Online communication management device, online communication management method, and online communication management program

Abstract

To enable a user to recognize virtual conversation spaces V1 to V3 in which the user talks with a topic in which the user is interested, and enable the user to select each conversation space in which participates according to the degree of participation intention of the user.SOLUTION: An online communication management device 4 includes: a conversation space management part that manages a plurality of conversation spaces in which a plurality of users talk through the terminal device; a temporary participation determination part that causes the user to enter a temporary participation state in a plurality of conversation spaces in which the degree of relationship with information related to the user is equal to or greater than a threshold and the user does not participate; and a voice output control part that sequentially outputs, from the terminal device of the user, the contents of the conversation performed in one conversation space V2 among the plurality of conversation spaces V1 to V3 in which the user is in the temporary participation state as voice.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an online communication management device, an online communication management method, and an online communication management program. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an invention relating to a conversation system in which a plurality of users connected to a network can share a virtual conversation space set up on the network and have a text-based conversation with each other. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-51931 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Even for small talk and casual conversations, the participants in a conversation space are decided at the time of convening. Therefore, non-participants can only learn of the existence of the conversation space and the content of the conversations in the conversation space when invited by a member of the conversation space. Users cannot voluntarily join conversation spaces in which they are not involved, or conversation spaces that have arisen spontaneously. For this reason, an unspecified number of users cannot collect or spread information from these conversation spaces. In other words, it is difficult to do in a virtual space what is possible in the real world, such as sharing overheard information or interrupting conversations.

[0005] The object of the present disclosure is to provide an online communication management device, an online communication management method, and an online communication management program that allow a user to recognize a virtual conversation space in which conversations are taking place on topics that interest the user, and to select a conversation space to participate in depending on the user's level of willingness to participate. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A first aspect of the present disclosure, an online communication management device, comprises a conversation space management unit that manages multiple conversation spaces where multiple users converse through terminal devices; a provisional participation determination unit that places a user in a provisional participation state in multiple conversation spaces in which the degree of relationship with information related to the user is above a threshold and in which the user is not participating; and an audio output control unit that sequentially outputs, in audio form from the user's terminal device, the content of a conversation taking place in one of the multiple conversation spaces in which the user is in a provisional participation state.

[0007] A second aspect of the present disclosure, an online communication management method, manages multiple conversation spaces where multiple users converse through terminal devices, places the user in a provisional participation state in multiple conversation spaces in which the degree of relationship with information related to the user is above a threshold and in which the user is not participating, and sequentially outputs, in audio, from the user's terminal device the content of the conversation taking place in one of the multiple conversation spaces in which the user is in a provisional participation state.

[0008] A third aspect of the present disclosure, an online communication management program, causes a computer to function as a conversation space management unit that manages multiple conversation spaces where multiple users converse through terminal devices, a provisional participation determination unit that puts a user into a provisional participation state in multiple conversation spaces in which the degree of relationship with information related to the user is above a threshold and in which the user is not participating, and an audio output control unit that sequentially outputs, in audio, from the user's terminal device the content of a conversation taking place in one of the multiple conversation spaces in which the user is in a provisional participation state. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the online communication management device, online communication management method, and online communication management program disclosed herein, a user can recognize a virtual conversation space in which conversations are taking place on topics that interest the user, and can select a conversation space to participate in depending on the user's degree of willingness to participate. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overview of an online communication management system including an online communication management device 4 according to one or more embodiments. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the online communication management device 4 of FIG. [Figure 3A] FIG. 3A is a flowchart (part 1) showing a part of a series of flowcharts (FIGS. 3A to 3C) illustrating an example of the information processing procedure (online communication management method) performed by the controller 10 of FIG. [Figure 3B] FIG. 3B is a flowchart (part 2) showing a part of a series of flowcharts (FIGS. 3A to 3C) illustrating an example of the information processing procedure (online communication management method) performed by the controller 10 of FIG. [Figure 3C] FIG. 3C is a flowchart (part 3) showing a part of a series of flowcharts (FIGS. 3A to 3C) illustrating an example of the information processing procedure (online communication management method) performed by the controller 10 of FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a table showing an example of participation details for each participation status 0 to 5. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a screen display on the terminal device 2 of the user 1 in the provisional participation state. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description of the drawings, identical or similar parts are designated by identical or similar reference numerals. However, it should be noted that the drawings are schematic and may differ from the actual product. Furthermore, the embodiments shown below are intended to exemplify devices, methods, etc. for embodying the technical ideas, and do not specify the material, shape, structure, arrangement, etc. of each component. Various modifications may be made to the embodiments within the scope of the claims.

[0012] 1 is a diagram showing an overview of an online communication system including an online communication management device 4 according to one or more embodiments. The online communication system (hereinafter referred to as the system) is a system that provides multiple conversation spaces, which are virtual spaces for multiple users 1 to have online conversations via terminal devices 2 connected to a network 3 such as the Internet. The terminal devices 2 and the users 1 form pairs.

[0013] The online communication management device 4 (hereinafter referred to as the "management device 4") is a computer (including a server) that manages multiple conversation spaces where multiple users 1 can converse online through terminal devices 2. The computer is composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), memory, external storage device, etc. Memory includes RAM (Random Access Memory) and ROM (Read Only Memory). External storage device includes HDD (Hard Disk Drive) and SSD (Solid State Drive).

[0014] A user 1 can use an online communication service provided by a management device 4 by connecting to the management device 4 via a network 3 using a terminal device 2. In other words, the system shown in Fig. 1 may be a client / server system in which a terminal device 2 (client) that uses a service and a management device 4 (server) that provides a service or data operate while communicating via the network 3.

[0015] The terminal device 2 includes a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a tablet device, a smartphone, and a wearable device. The terminal device 2 is equipped with a screen that displays an image showing one or more conversation spaces, a microphone that converts the voice of the user 1 into an electrical signal, and an audio output unit (including a speaker and earphones) that outputs the voice of the conversation taking place in the conversation space. Figure 1 shows, as examples of the terminal device 2, a terminal device that combines a headset and a desktop computer, and a smartphone alone.

[0016] Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the management device 4 in Fig. 1. As shown in Fig. 2, the management device 4 includes a controller 10 and a storage unit 20. The storage unit 20 includes the external storage device described above. The controller 10 is, for example, a microcontroller, in which the CPU, memory, and I / O ports described above are implemented on a single integrated circuit.

[0017] Various computer programs required for operating the controller 10 and the storage unit 20 as the management device 4 are installed in the memory. The CPU executes these computer programs, causing the controller 10 to execute predetermined information processing in accordance with predetermined algorithms indicated in the computer programs. As a result, the controller 10 and the storage unit 20 function as the management device 4.

[0018] FIG. 2 shows functional components 11 to 15 that represent predetermined information processing executed by the controller 10, and data 21 to 23 stored in the storage unit 20.

[0019] The controller 10 includes, as functional components, a user information registration unit 11, a conversation space management unit 12, a tentative participation determination unit 13, an audio output control unit 14, and a participation status control unit 15. The storage unit 20 also stores user information 21, a conversation history 22, and an application program 23 (online communication management program). The functional components 11 to 15 are configured by the CPU executing the application program 23.

[0020] The user information registration unit 11 registers the user information 21 by storing information related to the user (user information 21) in the storage unit 20. The user information 21 may be collected directly from the user or may be information obtained by searching online. The user may register their own business details, specialized knowledge, areas of interest, etc. in advance in the management device 4. The user information registration unit 11 may analyze the user's business details, internet search details, online work details and conversation details, internet browsing details, etc., and register the results as the user information 21.

[0021] The conversation space management unit 12 manages the conversation space so that conversations can take place among multiple users participating in the conversation space. Only predetermined users can participate in the conversation space. The existence of the conversation space and the content of the conversation in the conversation space are shared among multiple participants. The conversation space management unit 12 displays an avatar representing user 1 on the screen of the participant's terminal device 2 as a form of user participation in the conversation space.

[0022] The conversation space management unit 12 constantly monitors conversation themes and keywords used in conversations in multiple conversation spaces (including talk rooms) established in the virtual space. Conversation content in the conversation spaces is stored in the memory unit 20 as a conversation history 22. The conversation space management unit 12 has a content analysis unit 121, a classification unit 122, an aggregation / separation unit 123, and a visual unit 124. The content analysis unit 121 analyzes the flow of conversation themes and the frequency of keyword occurrence. The classification unit 122 classifies multiple conversation spaces based on the analysis results of the content analysis unit 121.

[0023] The aggregation / separation unit 123 prompts participants to aggregate two or more conversation spaces with the same or similar classification into one virtual space. Alternatively, the aggregation / separation unit 123 may forcibly aggregate two or more conversation spaces into one virtual space without the participants' approval. When two or more conversation groups with different conversation themes occur within one conversation space, the aggregation / separation unit 123 suggests to participants that the conversation spaces be separated. The aggregation / separation unit 123 separates the conversation spaces into two or more conversation spaces with the participants' consent.

[0024] The visual unit 124 manages an image showing a conversation space that is displayed on the screen of the terminal device 2. The image showing the conversation space displays the conversation theme of the conversation space, a background showing the conversation theme, avatars showing users 1 (participants) participating in the conversation space, and text showing the content of the conversation that takes place in the conversation space. The visual unit 124 includes a background unit 124a that controls the background, an avatar unit 124b that controls the avatars, and a text unit 124c that controls the text.

[0025] The provisional participation determination unit 13 compares the attributes of the conversation space with the user information 21, mainly the user's interest level, and scores the degree of relationship between the attributes of the conversation space and the user information 21. There is no particular restriction on the scoring method, and any known method may be used. If the conversation theme or keywords in the conversation include a theme or keyword of interest to the user, the degree of relationship (score) will be high. The degree of relationship (score) is an index indicating the user 1's desire to enter the conversation space. If the provisional participation determination unit 13 determines, based on the degree of relationship (score), that the user 1 is interested in the content of the conversation in the conversation space, it determines to provisionally participate the user 1 in the conversation space.

[0026] The audio output control unit 14 controls the audio of the conversation output from the audio output unit of the terminal device 2 used by the participant and the user 1 in the provisional participation state. The participation status control unit 15 controls the participation status indicating the participation status of the user 1 in the conversation space. The participation status can also be changed by the user 1 himself.

[0027] As the participation status, for example, six conversation statuses may be set in advance, as shown in FIG. 4. Participation status 0 indicates a state in which the participant has left the conversation space. Participation status 1 indicates a state in which the participant maintains a provisional participation state, which will be described later. Participation status 2 indicates a state in which the participant is participating in the conversation space but is only listening to the conversation. Participation status 3 indicates a state in which the participant will comment if asked for their opinion by other participants. Participation status 4 indicates a state in which the participant will develop information on their own initiative. Participation status 5 indicates a state in which the participant is taking a central role in the conversation in the conversation space.

[0028] The avatar unit 124b changes how the avatar is displayed depending on the participation status. For example, the avatar of a participant who is actively conversing is displayed large and clear, with conversational movements that are highly realistic. The avatar of a participant who does not speak very often is displayed slightly smaller to give the impression that they are located at a distance, and they do not make detailed movements. For a participant who is simply listening to the conversation and observing the conversation space (participation status 2), the avatar is displayed more abstractly to give the impression that they are located at an even greater distance. The avatar of user 1 in a provisional participation state is a semi-transparent avatar, a silhouette avatar, or another avatar with a higher level of abstraction.

[0029] The presence of a user 1 in provisional participation state can be recognized by participants. Existing participants can encourage a user 1 in provisional participation state to join, ask for their opinion, or be able to converse with them. In addition, an avatar that reflects the attributes of the user 1 can be displayed. This allows the participation status and attributes of each user 1 to be intuitively recognized. In other words, the provisional participation state indicates a type of participation state in the conference, and indicates a state in which the user's avatar is a semi-transparent avatar, a silhouette avatar, or another avatar with a higher level of abstraction.

[0030] An example of the information processing procedure (online communication management method) performed by the controller 10 of FIG. 2 will be described with reference to a series of flowcharts shown in FIGS. 3A to 3C.

[0031] In step S01, the user information registration unit 11 registers user information collected directly from the user 1 and user information obtained by searching online in the storage unit 20 as user information 21. In step S02, the content analysis unit 121 analyzes the flow of conversation themes and the frequency of keyword occurrence in each conversation space that is constantly monitored. In step S03, the classification unit 122 classifies the multiple conversation spaces based on the analysis results of the content analysis unit 121.

[0032] Proceeding to step S04, the aggregation / separation unit 123 aggregates two or more conversation spaces of the same or similar classification into one conversation space. Proceeding to step S05, the background unit 124a creates a conversation space background according to the conversation theme as the background of the image showing the conversation space. The created conversation space background is displayed on the screen of the terminal device 2 used by the participants in the conversation space and the user 1 in a provisional participation state.

[0033] For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the background unit 124a displays the background of a conference room on the screen 2A of the terminal device 2 as the background of a conversation space V1 indicating a conference where participation is free. If the conversation is about small talk or chat, a background indicating a free space is displayed. If the conversation keyword is a hobby (for example, golf) or leisure (for example, travel), a background indicating a golf course in a conversation space V2 or a background indicating a beach in a conversation space V3 is displayed. If the conversation theme is outer space, the future, the microscopic world, or the like, the background unit 124a may produce a virtual conversation space that matches the conversation theme.

[0034] Proceeding to step S06, the provisional participation determination unit 13 scores the attributes of the conversation space and the degree of relationship with the user information 21. If the degree of relationship (score) is equal to or greater than a threshold (Yes in step S07), it can be determined that user 1 is interested in the conversation content of the conversation space. Then, proceeding to step S08, the provisional participation determination unit 13 provisionally participates user 1 in one or more conversation spaces where the degree of relationship with the user information 21 is equal to or greater than a threshold and in which user 1 is not participating. This puts the user in a provisional participation state and allows the user to understand the conversation content of the conversation space in which the user is provisionally participating. The user can then become aware of spaces where conversations are taking place on topics of interest to the user, which was previously unknown to the user. The attributes of the conversation space include the conversation theme, keywords, and keyword occurrence frequency in the conversation space. The provisional participation determination unit 13 does not need to obtain user 1's prior consent when provisionally participating user 1. As will be described later, if user 1 is not interested in the conversation content of the conversation space in which he or she has provisionally participated, he or she can exit the conversation space.

[0035] On the other hand, if the relationship level is less than the threshold (No in step S07), it can be determined that user 1 is not interested in the conversation content of the conversation space. Therefore, the provisional participation determination unit 13 does not allow user 1 to provisionally participate, returns to step S02, and repeats steps S02 to S07 until step S07 determines Yes. In this way, the conversation space management unit 12 can constantly analyze the conversation content of all conversation spaces, determine the attributes of each conversation space, and allow interested users 1 to provisionally participate. Therefore, even if the conversation topic or keywords change in the same conversation space, users 1 who are interested in the changed conversation topic or keywords can provisionally participate. For example, even if user 1 has once left a conversation space, they can be put back into a provisional participation state as the topic changes.

[0036] Although one user 1 can provisionally participate in multiple conversation spaces at the same time, there is a limit to the number of conversation contents that one user 1 can simultaneously grasp. For this reason, a certain upper limit may be set on the number of conversation spaces that user 1 can provisionally participate in simultaneously. Furthermore, multiple conversation spaces that user 1 provisionally participates in do not need to be ranked according to the level of relationship. In other words, as long as the relationship level is above a threshold, all conversation spaces may be treated equally without being ranked.

[0037] After step S08, the process proceeds to step S09, where the avatar unit 124b superimposes an avatar representing user 1 in a provisional participation state on the background representing conversation spaces V1 to V3. At this time, by displaying the avatar representing user 1 in a provisional participation state in a different manner from the avatars representing participants, it is easy to recognize that the avatar represents user 1 in a provisional participation state. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, if the avatar representing user 1 in a provisional participation state is avatar K1, which is only a silhouette, it can be easily distinguished from avatars P1 to P8 representing existing participants.

[0038] Proceeding to step S10, the visual unit 124 displays one or more conversation spaces in which the user 1 in the provisional participation state is provisionally participating on the terminal device 2 used by the provisionally participating user 1. A specific display example will be described later with reference to FIG.

[0039] 3B, if there are multiple conversation spaces in which the user has tentatively participated (Yes in step S11), the process proceeds to step S12. On the other hand, if there is only one conversation space in which the user has tentatively participated (No in step S11), the process proceeds to step S14.

[0040] In step S12, the audio output control unit 14 selects one conversation space from the multiple conversation spaces in which the user is provisionally participating. In step S13, the text unit 124c displays text indicating the conversation content of the unselected conversation space on the terminal device 2 of the provisionally participating user 1. In step S14, the audio output control unit 14 outputs the conversation voice of the selected conversation space from the terminal device 2 of the provisionally participating user 1.

[0041] FIG. 5 shows an example of a screen display on the terminal device 2 of a user 1 in a provisional participation state. In this example, three conversation spaces V1, V2, and V3 in which the user 1 is provisionally participating are simultaneously displayed on the screen 2A of the terminal device 2. Each conversation space V1 to V3 displays a background appropriate for the conversation theme G1, G2, or G3, participant avatars P1 to P8, and an avatar K1 of the provisionally participating user 1, superimposed on the background. Non-selected conversation spaces V1 and V3 display text T1 to T4 indicating the content of the conversation. Meanwhile, the selected conversation space V2 displays an audio icon SM indicating that audio from the conversation is being output from the terminal device 2. By placing the audio icon SM adjacent to the avatar P5 of the user who is speaking, the participant who is speaking can be intuitively identified. Furthermore, in the example shown in FIG. 5, a marker T2-1 is added to outline the periphery of the selected conversation space V2. This allows the user to intuitively identify the selected conversation space V2 from which audio is being output.

[0042] Returning to FIG. 3B, the flowchart proceeds to step S15, where the participation status control unit 15 updates the participation status of user 1 in a provisional participation state according to the conversation content or state of user 1 in a provisional participation state. By switching the participation status according to the state of the actual conversation, it is possible to accurately determine the level of interest of user 1. For example, if user 1 is independently sharing information in the selected conversation space, as shown in FIG. 4, the participation status control unit 15 updates user 1's participation status to participation status 4. Note that the participation status may also be updated by user 1 himself / herself. In this case, the participation status control unit 15 receives a status update request from user 1 and updates the participation status in accordance with the request.

[0043] For example, when a request for "participation status 1" in Fig. 4 is received, that is, a request to continue the provisional participation state and suspend the participation decision, the participation status control unit 15 maintains the participation status 1 of user 1 in the provisional participation state. The determination is made as Yes in step S16 of Fig. 3B, and the process returns to step S11.

[0044] Alternatively, if a request for "participation status 0" in FIG. 4, i.e., a request to leave the conversation space, is received, the participation status control unit 15 updates the participation status 1 of user 1 in a provisional participation state to participation status 0. In this case, user 1's provisional participation state is not maintained (No in step S16). In step S17, the conversation space management unit 12 causes user 1 to leave the selected conversation space (Yes in step S17). Proceeding to step S18, the avatar unit 124b erases avatar K1 in a provisional participation state from screen V2 of the selected conversation space. Thereafter, the process returns to step S02.

[0045] In step S15, if there is no status update request from user 1 for the selected conversation space V2 for a predetermined period of time and no user in provisional participation state makes any comments in the selected conversation space V2, the participation status control unit 15 may maintain "participation status 1", i.e., the provisional participation state.

[0046] In this way, if there are multiple conversation spaces in which user 1 is provisionally participating (Yes in step S11) and the provisional participation state is maintained (Yes in step S16), steps S11 (Yes) to S16 (Yes) are repeatedly executed. By sequentially switching the conversation space selected in step S12, the audio output control unit 14 can sequentially output, by audio, the content of a conversation taking place in one of the multiple conversation spaces V1 to V3 in which user 1 is provisionally participating, from the terminal device 2 of user 1 in the provisional participation state. In this way, when the conversation theme or keywords in the conversation in the multiple conversation spaces V1 to V3 include a theme or keyword that interests user 1, user 1 can learn of the existence of the conversation space V1 to V3 and the content of the conversation by audio.

[0047] If the relationship level is above a threshold, all conversation spaces are treated equally without ranking, and the audio output time in each conversation space is set to the same. However, this is not limited to this, and the audio output time in each conversation space may be changed depending on at least one of the participation status or relationship level of each of the multiple conversation spaces in which the user is provisionally participating. For example, the higher the participation status or relationship level, the longer the output time. This allows the audio in a conversation space that is likely to be of high interest to user 1 to be played for a relatively longer time among the multiple conversation spaces.

[0048] In step S15, if the participation status control unit 15 updates the participation status to 2, 3, 4, or 5, user 1 changes from provisional participation to participation. Therefore, the determination in step S16 is No, and the determination in step S17 is No, so the process proceeds to step S19, where the controller 10 allows user 1 to participate in the selected conversation space.

[0049] Proceeding to step 20 of FIG. 3C, the avatar unit 124b changes the avatar of user 1 who has joined the conversation space to an avatar in a fully participating state. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the avatar K1, which is only a silhouette, is changed to avatars P1-P8 including features such as the face, head, and clothing. In this way, user 1 can participate in a conversation space of interest based on the conversational audio of multiple conversation spaces in a provisional participation state that are sequentially switched. This allows user 1 to recognize virtual conversation spaces that were previously unknown to user 1 and select a conversation space to participate in depending on user 1's level of willingness to participate. In other words, in the virtual space, it becomes possible to share overheard information or to interrupt it, just as in the real world.

[0050] Proceeding to step S21, the visual unit 124 displays all conversation spaces, including the conversation spaces in which user 1 is participating and the conversation spaces in a provisional participation state, on the screen of user 1's terminal device 2. Note that in step S13, only the multiple conversation spaces in which user 1 has provisionally participated were displayed on the screen. In contrast, the multiple conversation spaces displayed in step S21 differ in that they include not only the conversation spaces in which user 1 has provisionally participated, but also the conversation spaces in which user 1 is participating.

[0051] Proceeding to step S22, the audio output control unit 14 determines audio output according to the participation status of user 1 in each conversation space. For example, at least one of the time and order of audio output in each conversation space is determined according to the participation status of each of multiple conversation spaces in which user 1 is provisionally participating or currently participating. For example, the higher the participation status in FIG. 4, the earlier the order of audio output or the longer the audio output time. Note that within the range of participation status 1 to 5, the larger the numerical value (1 to 5), the higher the participation status.

[0052] Proceeding to step S23, the audio output control unit 14 sequentially outputs by audio the content of the conversation taking place in one of the multiple conversation spaces in which user 1 is provisionally participating or participating, from the terminal device 2 of user 1. As a result, when the conversation theme or keywords in the conversation in the multiple conversation spaces include a theme or keyword that interests user 1, user 1 can learn by audio of the existence of that conversation space V1 to V3 and the content of the conversation.

[0053] In step S23, the audio output control unit 14 may change at least one of the time and order of audio output in each conversation space according to at least one of the time and order determined in step S22. By controlling the audio output time according to the participation status, audio in a conversation space that is likely to be of great interest to user 1 among multiple conversation spaces can be played for a relatively long time.

[0054] In step S24, the participation status control unit 15 determines whether to update the participation status for each conversation space in which user 1 is participating or provisionally participating. Specifically, the participation status control unit 15 determines whether to update the participation status depending on the content or status of the conversations taking place in multiple conversation spaces in which user 1 is provisionally participating or provisionally participating. For example, if the content or status of the conversation of user 1 in the provisional participation state corresponds to participation status 3 to 5 in FIG. 4 (Yes in step S24), the participation status is updated from 1 to one of participation status 3 to 5. Alternatively, the participation status can be updated at the request of user 1 himself / herself. For example, when user 1 requests to leave a conversation space in which he / she has lost interest, he / she transmits a request to update the participation status to 0 to the management device 4. If the management device 4 receives the leave request (Yes in step S25), the process proceeds to step S26, in which the avatar unit 124b deletes user 1's avatar from the conversation space. In step S27, the conversation space management unit 12 causes user 1 to leave the conversation space. Then, the process returns to step S02.

[0055] As described above, the provisional participation determination unit 13 provisionally allows user 1 to participate in multiple conversation spaces where the relationship degree with the user information 21 is equal to or greater than a threshold and where user 1 is not currently participating. The audio output control unit 14 sequentially outputs, via audio, the content of a conversation taking place in one of the multiple conversation spaces in which user 1 is provisionally participating. This allows user 1 to learn of the existence of the conversation space and the content of the conversation through audio when a conversation is taking place in multiple conversation spaces where the conversation topic or keywords in the conversation include a topic or keyword of interest to user 1. User 1 can determine the content of the conversation in the conversation space and participate in that conversation space. This allows user 1 to participate in a conversation space that user 1 did not expect. According to the embodiment, in a virtual space, user 1 can recognize conversation spaces in which conversations are taking place on topics of interest to user 1 and select a conversation space to participate in based on user 1's level of intention to participate. For example, if user 1 provisionally participates in a conversation space and discovers that the participants in that conversation space actually include an acquaintance, user 1 can decide to immediately raise his or her participation status in that conversation space.

[0056] Biometric information of the user 1 may be included as the user information 21. By reflecting the biometric information in the appearance of the avatar, the characteristics of the user 1 can be reflected in the avatar.

[0057] Existing participants can also encourage provisionally participating user 1 to participate by name, call out to the provisionally participating user by name, or ask for the provisionally participating user's opinion by name. In response to these nominations from existing participants, provisionally participating user 1 can make a decision to instantly raise his / her participation status in the conversation space.

[0058] The provisional participation determination unit 13 may score the relationship between the attributes of user 1 and the attributes of the room, for example, by referring not only to the interest level but also to existing participants, past history of the same topic, and the frequency of occurrence of conversation spaces of the same category. Furthermore, a predetermined number of conversation spaces with a high relationship level (score) may be selected and user 1 provisionally participates in them. Alternatively, it may be beneficial to provisionally participate user 1 in conversation spaces with a low relationship level (score) at a certain frequency. This can provide user 1 with an opportunity to come into contact with knowledge in unknown fields or new frontiers. [Explanation of symbols]

[0059] 1 user 2. Terminal Device 3 Network 4. Online communication management device 10 Controllers 11 User Information Registration Section 12 Conversation Space Management Department 13 Provisional Participation Judgment Department 14 Audio output control section 15 Participation Status Control Section 20 Memory section 21 User Information 22 Conversation History 23 Application Programs K1 Avatar (provisional participant) P1~P8 Avatars (Participants) SM audio icon T1~T4 Text V1~V3 conversation space

Claims

1. a conversation space management unit that manages a plurality of conversation spaces where a plurality of users can converse via terminal devices; a storage unit that stores information related to each user; a provisional participation determination unit that puts the user into a provisional participation state in the plurality of conversation spaces in which the degree of relationship with information related to the user stored in the storage unit is equal to or greater than a threshold and in which the user is not participating; an audio output control unit that sequentially outputs, by audio, the content of the conversation taking place in one of the plurality of conversation spaces in which the user is in a provisional participation state from the user's terminal device; An online communication management device comprising:

2. a participation status control unit that controls the participation status of the user in a provisional participation state in the conversation space, The online communication management device of claim 1 , wherein the audio output control unit changes the audio output time in each conversation space depending on the participation status of each of the multiple conversation spaces in which the user is provisionally participating or participating.

3. The online communication management device according to claim 2, wherein the participation status control unit updates the participation status according to the content or state of conversations taking place in the plurality of conversation spaces in which the user is in a provisional participation state.

4. Manage multiple conversation spaces where multiple users can converse via terminal devices; storing information associated with each user; placing the user in a provisional participation state in the plurality of conversation spaces in which the degree of relationship with information related to the user is equal to or greater than a threshold and in which the user is not participating; The contents of the conversation taking place in one of the plurality of conversation spaces in which the user is provisionally participating are sequentially output as audio from the terminal device of the user. How to manage online communications.

5. Computer, a conversation space management unit that manages a plurality of conversation spaces where a plurality of users can converse via terminal devices; a storage unit for storing information related to each user; a provisional participation determination unit that puts the user into a provisional participation state in the plurality of conversation spaces in which the degree of relationship with information related to the user stored in the storage unit is equal to or greater than a threshold and in which the user is not participating; and an audio output control unit that sequentially outputs, by audio, the content of the conversation taking place in one of the plurality of conversation spaces in which the user is in a provisional participation state from the terminal device of the user; An online communication management program to function as a

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