Communication assisting device, communication assisting method, communication assisting system and program

Abstract

To provide a technology which suppresses the occurrence of lateness in meeting and allows the person who is kept waiting to be at least partially compensated.SOLUTION: A communication assisting device includes: an event management unit that sets, based on an input from a user, event information including a meeting place, a meeting time, participants, and information on a lateness penalty; a lateness management unit that registers a person who was late for the meeting time among the participants of the event; and a gift management unit that controls the lateness penalty so as to give a penalty to the person who was late, and to present a gift to the persons who were not late based on the information on the lateness penalty when there is a person who was late.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a communication support device, a communication support method, a communication support system, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, some people are late when meeting up with friends. Even if it's unintentional, some people have developed a habit of being late almost every time. The latecomer doesn't seem to mind being late. On the other hand, the person who has to wait feels that the time spent waiting for the latecomer is a waste, so they feel resentful towards the latecomer, which can result in a deterioration in the friendship.

[0003] Therefore, it is desirable to have a technology that can make latecomers aware that their tardiness is a nuisance by imposing some kind of penalty on them, and that can calm the anger of those who are kept waiting.

[0004] For example, Patent Document 1 describes a technique for using a game device in which, if a user is late for a reserved time, a penalty is charged to the user's loaded electronic money or the like. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-150988 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The technology described in Patent Document 1 imposes a penalty for being late for a reserved time for a game device, but is not applicable to being late for a meeting between friends.Furthermore, it does not take into consideration the person who is being kept waiting.

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and aims to provide a technique for reducing the occurrence of lateness when waiting for an appointment and for rewarding those who are kept waiting, even if only a little. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The present application includes a number of means for solving at least part of the above problems, examples of which are as follows.

[0009] In order to solve the above problem, a communication support device according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises an event management unit that sets event information including information on the meeting place, meeting date and time, participants, and lateness penalty for the event based on input from a user; a lateness management unit that registers latecomers among the participants of the event who are late for the meeting date and time; and a gift management unit that, if a latecomer is present, controls the lateness penalty by imposing a penalty on the latecomer based on information on the lateness penalty and presenting gifts to non-latecomers.

[0010] The event management unit can obtain responses from the participants of the event as to whether or not they agree to the execution of the lateness penalty.

[0011] The event management unit can execute the lateness penalty when consent to the execution of the lateness penalty is obtained from all of the participants of the event.

[0012] If consent to the execution of the lateness penalty is not obtained from some of the participants of the event, the event management unit can execute the lateness penalty among the participants who have agreed to the execution of the lateness penalty.

[0013] The lateness management unit can determine the latecomers based on location information of the terminal devices used by the participants and location information of the meeting place.

[0014] The lateness management unit can accept the identification of the latecomer from the participant.

[0015] The information regarding the lateness penalty may include a gift setting according to the lateness time, and the gift management unit may present the gift according to the lateness time to the non-late person.

[0016] The gift management unit can present the gift to the non-latecomer in an amount calculated in accordance with the amount of time that the person is late.

[0017] The tardiness management unit can record, tally, and display the history of tardiness for the event for each participant.

[0018] At least one of the meeting place and the meeting date and time of the event can be a place or date and time in a virtual space.

[0019] Another aspect of the present invention is a communication support method using a communication support device, which includes the steps of: setting event information including information on the meeting place, meeting date and time, participants, and lateness penalty for an event based on input from a user; registering latecomers among the participants of the event who are late for the meeting date and time; and, if there are latecomers, controlling the lateness penalty by imposing a penalty on the latecomer and presenting gifts to non-latecomers based on the information on the lateness penalty.

[0020] A communication support system according to yet another aspect of the present invention is a communication support system comprising a communication support device connected via a network and a plurality of terminal devices, wherein the terminal device accepts input of event information from a user, including information regarding the meeting place, meeting date and time, participants, and lateness penalties for the event, and the communication support device comprises an event management unit that sets the event information based on the input from the user, a lateness management unit that registers latecomers among the participants of the event who are late for the meeting date and time, a lateness management unit that registers latecomers among the participants of the event who are late for the meeting date and time, and a gift management unit that, if a latecomer is present, controls the lateness penalty by imposing a penalty on the latecomer based on information regarding the lateness penalty and presenting gifts to non-latecomers.

[0021] A program according to yet another aspect of the present invention causes a computer serving as a communication support device to function as an event management unit that sets event information including information on the meeting place, meeting date and time, participants, and lateness penalties for the event based on input from a user; a lateness management unit that registers latecomers among the participants of the event who are late for the meeting date and time; and a gift management unit that, if a latecomer is present, controls the lateness penalty by imposing a penalty on the latecomer based on information on the lateness penalty and presenting gifts to non-latecomers.

[0022] A program according to yet another aspect of the present invention causes a computer serving as a terminal device to connect to a communication support device via a network, accept input of event information from a user, including information regarding the event's meeting place, meeting date and time, participants, and lateness penalties, and transmit the input to the communication support device, and notify the communication support device of whether the user will be late, determined based on location information of the terminal device and location information of the meeting place, and at least one of latecomers identified by the user.The communication support device comprises an event management unit that sets the event information based on input from the user of the terminal device, a lateness management unit that registers latecomers among the participants of the event who are late for the meeting date and time based on the notification from the terminal device, and a gift management unit that, if latecomers are present, controls the lateness penalty by imposing a penalty on the latecomer and presenting gifts to non-latecomers based on information regarding the lateness penalty. [Effects of the Invention]

[0023] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a technique for reducing the occurrence of lateness when meeting someone, and for rewarding those who are kept waiting, even if only a little.

[0024] Problems, configurations, and effects other than those described above will become apparent from the following description of the embodiments. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0025] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a communication support system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data structure of each piece of information stored in the storage unit. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of the event setting process. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a display example of the talk screen. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a display example of the event setting screen. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a display example of the event setting notification area on the talk screen. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a display example of an invitation response screen for an event. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a display example of the event invitation result screen. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a display example of the event invitation result screen. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a display example of an event notification screen. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the latecomer determination process. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a display example of the latecomer input screen. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a gift settlement process. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a display of a lateness penalty result screen. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a display example of the tardiness history screen. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a communication support system according to the second embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0026] Hereinafter, multiple embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In all drawings used to describe each embodiment, identical components are generally designated by the same reference numerals, and repeated description thereof will be omitted. Furthermore, in the following embodiments, the components (including element steps, etc.) are not necessarily essential unless otherwise specified or considered to be clearly essential in principle. Furthermore, when the terms "consisting of A," "composed of A," "having A," and "including A" are used, other elements are not excluded unless otherwise specified, specifically referring to only that element. Similarly, in the following embodiments, when referring to the shape, positional relationship, etc. of components, etc., these terms include those that are substantially similar or similar to the shape, etc., unless otherwise specified or considered to be clearly essential in principle.

[0027] <Communication Support System 11 According to the First Embodiment of the Present Invention> FIG. 1 shows an example of the configuration of a communication support system 11 according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] The communication support system 11 not only provides a social networking service (SNS) such as LINE (trademark), but also extends the existing event function of the SNS so that when a group of multiple SNS users holds an event at a specified location, latecomers can present gifts to those who are not late as a penalty for those who are late for the meeting time. Hereinafter, among the event participants, those who are late for the meeting time will be referred to as latecomers, and those who are not late will be referred to as non-latecomers. Furthermore, the act of imposing a penalty on latecomers and presenting gifts to those who are not late will be referred to as a lateness penalty.

[0029] Here, the existing event function of SNS is for sharing information about an event among multiple users who make up a group on SNS, and performs functions such as setting the event location and date and time, confirming whether or not participants can participate, and notifying users when the deadline approaches. The expanded event function in this embodiment further allows penalties to be set for latecomers.

[0030] Furthermore, this embodiment has a function to determine whether a participant is late for the meeting time of the event, a function to control the execution of penalties for latecomers, and a function to manage the tardiness history of each user.

[0031] In this embodiment, the location and start time of the event are considered to be the meeting place and the meeting time, but at least one of the meeting place and the meeting time of the event may be set separately from the location and start time of the event. Also, in this embodiment, the location of the event and the meeting place are considered to be in real space.

[0032] The communication support system 11 includes a communication support device 20 and a plurality of terminal devices 30 connected via a network N. The network N is a two-way communication network typified by the Internet, a mobile phone communication network, and the like.

[0033] The communication support device 20 provides an SNS to a user who uses a terminal device 30. The communication support device 20 has functional blocks of a processing unit 21, a storage unit 22, and a communication unit .

[0034] The communication support device 20 consists of a general computer such as a server computer equipped with a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), memory such as a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory), storage such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive), input devices such as a keyboard, mouse, or touch panel, output devices such as a display, and a communication module such as a NIC (Network Interface Card) (all not shown).

[0035] The processing unit 21 is realized by a computer processor. The processing unit 21 has the following functional blocks: a communication management unit 211, an event management unit 212, a lateness management unit 213, and a gift management unit 214. These functional blocks are realized by the computer processor executing a predetermined program loaded into memory. However, some or all of these functional blocks may be realized as hardware using an integrated circuit or the like. Furthermore, these functional blocks may be realized by multiple server computers distributed across the network N.

[0036] The communication management unit 211 controls existing main functions of the SNS, such as a chat function that allows users to exchange messages one-on-one, and a talk function that allows messages to be exchanged between groups of multiple users.

[0037] The event management unit 212 controls the extended event functions. Specifically, based on input from the user, it controls the setting of the date, time, and location of the event, the setting of a penalty for latecomers, confirmation of participation, confirmation of participation in the penalty for latecomers, and notifications when the deadline approaches.

[0038] The tardiness management unit 213 determines who will be late for the meeting time of the event. The tardiness determination process by the tardiness management unit 213 will be described later. Note that instead of the tardiness management unit 213 determining who will be late, one of the event participants may determine who will be late and input the information. Furthermore, the tardiness management unit 213 manages the tardiness history of users belonging to each group.

[0039] The gift management unit 214 controls the gift settlement process, i.e., the imposition of penalties on latecomers to an event (for example, charging an amount equivalent to the gift) and the presentation of gifts to non-latecomers. The gift management unit 214 also manages the history of penalties imposed on each user when they are late.

[0040] Possible gifts for non-latecomers include, for example, electronic coupons for receiving free coffee, ice cream, or other products sold in real stores, points that can be used on the SNS, or tickets to attractions or events held in real or virtual space. Also, the type and amount of the gift may be set according to the amount of time that the latecomer is late (for example, within 15 minutes, within 30 minutes, etc., of the meeting time), or the type and amount of the gift may be automatically changed according to the amount of time that the latecomer is late.

[0041] In addition, the charge of the gift amount as a penalty to latecomers may be made, for example, by the transfer of currency via a credit company or bank account, or by the transfer of electronic money, points that can be used on the SNS, or cryptocurrency.

[0042] Furthermore, instead of or in addition to charging the latecomer an amount equivalent to the gift as a penalty, an advertisement may be displayed for a predetermined period on the screen of the terminal device 30 used by the latecomer, or the latecomer's email address may be registered with a predetermined email distribution service so that advertising emails will be sent to the latecomer.

[0043] The memory unit 22 is realized by a computer memory and storage. The memory unit 22 stores user information, event information, lateness penalty information, and gift information. Note that the memory unit 22 may also store information and data other than the above-mentioned information. Details of each piece of information will be described later.

[0044] The communication unit 23 is realized by a communication module of a computer. The communication unit 23 connects to the terminal device 30 via the network N and communicates various data and information.

[0045] The terminal device 30 used by the user is a computer such as a personal computer, a smartphone, a tablet device, or a wearable device. For example, the user installs a dedicated application program on a smartphone and runs the application program to use the SNS provided by the communication support device 20. Alternatively, for example, the user starts a browser on a PC (personal computer) and uses the browser to access a predetermined URL (Uniform Resource Locator) to use the SNS provided by the communication support device 20.

[0046] <Data structure of each piece of information> FIG. 2 shows an example of the data structure of each piece of information stored in the storage unit 22.

[0047] User information 221 is used to manage information about users, and the communication management unit 211 generates and updates records for each user based on information input by the user when registering to use the SNS.

[0048] User information 221 has columns for recording user name, billing information, group ID, message information, gift history, event history, and lateness billing history, all of which are associated with a user ID, which is an identifier for uniquely identifying a user.

[0049] Billing information is information used when billing a user, and may include, for example, a credit card number or bank account number. The group ID includes an identifier for uniquely identifying the group to which the user belongs. If the user belongs to multiple groups, multiple group IDs are recorded. Message information, etc. includes messages exchanged between users in a group. The gift history includes a lateness penalty ID when the user is charged an amount equivalent to a gift as a latecomer, and a lateness penalty ID when the user is not a latecomer and is given a gift. The event history includes the event IDs of events the user will participate in and the events they have participated in. The lateness billing history includes a lateness penalty ID corresponding to an event for which the user was charged as a latecomer.

[0050] The event information 222 is used to manage information related to events, and the event management unit 212 generates and updates records for each event based on information input by the user.

[0051] The event information 222 has columns for recording the event name, date, meeting time, meeting place, details, participant list, and lateness penalty ID, in association with an event ID, which is an identifier for uniquely identifying an event. The event meeting time records the start time of the event. As for the meeting place, in addition to the store name, etc. entered by the user, the latitude and longitude of the meeting place searched for by the event management unit 212 based on the store name, etc. are recorded. The participant list records the user IDs of participants for the event and messages from each participant. When a lateness penalty is executed for the event, the lateness penalty ID is recorded to identify the lateness penalty information 223 in which the details of the lateness penalty to be executed are recorded.

[0052] The lateness penalty information 223 is used to manage information related to lateness penalties for events, and a record of the lateness penalty for each event is generated by the event management unit 212 based on information input by the user. When an event is held and someone is late, the lateness penalty information 223 is updated by the lateness management unit 213 and gift management unit 214.

[0053] The lateness penalty information 223 has columns for recording the event ID, lateness penalty consenter list, consenter ID, lateness gift, lateness recipient list, and gift history, all of which are associated with the lateness penalty ID, which is an identifier for uniquely identifying the lateness penalty.

[0054] The list of participants who have agreed to the lateness penalty records the user IDs of participants of the event who have agreed to the lateness penalty.

[0055] The late gift records a gift ID representing a gift given by a latecomer to a non-latecomer as a penalty for being late. The latecomer list records the user IDs of latecomers for the event represented by the event ID. Note that even if there are no latecomers, the latecomer list records information indicating this. The gift history records the history of gifts that occurred in the event represented by the event ID, that is, the user IDs of latecomers, user IDs of non-latecomers, and gift IDs of gifts given by latecomers to non-latecomers.

[0056] The gift information 224 is used to manage information related to gifts, and the gift management unit 214 generates a record for each gift in advance.

[0057] The gift information 224 has columns for recording the gift name (product name) and the gift price (points) in association with a gift ID, which is an identifier for uniquely identifying a gift.

[0058] <About event setting processing> 3 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of an event setting process by the communication support system 11. As a premise of the event setting process, it is assumed that users A, B, and C belong to the same group X, and that users A, B, and C are communicating messages within group X using the talk function of their respective terminal devices 30. In the following, the explanation will be continued assuming that user A sets up the holding of the event. Hereinafter, when it is necessary to individually distinguish the terminal devices 30 used by users A, B, and C, they will be referred to as terminal devices 30A, 30B, and 30C.

[0059] First, when user A belonging to group X performs a predetermined event setting operation on talk screen 100 (FIG. 4) displayed on terminal device 30A, event setting screen 110 (FIG. 5) is displayed on talk screen 100, and when user A sets information about the event on event setting screen 110 (step S1), the information about the event entered by user A is transmitted from terminal device 30A to communication support device 20.

[0060] 4 shows an example of a talk screen 100 displayed on each terminal device 30 of users A, B, and C. On the talk screen 100, messages sent by each user belonging to group X are displayed in chronological order.

[0061] 5 shows an example of an event setting screen 110 displayed on terminal device 30A. Event setting screen 110 has input fields 111 for inputting the event name, the date and time of the event (date and start time), location, and details, radio buttons 112 for selecting whether or not to impose a lateness penalty, radio buttons 113 for selecting whether or not to impose automatic lateness determination, a selection field 114 for selecting a gift when a lateness penalty is applied, and a "Set" button 115. On event setting screen 110, the user can set information about the event by inputting the event name, date and time, location, and details, selecting whether or not to impose a lateness penalty, whether or not to impose automatic lateness determination, and a gift (when a lateness penalty is applied), and operating "Set" button 115.

[0062] Returning to FIG. 3, in the communication support device 20 that has received the event-related information transmitted from the terminal device 30A, the event management unit 212 generates event information 222 based on the transmitted event information, and if a lateness penalty is applied, generates lateness penalty information 223 and stores it in the storage unit 22 (step S11). However, at this stage, the event information 222 only needs to record the event ID, event name, date, meeting time, meeting place, details, and lateness penalty ID, and only the event planner (user A in this case) needs to be recorded in the participant list. Furthermore, the lateness penalty information 223 only needs to record the lateness penalty ID, event ID, and lateness gift, and only the event planner (user A in this case) needs to be recorded in the lateness penalty agreement list, and the latecomers list and gift history can be left blank.

[0063] Next, the event management unit 212 displays an event setting notification area 120 (FIG. 6) on the talk screen 100 displayed on each of the terminal devices 30 of users A, B, and C to notify each user that an event has been set by user A (step S12).

[0064] FIG. 6 shows an example of the event setting notification area 120 displayed on the talk screen 100. As shown in FIG.

[0065] The event setting notification area 120 displays the event name, date and time, and location of the event, and is provided with a "Details" button 121.

[0066] Returning to Figure 3, next, when user B operates the "Details" button 121 in the event setting notification area 120 displayed on the talk screen 100 of the terminal device 30B (step S21), an invitation response screen 130 (Figure 7) displaying details of the event is displayed on the terminal device 30B. The same is true for the terminal device 30C.

[0067] 7 shows an example of the display of invitation response screen 130. In addition to displaying the name, date, time, location, and details of the event, invitation response screen 130 is provided with a selection field 131 for selecting whether or not to participate in the event, a selection field 132 for selecting whether or not to participate in a lateness penalty, an input field 133 for inputting a message from user B regarding the event, and an "Answer" button 134. Note that the response regarding whether or not to participate in a lateness penalty may be withheld at this stage, or the selection may be changed after the response.

[0068] Returning to Figure 3, next, when user B selects on invitation response screen 130 of terminal device 30B whether or not to participate in the event and whether or not to participate in the lateness penalty, enters a message, and operates "Reply" button 134 (step S22), a response from user B is transmitted from terminal device 30B to communication support device 20. The same is true for terminal device 30C.

[0069] Then, in the communication support device 20 that has received the responses transmitted from the terminal devices 30B and 30C, the event management unit 212 updates the event information 222 and the lateness penalty information 223 based on the responses from users B and C and stores them in the storage unit 22 (step S14). Specifically, the participant list in the event information 222 is updated based on the responses from users B and C as to whether or not they will participate in the event, and the lateness penalty agreeee list in the lateness penalty information 223 is updated based on the responses from users B and C as to whether or not they will participate in the lateness penalty. However, even at this stage, the latecomer list in the lateness penalty information 223 and the gift history may be left blank.

[0070] Note that since user A is the event planner, he or she may be considered to participate in the event and the lateness penalty. However, as with users B and C, a response as to whether or not to participate in the event may be obtained from user A.

[0071] Next, the event management unit 212 causes the terminal devices 30 of the users A, B, and C to display the event invitation result screen 140 (FIGS. 8 and 9) (step S15).

[0072] Fig. 8 is a display example of the event invitation result screen 140, showing a case where there is a lateness penalty. Fig. 9 is a display example of the event invitation result screen 140, showing a case where there is no lateness penalty.

[0073] In this embodiment, in principle, a lateness penalty is applied (a lateness penalty is implemented) only when all participants in the event participate in the lateness penalty, and if there is even one person who does not participate in the lateness penalty, a lateness penalty is not applied (a lateness penalty is not implemented). However, even if there is someone who does not participate in the lateness penalty, the lateness penalty may be implemented only among those who participate in the lateness penalty.

[0074] The event invitation result screen 140 displays the event name, date and time, location, details, participants, whether or not there is a lateness penalty, gifts if there is a lateness penalty, and messages from each participant, and also has a "Close" button 141 for closing the screen.

[0075] This concludes the explanation of the event setting process. The event setting process allows the user to set events, lateness penalties, gifts, etc. The user can also check the responses of other users in the same group regarding whether or not they will participate in the event or lateness penalty.

[0076] FIG. 10 shows an example of an event notification screen 150 displayed by the event management unit 212 on the terminal devices 30 of the event participants just before the event date (which can be set by the user, for example, one day before).

[0077] The event notification screen 150 displays the standard phrase "There is an event tomorrow. Please do not be late," the event name, date, time, location, details, participants, whether or not there is a penalty for being late, and gifts if there is a penalty for being late, as well as a "Close" button 151 for closing the screen.

[0078] <About the process of determining latecomers when automatic lateness detection is enabled> FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of latecomer determination processing that is executed when automatic lateness determination is selected on the event setting screen 110 (FIG. 5).

[0079] The latecomer determination process is started a predetermined time (for example, 30 minutes) before the meeting time of the event.

[0080] First, the tardiness management unit 213 acquires location information (latitude, longitude) indicating the current location of each of the terminal devices 30 of all participants in the event (step S101). Next, the tardiness management unit 213 reads the meeting place (latitude, longitude) by referring to the event information 222 and compares it with the location information of each terminal device 30 to determine whether or not the terminal device 30 (user) has arrived at the meeting place for the event (step S102). Note that the determination of whether or not the terminal device 30 has arrived may be made, for example, by determining that the terminal device 30 has arrived if the difference between the location information of the meeting place for the event and the location information of each terminal device 30 is less than a predetermined value, and by determining that the terminal device 30 has not arrived if the difference is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold.

[0081] If it is determined that the terminal device 30 has not arrived at the meeting place for the event (NO in step S102), the process returns to step S101, and steps S101 and S102 are repeated.

[0082] On the other hand, for the terminal device 30 that is determined to have arrived at the meeting place for the event (YES in step S102), the lateness management unit 213 then refers to the event information 222 to read the meeting time for the event, and compares it with the current time to determine whether or not the (user of) the terminal device 30 is late for the event (step S103). Note that the determination of whether or not the terminal device 30 is late may be made, for example, by determining that the terminal device 30 is late if the current time is past the meeting time for the event, and determining that the terminal device 30 is not late if the current time is not past the event time.

[0083] Next, the lateness management unit 213 determines whether all participants of the event have arrived at the meeting place (step S104), and if there are participants who have not yet arrived (NO in step S104), the process returns to step S101 and steps S101 and after are repeated.

[0084] Then, if it is determined that all participants in the event have arrived at the meeting place (YES in step S104), the event management unit 212 then adds the event ID of the event to the event history of the user information 221 of each participant, and the lateness management unit 213 records the user IDs of the latecomers in the latecomers list of the lateness penalty information 223 (step S105).

[0085] This completes the latecomer determination process. The latecomer determination process makes it possible to fairly determine latecomers without taking into account the individual circumstances of each participant, such as their availability.

[0086] In the above explanation, the lateness management unit 213 of the communication support device 20 executes the latecomer determination process, but each terminal device 30 of the event participants may individually determine whether or not the user is a latecomer and notify the lateness management unit 213 of the communication support device 20 of the determination result.

[0087] <When automatic lateness detection is not enabled> Figure 12 shows an example of the display of the latecomer input screen 160 displayed on the terminal device 30 by the lateness management unit 213 in response to an event participant performing a specified operation on the talk screen 100 after the meeting time for the event when no automatic lateness determination is selected on the event setting screen 110 (Figure 5).

[0088] The latecomer input screen 160 displays the event name, date and time, location, participants, whether or not there is a lateness penalty, and gifts if there is a lateness penalty, as well as a selection field 161 for selecting and inputting latecomers and an "OK" button 162.

[0089] An event participant can notify the latecomer to the lateness management unit 213 by selecting the latecomer on the latecomer input screen 160 and operating the "OK" button 162. Based on the notification, the lateness management unit 213 records the user ID of the latecomer in the latecomer list of the latecomer penalty information 223. Then, the event management unit 212 adds the event ID of the event to the event history of the user information 221 of each of all participants.

[0090] <About gift settlement processing> Next, an example of gift settlement processing by the gift management unit 214 will be described.

[0091] The gift settlement process is executed, for example, when the lateness management unit 213 updates the latecomer list in the lateness penalty information 223.

[0092] First, the gift management unit 214 reads the latecomer list from the lateness penalty information 223 and determines whether or not there is anyone who will be late to the event (step S31).

[0093] If there are no latecomers, the gift management unit 214 then causes each terminal device 30 of the event participants to display a lateness penalty result screen (not shown) indicating that there are no latecomers as a result of the lateness penalty (step S32).

[0094] On the other hand, if there is a latecomer, the gift management unit 214 then imposes a penalty on the latecomer to the event and presents gifts to the non-latecomers as a settlement process (step S33).The gift management unit 214 then adds a lateness penalty ID corresponding to the lateness penalty to the gift history of user information 221 corresponding to each of the latecomer and non-latecomer, and adds the lateness penalty ID corresponding to the lateness penalty to the lateness charge history of user information 221 corresponding to the latecomer.Furthermore, the gift management unit 214 records the user ID of the latecomer, the user ID of the non-latecomer, and the gift ID of the gift in the gift history of lateness penalty information 223 corresponding to the lateness penalty.

[0095] Next, the gift management unit 214 causes each terminal device 30 of the event participants to display the lateness penalty result screen 170 (FIG. 14) as the result of the lateness penalty (step S34). This completes the gift settlement process.

[0096] 14 shows an example of the display of a lateness penalty result screen 170. The lateness penalty result screen 170 displays the event name, date and time, location, participants, lateness penalty gifts, latecomers, and the lateness penalty result "Coffee S from B to A...", and also has a "Close" button 171 for closing the screen.

[0097] Participants in the event can find out the results of the lateness penalty on the lateness penalty result screen 170.

[0098] FIG. 15 shows an example of a display of a lateness history screen 180 that is displayed in response to a predetermined operation by the user on the talk screen 100 (FIG. 4) displayed on the terminal device 30.

[0099] The tardiness history screen 180 is displayed by the event management unit 212 based on the tardiness charge history in the user information 221 of each user belonging to the group. The tardiness history screen 180 displays a bar graph of the number of times each user belonging to the group was late and a bar graph of the amount paid as a tardiness penalty, and is also provided with a "Close" button 181 for closing the screen. Of course, it goes without saying that the display format of the tally results is not limited to a bar graph.

[0100] Users belonging to the group can keep track of the number of times they have been late to an event and the amount they have paid, and use this information as a lesson to themselves. It is also possible to impose further penalties depending on the number of times a user has been late within a given period of time.

[0101] As described above, the communication support system 11 can prevent people from being late to a meeting in the real world, and even if someone does arrive late, it can calm the anger of those who are not late.

[0102] <Communication Support System 12 According to the Second Embodiment of the Present Invention> FIG. 16 shows an example of the configuration of a communication support system 12 according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0103] The communication support system 12 is obtained by adding a virtual space management unit 215 to the processing unit 21 in the communication support device 20 of the communication support system 11 (FIG. 1) according to the first embodiment. Components of the communication support system 12 that are common to the components of the communication support system 11 (FIG. 1) are assigned the same reference numerals and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0104] The communication support system 12 extends the location of events between groups belonging to the same group to virtual space, rather than limiting it to real space.

[0105] The virtual space management unit 215 provides each user with a virtual space and controls the behavior, such as movement, of the avatars corresponding to each user and the player characters operated by each user in the virtual space. Examples of virtual spaces include virtual spaces that are extensions of real spaces, such as virtual offices and virtual exhibitions, and virtual spaces in games.

[0106] The meeting time in the virtual space may be the time in the real space, or may be the time along a virtual time axis in the virtual space.

[0107] Furthermore, the penalty given to a latecomer in the communication support system 12 may be a charge or some kind of restriction on behavior in the virtual space. Furthermore, the gift given to a non-latecomer may be, for example, a product or service to be used in the virtual space, in addition to a product or service in the real space.

[0108] According to the communication support system 12, in addition to the effects and advantages of the communication support system 11, it is possible to impose a penalty for being late to a meeting in the virtual space.

[0109] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and modifications, and various other modifications are possible. For example, the above-described embodiments and modifications have been described in detail to clearly explain the present invention, and the present invention is not necessarily limited to those having all of the described configurations. Furthermore, it is possible to replace a part of a modification with another modification, or to combine modifications.

[0110] Furthermore, some or all of the above-described configurations, functions, processing units, processing means, etc. may be implemented in hardware, for example, by designing them as integrated circuits. Furthermore, the above-described configurations, functions, etc. may be implemented in software by a processor interpreting and executing a program that implements each function. Information such as programs, tables, and files that implement each function may be stored in memory, a storage device such as a hard disk or SSD, or a storage medium such as an IC card, SD card, or DVD. Furthermore, the control lines and information lines shown are those considered necessary for explanation, and do not necessarily represent all control lines and information lines in the product. In reality, it can be assumed that almost all components are interconnected. [Explanation of symbols]

[0111] 11, 12... Communication support system, 20... Communication support device, 21... Processing unit, 211... Communication management unit, 212... Event management unit, 213... Lateness management unit, 214... Gift management unit, 215... Virtual space management unit, 22... Memory unit, 221... User information, 222... Event information, 223... Lateness penalty information, 224... Gift information, 23... Communication unit, 30... Terminal device, 100... Talk screen, 110... Event setting screen, 120... Event setting notification area, 130... Invitation response screen, 140... Event invitation result screen, 150... Event holding notification screen, 160... Latecomer input screen, 170... Lateness penalty result screen, 180... Lateness history screen

Claims

1. an event management unit that sets event information including information on the meeting place, meeting date and time, participants, and lateness penalty for the event based on input from a user; a lateness management unit that registers latecomers who are late for the meeting date and time among the participants of the event; a gift management unit that controls the lateness penalty by giving a penalty to the latecomer and presenting gifts to non-latecomers based on information about the lateness penalty when the latecomer is present; A communication support device comprising:

2. The communication support device according to claim 1, The event management unit obtains responses from the participants of the event as to whether or not they agree to the execution of the lateness penalty. Communication support device.

3. The communication support device according to claim 2, The event management unit executes the lateness penalty when consent to the execution of the lateness penalty is obtained from all of the participants of the event. Communication support device.

4. The communication support device according to claim 2, When consent to the execution of the lateness penalty is not obtained from some of the participants of the event, the event management unit executes the lateness penalty among the participants who have consented to the execution of the lateness penalty. Communication support device.

5. The communication support device according to claim 1, The lateness management unit determines the latecomers based on location information of the terminal devices used by the participants and location information of the meeting place. Communication support device.

6. The communication support device according to claim 1, The lateness management unit receives the identification of the latecomer from the participant. Communication support device.

7. The communication support device according to claim 1, The information about the lateness penalty includes setting a gift according to the lateness time, The gift management unit presents the gift to the non-latecomer according to the lateness time. Communication support device.

8. The communication support device according to claim 1, The gift management unit presents the gift to the non-latecomer in an amount calculated in accordance with the amount of lateness. Communication support device.

9. The communication support device according to claim 1, The tardiness management unit records, tally, and displays a history of tardiness for the event for each participant. Communication support device.

10. The communication support device according to claim 1, At least one of the meeting place and the meeting date and time of the event is a place or date and time in a virtual space. Communication support device.

11. A communication support method using a communication support device, Based on input from the user, set event information including information about the event meeting place, meeting date and time, participants, and lateness penalties; registering latecomers who are late for the meeting date and time among the participants of the event; If there is a latecomer, the latecomer penalty is imposed on the latecomer and a gift is presented to a non-latecomer based on information about the latecomer penalty. A communication support method that includes steps.

12. A communication support system including a communication support device and a plurality of terminal devices connected via a network, The terminal device Accepting input of event information from a user, including information about the event meeting place, meeting date and time, participants, and lateness penalty; the communication support device, an event management unit that sets the event information based on an input from the user; a lateness management unit that registers latecomers who are late for the meeting date and time among the participants of the event; a lateness management unit that registers latecomers who are late for the meeting date and time among the participants of the event; and a gift management unit that controls the lateness penalty by, when the latecomer is present, imposing a penalty on the latecomer and presenting gifts to non-latecomers based on information about the lateness penalty. Communication support system.

13. Computers as communication support devices an event management unit that sets event information including information on the meeting place, meeting date and time, participants, and lateness penalty for the event based on input from a user; a lateness management unit that registers latecomers who are late for the meeting date and time among the participants of the event; a gift management unit that controls the lateness penalty by giving a penalty to the latecomer and presenting gifts to non-latecomers based on information about the lateness penalty when the latecomer is present; A program that makes it work.

14. For computers as terminal devices, Connecting to a communication support device via a network, accepting input of event information from a user, including information on the meeting place, meeting date and time, participants, and lateness penalty, and transmitting the information to the communication support device; The communication support device is notified of at least one of whether the user is late or not, determined based on the location information of the terminal device and the location information of the meeting place, and a latecomer identified by the user. Execute a process that includes steps, the communication support device, an event management unit that sets the event information based on an input from the user of the terminal device; a lateness management unit that registers latecomers who are late for the meeting date and time among the participants of the event based on the notification from the terminal device; and a gift management unit that controls the lateness penalty by, when the latecomer is present, imposing a penalty on the latecomer and presenting gifts to non-latecomers based on information about the lateness penalty. program.

Images