data for displaying the web service screen SC1 to the user terminal 30.

[0068] [Functions Implemented on the User Terminal] For example, the user terminal 30 includes a data storage unit 300, a display control unit 301, and an operation reception unit 302. The data storage unit 300 is realized by the storage unit 32. Each of the display control unit 301 and the operation reception unit 302 is realized by the control unit 31.

[0069] [Data Storage Unit] The data storage unit 300 stores data necessary for the user to use at least one of the web service and the chat service. For example, the data storage unit 300 stores a browser for displaying at least one of the web service screen SC1 and the chat service screen SC2. For example, the data storage unit 300 may store at least one of a program dedicated to the web service and a program dedicated to the chat service.

[0070] [Display Control Unit] The display control unit 301 causes the display unit 35 to display various screens in at least one of the web service and the chat service. For example, the display control unit 301 causes the web service screen SC1 to be displayed on the display unit 35 based on the data received from the web service server 10. The display control unit 301 causes the chat service screen SC2 to be displayed on the display unit 35 based on the data received from the chat service server 20.

[0071] In the present embodiment, the display control unit 301 displays the chat service screen SC2 next to the web service screen SC1 within the same window W. That is, the display control unit 301 displays the web service screen SC1 and the chat service screen SC2 side by side. In the examples of FIGS. 2 to 5, the display control unit 301 displays the chat service screen SC2 on the right side of the web service screen SC1.

[0072] Note that the positional relationship between the web service screen SC1 and the chat service screen SC2 is not limited to the examples in FIGS. 2 to 5. For example, the display control unit 301 may display the chat service screen SC2 above, to the left, or below the web service screen SC1. Even if the web service screen SC1 undergoes a screen transition or is switched to another tab T2 within the window W, the display control unit 301 maintains the display of the chat service screen SC2. Since the chat service screen SC2 contains data different from that of the web service screen SC1, the display of the chat service screen SC2 is maintained.

[0073] [Operation reception unit] The operation reception unit 302 receives various operations in at least one of the web service and the chat service. For example, it receives operations on at least one of the web service screen SC1 and the chat service screen SC2. The data indicating the operation content received by the operation reception unit 302 is appropriately transmitted to at least one of the web service server 10 and the chat service server 20.

[0074] [4. Processes Executed in the Chat System] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the processes executed in the chat system 1. The processes in FIG. 9 are executed when the control units 11, 21, and 31 execute the programs stored in the storage units 12, 22, and 32, respectively. The processes in FIG. 9 are an example of the processes included in the method for providing a chat service. When the processes in FIG. 9 are executed, it is assumed that the user has added an extension function for the chat service to the browser.

[0075] As shown in FIG. 9, the web service server 10 executes a login process (S1) for a user to log in to the web service with the user terminal 30 based on the web service database DB1. In S1, when the user inputs the user ID and password of the web service, the web service server 10 executes the login process by determining whether the user ID and password received from the user terminal 30 exist in the web service database DB1.

[0076] When the login process in S1 is successful, the web service server 10 executes a process (S2) to display the web service screen SC1 with the user terminal 30. In S2, the web service server 10 transmits the data of the web service screen SC1 corresponding to the URL specified by the user to the user terminal 30. Thereafter, the user can perform screen transitions of the web service screen SC1 by specifying an arbitrary URL within the tab T1. The method by which the user specifies the URL may be any method. The user may specify the URL by manually inputting the URL string, or may specify the URL by selecting a website registered in the bookmark, or may specify the URL by selecting a link shown in the search results of the search service.

[0077] The user terminal 30 accepts the selection of the icon I1 (S3) as an operation to activate the extension function of the chat service. When the user terminal 30 accepts the selection of the icon I1, it activates the extension function of the pre-installed chat service (S4). In S4, the user terminal 30 activates the extension function of the chat service by using the mechanism of the browser extension function. The user terminal 30 sends a chat request to the chat service server 20 (S5). Here, it is assumed that the user has not yet logged in to the chat service. Therefore, the chat request sent in S5 is a request for the user to log in to the chat service. The chat service server 20 accepts the chat request from the user terminal 30 (S6).

[0078] The chat service server 20 executes a login process for a user to log in to the chat service with the user terminal 30 based on the chat service database DB2 (S7). In S7, as shown in the lower part of FIG. 2, the chat service server 20 transmits data of a chat service screen SC2 for receiving input of a user ID and password of the chat service to the user terminal 30. The user terminal 30 displays the chat service screen SC2 on the display unit 35 based on the data. When the user inputs the user ID and password of the chat service, the chat service server 20 executes the login process by determining whether the user ID and password received from the user terminal 30 exist in the chat service database DB2.

[0079] When the login process in S7 is successful, the chat service server 20 provides the chat service to the user by executing a process for displaying the chat service screen SC2 with the user terminal 30 (S8). Thereafter, the user terminal 30 can display the content of the chat selected on the chat service screen SC2 or create a new chat on the chat service screen SC2 by communicating with the chat service server 20. The user can also chat on the chat service screen SC2 while switching the display of the web service screen SC1 or creating a new window W or a new tab T2.

[0080] [Summary of the Embodiment] When the web service screen SC1 of this embodiment is displayed on the user's user terminal, the chat system 1 accepts a chat request from the user terminal 30. When the chat system 1 accepts a chat request, it provides a chat service to the user. Thereby, the chat system 1 can improve the convenience of the user. For example, while the user browses the content of the web service on the web service screen SC1, the user can chat with other users of the same project on the chat service screen SC2 displayed beside it. Therefore, the user does not need to go back and forth between the web service screen SC1 and the chat service screen SC2, so the chat system 1 can improve the convenience of the user. Furthermore, since the user can chat about the work related to the web service screen SC1 on the chat service screen SC2 while viewing the web service screen SC1 in the same window W, the chat system 1 can provide smooth communication to the user and improve the efficiency of the user's work.

[0081] Also, the chat system 1 executes a login process for the user to log in to the organization to which the user belongs among the multiple organizations managed by the chat service. The chat system 1 provides a chat service for the user to chat with other users belonging to the organization to which the user has logged in. Thereby, the chat system 1 can improve the convenience of the users belonging to the organization. For example, since the user can chat with other users belonging to the same organization, the chat system 1 can realize smooth communication in the organization to which the user belongs.

[0082] In addition, the chat system 1 transmits the data of the chat service screen SC2 of the chat service to the user terminal 30 as data different from the web service screen SC1. Thereby, the chat system 1 can display the chat service screen SC2 as an independent screen different from the web service screen SC1. For example, even if the user performs a screen transition on the web service screen SC1, the chat system 1 can maintain the display of the chat service screen SC2. Therefore, the chat system 1 can prevent the situation where the user cannot check the chat when the user performs a screen transition on the web service screen SC1. This also applies when the user switches from tab T1 to tab T2. While browsing the chat service screen SC2, the user can switch the web service screen SC1 to investigate and chat with other users, so the chat system 1 can make the user's work more efficient.

[0083] In addition, the chat system 1 provides the chat service to the user as an extension function of the browser in the user terminal 30. Thereby, the chat system 1 can provide the chat service only to users who need the chat service. The user can decide whether to use the chat service according to their own preferences. By providing the chat service as an extension function of the browser, the chat system 1 can easily introduce the chat service. The chat system 1 can reduce the introduction cost of the chat service by utilizing the mechanism of the browser extension function.

[0084] [6. Modification Example] Note that the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above. The present disclosure can be appropriately changed without departing from the gist of the present disclosure.

[0085] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a function realized by the chat system 1 of the modification. As shown in FIG. 10, in the chat system 1 of the modification, an information acquisition unit 204 and an extended function providing unit 205 are realized. For example, the information acquisition unit 204 and the extended function providing unit 205 are realized by the control unit 21.

[0086] [6-1. Modification 1] For example, while viewing the content of a web service on the web service screen SC1, the user may use the chat service on the chat service screen SC2 displayed adjacent thereto to chat with another user about the content of the web service. Therefore, the chat system 1 may provide the user with a chat service corresponding to the web service screen SC1 being viewed by the user.

[0087] The chat system 1 of Modification 1 includes an information acquisition unit 204. The information acquisition unit 204 acquires information on the web service corresponding to the web service screen SC1. Hereinafter, this information is referred to as web service information. The web service information is not information on the entire web service but information on the page of the web service. For example, the web service information is information that the chat service server 20 can identify the web service screen SC1. In Modification 1, the case where the web service information indicates the URL of the web service screen SC1 is taken as an example. For example, when the user activates the extended function of the chat service, the user terminal 30 transmits web service information indicating the URL of the web service screen SC1 being displayed at that time to the chat service server 20. The information acquisition unit 204 acquires the web service information indicating the URL of the web service screen SC1 from the user terminal 30.

[0088] For example, when the user performs a screen transition on the web service screen SC1, the user terminal 30 sends web service information indicating the URL of the web service screen SC1 after the screen transition to the chat service server 20. The information acquisition unit 204 acquires the web service information from the user terminal 30. When the user creates a new window W or tab T2 or switches from tab T1 to tab T2, the user terminal 30 may also send web service information indicating the URL of the web service screen SC1 displayed in these windows W or tab T2 to the chat service server 20. The process by which the user terminal 30 sends web service information is executed by an extension function of the browser. The information acquisition unit 204 acquires the web service information from the user terminal 30.

[0089] In addition, when the web service and the chat service are linked to each other, the information acquisition unit 204 may acquire web service information from the web service server 10. In this case, activation information (for example, an image or text) for activating the extension function of the chat service may be displayed on the web service screen SC1. When the user selects the activation information on the web service screen SC1, the user terminal 30 sends a notification indicating that to the web service server 10. The notification may include the URL of the web service screen SC1 being displayed. When the web service server 10 manages the URL of the web service screen SC1 being displayed on the user terminal 30, the URL may not be included in the notification.

[0090] For example, when the web service server 10 receives a notification from the user terminal 30, it transmits to the chat service server 20 the web service information indicating the URL of the currently displayed web service screen SC1, together with the terminal identification information for identifying the user terminal 30 (for example, data indicating the IP address or session ID of the user terminal 30). The information acquisition unit 204 acquires the web service information and the terminal identification information from the web service server 10. The chat service server 20 can identify which web service screen SC1 is being displayed on which user terminal 30 based on the web service information and the terminal identification information. The information acquisition unit 204 may acquire the web service information from other computers other than the web service server 10 and the user terminal 30.

[0091] Note that the web service information is not limited to the URL of the web service screen SC1. The web service information may be other information related to the web service screen SC1. For example, the web service information may indicate only a part of the URL of the web service screen SC1 (for example, only the part after the domain in the URL, or only the part for identifying the web service screen SC1 in the URL). The web service information may indicate the ID assigned to the web service screen SC1, the part of the web service screen SC1 that the user is viewing, the part of the web service screen SC1 that the user has selected, all or part of the code of the web service screen SC1, or the meta information of the web service screen SC1.

[0092] The chat service providing unit 203 of Modification Example 1 provides a chat service to a user based on web service information. That is, the chat service providing unit 203 provides a chat service corresponding to the web service information to the user. For example, based on the web service information, the chat service providing unit 203 determines at least one of a plurality of other users managed in the chat service as a chat partner for the user. The chat service providing unit 203 may determine only one person as the chat partner, or may determine a plurality of persons as the chat partners. The chat service providing unit 203 provides the user with a chat service for the user to chat with the chat partner.

[0093] For example, based on the web service information, the chat service providing unit 203 determines at least one of a plurality of other users who view the same web service screen SC1 as the user as the chat partner. The chat service providing unit 203 records browsing data in which the URL indicated by the web service information acquired by the information acquisition unit 204 is associated with the user ID of the user who is viewing the web service screen SC1 of the URL in the data storage unit 200. The chat service providing unit 203 can identify a combination of users who view the same web service screen SC1 based on the browsing data.

[0094] For example, when the web service information of a certain user is acquired, the chat service providing unit 203 identifies at least one other user who views the same web service screen SC1 based on the browsing data. The chat service providing unit 203 provides a chat between the user and the at least one identified other user to these users. The chat service providing unit 203 may generate a new chat room for these users to participate in, or may add the user as a participant to the chat room if a chat room has already been generated.

[0095] Note that the method by which the chat service providing unit 203 provides a chat service according to web service information is not limited to the above example. The chat service providing unit 203 may refer to the web service information when providing the chat service. For example, the chat service providing unit 203 may provide a chat service according to the web service information as in Modification Example 2 described later. The chat service providing unit 203 may transmit an instruction to acquire a screenshot of the web service screen SC1 indicated by the web service information to the user terminal 30, and cause the user terminal 30 to display a chat service screen SC2 including the screenshot acquired from the user terminal 30, thereby providing a chat service according to the web service information.

[0096] For example, the chat service providing unit 203 may provide a chat service according to the web service information by causing the user terminal 30 to display a chat service screen SC2 with a design corresponding to the URL indicated by the web service information. As another example, the web service information may indicate all or part of the content displayed on the web service screen SC1 instead of the URL. In this case, the chat service providing unit 203 may provide a chat service according to the web service information by causing the user terminal 30 to display a chat service screen SC2 including all or part of the content indicated by the web service information.

[0097] The chat system 1 of Modification Example 1 acquires web service information indicating the web service screen SC1. The chat system 1 provides a chat service to the user based on the web service information. Thereby, the chat system 1 can provide the user with a flexible chat service according to the web service information, and thus can further improve the convenience for the user. For example, the chat system 1 can provide the user with a chat service that makes it easier for the user to communicate with other users by providing a flexible chat service according to the web service screen SC1 that the user is browsing.

[0098] In addition, based on the web service information, the chat system 1 determines at least one of a plurality of other users managed by the chat service as a chat partner for the user, and provides the user with a chat service for the user to chat with the chat partner. Thereby, the chat system 1 can make the user chat with an optimal chat partner according to the web service information. For example, the chat system 1 can save the trouble of the user searching for and selecting a chat partner.

[0099] In addition, based on the web service information, the chat system 1 determines at least one of a plurality of other users who view the same web service screen SC1 as the user as a chat partner. Thereby, the chat system 1 can make users who are viewing the same web service screen SC1 chat with each other. For example, the chat system 1 can save the trouble of the user manually specifying each other user who is viewing the same web service screen SC1 to start a chat. Since the user can chat with other users who are viewing the same web service screen SC1, smooth communication can be performed.

[0100] [6-2. Modification Example 2] For example, the method by which the chat service providing unit 203 provides a chat service according to the web service information is not limited to the example described in Modification Example 1. The chat service providing unit 203 in Modification Example 2 determines at least one of a plurality of other users who are related to the business on the web service screen SC1 as a chat partner based on the web service information. The other users related to the business are other users in charge of the business of the content shown on the web service screen SC1. For example, if it is content for expense application, the other users related to the business are other accounting users in charge of expense processing. If it is content of internal regulations, the other users related to the business are other general affairs users in charge of managing internal regulations.

[0101] The data storage unit 200 of Modification Example 2 stores chat partner data indicating the relationship between the web service information (URL in Modification Example 2) of the web service screen SC1 and the user IDs of other users related to the operations on the web service screen SC1 (i.e., other users appropriate as chat partners). At least one user ID is associated with one URL of the chat partner data. For example, the URL of the expense application web service screen SC1 and the user ID of another user in charge of accounting are associated with the chat partner data. The URL of the internal regulations web service screen SC1 and the user ID of another user in charge of general affairs are associated with the chat partner data.

[0102] For example, based on the chat partner data, the chat service providing unit 203 acquires at least one user ID associated with the URL indicated by the web service information. The chat service providing unit 203 determines the other user indicated by the at least one acquired user ID as the chat partner of the user. The chat service providing unit 203 provides the user with a chat service corresponding to the web service information by transmitting to the user terminal 30 the data of the chat service screen SC2 indicating the chat between the user and the determined chat partner. The chat service providing unit 203 may present to the user the other user indicated by the at least one acquired user ID as a candidate for the chat partner, and then determine the candidate selected by the user as the chat partner of the user.

[0103] For example, when the user is viewing the web service screen SC1 for expense application, the chat service providing unit 203 determines another user in charge of accounting associated with the URL of the web service screen SC1 as the user's chat partner. When the user is viewing the web service screen SC1 for the company regulations, the chat service providing unit 203 determines another user in charge of general affairs associated with the URL of the web service screen SC1 as the user's chat partner. When there are a plurality of other users associated with the web service screen SC1 being viewed by the user, the chat service providing unit 203 may select any one of the plurality of other users based on a predetermined condition (for example, the position or schedule of other users, etc.), or may present the plurality of other users to the user as candidates for chat partners and then let the user select the chat partner.

[0104] The chat system 1 of Modification 2 determines at least one user among a plurality of other users who is related to the business on the web service screen SC1 as the chat partner based on the web service information. Thereby, the chat system 1 can cause the user to chat with the optimal chat partner related to the business on the web service screen SC1 being viewed by the user. For example, since the chat system 1 eliminates the need for the user to search for who is the most suitable as the inquiry destination for the business on the web service screen SC1 being viewed, the convenience of the user can be further enhanced. The chat system 1 can also prevent the user from chatting with other users who have no relation to the business on the web service screen SC1 being viewed.

[0105] [6-3. Modification 3] For example, even if the URLs are the same, the content of the web service screen SC1 may differ depending on the user. Suppose the web service screen SC1 is a mail management screen. In this case, mails received at each user's own mail address may be displayed at the same URL. In this case, since the mails received at each user's mail address are displayed on the web service screen SC1, even if the URLs are the same, the content of the web service screen SC1 differs depending on the user. If a chat service is provided in such a case, the user may be confused, so the chat service may not be provided.

[0106] The chat service providing unit 203 of Modification 3 determines whether to provide a chat service to the user based on the web service information. For example, the chat service providing unit 203 determines whether the URL indicated by the web service information is a specific URL. The specific URL is a URL that is predetermined not to provide a chat service. The specific URL may be specified by the provider of the chat service or by the administrator of the organization to which the user belongs.

[0107] For example, the specific URL is the URL of the web service screen SC1 where each of the above-mentioned mails is displayed. The specific URL may be any predetermined URL. For example, the URL of the web service screen SC1 where the user manages his / her own tasks, the URL of the web service screen SC1 where the user manages his / her own schedule, or other URLs may be specified as the specific URL. It is assumed that URL data indicating URLs where the chat service is not provided is stored in advance in the data storage unit 200. The URL data may indicate a URL where the chat service is provided instead of a URL where the chat service is not provided. In this case, the chat service providing unit 203 does not provide the chat service to the user when the URL indicated by the web service information is not indicated in the URL data, and provides the chat service to the user when the URL indicated by the web service information is indicated in the URL data.

[0108] In Modification 3, a URL for which a chat service is not provided is indicated in the URL data. The chat service providing unit 203 determines whether the URL indicated in the web service information is indicated in the URL data. When the chat service providing unit 203 determines that the URL indicated in the web service information is indicated in the URL data, it decides not to provide the chat service to the user. When the chat service providing unit 203 determines that the URL indicated in the web service information is not indicated in the URL data, it decides to provide the chat service to the user. Note that when the web service screen SC1 is identified by data other than the URL, data indicating the web service screen SC1 identified by the other data is assumed to be stored in advance in the data storage unit 200 instead of the URL data.

[0109] For example, when it is determined that the chat service providing unit 203 does not provide the chat service to the user, it does not provide the chat service to the user. That is, in this case, the chat service providing unit 203 does not transmit the data of the chat service screen SC2 to the user terminal 30. The chat service providing unit 203 may transmit the data of the chat service screen SC2 to the user terminal 30, but may display an error message. In this case, the substantial content of the chat is not displayed on the chat service screen SC2. When it is determined that the chat service providing unit 203 provides the chat service to the user, it provides the chat service to the user. That is, in this case, the chat service providing unit 203 transmits the data of the chat service screen SC2 to the user terminal 30.

[0110] The chat system 1 of Modification Example 3 determines whether to provide a chat service to the user based on web service information. As a result, the chat system 1 can provide a chat service to a user who is viewing the web service screen SC1 that is optimal for providing the chat service. For example, when the web service screen SC1 that may cause the user to be confused is displayed, the chat system 1 can refrain from providing the chat service to the user, thereby enhancing the convenience for the user more effectively.

[0111] [6-4. Modification Example 4] For example, in the chat service, an extension function created by someone other than the provider of the chat service may be provided. The extension function is a program for adding a specific function to the chat service, which is different from the extension function described in the embodiment. That is, the extension function of Modification Example 4 is not an extension function for the user to use the chat service itself in the browser, but an extension function for the user to use the chat service more conveniently. The extension function of the chat service may be an extension function of the browser or a function different from the extension function of the browser. For example, the extension function of the chat service may be a plugin that can be added by the user to the chat service afterwards, or may be implemented as an extension function of the software keyboard as in Modification Example 5 described later.

[0112] In Modification Example 4, assume that the actual data of the extension function is stored in the data storage unit 200. A user can add any one of various extension functions. Instead of the user, an administrator of the organization to which the user belongs may select the extension function to be used by the organization. The extension function may be any function as long as it is related to the chat. For example, the extension function may be a screenshot function for taking a screenshot of the web service screen SC1 being displayed together with the chat service screen SC2, a function for searching for data within the organization, a function for inviting other users according to the topic of the chat to the chat, a function for creating a summary of the messages exchanged in the chat, a function for creating a translation of the messages exchanged in the chat, or other functions.

[0113] For example, another person who creates the extension function may be a user of the organization that has contracted with the chat service, or may be a person who has not specifically contracted with the chat service but undertakes to create the extension function. When another person who creates the extension function creates the extension function of the chat service, they upload it to the chat service server 20. The content of the extension function of the chat service is reviewed by the provider of the chat service. The extension function of the chat service permitted by the provider of the chat service is added to the data storage unit 200. Thereafter, the extension function of the chat service is provided for user use.

[0114] The chat system 1 of Modification Example 4 includes an extension function providing unit 205. The extension function providing unit 205 provides the user with an extension function of the chat service created by another person different from the provider of the chat service. For example, when the user selects an extension function of the chat service, the extension function providing unit 205 transmits the data of the extension function to the user terminal 30. When the user terminal 30 receives the data of the extension function, it records it in the data storage unit 300 and installs the extension function. The data of the extension function may operate on the chat service server 20 without being transmitted to the user terminal 30.

[0115] For example, the extension function providing unit 205 provides a chat service to the user based on the data of the extension function. Suppose the extension function of the chat service is a screenshot function for taking a screenshot of the web service screen SC1 displayed together with the chat service screen SC2. Then, the extension function providing unit 205 transmits the data of the extension function having the screenshot function to the user terminal 30 to send the extension function of the chat service to the user. The user terminal 30 takes a screenshot by installing the data and executing the extension function. The user terminal 30 may send the screenshot to the chat service server 20. The extension function providing unit 205 may display the screenshot on the chat service screen SC2.

[0116] The chat system 1 of Modification Example 4 provides the user with an extension function of the chat service created by another person different from the provider of the chat service. Thereby, the chat system 1 can provide the user with an extension function that is an additional function of the chat service, so the convenience of the user is further enhanced. Furthermore, since the chat system 1 provides the user with additional functions created by other persons who are not the provider of the chat service, it can provide the user with various additional functions that cannot be provided only by the provider of the chat service.

[0117] [6-5. Modification Example 5] For example, in the embodiment, the case where the chat service providing unit 203 provides the chat service to the user as an extension function of the browser is taken as an example. However, the chat service providing unit 203 may provide the chat service to the user by other methods. In Modification Example 5, the case where the chat service providing unit 203 provides the chat service to the user as an extension function of the software keyboard is taken as an example. The software keyboard is a virtual keyboard displayed on the display unit 35 of the user terminal 30.

[0118] The extension function of the software keyboard is a program for the user to add specific functions to the default software keyboard. The extension function may include the data referred to by the program. The extension function of the software keyboard may be an extension function adopted in a known operating system. The user can select any extension function and add it to the software keyboard. When the user selects an extension function and adds it to the software keyboard, the selected extension function is installed on the user terminal 30. The extension function is called from the software keyboard at any timing.

[0119] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the user terminal 30. In Modification 5, it is assumed that the user terminal 30 is a smartphone. The user terminal 30 may be other computers such as a tablet or a personal computer. The user terminal 30 may be any computer having the function of a software keyboard. The chat service providing unit 203 in Modification 5 provides a chat service to the user as an extension function of the software keyboard in the user terminal 30.

[0120] For example, as shown in the upper left of FIG. 11, the user terminal 30 causes the display unit 35 to display a web service screen SC1 on the browser. The method of displaying the web service screen SC1 may be the same as that in the embodiment. When the user focuses on the input form of the web service screen SC1 or the like to activate the software keyboard, as shown in the upper right of FIG. 11, the user terminal 30 causes the display unit 35 to display a keyboard image KI indicating the software keyboard. The software keyboard and its activation method may be the same as those adopted in a known smartphone or the like. The user can arbitrarily switch between the default software keyboard and the software keyboard as an extension function.

[0121] For example, the keyboard image KI includes an icon I2 for the user to activate the extension function of the software keyboard. When the user selects the icon I2, the user terminal 30 activates a chat service as an extension function of the pre-installed software keyboard. The user terminal 30 sends a chat request to the chat service server 20. The processing on the user terminal 30 side is executed by a program that is an extension function of the software keyboard. The chat request reception unit 201 receives the chat request in the same manner as in the embodiment. The login processing execution unit 202 executes the login processing for the user to log in to the chat service in the same manner as in the embodiment.

[0122] For example, when the user logs in to the chat service, the chat service providing unit 203 sends the data of the chat service screen SC2 to the user terminal 30 in the same manner as in the embodiment. When the user terminal 30 receives the data of the chat service screen SC2 from the chat service server 20, as shown in the lower left of FIG. 11, the chat service screen SC2 is displayed on the display unit 35 as the keyboard image KI. The display of the chat service screen SC2 is executed by a program that is an extension function of the software keyboard. In the example shown in the lower left of FIG. 11, the chat service screen SC2 displayed when the user selects an arbitrary chat from the chat list is shown. The user terminal 30 displays the chat service screen SC2 as the keyboard image KI so as to overlap the web service screen SC1.

[0123] For example, when a user selects button B26 for sending a message in the chat service, the chat service server 20 is notified accordingly. The chat service providing unit 203 transmits data of the chat service screen SC2 for accepting the input of a message by the user. As shown in the lower right of FIG. 11, the user terminal 30 causes the display unit 35 to display the chat service screen SC2 instead of the web service screen SC1 based on the data. The keyboard image KI is in a state of accepting character input by the user. When the user inputs and sends a message from the keyboard image KI, the chat service providing unit 203 reflects the user's message in the chat. Thereafter, as shown in the lower left of FIG. 11, the user terminal 30 causes the display unit 35 to display the chat service screen SC2 as the keyboard image KI.

[0124] The chat system 1 of Modification 5 provides a chat service to the user as an extended function of the software keyboard in the user terminal 30. Thereby, the chat system 1 can provide the chat service only to users who need the chat service. The user can decide whether to use the chat service according to his or her preference. By providing the chat service as an extended function of the software keyboard, the chat system 1 can easily introduce the chat service. The chat system 1 can suppress the introduction cost of the chat service by using the mechanism of the extended function of the software keyboard.

[0125] [6-6. Other Modifications] For example, two or more of Modifications 1 to 5 may be combined.

[0126] For example, in the embodiment, the case where a user uses a web service and a chat service contracted by the organization to which the user belongs is taken as an example. However, the user may contract individually for at least one of the web service and the chat service. The user may chat with other users who do not belong to the same organization, rather than other users in the same organization. The chat service may not particularly require logging in, and may be a service for chatting between users who view the same web service screen SC1. Although the case where the data of the web service screen SC1 and the data of the chat service screen SC2 are separate is taken as an example, these data may be the same data.

[0127] For example, the functions described as being realized by the chat service server 20 may be realized by the user terminal 30. In this case, the functions may be realized by a browser script or an application installed in the user terminal 30. For example, each function may be shared by a plurality of computers or may be realized by one computer.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0128] 1 Chat system, 10 Web service server, 11, 21, 31 Control unit, 12, 22, 32 Storage unit, 13, 23, 33 Communication unit, 20 Chat service server, 30 User terminal, 34 Operation unit, 35 Display unit, I1, I2 Icons, N Network, W Window, T1, T2 Tabs, 100, 200, 300 Data storage unit, 101 Web service providing unit, 201 Chat request receiving unit, 202 Login processing execution unit, 203 Chat service providing unit, 204 Information acquisition unit, 205 Extension function providing unit, 301 Display control unit, 302 Operation receiving unit, B22, B23, B25, B26 Buttons, DB1 Web service database, DB2 Chat service database, F20, F24 Input forms, KI Keyboard image, SC1 Web service screen, SC2 Chat service screen.

Claims

1. When a web service screen of a web service used by a user is displayed on the user terminal of the user, a chat request reception unit that receives, from the user terminal, a chat request for chatting with another user managed by the chat service used by the user, and a chat service providing unit that provides the chat service to the user when the chat request is received. A chat system including the above.

2. The chat system further includes an information acquisition unit that acquires information on the web service corresponding to the web service screen, and the chat service providing unit provides the chat service to the user based on the information. The chat system according to Claim 1.

3. The chat service providing unit determines, based on the information, at least one of the plurality of other users managed by the chat service as a chat partner for the user, and provides the chat service for the user to chat with the chat partner to the user. The chat system according to Claim 2.

4. The chat service providing unit determines, based on the information, at least one of the plurality of other users who view the same web service screen as the user among the plurality of other users as the chat partner. The chat system according to Claim 3.

5. The web service is a business support service that supports the user's business, and the chat service providing unit determines, based on the information, at least one of the plurality of other users related to the business on the web service screen as the chat partner. The chat system according to Claim 3.

6. The chat service providing unit determines whether to provide the chat service to the user based on the information. The chat system according to any one of Claims 2 to 5.

7. The chat system further includes a login process execution unit that executes a login process for the user to log in to the organization to which the user belongs among the plurality of organizations managed by the chat service. The chat service providing unit provides the user with the chat service for chatting with other users belonging to the organization to which the user has logged in. The chat system according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

8. The chat service providing unit transmits data of a chat service screen of the chat service to the user terminal as data different from the web service screen. The chat system according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

9. The chat system further includes an extension function providing unit that provides the user with an extension function of the chat service created by another person different from the provider of the chat service. The chat system according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

10. The chat service providing unit provides the user with the chat service as an extension function of a browser in the user terminal. The chat system according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

11. The chat service providing unit provides the user with the chat service as an extension function of a software keyboard in the user terminal. The chat system according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

12. When the web service screen of the web service used by the user is displayed on the user terminal, a chat request for the user to chat with other users managed by the chat service used by the user is received from the user terminal. When the chat request is received, the chat service is provided to the user. A method for providing a chat service.

13. A chat request receiving unit that receives, from the user terminal, a chat request for the user to chat with other users managed by the chat service used by the user when the web service screen of the web service used by the user is displayed on the user terminal. A chat service providing unit that provides the chat service to the user when the chat request is received. A program for causing a computer to function as such.

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