Programs, information processing methods, terminals

Abstract

We propose new technologies related to chat services. [Solution] The program to be executed by the terminal is to display a first chat room including the terminal's user on the terminal's display unit, to display a first display on the display unit indicating that the user is moving from the first chat room displayed on the display unit to the second chat room and displaying the second chat room on the display unit, and to have the terminal's control unit perform a first process related to displaying the second chat room based on the input to the terminal on which the first display is displayed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a program, an information processing method, a terminal, etc.

Background Art

[0002] Recently, the opportunity for users to use chat services such as messaging services using terminals such as smartphones and personal computers has been increasing. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology related to a messaging service.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a program for causing a terminal to execute includes displaying a first chat room including a user of the terminal on a display unit of the terminal, displaying a first display related to moving from the first chat room displayed on the display unit to a second chat room and displaying the second chat room on the display unit on the display unit, and performing a first process related to the display of the second chat room by a control unit of the terminal based on an input to the terminal on which the first display is displayed. According to a second aspect of the present invention, an information processing method of a terminal includes displaying a first chat room including a user of the terminal on a display unit of the terminal, displaying a first display related to moving from the first chat room displayed on the display unit to a second chat room and displaying the second chat room on the display unit on the display unit, and performing a first process related to the display of the second chat room by a control unit of the terminal based on an input to the terminal on which the first display is displayed. According to a third aspect of the present invention, the terminal includes a display unit that displays a first display relating to displaying a first chat room including the terminal's user, moving from the displayed first chat room to a second chat room, and displaying the second chat room, and a control unit that performs a first processing relating to displaying the second chat room based on input to the terminal on which the first display is displayed. According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the terminal includes a processor that reads a program stored in a memory unit and performs processing based on the program, and the processor performs the following actions: displaying a first chat room including the terminal's user on the terminal's display unit; displaying a first indication on the display unit regarding moving from the first chat room displayed on the display unit to a second chat room and displaying the second chat room on the display unit; and performing a first processing related to displaying the second chat room based on the input to the terminal on which the first indication is displayed. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0005] [Figure 1-1] A diagram showing an example of the system configuration of a communication system in one embodiment of the system. [Figure 1-2] A diagram showing an example of a function realized by the control unit of the server according to the first embodiment. [Figure 1-3] A diagram showing an example of information stored in the storage unit of the server according to the first embodiment. [Figure 1-4] A diagram showing an example of user registration data related to the first embodiment. [Figure 1-5] A diagram showing an example of friend registration data according to the first embodiment. [Figure 1-6] A diagram showing an example of a function realized by the control unit of the terminal according to the first embodiment. [Figure 1-7] A diagram showing an example of information stored in the memory unit of the terminal according to the first embodiment. [Figure 1-8] A diagram showing an example of a talk room pattern table according to the first embodiment. [Figure 1-9] A diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the display unit of a terminal according to the first embodiment. [Figure 1-10]A diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the display unit of a terminal according to the first embodiment. [Figure 1-11] A flowchart showing an example of the processing flow executed by the terminal according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2-1] A diagram showing an example of a table for determining a candidate destination chat room according to the second embodiment. [Figure 2-2] A diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the display unit of a terminal according to the second embodiment. [Figure 2-3] A diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the display unit of a terminal according to the second embodiment. [Figure 2-4] A diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the display unit of a terminal according to the second embodiment. [Figure 2-5] A flowchart showing an example of the processing flow executed by the terminal according to the second embodiment. [Figure 2-6] A flowchart showing an example of the processing flow performed by each device in the second modified example. [Figure 3-1] A diagram showing an example of a talk room information display condition table according to the third embodiment. [Figure 3-2] A diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the display unit of a terminal according to the third embodiment. [Figure 3-3] A flowchart showing an example of the processing flow executed by the terminal according to the third embodiment. [Figure 4-1] A diagram showing an example of a chat room information display deletion condition table according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 4-2] A flowchart showing an example of the processing flow executed by the terminal according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 5-1] A diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the display unit of a terminal according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 5-2] A flowchart showing an example of the processing flow executed by the terminal according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 6-1] A diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the display unit of a terminal according to the sixth embodiment. [Figure 6-2] A diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the display unit of a terminal according to the sixth embodiment. [Figure 6-3]A flowchart showing an example of the processing flow executed by the terminal according to the sixth embodiment. [Figure 6-4] A diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the display unit of the terminal according to the sixth modification. [Figure 7-1] A diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the display unit of the terminal according to the seventh embodiment. [Figure 7-2] A diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the display unit of the terminal according to the seventh modification. [Figure 7-3] A diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the display unit of the terminal according to the seventh modification. [Figure 8-1] A diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the display unit of the terminal according to the eighth embodiment

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

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

[0008] Terminal 20 (Terminal 20A, Terminal 20B, Terminal 20C, ...) can be any information processing terminal capable of realizing the functions described in each embodiment. Terminal 20 includes, but is not limited to, smartphones, mobile phones (feature phones), computers (but is not limited to, for example, desktops, laptops, tablets, etc.), media computer platforms (but is not limited to, for example, cable, satellite set-top boxes, digital video recorders), handheld computer devices (but is not limited to, for example, PDAs (personal digital assistants), email clients, etc.), wearable devices (glasses-type devices, watch-type devices, etc.), VR (Virtual Reality) terminals, smart speakers (voice recognition devices), or other types of computers or communication platforms. Terminal 20 may also be referred to as an information processing terminal.

[0009] The configurations of terminals 20A, 20B, and 20C can be identical, not as an example but as an extension. Furthermore, if necessary, the terminal used by user X may be referred to as terminal 20X, and user information in a predetermined service associated with user X or terminal 20X may be referred to as user information X, or not. User information refers to information about a user associated with an account used by that user in a given service. User information includes, but is not limited to, information associated with a user, such as the user's name, user icon image, user's age, user's gender, user's address, user's hobbies and preferences, and user identifier, which may be entered by the user or assigned by the given service. It may include any one of these items, a combination thereof, or not.

[0010] Network 30 plays the role of connecting one or more terminals 20 and one or more servers 10. In other words, network 30 refers to a communication network that provides a connection path so that the various devices described above can send and receive data after they are connected.

[0011] One or more parts of network 30 may or may not be wired or wireless networks. Network 30 may include, but is not limited to, an ad hoc network, an intranet, an extranet, a virtual private network (VPN), a local area network (LAN), a wireless LAN (WLAN), a wide area network (WAN), a wireless WAN (WWAN), a metropolitan area network (MAN), part of the internet, part of a public switched telephone network (PSTN), a mobile phone network, ISDN (integrated service digital networks), wireless LAN, LTE (long term evolution), CDMA (code division multiple access), Bluetooth (registered trademark), satellite communications, or two or more combinations thereof. Network 30 may include one or more networks 30.

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

[0013] [Hardware configuration of each device] The hardware configuration of each device included in communication system 1 will be described below.

[0014] (1) Terminal hardware configuration Figure 1-1 shows an example of the hardware configuration of terminal 20. Terminal 20 comprises a control unit 21 (CPU: central processing unit), a storage unit 28, a communication interface 22, an input / output unit 23, a clock unit 29A, and a position calculation information detection unit 29B. The hardware components of terminal 20 are interconnected via bus B, not as an example but as an example. It is not mandatory for terminal 20's hardware configuration to include all components. Not as an example but as an example, terminal 20 may have a configuration in which individual components or multiple components are removed, or it may not.

[0015] The communication interface 22 transmits and receives various types of data via the network 30. Communication may be performed via wired or wireless connections, and any communication protocol may be used as long as communication between the interfaces is possible. The communication interface 22 has the function of communicating with various devices, such as the server 10, via the network 30. The communication interface 22 transmits various types of data to the server 10 and other devices according to instructions from the control unit 21. The communication interface 22 also receives various types of data transmitted from the server 10 and other devices and transmits them to the control unit 21. The communication interface 22 may also be simply referred to as the communication unit. Furthermore, if the communication interface 22 is composed of a physically structured circuit, it may be referred to as the communication circuit.

[0016] The input / output unit 23 includes devices for inputting various operations to the terminal 20, and devices for outputting processing results processed by the terminal 20. The input / output unit 23 may have an integrated input unit and an output unit, or it may have separate input and output units, or it may not have to be integrated.

[0017] The input unit is implemented by any or any combination of any type of device capable of receiving input from the user and transmitting the information related to the input to the control unit 21. The input unit includes, but is not limited to, hardware keys such as touch panels, touch displays, and keyboards, pointing devices such as mice, cameras (operation input via video), and microphones (operation input via voice).

[0018] The output unit is implemented by any or a combination of any type of device capable of outputting the processing results processed by the control unit 21. The output unit includes, but is not limited to, touch panels, touch displays, speakers (for audio output), lenses (for, but is not limited to, 3D (three-dimensional) output or hologram output), printers, and the like.

[0019] This is merely one example, but the input / output unit 23 may include, but is not limited to, a display unit 24, an audio input unit 25, an audio output unit 26, and an imaging unit 27.

[0020] The display unit 24 is implemented by any or a combination of any type of device capable of displaying data according to the display data written to the frame buffer. The display unit 24 includes, but is not limited to, touch panels, touch displays, monitors (but is not limited to, liquid crystal displays and OLEDs (organic electroluminescence displays)), head-mounted displays (HDMs), projection mapping, holograms, and devices capable of displaying images, text information, etc., in air (which may or may not be a vacuum). These display units 24 may or may not be capable of displaying display data in 3D.

[0021] The sound input unit 25 is used for inputting sound data (including voice data; the same applies hereinafter). The sound input unit 25 includes a microphone, etc. The sound output unit 26 is used for outputting sound data. The sound output unit 26 includes a speaker and the like. The imaging unit 27 is used to acquire image data (including still image data and moving image data; the same applies hereinafter). The imaging unit 27 includes a camera, etc.

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

[0023] The clock unit 29A is the built-in clock of the terminal 20 and outputs time information (timing information). The clock unit 29A is configured, for example, using a crystal oscillator or the like. The clock unit 29A can also be described, for example, as a timing unit or a time information detection unit.

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

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

[0026] The position calculation information detection unit 29B includes, but is not limited to, satellite positioning sensors (satellite positioning units) which are sensors or units for calculating the position of terminal 20 using a satellite positioning system such as GPS (Global Positioning System), inertial measurement sensors (inertial measurement units (IMUs)) which are sensors or units for calculating the position of terminal 20 using an inertial navigation system, and UWB positioning sensors (UWB positioning units) which are sensors or units for calculating the position of terminal 20 using UWB (Ultra Wide Band).

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

[0028] The inertial measurement unit has inertial sensors, which are sensors that detect information necessary to calculate the position of terminal 20 by inertial navigation calculations. The inertial sensors include, but are not limited to, a 3-axis accelerometer and a 3-axis gyroscope, and output the acceleration detected by the accelerometer and the angular velocity detected by the gyroscope as position calculation information.

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

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

[0031] The control unit 21 has physically structured circuitry to perform functions realized by code or instructions contained within the program, and is implemented, not limited to but for example, by a data processing device built into the hardware. Therefore, the control unit 21 may or may not be described as a control circuit.

[0032] The control unit 21 includes, but is not limited to, a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor, a processor core, a multiprocessor, an ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit), and an FPGA (field programmable gate array).

[0033] The storage unit 28 has the function of storing various programs and data necessary for the operation of the terminal 20. The storage unit 28 includes, but is not limited to, various storage media such as HDD (hard disk drive), SSD (solid state drive), flash memory, RAM (random access memory), and ROM (read-only memory). The storage unit 28 may or may not be referred to as memory.

[0034] Terminal 20 stores program P in storage unit 28, and by executing program P, the control unit 21 executes the processing of each part included in the control unit 21. In other words, program P stored in storage unit 28 enables terminal 20 to realize the various functions executed by the control unit 21. Furthermore, this program P may or may not be described as a program module.

[0035] (2) Server hardware configuration Figure 1-1 shows an example of the hardware configuration of server 10. Server 10 comprises a control unit 11 (CPU), a storage unit 15, a communication interface 14, an input / output unit 12, and a clock unit 19. The hardware components of Server 10 are interconnected via bus B, not as an example but as an example. It is not mandatory for Server 10's hardware configuration to include all components. For example but as an example, Server 10's hardware may be configured to exclude individual or multiple components, or it may not.

[0036] The control unit 11 has physically structured circuitry to perform functions realized by code or instructions contained within the program, and is implemented, but is not limited to, by a data processing device built into the hardware.

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

[0038] The storage unit 15 has the function of storing various programs and data necessary for the operation of the server 10. The storage unit 15 is implemented using various storage media such as HDDs, SSDs, and flash memory. However, in this disclosure, the storage unit 15 is not limited to these. Also, the storage unit 15 may or may not be referred to as memory.

[0039] The communication interface 14 transmits and receives various types of data via the network 30. Communication may be performed via wired or wireless connections, and any communication protocol may be used as long as communication between the interfaces is possible. The communication interface 14 has the function of communicating with various devices, such as terminals 20, via the network 30. The communication interface 14 transmits various types of data to various devices, such as terminals 20, according to instructions from the control unit 11. The communication interface 14 also receives various types of data transmitted from various devices, such as terminals 20, and transmits them to the control unit 11. The communication interface 14 may also be simply referred to as the communication unit. Furthermore, if the communication interface 14 is composed of a physically structured circuit, it may be referred to as the communication circuit.

[0040] The input / output unit 12 includes devices for inputting various operations to the server 10, and devices for outputting processing results processed by the server 10. The input / output unit 12 may have an integrated input unit and an output unit, or it may have separate input and output units, or it may not have to be integrated.

[0041] The input unit is implemented by any or a combination of any type of device capable of receiving user input and transmitting the information related to the input to the control unit 11. The input unit is typically implemented by hardware keys such as keyboards or pointing devices such as mice. The input unit is not limited to, but may also include, for example, a touch panel, a camera (operation input via video), or a microphone (operation input via voice).

[0042] The output unit is implemented by any or any combination of any type of device capable of outputting the processing results processed by the control unit 11. The output unit includes, but is not limited to, touch panels, touch displays, speakers (sound output), lenses (but is not limited to, 3D (three-dimensional) output or hologram output), printers, and the like.

[0043] This is merely one example, but the input / output unit 12 may include a display unit 13, not as an example, but as an example.

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

[0045] The clock unit 19 is the built-in clock of the server 10 and outputs time information (timing information). The clock unit 19 is configured to include, but is not limited to, a hardware clock such as an RTC (Real Time Clock) or a system clock. The clock unit 19 can also be described, but is not limited to, a timing unit or a time information detection unit.

[0046] (3) Others Server 10 stores program P in storage unit 15, and by executing program P, the control unit 11 performs the processing of each part included in the control unit 11. In other words, program P stored in storage unit 15 enables server 10 to realize each function executed by the control unit 11. This program P may or may not be described as a program module. The same applies to other devices.

[0047] Each embodiment of this disclosure is described as being realized by the CPU of terminal 20 and / or server 10 executing program P. The same applies to other devices.

[0048] Furthermore, the control unit 21 of terminal 20 and / or the control unit 11 of server 10 may implement each process not only with a CPU having a control circuit, but also with logic circuits (hardware) or dedicated circuits formed on an integrated circuit (IC (Integrated Circuit) chip, LSI (Large Scale Integration)), etc., or they may not. Also, these circuits may be implemented by one or more integrated circuits, and the multiple processes shown in each embodiment may be implemented by a single integrated circuit, or they may not. In addition, LSIs are sometimes called VLSI, Super LSI, Ultra LSI, etc., depending on the degree of integration. For this reason, the control unit 21 may or may not be described as a control circuit. The same applies to other devices.

[0049] Furthermore, the program P of each embodiment of the present disclosure (for example, a software program, a computer program, or a program module, but not limited to these) may or may not be provided stored on a computer-readable storage medium. The storage medium is a “non-temporary tangible medium” capable of storing the program P. Also, the program P may or may not be for the purpose of implementing some of the functions of each embodiment of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the program P may or may not be a so-called differential file (differential program) that can implement the functions of each embodiment of the present disclosure in combination with a program P already recorded on the storage medium.

[0050] The storage medium may include one or more semiconductor-based or other integrated circuits (ICs) (for example, but not limited to, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) or application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs)), hard disk drives (HDDs), hybrid hard drives (HHDs), optical disks, optical disk drives (ODDs), magneto-optical disks, magneto-optical drives, floppy diskettes, floppy disk drives (FDDs), magnetic tapes, solid-state drives (SSDs), RAM drives, secure digital cards, or drives, any other suitable storage medium, or any two or more suitable combinations thereof. The storage medium may be volatile, non-volatile, or a combination of volatile and non-volatile, where appropriate. The storage medium is not limited to these examples and may be any device or medium capable of storing program P. The storage medium may or may not be referred to as memory.

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

[0052] Furthermore, the program P of this disclosure may or may not be provided to the server 10 and / or terminal 20 via any transmission medium capable of transmitting the program (such as a communication network or broadcast waves). The server 10 and / or terminal 20 realize the functions of the multiple functional units shown in each embodiment by executing the program P downloaded via the Internet or the like, for example, without limit. The same applies to other devices.

[0053] Furthermore, each embodiment of this disclosure can also be realized in the form of a data signal in which the program P is embodied by electronic transmission. At least part of the processing on server 10 and / or terminal 20 may or may not be implemented by cloud computing consisting of one or more computers. The configuration may be such that at least some or all of the processing on terminal 20 is performed by server 10, or it may not be so. In this case, the configuration may be such that at least some or all of the processing of each functional unit of the control unit 21 of terminal 20 is performed by server 10, or it may not be so. The configuration may be such that at least some or all of the processing in the server 10 is performed by the terminal 20, or it may not be so. In this case, the configuration may be such that at least some or all of the processing of each functional unit of the control unit 11 of the server 10 is performed by the terminal 20, or it may not be so. Unless otherwise explicitly stated, the configuration of the determination in the embodiments of this disclosure is not mandatory, and a predetermined process may be performed if the determination condition is met, or if the determination condition is not met, or not.

[0054] The programs disclosed herein may be implemented using, but are not limited to, scripting languages ​​such as ActionScript and JavaScript®, compiled languages ​​such as Objective-C and Java®, and markup languages ​​such as HTML5.

[0055] <Examples> The following describes examples of how the method of this disclosure is applied. The examples and modifications described herein are merely examples of the present invention and are not limited to the examples and modifications described herein.

[0056] One possible method for switching between chat rooms on device 20 is to have the user exit the currently displayed chat room and then move to a screen where they can select the next chat room to display. Based on this operation, the device will move to the screen where the user can select (specify) the next chat room to display. This method is not limited to this example, but could involve exiting the currently displayed chat room and selecting a chat room from a chat room list screen where a list of chat rooms is displayed. However, this method requires cumbersome operations to switch between chat rooms, making it insufficient in terms of user convenience.

[0057] The following describes an example of how terminal 20 and server 10 perform processing and control according to the user's purpose and motivation, using a messaging service as an example.

[0058] Furthermore, messaging services (MS, including IMS) can be considered a form of social networking services (SNS). Therefore, one may or may not distinguish between messaging services and social networking services. In other words, messaging services may or may not be included within social networking services.

[0059] In the embodiments described below, the messaging service will be described as an Instant Messaging Service (IMS) that enables the sending and receiving of simple messages between multiple devices via a server 10. Furthermore, the application for implementing this messaging service will be referred to as a "messaging application" and will be illustrated and described as a "Messaging App" as appropriate.

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

[0061] The text may include, but not exclusively, at least one of the following: national characters represented by character codes, extended characters, machine-dependent characters, numbers, symbols, figures, and codes. Note that the text does not have to include at least one of the above characters, extended characters, machine-dependent characters, numbers, symbols, figures, and codes, but may include other text.

[0062] Image information (images) can include, but are not limited to, at least one of the following types of image information: icons, buttons, stamps, emojis, banner images, etc.

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

[0064] The messaging service described herein is an example of a chat service. The messaging service is configured to allow users to chat using chat rooms. In the following explanation, the UI (User Interface) or GUI (Graphical User Interface) that allows each user to view content sent and received between multiple users' devices will be referred to as a "talk room." You may or may not refer to the talk room as a chat room.

[0065] Furthermore, the term "talk room" can include, but is not limited to, one-on-one user talk rooms (hereinafter referred to as "one-on-one talk rooms") as well as group talk rooms containing multiple users (hereinafter referred to as "group talk rooms"). In this case, a talk room refers to a UI or GUI that allows users in a group to view content sent and received between each device in that group.

[0066] Furthermore, chat rooms may include, as an example, chat rooms (hereinafter referred to as "open chat rooms") that allow users to chat anonymously (hereinafter referred to as "open chats"), separate from their user accounts. In this embodiment, the open chat room of the messaging service is not limited to, but as an example, allows users to create groups that anyone can join and chat with users other than those they have added as friends.

[0067] Furthermore, in this specification, a user of terminal 20 that uses the messaging service (messaging application) will be referred to as a "general user," and the account of this general user will be referred to as a "general account." In contrast, users of office automation (OA) equipment or terminals (not shown) that utilize messaging services are referred to as "OA businesses," and the accounts of these OA businesses are referred to as "official accounts." In other words, in this specification, messaging service accounts include both general accounts and official accounts.

[0068] Office automation (OA) businesses with official accounts can, for example, use OA equipment or OA terminals to send and receive messages with other devices via the server 10, just like terminals 20 with general accounts. Messages sent from terminals 20 with general accounts to OA equipment or OA terminals are also delivered to the OA equipment or OA terminals via the server 10, similar to how messages are sent to other terminals 20. The history of these messages is then displayed as a chat room or similar on the display unit (not shown) of the OA equipment or OA terminal.

[0069] Furthermore, the term "talk room" can include, but is not limited to, a "one-on-one talk room" for a single user, a "group talk room" for a group containing multiple users, and, but is not limited to, a talk room with an office automation (OA) provider (hereinafter referred to as "OA talk room").

[0070] In the embodiment described below, "talk room information" is used as an example of information used to move (transition) from the first talk room to the second talk room. Talk room information refers to information about a talk room associated with a talk room in a messaging service. This chat room information includes, but is not limited to, information associated with a chat room, such as the chat room name (text information), chat room icon image (image information), and chat room identifier (identification information), which are entered by the user or assigned by the messaging service. It may include any one of these, or a combination of two or more of them, or not.

[0071] The chat room information is information selected (specified) by the user of terminal 20, and is used to move from the first chat room to the second chat room and display the second chat room. Therefore, the chat room information may or may not be expressed as chat room selection information, chat room specification information, destination chat room information, etc.

[0072] The following examples illustrate two main types of chat room information. (1) Icon-type chat room information (hereinafter referred to as "icon-type chat room information") (2) Switcher-type talk room information (hereinafter referred to as "switcher-type talk room information")

[0073] Furthermore, in the following embodiment, although not an exhaustive example, the talk information is stored and managed in the storage unit 15 of the server 10, but the talk information added and updated by the server 10 is sent to the terminal 20, and the talk information is also stored and held separately in the storage unit 28 of the terminal 20 from the server 10.

[0074] In this case, due to issues such as the storage capacity of server 10, the talk information stored and managed by server 10 can be deleted from the storage unit 15 of server 10 after a certain period of time (not limited to a specific period, but several weeks). On the other hand, the talk information data stored in the memory unit 28 of the terminal 20 can be retained without being deleted unless a deletion request is made by the user of the terminal 20 via the input unit.

[0075] However, this is merely one example and is not the only form that is possible. As an example, rather than being limited to this, terminal 20 may not retain chat information, and terminal 20 may retrieve and display the chat information stored and managed by server 10, or it may not have to be done this way.

[0076] Furthermore, in the following description, it is assumed that the chat service is provided and managed by server 10, and that terminal 20 sends and receives content via server 10, but this is not limited to this. This can be applied not only to systems that include terminal 20 and server 10, but also to systems that do not include server 10. This is not an limitation, but rather an example of such a system: A system (distributed system) that assigns the functions of server 10 to terminal 20. This is not limited to this example, but can be achieved using blockchain technology. • A system in which terminals 20 communicate wirelessly with each other. This is not limited to this system, but can be achieved by using short-range wireless communication technologies such as Bluetooth to communicate in a P2P (peer-to-peer) manner.

[0077] As an example, and not an limitation, if we apply a system where terminals 20 communicate wirelessly with each other, the terminals 20 can directly send and receive content wirelessly without going through the server 10.

[0078] <First Example> The first embodiment is an embodiment in which (1) icon-type chat room information is applied. In the first embodiment, when the terminal 20 is displaying a first chat room (for example, the currently displayed chat room) on the display unit 24, it moves from the first chat room to a second chat room (for example, the next chat room to be displayed) and displays a first display (for example, icon-type chat room information) on the display unit 24 regarding the display of the second chat room. Then, based on the input to this first display, the terminal 20's control unit 21 performs a first process (for example, a chat room switching process) regarding the display of the second chat room. As an example, and not a limitation, at least one of the first or second chat rooms can be the open chat room mentioned above. The contents described in the first embodiment are applicable to any of the other embodiments and any of the other modifications.

[0079] As mentioned above, icons are a type of image information (image). Therefore, icon-type chat room information is both a type of image-type chat room information and an example of image-type chat room information.

[0080] The following example illustrates the application of icon-type chat room information, but it is not limited to this example. In addition to the above, and not limited to this example, you could also apply text-based chat room information represented by characters or other text.

[0081] [Functional Configuration of Each Device] (1) Server Figure 1-2 shows an example of a function realized by the control unit 11 of the server 10 in this embodiment. The control unit 11 includes, as an example but not limited to, a messaging application management processing unit 111 as a functional unit for executing messaging application management processing according to a messaging application management processing program 151 stored in the storage unit 15.

[0082] Figure 1-3 shows an example of information stored in the storage unit 15 of the server 10 in this embodiment. The memory unit 15 stores, as an example but not limited to, a messaging application management program 151 that is executed as a messaging application management process, account registration data 153, friend registration data 154, an account management database 155, and a talk information management database 159.

[0083] Account registration data 153 is registration data related to an application account (in this example, a messaging application), and an example of its data structure is shown in Figure 1-4. The account registration data 153 stores, as an example and not limited to, the username, application ID, and other registration information in association with each other.

[0084] The username is the name of the user on terminal 20 using the application; it is not limited to this, but rather stores the name registered by the user on terminal 20 when they use the application.

[0085] An application ID is information used to identify an application account, or the account itself. Furthermore, a single user is not limited to owning only one account; it is possible to own multiple accounts.

[0086] This application ID is preferably a unique value for each account, and is not limited to, but is set and stored by the server 10 as an example for each account. The Application ID is information associated with terminal 20 or the user of terminal 20, and is an example of information about the terminal or the user of the terminal.

[0087] Other registration information may include, but is not limited to, various types of information such as identification information to identify terminal 20, terminal 20's phone number (terminal phone number), email address (terminal email address), and authentication information such as passwords used for various authentications in the application (login password, authentication password, etc.).

[0088] The identification information used to identify terminal 20 can be, for example, the terminal ID (or, for example, the IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity)), not limited to these. Furthermore, the identification information used to identify the user of terminal 20 is not limited to this and can, for example, be an application ID. Alternatively, a "user ID" may be used instead of the application ID, or it may not be necessary.

[0089] Furthermore, for applications where only one account can be registered per device 20, the limitation is not restrictive; for example, "identification information for identifying device 20 = identification information for identifying the user of device 20 = application ID" can be used.

[0090] Furthermore, as an example rather than an limitation, it may be possible to assign multiple terminal IDs to a single user ID, or it may not be possible.

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

[0092] In addition to the information exemplified above, various other types of information can also be stored in the registration information. For example, and not limited to, the device 20 could also store the user's personal and attribute information (for example, age, gender, place of residence, occupation, hobbies, etc.). For example, and not limited to, the user of the device 20 could be prompted to enter and register this information when using a messaging application.

[0093] Furthermore, as an example, and not limited to this, it is also possible to store the history of the location information of terminal 20 (hereinafter referred to as "terminal location information"). In this case, as an example rather than an limitation, terminal 20 may periodically transmit terminal location information calculated based on location calculation information detected by location calculation information detection unit 29B to server 10. Alternatively, terminal 20 may transmit terminal location information to server 10 in response to a request from server 10. Server 10 can then store the history of terminal location information received from terminal 20 in this manner as terminal location history data.

[0094] Friend registration data 154 is friend management data in the application (in this example, a messaging application), and an example of its data structure is shown in Figure 1-5. The friend registration data 154 stores, as an example (not limited to specific cases), the application ID, the friend's application ID, and the friend's username in association.

[0095] The application ID stored in the account registration data 153 is the application ID that is stored and registered in the account registration data. The Friend Application ID stores the Application IDs of accounts that this Application ID's account has added as friends. The friend username is the username stored in account registration data 153, associated with this friend application ID.

[0096] Furthermore, since the friend's username can be identified from the friend application ID by referring to the account registration data 153, it is acceptable to not store the friend's username in the friend registration data 154.

[0097] The account management database 155 is a database for managing accounts stored in the account registration data 153. For example, account management data is stored in the account registration data 153 as management data for each application ID. Each account management data entry stores the application ID, not as an example, but as a general rule.

[0098] The Talk Information Management Database 159 is a database for managing the talk information of each account in the messaging application. In addition to the general accounts mentioned above, the accounts mentioned earlier also include the official accounts, not as a restriction but as an example.

[0099] Talk information refers to a series of conversations, including content (such as messages) exchanged between accounts (one-on-one and in groups), and the history of content exchange (the history of sending and receiving content), not limited to specific conversations.

[0100] Server 10, as an example and not limited to, receives content sent from the source terminal 20 and adds the received content to the corresponding chat room. Specifically, it adds and updates the received content to the talk information of the corresponding chat room in the talk information management database 159 (talk storage unit). Then, Server 10 sends the added content to the chat room (information about the content added to the chat room) to the destination user's terminal 20. As a result, the content of the chat room displayed on the display unit 24 of terminal 20 is updated.

[0101] (2) terminal Figure 1-6 shows an example of a function realized by the control unit 21 of the terminal 20 in this embodiment. The control unit 21 includes, as a functional unit, a messaging application processing unit 211 for executing messaging application processing according to a messaging application processing program 281 stored in the storage unit 28, not limited to, but as an example.

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

[0103] Application ID 283 stores the application ID of the messaging application of the user's own terminal 20, or the user's terminal 20. Furthermore, application ID 283 may or may not be able to store multiple application IDs.

[0104] Friend data 284 stores the application IDs of accounts that the account with application ID 283 has added as friends. Furthermore, since friend information is stored and managed on the server 10 as friend management data 154, the terminal 20's storage unit 28 does not need to store friend data 284. In this case, the terminal 20 can obtain friend information from the server 10.

[0105] Terminal data 285 stores various data related to the user's own terminal 20. As an example, rather than being limited, this may include terminal location history data, which is data of the history of terminal location information calculated by the control unit 21 of terminal 20 based on the location calculation information detected by the location calculation information detection unit 29B.

[0106] User data 287 stores various data about the user of the terminal 20. For example, and not limited to these examples, it is also possible to have the device store the personal and attribute information of the user of its own device 20 (for example, age, gender, place of residence, occupation, hobbies, etc.). It is not mandatory or required to store this information in the memory unit 28 of terminal 20. For example, personal information and attribute information of users registered on the server 10 may be retrieved from server 10.

[0107] The Talk-Related Information Database 289 is a database that stores talk information and information related to this talk information (hereinafter collectively referred to as "talk-related information"). This talk-related information database 289 includes the following data, not as an example, but as an example: • Chat history data, which is the history of chat information corresponding to the account corresponding to application ID 283 (your own device 20, or the user account of your own device 20). • Talk room data that stores information about the talk room. • Chat room display history data, which is data on the display history of chat rooms. • Chat room operation history data, which is data on the history of operations in the chat room. It is not mandatory or limited to storing all of this data in the storage unit 28 of terminal 20. For example, some of the data may be stored and managed by server 10, and terminal 20 may retrieve the information from server 10.

[0108] <Talkroom Pattern Table> In this specification, the first chat room may, but not exclusively, be a one-on-one chat room, a group chat room, or an open-source chat room, and the second chat room may, but not exclusively, be a one-on-one chat room, a group chat room, or an open-source chat room.

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

[0110] The talk room pattern table shows the talk room pattern name and the corresponding first and second talk rooms.

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

[0112] The chat room pattern name "PA-01" is a pattern where both the first chat room and the second chat room are "one-on-one chat rooms".

[0113] The chat room pattern name "PA-02" is a pattern where the first chat room is a "one-on-one chat room" and the second chat room is a "group chat room".

[0114] The talk room pattern name "PA-03" is a pattern where the first talk room is a "one-on-one talk room" and the second talk room is an "office-to-office talk room".

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

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

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

[0118] The chat room pattern name "PA-07" is a pattern where the first chat room is an "OA chat room" and the second chat room is a "1-on-1 chat room".

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

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

[0121] <Display screen> Here, we will explain an example of a talk room pattern named "PA-01," where the first talk room is a one-on-one talk room and the second talk room is also a one-on-one talk room, and we will describe an example of the display screen in the second talk room after switching talk rooms.

[0122] (1) Example of the first display screen Figure 1-9 illustrates an example of the display screen when the icon-type chat room information is hidden after switching chat rooms.

[0123] Figure 1-9 shows an example of the screen transitions displayed on the display unit 24 of user AA's terminal 20A.

[0124] At the top center of the screen, the name of the messaging application, "Messaging App," is displayed. Also, at the top right of the screen, the icon image and username (user AA in this example) of the user of this device 20 in the messaging application are displayed.

[0125] In Figure 1-9, as an example rather than an exhaustive list, an icon-type chat room information display area ER1 is provided at the bottom of the currently displayed chat room screen, where one or more icon-type chat room information (not an exhaustive list, but an example of the first display) is shown, allowing the user to select the destination chat room.

[0126] Furthermore, in the left screen of Figure 1-9, below the area at the very top of the screen where the name of the messaging application is displayed, there is a chat room name display area CLR that includes the name of the chat room (hereinafter referred to as "chat room name"), which is a type of area that indicates which page within the messaging application (in this example, a chat room) is currently displayed. The chat room name display area CLR can also be described as an area that indicates the page within the messaging application (in this example, a chat room) where the user is currently located.

[0127] In this example, the CLR (Collection Level Label) displays text (in this example, "BB") indicating that this is a chat room where user AA is having a conversation with user BB, not as a limitation but as an example. Below that, there is a talk area where user AA and user BB can converse. The left side of the screen displays user BB's message, while the right side displays user AA's message.

[0128] The icon-type chat room information displayed in the icon-type chat room information display area ER1 shows, as an example and not limited to, the users that the user of terminal 20A (user AA) has added as friends. In this example, multiple icon-based chat room information is displayed, including, but not as a limitation, the username "User CC" and its corresponding icon, and the username "User DD" and its corresponding icon.

[0129] The central screen in Figure 1-9 shows, as an example rather than a limitation, the state when the username "CC" or its corresponding icon is tapped among multiple icon-type chat room information. In this case, the display switches from the chat room with user BB (first chat room) to the chat room with user CC (second chat room). As a result, the screen shown on the right of Figure 1-9 is displayed, as an example rather than a limitation.

[0130] This screen is a chat room for user AA to communicate with user CC. It is not limited to this, but as an example, the chat room name display area CLR shows text indicating that it is a chat room for the user "CC" (in this example, "CC").

[0131] Additionally, from the icon-type chat room information display area ER1 at the bottom of the screen, multiple icon-type chat room information entries have been removed, not as a limitation, but as an example.

[0132] (2) Example of the second display screen Figure 1-10 illustrates an example of the display screen when icon-type chat room information is retained after switching chat rooms.

[0133] Figure 1-10 shows an example of the screen transitions displayed on the display unit 24 of user AA's terminal 20A. The left screen in Figure 1-10 is an example of the first chat room screen where user AA interacts with user BB. In this example, the icon-type chat room information display area ER1 shows, as an example rather than a limited list, the users that the user of terminal 20A (user AA) has added as friends. Specifically, as an example rather than a limitation, multiple icon-type chat room information is displayed, including username "CC" and its corresponding icon, username "DD" and its corresponding icon, and username "EE" and its corresponding icon.

[0134] The central screen in Figure 1-10 shows, as an example rather than a limitation, the state when the username "CC" or its corresponding icon is tapped among multiple icon-type chat room information. In this case, the display switches from the chat room with user BB (first chat room) to the chat room with user CC (second chat room). As a result, the screen shown on the right of Figure 1-10 is displayed, as an example rather than a limitation.

[0135] This screen is a chat room for user AA to communicate with user CC. It is not limited to this, but as an example, the chat room name display area CLR shows text indicating that it is a chat room for the user "CC" (in this example, "CC").

[0136] Furthermore, the icon-type chat room information display area ER1 at the bottom of the screen displays multiple icon-type chat room information, including, but not limited to, examples, the username "UserDD" and its corresponding icon, and the username "UserBB" and its corresponding icon.

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

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

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

[0140] Subsequently, the control unit 21 of terminal 20 displays icon-type chat room information on the display unit 24 (A120). In this case, as one method, and not limited to this, but as an example, the server 10 determines which users the terminal 20 user has registered as friends based on the friend management data 154, and sends information such as the latest username and icon image from the server 10 to terminal 20. Then, the control unit 21 of terminal 20 can display icon-type chat room information based on the information received from the server 10.

[0141] Alternatively, the terminal 20 may store information such as the usernames and icon images of registered friends in the storage unit 28, and the control unit 21 of the terminal 20 may read this information from the storage unit 28 to display icon-type chat room information, or it may not have to be done so.

[0142] The control unit 21 of the terminal 20 may display two or more icon-type chat room information on the display unit 24, or it may display one icon-type chat room information on the display unit 24.

[0143] Next, the control unit 21 of terminal 20A determines, not limited to but as an example, whether or not there has been input from the user of terminal 20 regarding icon-type talk room information via the input unit (A130). If no input is provided for the icon-type chat room information (A130:NO), the control unit 21 of terminal 20 terminates processing.

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

[0145] In addition, similar to the first chat room, after displaying the second chat room, you may or may not display icon-type chat room information in the second chat room as well.

[0146] <Effects of the First Example> In this embodiment, terminal 20 displays a first talk room (not limited to, but an example of a first chat room) containing the user of terminal 20 on the display unit 24. Terminal 20 also displays icon-type talk room information (not limited to, but an example of a second chat room) corresponding to the second talk room to which it is moving (transitioning) on ​​the display unit 24 (not limited to, but an example of a first display relating to moving from the first chat room displayed on the display unit to the second chat room and displaying the second chat room on the display unit). Then, terminal 20 shows a configuration in which the control unit 21 performs a process (not limited to, but an example of a first process) to switch and display from the currently displayed first talk room to the second talk room based on input to the displayed icon-type talk room information (not limited to, but an example of input to the terminal on which the first display is displayed). One example of the effects of this configuration is that, based on input to the terminal displaying the first display, it is possible to easily move from the first chat room to the second chat room. Since complicated operations for switching chat rooms are unnecessary, user convenience can be improved.

[0147] In this case, icon-type chat room information can be displayed in the first chat room. One example of the effects of this configuration is that a movable second chat room can be viewed by the terminal user while the first chat room is displayed.

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

[0149] <Second Example> The second embodiment is an embodiment of a method for determining a candidate talk room to move to (a second chat room to be considered as a candidate for movement). The contents described in the second embodiment are applicable to any of the other embodiments or any of the other modifications. Furthermore, components identical to those previously mentioned will be given the same reference numeral and explained again. Omitted.

[0150] In this embodiment, we will illustrate a case where terminal 20 performs a process to determine a candidate destination chat room (hereinafter referred to as the "destination chat room candidate determination process"). Specifically, in this embodiment, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20 acquires various information (not limited to, but an example of first information) based on input from the user of its terminal 20 to the input unit, and various information (not limited to, but an example of first information) stored in the storage unit 28, and determines a candidate destination talk room based on the acquired information.

[0151] In contrast, terminal 20 obtains various types of information (not limited to, but an example of the first type of information) stored and managed by server 10 from server 10. Then, the control unit 21 of terminal 20 may or may not determine a candidate destination chat room based on the information obtained from server 10. Regarding information used to determine a candidate destination chat room (information necessary to determine a candidate destination chat room), if this information is not stored in the storage unit 28 of the terminal 20 but is stored in the storage unit 15 of the server 10, the terminal 20 can obtain this information from the server 10 and then determine a candidate destination chat room.

[0152] The destination chat room candidate determination table is a table that is referenced when executing the destination chat room candidate determination process, and an example of the table structure of the destination chat room candidate determination table is shown in Figure 2-1.

[0153] Determining a destination chat room can include, but is not limited to, suggesting (suggesting) the selected destination chat room to the user.

[0154] The table for determining potential destination chat rooms stores, as an example (not limited to specific cases), a category number (Category No.) used for determining potential destination chat rooms, a number (No.) for the potential destination chat room belonging to that category, the potential destination chat room with that number, and a status indicating whether or not it is possible for it to become a potential destination chat room.

[0155] Please note that this table is merely an example and is not the only way to go about it. It is not necessary to associate and store all of the above information; you can choose not to store some of it. Also, a "Category No." field has been included here for clarity, but this field is not required. Furthermore, instead of using the table above to determine the candidate chat rooms to which the user will be moved, this could be done programmatically. This also applies to tables described in other examples.

[0156] Whether a chat room can be moved to is determined by the corresponding chat room options. "〇 (OK)" indicates that it can be moved to a chat room, while "× (NG)" indicates that it cannot be moved to a chat room. In this example, for numbers "SP03-6", "SP04-2B", and "SP05-1B", "× (not possible)" is set as the possible destination chat room, while "〇 (possible)" is set for all other conditions.

[0157] The following provides a detailed explanation of the possible destination chat rooms and how they are determined.

[0158] <Category No. "SP01"> Category No. "SP01" is the category for "Number of views, number of taps," and is not limited to this category; for example, conditions No. "SP01-1" and "SP01-2" are included in it. The display count may or may not represent the display frequency. Similarly, the tap count may or may not represent the tap frequency. Note that if device 20 is a personal computer, the number of taps (tap frequency) can be interpreted as the number of clicks (click frequency).

[0159] For option "SP01-1", the chat rooms that have been displayed most frequently within the set time frame are designated as potential destination chat rooms. The set time is not limited; for example, it can be set in advance for any desired time on either the terminal 20 or the server 10. If a relatively short timeframe (e.g., within a few hours) is set, rather than being limited, it means that chat rooms that have been displayed many times within that timeframe are likely to be chat rooms that users currently need to use, and will therefore be selected as potential destination chat rooms. On the other hand, if a relatively long time period (for example, a day) is set instead of a limited time, it means that chat rooms that are displayed many times within the set time are likely to be chat rooms that users use frequently on a daily basis, and therefore will be selected as potential destination chat rooms.

[0160] In determining the destination chat room candidates, the terminal 20 can, for example, obtain the number of times each chat room was displayed within a set time period, which is stored in the chat room display history data of the chat-related information database 289, and then determine the destination chat room candidates in descending order of this number.

[0161] For option "SP01-2", the destination chat room candidate is defined as "a chat room whose information has been tapped a large number of times within the set time." In this case as well, the set time can be set arbitrarily. If a relatively short time frame (not limited to a specific period, but for example, within a few hours) is set, a chat room that has been tapped many times within the set time frame is likely to be tapped again by a user on device 20 in a short period of time, and the corresponding chat room will be displayed. Therefore, it will be selected as a candidate chat room to move to. On the other hand, if a relatively long time period (for example, a day) is set instead of a limited time, it means that chat rooms that have been tapped many times within the set time are likely to be chat rooms that users use frequently on a daily basis, and therefore will be selected as potential destination chat rooms.

[0162] In determining the destination chat room candidates, the terminal 20 can, for example, obtain the number of times the chat room information was tapped within a set time period, which is stored in the chat room operation history data of the chat-related information database 289, and then determine the destination chat room candidates in descending order of this number.

[0163] These conditions are not limiting but rather examples of conditions that may apply to a device user's use of a chat room. Furthermore, information such as the number of displays (display frequency) and the number of taps (tap frequency) are examples of information about the device user and information about the device user's use of the chat room.

[0164] <Category No. "SP02"> Category No. "SP02" is the category for "Information of the currently displayed chat room," and it is not limited to this category, but for example, it includes the destination chat room candidates for No. "SP02-1" and "SP02-2."

[0165] For No. "SP02-1", the suggested destination chat room is defined as "a chat room related to the context of the currently displayed chat room". "Context in the currently displayed chat room" means, without limitation, the context and surrounding events determined by the content sent by the user of terminal 20 in the chat room (without limitation, for example, text content, image content, audio content, etc.) and the content received from a user other than the user of terminal 20 (the other user in the case of a "one-to-one chat room," a member of the group in the case of a "group chat room," or an OA business operator in the case of an "OA chat room"; hereinafter collectively referred to as "the other user"). If a chat room is relevant to the context of the currently displayed chat room, it means that the user is likely to be interested in it and may request to view it, thus making it a candidate for the next chat room to move to.

[0166] In determining the destination chat room candidate, the terminal 20 can, as an example and not an exhaustive one, determine the context based on the content stored in the chat history data of the chat-related information database 289, and then determine the destination chat room candidate associated with the determined context.

[0167] As an example, and not limited to specific cases, if it is determined that a conversation related to travel is taking place in a chat room, the system can then select the travel-related chat room as a candidate destination chat room.

[0168] For option "SP02-2", the destination chat room candidate is set to "a chat room related to another user in the currently displayed chat room". "Other users in the currently displayed chat room" refers, not exclusively, to users other than the user of device 20 in the chat room. This "other users" includes the other user in a "one-on-one chat room," members of a group in a "group chat room," and the office automation (OA) provider in an "OA chat room." The chat rooms related to other users in the currently displayed chat room are highly relevant to the user of device 20, and since they may request to be displayed, they will be selected as potential destination chat rooms.

[0169] In determining the destination chat room candidate, the terminal 20 can, for example, retrieve information related to chat rooms to which other users belong, which is stored in the friend data 284, and use that information to determine the destination chat room candidate.

[0170] <Category No. "SP03"> Category No. "SP03" is the category for "attribute information of other chat rooms," and is not limited to this category, but includes, for example, the destination chat rooms for Nos. "SP03-1" to "SP03-6".

[0171] For user ID "SP03-1", the "chat room with new messages" is designated as a potential destination chat room. "A chat room with a new message" refers, not specifically, to any chat room that has received a new message. A chat room with new messages has a high viewing priority for the user, and since the user may request to view this chat room, it will be selected as a candidate for the next chat room to move to.

[0172] In determining the destination chat room candidate, the terminal 20 can, for example, determine the destination chat room candidate by obtaining whether or not there are new messages stored in the chat history data of the chat-related information database 289, although this is not an exhaustive example.

[0173] For user "SP03-2", the designated destination chat room is "the chat room in which you are mentioned". "A chat room in which you are mentioned" is not limited to any specific chat room, but rather refers to any chat room in which a message addressed to you (the user on device 20) has been received. Chat rooms in which the user is mentioned have a high viewing priority for the user, and because the user may request to view these chat rooms, this means that the chat room will be selected as a candidate for the next chat room.

[0174] In determining the destination chat room candidate, the terminal 20 can, for example, determine the destination chat room candidate by obtaining whether or not there are any messages mentioning it stored in the chat history data of the chat-related information database 289, although this is not an exhaustive example.

[0175] For message number "SP03-3", the "chat room with unread messages" is designated as a possible destination chat room.

[0176] Here, we can define "read" as the opposite of "unread." The following conditions can be applied as examples, not as a limiting rule, to determine whether a message is marked as read: (A) A message was displayed. (B) A certain amount of time (not limited to a specific period, but approximately a few seconds to 10 seconds) has elapsed since the message was displayed. (C) After the message was displayed, the displayed message was tapped (clicked). (D) After the message was displayed, a reply was made to that message. (E) If the message is a video message, the video has been played. (F) If the message is a video message, a certain amount of time (not limited to a specific time, but approximately a few seconds to 10 seconds) has elapsed since the video was played.

[0177] In this case, the "unread" state can be defined, not as a limitation, but as an example, as a state that does not meet the above read condition. The "unread" status indicates that the user has not yet viewed the message (content).

[0178] "A chat room with unread messages" refers, not specifically, to any chat room containing the unread messages mentioned above, as an example. A chat room with unread messages has a high viewing priority for the user, and since the user may request to view this chat room, it is selected as a candidate for the next chat room to move to.

[0179] Furthermore, the system may or may not determine the destination chat room based on the number of unread messages (hereinafter referred to as "number of unread messages"). For example, instead of limiting it to a specific number, you could choose to select chat rooms with a number of unread messages that exceeds a specified or set number (for example, 10 or more unread messages) as potential destination chat rooms, or you don't have to do that.

[0180] On the other hand, chat rooms with an extremely high number of unread messages (not limited to specific chat rooms, but for example, chat rooms with 30 or more unread messages) may not be selected as potential destination chat rooms. This is because these chat rooms may be ones that users have deliberately (intentionally) left untouched.

[0181] Furthermore, when displaying chat room information corresponding to a candidate chat room with unread messages, it is possible, or not, to display information that allows the user to identify the number of unread messages (for example, a number corresponding to the number of unread messages, an image to identify the number of unread messages, etc.) in a designated location (for example, the upper right part of the chat room information), or not to do so.

[0182] In determining the destination chat room candidate, the terminal 20 can, for example, obtain the presence and number of unread messages stored in the chat history data of the chat-related information database 289 to determine the destination chat room candidate.

[0183] The information such as the number of unread messages is not limited to specific examples, but is merely an example of information regarding the viewing status of content displayed in the second chat room by users on their devices.

[0184] For user ID "SP03-4", the "favorite chat rooms" are designated as potential destination chat rooms. "A chat room registered as a favorite" refers, not exclusively, but as an example, to a messaging service where users on device 20 can register any chat room as a favorite, and specifically refers to a chat room that user 20 on device 20 has registered as a favorite. Chat rooms that have been added to favorites are considered highly important to the user, and there is a possibility that the user may be asked to view these chat rooms. Therefore, this means that the chat rooms will be selected as potential destination chat rooms.

[0185] In this embodiment, an example of a chat room registered as a favorite by the user of terminal 20 was shown as a candidate destination chat room for No. "SP03-4," but the form is not limited to this. As an example of a potential destination chat room for No. "SP03-4", and not limited to this example, if the messaging application is configured to allow the user of terminal 20 to pin any chat room, it may be a chat room that the user of terminal 20 has pinned. "Pinning a chat room" is a feature that allows you to fix frequently used chat rooms in a designated location on the screen (for example, the top of the screen), not as a limiting feature, but as an example.

[0186] In determining the destination chat room candidate, the terminal 20 can, for example, obtain information on whether the chat room stored in the chat room data of the chat-related information database 289 is registered as a favorite, and then determine the destination chat room candidate.

[0187] For No. "SP03-5", "chat rooms in folders" is designated as a possible destination chat room. "Chat rooms in folders" is not a limiting term, but rather an example, in a messaging service where users on device 20 can organize any chat rooms into folders, it refers to chat rooms that users on device 20 have placed in folders. The fact that a chat room is located in a folder means that it is of high importance to the user and there is a possibility that the user will request to view this chat room, thus making it a candidate for the destination chat room.

[0188] In this embodiment, the messaging application has a "folder" function, which is a type of feature that allows users to organize any chat rooms, not limited to this, but as an example. Furthermore, the user can arbitrarily name this folder, not limited to this, but as an example. Users can place their chosen chat rooms into folders they have arbitrarily named, allowing them to organize multiple chat rooms to suit their needs and improving user convenience. Specifically, users can clearly organize their chat rooms by placing work-related chat rooms (one-on-one chat rooms, group chat rooms, office automation chat rooms, etc.) into a folder named "Work-related," and chat rooms unrelated to their work (family, friends, hobbies, etc.) into a folder named "Private."

[0189] Furthermore, this folder may have predetermined attribute information set for it, not limited to specific cases, and may also have a function that automatically sorts chat rooms into folders, not limited to specific cases, but limited to specific cases. The predetermined attribute information for a folder may include, not limited to specific cases, "contains only chat rooms with unread messages" or "contains only open chat rooms."

[0190] In determining the destination chat room candidate, the terminal 20 can, for example, obtain information on whether the chat room stored in the chat room data of the chat-related information database 289 is in a folder, and then determine the destination chat room candidate.

[0191] For chat room No. "SP03-6", "a chat room that has been set to hidden" is specified as a possible destination chat room. The condition for chat room No. "SP03-6" is set to "No (×)" as to whether it is a suitable destination chat room. "Hidden chat rooms" refers, not exclusively, to any chat room that a user on device 20 has hidden in a messaging service where users on device 20 can choose to hide any chat room. A chat room that has been hidden may be a chat room that the user does not wish to see, and therefore will not be selected as a candidate chat room to move to.

[0192] In determining the destination chat room candidate, the terminal 20 can, for example, obtain information on whether the chat room stored in the chat room data of the chat-related information database 289 is set to hidden, and then determine the destination chat room candidate.

[0193] <Category No. "SP04"> Category No. "SP04" is a category for "User Attribute Information," and, as an example rather than an exclusive one, it includes the destination chat room candidates for Nos. "SP04-1," "SP04-2A," and "SP04-2B."

[0194] For user ID "SP04-1", "a chat room related to the user's hobbies and preferences" is designated as a potential destination chat room. "A chat room related to the user's hobbies and preferences" means, without limitation, a chat room related to the type of chat room of an official account of an office automation (OA) company that the user on terminal 20 has already added as a friend. For example, if the chat room of an official account of an OA company (for example, Cafe A) that the user on terminal 20 has already added as a friend is of a cafe type, this includes cases where the chat room of an official account of another OA company (for example, Cafe B) is selected as a candidate chat room to move to as a chat room related to this chat room. Chat rooms related to the user's interests and preferences are likely to match the user's interests and preferences, and there is a possibility that the user will be asked to view these chat rooms, meaning they will be selected as potential destination chat rooms.

[0195] In determining the destination chat room candidate, the terminal 20 can, as an example and not limited to, obtain information related to the type of chat room of an official account by an office automation provider stored in the friend data 284 to determine the destination chat room candidate.

[0196] For No. "SP04-2A", "a chat room related to the user's location information" is designated as a candidate for the destination chat room. "A chat room associated with the user's location information" refers, not exclusively, to a chat room associated with the location information of terminal 20 on a terminal capable of acquiring that location information. This includes, for example, a system that acquires the user's location information from terminal 20 and determines an official OA chat room of an OA provider located within a predetermined range (for example, within 500 cm) of terminal 20's location as a potential destination chat room. Chat rooms related to a user's location are likely to be of high interest to the user and are therefore more likely to be displayed, thus improving user convenience and being suggested as a potential destination chat room.

[0197] In determining the candidate destination chat room, the terminal 20 can, for example, acquire location information detected by the location calculation information detection unit 29B and use that to determine the candidate destination chat room.

[0198] For No. "SP04-2B", "a chat room related to the user's location information" is designated as a candidate for the destination chat room. As an example, and not limited to this, if the location information of the user of device 20 is obtained and the location information of device 20 is outside a predetermined range (for example, if it is more than 100km away from home), it is possible that the user is outside their usual range of activity where they are considered to be working, meaning they are not working (spending leisure time). This includes cases where work-related chat rooms are not selected as potential destination chat rooms. In this example, the chat room may have a low priority for the user, so it can be excluded from being selected as a candidate for the next chat room.

[0199] <Category No. "SP05"> Category No. "SP05" is the "Other" category, and is not limited to specific categories but includes, for example, the destination chat room candidates for No. "SP05-1A", "SP05-1B", and "SP05-2".

[0200] For user ID "SP05-1A," the designated destination chat room is "a work-related chat room if it is a weekday." "Work-related chat rooms on weekdays" refers, not as a limitation but as an example, to group chat rooms composed of colleagues from work-related workplaces during weekdays (Monday to Friday) when the user of device 20 is expected to be at work. If it's a weekday, work-related chat rooms are considered highly important to the user during weekdays, and therefore are likely to be displayed. This means they will be selected as a candidate chat room to move to.

[0201] In determining the candidate destination talk room, the terminal 20 may, for example, obtain clock information (timekeeping information) output by the clock unit 29A, and for example, the terminal 20 may obtain information on whether the talk room stored in the talk room data of the talk-related information database 289 is a talk room related to work, and then determine the candidate destination talk room.

[0202] For chat room number "SP05-1B", the option for the destination chat room is set to "a work-related chat room when it is a holiday". "A work-related chat room on a holiday" refers, not exclusively, to a group chat room consisting of work-related colleagues during holidays (Saturday and Sunday) when the user of device 20 is not expected to be working. During holidays, work-related chat rooms are less important to users and less likely to be displayed, so they can be excluded from being selected as a destination chat room.

[0203] In determining the candidate destination talk room, the terminal 20 may, for example, obtain clock information (timekeeping information) output by the clock unit 29A, and for example, the terminal 20 may obtain information on whether the talk room stored in the talk room data of the talk-related information database 289 is a talk room related to work, and then determine the candidate destination talk room.

[0204] For No. "SP05-2", the destination chat room option is set to "a chat room related to another app if specific information was received in that app." "Other apps" refers, not as an exhaustive list, to applications that provide services other than messaging applications that provide messaging services. Other apps could, for example, be a "weather application" that provides a weather forecast service (hereinafter referred to as "weather service").

[0205] Furthermore, "specific information" is not limited to, but can be, for example, information that is useful to the user of terminal 20. For example, if the above weather application is applied, the specific information may be the information in the weather application stating that the probability of precipitation within the next hour is 50% or higher.

[0206] Furthermore, "a chat room related to that app" refers, not exclusively, but as an example, to the official OA chat room of an OA provider that offers services implemented by other apps. For example, when applying the weather application mentioned above, "a chat room related to that app" could refer, not exclusively, but as an example, to the official OA chat room of an OA provider that offers the weather application.

[0207] Thus, when a user receives specific information in another app, the chat room associated with that app is considered highly important to the user, and there is a possibility that the user will view this chat room. Therefore, it is selected as a candidate chat room to move to.

[0208] <Display screen> Figures 2-2, 2-3, and 2-4 show examples of screen transitions displayed on the display unit 24 of user AA's terminal 20A.

[0209] (1) Example of the first display screen Figure 2-2 shows an example of the display screen when, in the first destination chat room candidate determination process, the chat room with No. "SP02-1" ("a chat room related to the context of the currently displayed chat room") is determined as the destination chat room candidate. Here, as an example rather than a limitation, we will illustrate a scenario where, based on the fact that the word "travel" was found in a message sent by the user of terminal 20 in the first chat room, the chat rooms of official accounts of travel-related office automation (OA) companies (not limited to these, but examples such as "domestic travel," "overseas travel," "hot spring inns," etc.) are selected as potential destination chat rooms because they are related to the word "travel."

[0210] At the top center of the screen, the name of the messaging application, "Messaging App," is displayed. Also, at the top right of the screen, the icon image and username (user AA in this example) of the user of this device 20 in the messaging application are displayed.

[0211] In the left screen of Figure 2-2, the CLR (Collision Level Label) area displays text (in this example, "BB") indicating that this is a talk room where user AA is communicating with user BB, not as a limitation but as an example.

[0212] Below that, there is a talk area where user AA and user BB can converse. The left side of the screen displays user BB's message, while the right side displays user AA's message. In this example, message MS1, which contains the word "travel," is displayed, sent by user AA.

[0213] Furthermore, at the bottom of the chat area, there is an icon-type chat room information display area ER1 that displays one or more icon-type chat room information (not limited to, but an example of the first display) which is configured to allow the user to select the destination chat room.

[0214] The icon-type chat room information displayed in the icon-type chat room information display area ER1 includes, but is not limited to, icon-type chat room information corresponding to the destination chat room candidate determined in the first destination chat room candidate determination process, as an example. In this example, as an example rather than a limitation, multiple icon-based chat room information is displayed, including the username "Domestic Travel" and its corresponding icon, the username "Overseas Travel" and its corresponding icon, and the username "Hot Spring Inn" and its corresponding icon.

[0215] Also, in this example, since the displayed icon-type talk room information corresponds to the talk room of the official account of the OA operator, information that allows the user to identify that it is the talk room of the official account of the OA operator is displayed in association with the icon-type talk room information. Specifically, by way of example and not limitation, an icon containing the characters "OA" is displayed superimposed on the lower right part of the icon-type talk room information.

[0216] In the central screen of FIG. 2-2, by way of example and not limitation, a state where, among a plurality of icon-type talk room information, the OA operator name "Domestic Travel" or the corresponding icon has been tapped is shown. In this case, the display switches from the talk room (the first talk room) with the user B.B as the current contact to the talk room (the second talk room) with the OA operator "Domestic Travel" as the contact. As a result, by way of example and not limitation, the screen shown on the right side of FIG. 2-2 is displayed.

[0217] This screen is the screen of the talk room for user A.A to talk to the OA operator "Domestic Travel". By way of example and not limitation, in the talk room name display area CLR, characters indicating that it is the talk room of the OA operator name "Domestic Travel" (in this example, an icon containing the characters "OA" and "Domestic Travel") are displayed.

[0218] On this talk room screen, as information indicating that the service "Domestic Travel 20% OFF" can be received, an explanatory text, a registration URL, a banner image with a link based on the registration URL, etc. are displayed.

[0219] By way of example and not limitation, when an operation (by way of example and not limitation, a tap operation) on the above registration URL or banner image is performed by the user, an additional request for the registration message associated with the registration URL is made from the terminal 20 to the server 10.

[0220] In addition, in the icon-type talk room information display area ER1 at the lower part of the screen, as an example rather than a limitation, there are displayed a plurality of icon-type talk room information including the OA business operator name "Overseas Travel" and the corresponding icon, and the OA business operator name "Hot Spring Inn" and the corresponding icon.

[0221] (2) Second display screen example FIG. 2-3 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen when, in the first destination talk room candidate determination process, the "talk room with unread messages" of No. "SP03-3" is determined as the destination talk room candidate. Here, as an example rather than a limitation, when a talk room with an unread count equal to or greater than a set number (for example, "1 or more" for the unread count) is determined as the destination talk room candidate, as an example rather than a limitation, the talk room of user C.C with an unread count of "5", the talk room of user D.D with an unread count of "2", and the talk room of user E.E with an unread count of "1" are exemplified as cases where they are determined as the destination talk room candidates.

[0222] The left screen of FIG. 2-3 is an example of the screen of the first talk room where user A.A has user B.B as the opponent. In the icon-type talk room information display area ER1, as an example rather than a limitation, there is displayed icon-type talk room information corresponding to the destination talk room candidate determined in the first destination talk room candidate determination process. In this example, as an example rather than a limitation, there are displayed a plurality of icon-type talk room information including the user name "C.C" and the corresponding icon, the user name "D.D" and the corresponding icon, and the user name "E.E" and the corresponding icon.

[0223] Also, in this example, at a predetermined position of each icon (for example, the upper right part of the icon-type talk room information), as information that the user can identify the unread count, as an example rather than a limitation, information in the form of a number corresponding to the unread count is displayed. Specifically, the number "5" is displayed in the upper right corner of the icon corresponding to user CC, the number "2" is displayed in the upper right corner of the icon corresponding to user DD, the number "1" is displayed in the upper right corner of the icon corresponding to user EE, and the number "1" is displayed in the upper right corner of the icon corresponding to user EE, which corresponds to the number 1 unread.

[0224] The central screen in Figure 2-3 shows, as an example rather than a limitation, the state when the username "CC" or its corresponding icon is tapped among multiple icon-type chat room information. In this case, the display switches from the chat room with user BB (first chat room) to the chat room with user CC (second chat room). As a result, the screen shown on the right of Figure 2-3 is displayed, as an example rather than a limitation.

[0225] This screen is a chat room for user AA to communicate with user CC. It is not limited to this, but as an example, the chat room name display area CLR shows text indicating that it is a chat room for the user "CC" (in this example, "CC"). Below that, there is a talk area where User AA and User CC can converse. The left side of the screen displays User CC's message, while the right side displays User AA's message.

[0226] Furthermore, the icon-type chat room information display area ER1 at the bottom of the screen displays multiple icon-type chat room information, including, but not limited to, the username "DD" and its corresponding icon, and the username "EE" and its corresponding icon, as examples.

[0227] (3) Example of the third display screen Figure 2-4 shows an example of the display screen when, in the first destination chat room candidate determination process, the chat room with No. "SP04-1" ("a chat room related to the user's hobbies and preferences") is determined as the destination chat room candidate. Here, as an example and not limited to specific cases, we illustrate a scenario where, based on the fact that the chat room type of an official account of an office automation (OA) company (for example, Cafe A) that a user of terminal 20 has added as a friend is of the cafe type, chat rooms of other official accounts of OA companies of the cafe type (for example, Cafe B, Cafe C, Cafe D, etc.) are selected as potential destination chat rooms as related chat rooms.

[0228] In Figure 2-4, the CLR display area for the talk room name shows text (in this example, an icon containing the letters "OA" and "Cafe A") indicating that this is a talk room for user AA to communicate with the OA service provider "Cafe A". Below that, there is a talk area where user AA and the office automation provider "Cafe A" can communicate in a dialogue format. The left side of the screen displays the message from the other party, "Cafe A," while the right side displays the message from user AA.

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

[0230] For example, if a user performs an action on the above-mentioned registration URL or banner image (for example, by tapping it), a request to add a registration message associated with that registration URL is sent from terminal 20 to server 10.

[0231] The icon-type chat room information display area ER1 displays, as an example and not an exhaustive list, icon-type chat room information corresponding to the destination chat room candidate determined in the first destination chat room candidate determination process. In this example, multiple icon-type chat room information is displayed, including the OA provider name "Cafe B" and its corresponding icon, the OA provider name "Cafe C" and its corresponding icon, and the OA provider name "Cafe D" and its corresponding icon.

[0232] Furthermore, in this example, when displaying icon-type chat room information corresponding to the chat room of an official account by an office automation (OA) provider, information that allows the user to identify it as an official account chat room by an OA provider (an icon containing the letters "OA," for example) is displayed in a designated location (not limited to, but as an example, the lower right of the icon-type chat room information).

[0233] The central screen in Figure 2-4 shows, as an example rather than a limitation, a state where the OA provider name "Cafe B" or its corresponding icon has been tapped among multiple icon-type chat room information. In this case, the display switches from the chat room with user BB (first chat room) to the chat room with the other party, OA provider "Cafe B" (second chat room). As a result, the screen shown on the right of Figure 2-4 is displayed, as an example rather than a limitation.

[0234] This screen is a chat room for user AA to communicate with the OA provider "Cafe B Company." It is not limited to this, but as an example, the chat room name display area CLR shows text indicating that it is the chat room of the OA provider "Cafe B Company" (in this example, an icon containing the letters "OA" and "Cafe B").

[0235] This chat room screen displays information indicating that you can receive a "¥100 OFF your total bill" service, including a description, a registration URL, and a banner image with a link based on the registration URL.

[0236] By way of example and not limitation, when an operation (by way of example and not limitation, a tap) is performed by the user on the displayed registered URL or banner image, an additional request for the registered message associated with the registered URL is made from the terminal 20 to the server 10.

[0237] Also, in the icon-type talk room information display area ER1 at the lower part of the screen, by way of example and not limitation, there are displayed a plurality of icon-type talk room information including the OA business operator name "Cafe C" and the corresponding icon, and the OA business operator name "Cafe D" and the corresponding icon.

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

[0239] FIG. 2-5 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the process executed by the control unit 21 of the terminal 20 in this embodiment. Regarding the steps that are the same as those in the previously shown flowchart, the same reference numerals are assigned and the description thereof is omitted again.

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

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

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

[0243] Furthermore, in this case, the information acquired by terminal 20 may, but not exclusively, include information about the user of terminal 20. As an example of the effects obtained by this configuration, it is possible to appropriately determine the second chat room to move to based on information about the terminal user.

[0244] In this case, the information regarding the user of terminal 20 may include, but not exclusively, information such as the number of times (how often) or the number of times (how often) the user of terminal 20 has viewed a chat room (this is not an exhaustive list, but rather an example of information regarding the user's use of chat rooms). As an example of the effects obtained by this configuration, the second chat room to which the user is redirected can be appropriately determined based on information regarding the user's use of chat rooms on the device. For example, by determining the second chat room to which the user is redirected to a chat room that has been displayed many times / frequently, or a chat room that has been tapped (clicked) many times / frequently, it becomes possible to reflect the user's needs regarding chat room usage, thereby improving user convenience.

[0245] In this case, the information regarding the user of terminal 20 may include, but are not limited to, information regarding unread content and information regarding the number of unread contents (but are not limited to, an example of information regarding the viewing of content displayed in the second chat room by the user of the aforementioned terminal). As an example of the effects obtained by this configuration, the second chat room to which the user of the terminal is redirected can be appropriately determined based on information regarding the content displayed in the second chat room by the user of the terminal. For example, by determining the second chat room to which the user is redirected to a chat room with unread content or a chat room with a relatively large amount of unread content, it becomes possible to reflect the chat room viewing status of the terminal user, thereby improving user convenience.

[0246] In this case, the information acquired by terminal 20 may also include information related to the chat room. As an example of the effects obtained by this configuration, it is possible to appropriately determine the second chat room to move to based on information about the chat room.

[0247] In this case, the information about the chat room can also include information about the messages (not limited to, but an example of the content) displayed in the original chat room (not limited to, but an example of the first chat room). As an example of the effects obtained by this configuration, the second chat room to which the user should move can be appropriately determined based on the information of the content displayed in the first chat room.

[0248] In this case, the source chat room is a group chat room (not limited to, but an example of a group chat room) that includes the user of terminal 20 and several other users different from the user of terminal 20, and the information about the chat room can include information about the users included in this group. As an example of the effects obtained by this configuration, it is possible to appropriately determine the second chat room to move to based on information about the terminal user and users included in a group that includes multiple users different from the terminal user.

[0249] In this case, the information regarding the talk room may include messages displayed in the second chat room that mention the user of terminal 20 (not limited to, but an example of content associated with information that identifies the terminal user). As an example of the effects obtained by this configuration, a second chat room containing content displayed in the second chat room that includes information indicating the terminal user can be selected as a candidate for the second chat room to move to.

[0250] Furthermore, this embodiment shows a configuration in which chat rooms that are not selected as candidates for destination chat rooms (not limited to, but an example of a second chat room that is not targeted for the first display) are determined based on the location information of the user of terminal 20 (or terminal 20) and the work information of the user of terminal 20 (not limited to, but an example of information about the user of terminal 20). One example of the effects obtained by this configuration is that, based on information about the terminal user, it is possible to appropriately determine which second chat rooms are not to be included in the first display. By not displaying the first display corresponding to second chat rooms that the terminal user does not wish to see, the convenience of the terminal user can be improved.

[0251] <Second variation (1)> In the second embodiment, an example was shown in which the destination talk room candidate determination process is performed by terminal 20, but the embodiment is not limited to this. As an example, the process for determining the destination chat room candidate may or may not be performed by server 10.

[0252] <Processing> In this modified version, when the first chat room is displayed, the server 10 executes a process to determine the candidate chat room to move to. For convenience, the process to determine the candidate chat room to move to, executed by the server 10, is referred to as the "second chat room candidate determination process."

[0253] Figure 2-6 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow performed by each device in this modified example. In this figure, the processing performed by the control unit 21 of terminal 20 is shown on the left, and the processing performed by the control unit 11 of server 10 is shown on the right. In this explanation, we assume that the user of terminal 20 is already registered in both the first and second chat rooms of the messaging application.

[0254] Steps identical to those in previously shown flowcharts are denoted by the same symbols, and their explanations are omitted. This also applies to other embodiments and variations.

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

[0256] In response to this request, the control unit 11 of the server 10 executes the process of determining the candidate for the second destination talk room (S110). In this second destination chat room candidate determination process, the control unit 11 of the server 10 determines the destination chat room candidate based on the destination chat room candidate determination table described above. In this case, the server 10 can, as an example rather than an exclusive one, store and manage information about the user of terminal 20 and information about terminal 20 in account registration data 153, etc., as described above. In this case, the control unit 11 of the server 10 can obtain information from this data and, based on the obtained information, determine a candidate destination chat room using the same method as terminal 20.

[0257] Furthermore, if there is information used to determine the destination chat room candidate (information necessary to determine the destination chat room candidate) that is not stored in the storage unit 15 of the server 10 but is stored in the storage unit 28 of the terminal 20, the server 10 can obtain that information from the terminal 20 and then determine the destination chat room candidate.

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

[0259] When the terminal 20 receives destination chat room candidate information from the server 10 via the communication interface 22, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20 displays icon-type chat room information on the display unit 24 based on the received destination chat room candidate determination information (A125). In other words, using the same method as described in step A120 of Figure 1-11, it displays icon-type chat room information corresponding to the destination chat room candidate included in the destination chat room candidate determination information received from the server 10. Then, the control unit 21 of terminal 20 proceeds to process A130.

[0260] In this process, destination chat room candidate determination information, including the determined destination chat room candidate, is sent from server 10 to terminal 20, but this is not limited to this. As an example, rather than being limited to this, icon-type chat room information corresponding to the determined destination chat room candidate may be sent from the server 10 to the terminal 20, and that icon-type chat room information may be displayed on the display unit 24 of the terminal 20.

[0261] Furthermore, users may not want server 10 to access or use information about terminal 20, user information, or chat content between users without their permission. Therefore, as an example rather than a limitation, the user can be made to acknowledge through the terms of service, etc., that the server 10 may access and use the information, and only after obtaining the user's consent (approval) can the server 10 access and use the information. Furthermore, as an example, and not limited to specific cases, information such as the chat content in the aforementioned open chat may be made available to Server 10 without requiring user approval.

[0262] To give one example, and not as a limiting example, if it is determined that the topic of saunas is being discussed in an open chat room (first talk room), the control unit 11 of server 10 will perform context determination processing and determine that saunas are the topic. Then, the control unit 11 of server 10 can decide to move to an open chat room with a sauna theme or an OA talk room of a sauna OA business operator, etc.

[0263] According to this modified version, the server determines the candidate destination chat room, eliminating the need for the terminal to determine the candidate destination chat room and thus reducing the processing load on the terminal.

[0264] Furthermore, these contents are also applicable to other embodiments and variations related to the display of icon-type chat room information, as well as to embodiments and variations related to the display of switchable chat room information, which will be described in detail later.

[0265] <Second variation (2)> In addition to the method described in the second embodiment, the destination talk room candidate may be determined based on information entered via the input section of the terminal 20, not as an example but as an example. The destination talk room candidate may also be determined based on sound information (including voice information) entered from the sound input section 25 or image information captured by the imaging section 27.

[0266] Specifically, and this is not an exhaustive example, when the sound input unit 25 receives the username of a specific user, the group name of a specific group, or related information, the system may determine that user's talk room or the group talk room of that group as a candidate destination talk room. Similarly, when the imaging unit 27 captures an image of a specific user, the system may determine that user's talk room or the group talk room containing that user as a candidate destination talk room.

[0267] Furthermore, as an example, and not an exhaustive one, if a term related to the user's work on terminal 20 is input from the sound input unit 25, or if an object related to the user's work on terminal 20 is captured by the imaging unit 27, the system may determine a chat room related to the user's work on terminal 20 as a candidate for the destination chat room.

[0268] These can be achieved by the control unit 21 of the terminal 20 performing sound recognition processing (including speech recognition processing) or image recognition processing on the input information, not as an example but as an example.

[0269] <Third Example> The third embodiment is an embodiment relating to the conditions and timing for displaying chat room information. The contents described in the third embodiment are applicable to any of the other embodiments or other modifications. Furthermore, components identical to those previously mentioned are given the same symbols, and their explanation is omitted.

[0270] In this embodiment, we illustrate a case in which terminal 20 performs a process to determine whether or not to display talk room information (hereinafter referred to as the "talk room information display determination process").

[0271] The Talk Room Information Display Conditions table is a table referenced when executing the Talk Room Information Display Determination Process, and an example of its table structure is shown in Figure 3-1.

[0272] The chat room information display conditions table stores, not as a limiting but as an example, a condition No., which is the number of the chat room information display conditions, and the chat room information display conditions associated with this No., in association with each other.

[0273] The following provides a detailed explanation of the conditions for displaying information in each chat room and how those conditions are determined.

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

[0275] Condition No. "SP11-1" specifies "a specific context was detected" as a condition for displaying chat room information. Context refers to the relationship, background, and surrounding circumstances of the content displayed in a chat room.

[0276] One approach is to use a context-recognizing algorithm so that the control unit 21 of the terminal 20 can determine the end of a conversation.

[0277] Alternatively, content indicating the end of a conversation can be pre-registered on either the terminal 20 or the server 10, and the control unit 21 of the terminal 20 can determine the end of a conversation based on the registered content. It's not limited to specific text content; for example, you can register certain text messages such as "Goodbye," "See you later," and "Understood."

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

[0279] The determination of whether or not to display this talk room information is not limited to this, but for example, it is possible to determine whether or not to display the talk room information based on the content history stored in the talk history data of the talk-related information database 289.

[0280] Condition No. "SP11-2" specifies that the condition for displaying chat room information is "a stamp has been sent consecutively more than the set number of times." The number of settings is not limited; for example, either terminal 20 or server 10 can pre-set any number of settings.

[0281] This condition means that if stamps are sent consecutively in the first chat room more than the set number of times (not limited to a specific number, but for example, 5 times or more), it is determined that the conversation in the first chat room may have ended, and therefore the chat room information will be displayed.

[0282] In determining whether or not to display this chat room information, the decision to display the chat room information is not limited to any specific case. For example, based on the content history stored in the chat history data of the chat-related information database 289, if the content of stamps sent consecutively from the user on their own device 20 to the other user exceeds a set number, the decision can be made to display the chat room information.

[0283] Condition No. "SP11-3" specifies that the condition for displaying chat room information is "a set amount of time has elapsed without any message being entered." The set time is not limited; for example, it can be set in advance for any desired time on either the terminal 20 or the server 10. This condition means that if no messages are entered in the first chat room and a set time (not limited to a specific period, but for example, 5 minutes) has elapsed, it is determined that the conversation in the first chat room may have ended, and therefore the chat room information will be displayed.

[0284] In determining whether or not to display this talk room information, for example, terminal 20 may acquire clock information (timekeeping information) output by the clock unit 29A, and for example, terminal 20 may determine to display the talk room information if a set amount of time has elapsed since the latest message was entered and no further input has been received, based on the history of message input identified from the talk history data in the talk-related information database 289.

[0285] Condition No. "SP11-4" specifies that the condition for displaying chat room information is "a set amount of time has elapsed without any messages being sent or received." The set time is not limited; for example, it can be set in advance for any desired time on either the terminal 20 or the server 10. This condition means that if no messages are sent or received in the first chat room and a set time (not limited to a specific period, but for example, 5 minutes) has elapsed, it is determined that the chat in the first chat room may have ended, and therefore the chat room information will be displayed.

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

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

[0288] Condition No. "SP11-5" specifies "Received a new message" as the condition for displaying chat room information. This condition means that when a new message is received, the system determines that the chat room where the new message is displayed is likely to be of high priority to the user, and therefore, the chat room information should be displayed. In this case, rather than being limited, it is possible to display chat room information that at least includes chat room information corresponding to chat rooms that satisfy this condition, as an example.

[0289] The determination of whether or not to display this talk room information is not limited to this; for example, if it is determined that a new message has been received from server 10 via communication I / F22, it can be determined that the talk room information should be displayed.

[0290] Condition No. "SP11-6" specifies the condition for displaying chat room information as "the set time has elapsed while there is a chat room in which you are mentioned." The set time is not limited; for example, it can be set in advance for any desired time on either the terminal 20 or the server 10. This condition means that if a set time (not limited to a specific period, but for example, 10 minutes) has elapsed while you are mentioned in a chat room, the system will determine that the chat room information should be displayed because it may be a chat room that has been left untouched for some time despite being a high priority for viewing by the user. In this case, rather than being limited, it is possible to display chat room information that at least includes chat room information corresponding to chat rooms that satisfy this condition, as an example.

[0291] In determining whether or not to display this talk room information, for example, the terminal 20 may obtain clock information (timekeeping information) output by the clock unit 29A, and for example, refer to the talk information data in the talk-related information database 289, and determine to display the talk room information if there is a message mentioning the user and a set amount of time has elapsed since the message was received.

[0292] Condition No. "SP11-7" specifies that the condition for displaying chat room information is "a set time has elapsed while there is a chat room with unread messages." In this case as well, the set time can be arbitrarily configured. This condition means that if a chat room has unread messages and a set time (not limited to a specific period, but for example, 10 minutes) has elapsed, the system will determine that the chat room information should be displayed because it may be a chat room that the user has a high priority for viewing but has not viewed for some time. In this case, rather than being limited, it is possible to display chat room information that at least includes chat room information corresponding to chat rooms that satisfy this condition, as an example.

[0293] Furthermore, you may or may not decide whether or not to display chat room information based on the number of unread messages. For example, instead of being limited, you could decide to display the chat room information if the number of unread messages in a chat room is equal to or greater than the first specified number (or first set number) (for example, 10 or more unread messages) and the number of unread messages in a chat room is equal to or greater than the second specified number (or second set number) (for example, 3 or more).

[0294] In determining whether or not to display this talk room information, the terminal 20 may, for example, obtain clock information (timekeeping information) output by the clock unit 29A, and for example, the terminal 20 may obtain whether or not there are unread messages stored in the talk history data and the number of such messages, and then determine whether or not to display the talk room information.

[0295] Condition No. "SP11-8" specifies that the condition for displaying chat room information is "when a set time has elapsed while there is a chat room registered as a favorite." In this case as well, the set time can be set arbitrarily. This is not a specific example, but rather a general rule. If a user has a chat room registered as a favorite and a set time (10 minutes, for example) has elapsed, it may be a chat room that is highly important to the user but hasn't been viewed for a while. Therefore, the system will decide to display the chat room information. In this case, rather than being limited, it is possible to display chat room information that at least includes chat room information corresponding to chat rooms that satisfy this condition, as an example.

[0296] In determining whether or not to display this talk room information, the terminal 20 may, for example, obtain clock information (timekeeping information) output by the clock unit 29A, and for example, the terminal 20 may obtain information on whether or not the talk room stored in the talk room information data of the talk-related information database 289 is registered as a favorite, and then determine whether or not to display the talk room information.

[0297] Condition No. "SP11-9" specifies that the condition for displaying chat room information is "when a set time has elapsed while there are chat rooms in a folder." In this case as well, the set time can be arbitrarily configured. This condition means that if a set time (not limited to a specific period, but for example, 10 minutes) has elapsed while there are chat rooms in a folder, the system will determine that the chat room information should be displayed because it may be a chat room that is important to the user but has not been viewed for some time. In this case, rather than being limited, it is possible to display chat room information that at least includes chat room information corresponding to chat rooms that satisfy this condition, as an example.

[0298] In determining whether or not to display this talk room information, the terminal 20 may, for example, obtain clock information (timekeeping information) output by the clock unit 29A, and for example, the terminal 20 may obtain information on whether or not the talk room stored in the talk room information data of the talk-related information database 289 is in a folder, and then determine whether or not to display the talk room information.

[0299] <Display screen> Figure 3-2 shows an example of the screen transitions displayed on the display unit 24 of user AA's terminal 20A.

[0300] This section describes an example of the display screen when the system determines to display chat room information based on the condition No. "SP11-2" "Stamps have been sent consecutively more than the set number of times" being met in the chat room information display determination process. In this example, it is determined that the chat room information will be displayed if stamps are sent consecutively more than a set number of times (not limited to a specific number, but for example, 5 times or more) in the first chat room.

[0301] Furthermore, in this example, we will explain that in the first destination chat room candidate determination process, the chat room with No. "SP01-1" which is "a chat room that has been displayed many times within the set time," was determined as the destination chat room candidate. Specifically, in the first destination chat room candidate determination process, we will assume that, as an example and not limited to, the chat room that has been displayed many times within the set time (one hour, as an example and not limited to) was determined as the destination chat room candidate (a chat room for talking with user CC, a chat room for talking with user DD, a chat room for talking with user EE, as an example and not limited to).

[0302] In the left screen of Figure 3-2, the CLR (Chat Room Name Display Area) shows text (in this example, "BB") indicating that this is a chat room for user AA to communicate with user BB. Below that, there is a talk area where user AA and user BB can converse. The left side of the screen displays user BB's message, while the right side displays user AA's message.

[0303] In the left screen of Figure 3-2, the conditions for displaying chat room information are not met, so icon-type chat room information is not displayed.

[0304] The central screen in Figure 3-2 shows, as an example rather than a specific case, a state where a stamp has been received once from user BB. Specifically, stamp ST1 is displayed as the first stamp received from user BB.

[0305] Subsequently, it is assumed that four stamps were received consecutively from user BB. Specifically, stamps ST4 and ST5 are displayed as the fourth and fifth stamps out of the five stamps received consecutively from user BB. In this case, the user has received five stamps consecutively from the other user, User BB, and the condition for displaying the chat room information is met. As a result, the screen shown on the right in Figure 3-2 will be displayed, not as a specific example, but as an example.

[0306] In this case, based on the condition for displaying talk room information (in this example, condition No. "11-2") being met, the icon-type talk room information display area ER1 at the bottom of the screen will display multiple icon-type talk room information, including, but not limited to, the username "User CC" and its corresponding icon, the username "User DD" and its corresponding icon, and the username "User EE" and its corresponding icon.

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

[0308] Figure 3-3 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow executed by the control unit 21 of terminal 20 in this embodiment. In this explanation, we assume that the user of terminal 20 is already registered in both the first and second chat rooms of the messaging application.

[0309] After A115, the control unit 21 of terminal 20 determines whether or not icon-type chat room information is currently being displayed in the first chat room (A116). If icon-type chat room information is being displayed (A116: YES), the control unit 21 of terminal 20 proceeds to A130.

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

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

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

[0313] <Effects of the third embodiment> This embodiment shows a configuration in which icon-type chat room information is displayed on the display unit 24 of the terminal 20 based on chat room information display conditions (not limited to, but an example of a set first condition). As an example of the effects obtained by this configuration, the first display can be made to appear on the terminal's display unit based on the set first condition.

[0314] In this case, the conditions for displaying talk room information can also include conditions related to the talk room (not necessarily limited to, but an example of conditions related to the chat room). As an example of the effects of this configuration, the first display can be appropriately shown on the terminal's display unit based on the set conditions for the chat room.

[0315] In this case, the conditions for displaying talk room information may also include conditions related to the context of the messages displayed in the first talk room, which is the source talk room (not limited to these, but an example of conditions related to the relationships between multiple pieces of content displayed in the first chat room). As an example of the effects of this configuration, the first display can be appropriately shown on the terminal's display based on the relationships between multiple pieces of content displayed in the first chat room. For example, if it is estimated that the chat in the first chat room has ended based on the context of the multiple pieces of content displayed in the first chat room, the first display can be shown on the terminal's display, making it easy for the user to move to another chat room and improving user convenience.

[0316] In this case, the conditions for displaying the chat room information may include conditions such as stamps being pressed consecutively in the first chat room, which is the source chat room (not limited to these conditions, but an example of conditions related to the input of content displayed in the first chat room). As an example of the effects of this configuration, the first display can be appropriately shown on the terminal's display based on conditions related to the input of content displayed in the first chat room. For example, if specific content is entered consecutively as content to be displayed in the first chat room, it can be presumed that the chat in the first chat room has ended, and the first display can be shown on the terminal's display, making it possible for the terminal user to easily move to another chat room and improving user convenience.

[0317] In this case, the conditions for displaying chat room information may also include conditions such as receiving a new message from a chat room different from the first chat room (not limited to these conditions, but an example of conditions related to receiving content displayed in the second chat room). As an example of the effects of this configuration, the first display can be appropriately shown on the terminal's display based on the conditions for receiving content displayed in the second chat room. For example, when new content is received as content to be displayed in the second chat room, the first display can be shown on the terminal's display, allowing the terminal user to easily move to the chat room that received the new content, thereby improving user convenience.

[0318] <Third variation (1)> Similar to the second modified example, in the third embodiment, the server 10 may or may not determine whether the conditions for displaying talk room information are met. In this case, the control unit 11 of the server 10 performs a determination process to determine whether to display talk room information based on the talk room information display conditions. If it determines that the talk room information display conditions have been met, the control unit 11 of the server 10 can notify the terminal 20 via the communication interface 14 to display the talk room information.

[0319] <Third variation (2)> In the third embodiment, if the terminal 20 detects that messages are being sent and received frequently while the first chat room is displayed, it may or may not perform a process to display information (such as an icon image for a phone call or video call) in the first chat room that suggests to the user to switch to a phone call or video call.

[0320] Alternatively, in this case, the phone function could be associated with the information suggesting a phone call, so that when the information suggesting a phone call is tapped, the phone function is activated and a call can be made with the other user. The same applies to video calls. This also applies when the second chat room is displayed.

[0321] <Fourth Example> The fourth embodiment is an embodiment relating to the deletion of the display of chat room information. The contents described in the fourth embodiment are applicable to any of the other embodiments or other modifications. Furthermore, components identical to those previously mentioned are given the same symbols, and their explanation is omitted.

[0322] In this embodiment, we illustrate a case where terminal 20 performs a process to determine whether or not to erase the display of chat room information (hereinafter referred to as the "chat room information display erasure determination process"). Erasing the display of chat room information can also be said to hide the chat room information that is currently being displayed.

[0323] The Talk Room Information Display Deletion Conditions Table is a table that is referenced when executing the Talk Room Information Display Deletion Determination Process. An example of the table structure of such a Talk Room Information Display Deletion Conditions Table is shown in Figure 4-1.

[0324] The chat room information display clearing conditions table stores, as an example rather than a limiting one, a condition No. which is the number of the chat room information display condition, and the chat room information display clearing condition for that No., associated with each other.

[0325] The following provides a detailed explanation of the conditions for displaying information in each chat room and how those conditions are determined.

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

[0327] Conditions "SP12-1" to "SP12-3" are conditions that apply when "user input is detected while the first chat room is displayed."

[0328] Condition No. "SP12-1" specifies that the condition for clearing the chat room information display is "a tap operation, scroll operation, etc. has been detected." As an example, rather than being limited to specific cases, a chat room where tap or scroll operations have been performed may be a chat room where the user currently has a high need to view the content (first chat room). Therefore, hiding the currently displayed chat room information would improve the visibility of the content in that chat room (first chat room).

[0329] In determining whether or not to clear the display of this chat room information, terminal 20 can acquire whether or not there is input from the user of terminal 20 to the input area (not limited to, but for example, tap operations and scroll operations by the user) and then decide whether or not to clear the display of the chat room information.

[0330] Condition No. "SP12-2" specifies "a message input operation was detected" as the condition for clearing the chat room information display. As an example, and not limited to specific cases, a chat room where a message has been entered may be a chat room in which the user is currently having a conversation. Therefore, hiding the currently displayed chat room information improves the visibility and usability of the message input area in the chat room (first chat room).

[0331] In determining whether or not to clear the display of this chat room information, terminal 20 can obtain whether or not there is input from the user of terminal 20 to the input area (not limited to this, but for example, a message input operation) and then decide whether or not to clear the display of the chat room information.

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

[0333] Condition No. "SP12-3" specifies "a message sending operation was detected" as the condition for clearing the display of chat room information. As an example, and not limited to specific cases, a chat room in which a message was sent may be a chat room in which the user is currently having a conversation. Therefore, hiding the currently displayed chat room information improves the visibility of the message sent in that chat room (the first chat room).

[0334] In determining whether or not to clear the display of this chat room information, terminal 20 can determine whether or not to clear the display of the chat room information by obtaining whether or not there is input from the user of terminal 20 to the input field (not limited to this, but for example, a message sending operation).

[0335] Condition No. "SP12-4" specifies that the condition for clearing the chat room information display is "a message was sent or received while the first chat room was displayed." As an example, not limited to this case, a chat room from which a message was sent is likely a chat room where the user currently needs to check the content of the message sent in the chat room (first chat room) and is likely to be a chat room where the user needs to check the content of the message received in the chat room (first chat room) and is likely to be a chat room where the user needs to reply to the sender. Therefore, hiding the currently displayed chat room information improves the visibility of messages sent and received in the chat room (first chat room).

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

[0337] Furthermore, the conditions for clearing the chat room information display may include not only conditions related to input by the user of one's own device 20, but also conditions related to input by the other user. As an example, and not limited to this, if the first chat room is displayed on the display unit 24 of one's own terminal 20, and the other user makes an input to their terminal 20, the display of the chat room information may be cleared. In this case, terminal 20 can, for example, obtain information about the input on the other user's terminal 20 via server 10, and then determine whether the conditions for displaying talk room information have been met.

[0338] <Processing> In this embodiment, when the first chat room is displayed and the first destination chat room candidate determination process is executed to determine the destination chat room candidate, the terminal 20 executes a chat room information display determination process to determine whether or not to display the chat room information, and the terminal 20 executes a chat room information display clearing determination process to determine whether or not to clear the display of the chat room information.

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

[0340] If A116 determines that talk room information is currently being displayed (A1116: YES), the control unit 21 of terminal 20 executes a process to determine if the talk room information display can be cleared (A117b). In this chat room information display deletion determination process, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20 decides whether or not to delete the display of chat room information based on the chat room information display deletion condition table described above.

[0341] If it is determined that the display of the chat room information should not be cleared (A118b: NO), the control unit 21 of terminal 20 proceeds to A130. On the other hand, if it is determined that the display of the chat room information should be cleared (A118b: YES), the control unit 21 of terminal 20 clears the display of the chat room information from the display unit 24 (A120b). Then, the control unit 21 of terminal 20 proceeds to process A142.

[0342] <Effects of the 4th embodiment> This embodiment shows a configuration in which the terminal 20 is controlled by the control unit 21 to erase the display of talk room information shown on the display unit 24 based on a condition for erasing the display of talk room information (not limited to, but an example of a set second condition). (This is not limited to, but an example of control to hide the first display.) As an example of the effects obtained by this configuration, the first display shown on the terminal's display unit can be hidden based on the set second condition.

[0343] In this case, the conditions for clearing the chat room information display can also include conditions related to sending and receiving messages displayed in the first chat room, which is the source chat room. As an example of the effects of this configuration, the first display shown on the terminal's display unit can be appropriately hidden based on conditions related to content input by the terminal user in the first chat room.

[0344] In this case, the conditions for clearing the chat room information display can also include conditions related to the input of messages by the user of terminal 20 in the first chat room, which is the source chat room. As an example of the effects of this configuration, the first display shown on the terminal's display unit can be appropriately hidden based on conditions related to content input by the terminal user in the first chat room.

[0345] <Fourth variation> Similar to the third modified example, in the fourth embodiment, the server 10 may or may not determine whether the condition for clearing the talk room information display has been met. In this case, the control unit 11 of the server 10 performs a determination process to erase the display of talk room information based on the conditions for erasing the display of talk room information. If it determines that the conditions for erasing the display of talk room information have been met, the control unit 11 of the server 10 can notify the terminal 20 via the communication interface 14 to erase the display of the talk room information.

[0346] <Example 5> The fifth embodiment is an embodiment relating to input for talk room information. The contents described in the fifth embodiment are applicable to any of the other embodiments or any of the other modifications. Furthermore, components identical to those previously mentioned are given the same symbols, and their explanation is omitted.

[0347] In this embodiment, as input for talk room information, we provide an example of input to a display different from the username or its corresponding icon (hereinafter referred to as the "first icon") for displaying information about the destination talk room (second talk room) (not limited to, but for example, a preview of the destination talk room, the reason why it was selected as a destination talk room, etc.) (hereinafter referred to as the "first input"). Furthermore, as an example of input for chat room information separate from the above, as mentioned above, we will provide an example of inputting a username or its corresponding icon (hereinafter referred to as "second input") to switch the display from the currently displayed chat room (first chat room) to the destination chat room (second chat room).

[0348] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when displaying talk room information, an example is shown in which a first icon (not limited to, but an icon including the character "?") is displayed as information about the destination talk room (second talk room) in association with the talk room information to indicate the reason why it was selected as a destination talk room candidate. As an example, not limited to any specific location, the first icon is displayed in a designated area within the chat room information (for example, the upper left corner of the chat room information).

[0349] It is also possible to use different inputs for the first and second inputs. As an example, rather than a limitation, if we consider input as an operation input, the first input could be a long press operation on the target to be input. On the other hand, the second input could be a tap operation on the target to be input.

[0350] <Display screen> Figure 5-1 shows an example of the screen transitions displayed on the display unit 24 of user AA's terminal 20A.

[0351] Figure 5-1 shows an example of the display screen when, in the first destination chat room candidate determination process, the chat room with No. "SP01-1" (the chat room that has been displayed many times within the set time) is selected as the destination chat room candidate. Specifically, in the first process of determining the candidate destination chat room, it is assumed that, as an example and not limited to, chat rooms that have been displayed a large number of times within a set time (as an example and not limited to, 1 hour) are determined as the candidate destination chat room (as an example and not limited to, chat rooms for chatting with user CC, chat rooms for chatting with user DD, and chat rooms for chatting with user EE).

[0352] In Figure 5-1, the CLR display area for the talk room name shows, not as a limitation but as an example, the text (in this example, "BB") indicating that it is a talk room where user AA is having a conversation with user BB.

[0353] The talk room information display area ER1 displays, as an example and not an exhaustive list, talk room information corresponding to the destination talk room candidate determined in the first destination talk room candidate determination process. In this example, multiple chat room information is displayed, including the username "CC" and its corresponding icon, the username "DD" and its corresponding icon, and the username "EE" and its corresponding icon.

[0354] In this example, a first icon is displayed in the designated location of each icon (not limited to, but for example, the upper left of the chat room information) to show information about the destination chat room (second chat room) (not limited to, but for example, the reason why it was selected as a destination chat room). This icon contains the character "?" in the upper left of the icon corresponding to user CC, an icon contains the character "?" in the upper left of the icon corresponding to user DD, and an icon contains the character "?" in the upper left of the icon corresponding to user EE.

[0355] In the central screen of Figure 5-1, the icon containing the "?" character in the upper left corner of the icon corresponding to the user CC, among the multiple first icons mentioned above, is shown to be tapped. In this case, the reason why the user CC's chat room (second chat room) was selected as the destination chat room candidate is displayed. Specifically, as shown in the right-hand screen of Figure 5-1, from the icon containing the character "?" in the upper left of the icon corresponding to the user CC, a speech bubble SB1 is displayed (not limited to, but as an example, a speech bubble containing the text "A frequently viewed chat room") that indicates the reason why it was selected as a destination chat room.

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

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

[0358] <Effects of the 5th Example> This embodiment shows a configuration in which icon-type chat room information is displayed in the first chat room. One example of the effects of this configuration is that a movable second chat room can be viewed by the terminal user while the first chat room is displayed.

[0359] In this case, the terminal 20 may also perform the following operations: based on input such as a long press operation on the icon-type chat room information displayed in the first chat room (not limited to this, but an example of the first input), the terminal 20 may display on the display unit 24 a preview of the destination chat room, a display of the reason why the destination chat room was selected as a candidate (not limited to this, but an example of the display related to the second chat room), and based on input such as a tap operation on the icon-type chat room information displayed in the first chat room (not limited to this, but an example of the second input), the terminal 20 may also perform the following operations: to display the second chat room on the display unit 24. As an example of the effects of this configuration, by performing a first input to the first display while the first chat room is displayed, the user of the terminal can check information about the second chat room. On the other hand, by performing a second input to the first display while the first chat room is displayed, the user of the terminal can easily display the second chat room.

[0360] <Sixth Example> The sixth embodiment is an embodiment in which (B) switching type talk room information is applied. The contents described in the sixth embodiment are applicable to any of the other embodiments or other modifications. Furthermore, components identical to those previously mentioned are given the same symbols, and their explanation is omitted.

[0361] In the embodiment described above, when the terminal 20 is displaying a first chat room (not limited to, but as an example, the currently displayed chat room) on the display unit 24, it is described as moving from this first chat room to a second chat room (not limited to, but as an example, the next chat room to be displayed), and displaying icon-type chat room information as an example of a first display related to displaying the second chat room (not limited to, but as an example, chat room information corresponding to the next chat room to be displayed).

[0362] In this embodiment, instead of icon-type chat room information, the aforementioned switchable chat room information is displayed. In this embodiment, terminal 20 performs a first process related to the display of the second chat room (not limited to, but as an example, the process of switching chat rooms) based on the input for this switchable chat room information, using the control unit 21 of terminal 20.

[0363] Switchable chat room information includes, but is not limited to, information associated with a chat room, such as the chat room name (text information), chat room icon image (image information), chat room identifier (identification information), and chat room preview image (image information), which are entered by the user or assigned by the messaging service. It can be any one of these or a combination of two or more.

[0364] Note that the preview image of the chat room may or may not include, for example, the application name and the chat area for taking a conversation.

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

[0366] In this embodiment, as an example and not an limitation, the terminal 20 may display talk room information at any time based on a predetermined action of the user of the terminal 20, without performing a process to determine whether or not to display switchable talk room information (talk room information display determination process). As an example, and not limited to this, in any chat room of a messaging application, if the user of device 20 performs a predetermined operation at any time (as an example, swiping upwards from the bottom of the display area), the chat room information display area can be configured to show switchable chat room information.

[0367] In this embodiment, the state in which switchable talk room information is displayed in the talk room information display area by a predetermined operation by the user is different from the state in which a talk is conducted in the messaging service; it is a state in which switchable talk room information is displayed or selected (specified). For this reason, this state can be expressed as talk room information display mode (state), talk room information selection mode (state), talk room information switcher mode (state), etc.

[0368] In this embodiment, the user of terminal 20 can select any chat room information by swiping left or right on the switchable chat room information in the chat room information display area.

[0369] Furthermore, when displaying switchable talk room information in the talk room information display area based on user operations on terminal 20, it is also possible, not limited to but as an example, to display the switchable source talk room information corresponding to the first chat room in an area different from the talk room information display area, or not to.

[0370] In the following, the area where the source chat room information for switching-type chat rooms is displayed will be referred to as the "source chat room information display area." The source chat room information display area is not limited to this area; for example, it can be displayed to the right of the chat room information display area where the switching-type chat room information is displayed.

[0371] In this embodiment, when switchable talk room information is displayed in the talk room information display area, the visibility of the talk area in the preview image of the switchable talk room information is reduced, and it is displayed in a manner that makes it difficult for the user of terminal 20 to recognize the talk content. As an example, rather than being limited to specific cases, it is possible to reduce the visibility of the talk area in the preview image of a switchable talk room by applying mosaic processing or hatching processing.

[0372] Furthermore, when reducing the visibility of the talk area in the preview image of switchable talk room information, the visibility of the talk area in the preview image of all switchable talk room information may be reduced, or the visibility of the talk area in the preview image of some of the switchable talk room information among multiple switchable talk room information may be reduced. As an example, rather than being limited to specific cases, the visibility of the chat area in the preview image of a switchable chat room information corresponding to a chat room with unread messages may be reduced, while the visibility of the chat area in the preview image of a switchable chat room information corresponding to a chat room without unread messages may not be reduced.

[0373] In this embodiment, when the source talk room information is displayed in the source talk room information display area, the information is displayed in a manner that does not reduce the visibility of the talk area of ​​the preview image in the source talk room information, and that allows the user of terminal 20 to recognize the talk content. Furthermore, the visibility of the talk area in the preview image of the switching source talk room information may be reduced, and it may be displayed in a manner that makes it difficult for the user of terminal 20 to recognize the talk content.

[0374] Even when applying switchable chat room information, it is possible, not limited to, but as an example, to determine the destination chat room candidate using a method similar to the method described in the second embodiment, and then display the switchable chat room information corresponding to the determined destination chat room candidate. As one approach, as described in the second embodiment, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20 can perform a destination chat room candidate determination process (first destination chat room candidate determination process). Alternatively, the control unit 11 of the server 10 can perform a process to determine a candidate destination chat room (a second destination chat room candidate determination process).

[0375] Specifically, when applying switchable chat room information, just as with applying icon-type chat room information, it is possible to execute a process that includes determining the destination chat room candidate, as shown in Figures 2-5 and 2-6, not as a limitation but as an example. A specific example of this process will be discussed later.

[0376] <Display screen> Figures 6-1 and 6-2 show an example of the screen transitions displayed on the display unit 24 of user AA's terminal 20A.

[0377] This figure shows an example of the display screen when, in the first destination chat room candidate determination process, the chat room with No. "SP01-1" (the chat room that has been displayed many times within the set time) is selected as the destination chat room candidate. Specifically, in the first process of determining the candidate destination chat room, it is assumed that, as an example and not limited to, chat rooms that have been displayed a large number of times within a set time (as an example and not limited to, 1 hour) are determined as the candidate destination chat room (as an example and not limited to, chat rooms for chatting with user CC, chat rooms for chatting with user DD, and chat rooms for chatting with user EE).

[0378] In the left screen of Figure 6-1, the chat room name display area shows text (in this example, "BB") indicating that it is a chat room where user AA is having a conversation with user BB, not as a limitation but as an example.

[0379] This screen shows an example of input for displaying switchable chat room information (hereinafter referred to as "switchable chat room information display input"), specifically when the user of terminal 20 swipes upwards from the bottom of the display area. In this case, the system is controlled to chat room information switcher mode. As a result, the screen shown in the center of Figure 6-1 is displayed, not as an example but as an example.

[0380] Specifically, the talk room information display area ER2 displays, as an example rather than an exclusive one, the switchable talk room information corresponding to the destination talk room candidate determined in the first destination talk room candidate determination process. In this example, multiple switchable chat room information is displayed, not as a limitation but as an example, including the username "CC", its corresponding icon, and its corresponding preview image; the username "DD", its corresponding icon, and its corresponding preview image; and the username "EE", its corresponding icon, and its corresponding preview image.

[0381] In this example, the switchable chat room information corresponding to the username "CC" is displayed in the center of the display unit 24 screen, making it more visible than the switchable chat room information corresponding to the username "DD" and the switchable chat room information corresponding to the username "EE," and thus positioned more easily for the user to select.

[0382] Furthermore, the source chat room information display area ER3 shows, as an example rather than a limitation, the source chat room information for the first chat room that is switched. In this example, the source chat room information, including the username "BB," its corresponding icon, and its corresponding preview image, is displayed as an example rather than a limitation.

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

[0384] Specifically, the ER2 chat room information display area shows, as an example rather than a limitation, information about switchable chat rooms that have been moved by the user's swipe operation. In this example, multiple switchable chat room information is displayed, not as a limitation but as an example, including the username "CC", its corresponding icon, and its corresponding preview image; the username "DD", its corresponding icon, and its corresponding preview image; and the username "EE", its corresponding icon, and its corresponding preview image.

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

[0386] Furthermore, as an example rather than a limited one, the state in which the switchable chat room information corresponding to user DD is tapped is shown. In this case, control of the talk room information switcher mode is terminated, and the display switches from the talk room where the other party is user BB (first talk room) to the talk room where the other party is user DD (second talk room). As a result, the screen shown on the right of Figure 6-2 is displayed, not as an example but as an example.

[0387] Specifically, it is a chat room for user AA to communicate with user DD, and is not limited to this; for example, the chat room name display area CLR shows text indicating that it is a chat room for the username "DD" (in this example, "DD"). Below that, there is a talk area where user AA and user DD can converse. The left side of the screen displays user DD's message, while the right side displays user AA's message.

[0388] <Processing> Figure 6-3 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow executed by terminal 20 in this embodiment. After A110, the control unit 21 determines whether the conditions for displaying switchable talk room information have been met (A620). The conditions for displaying switchable chat room information are not limited, but can be defined as, for example, that the aforementioned switchable chat room information display input has been made via the input section.

[0389] If it is determined that the conditions for displaying switchable talk room information have been met (A620: YES), the control unit 21 executes the process for determining the first destination talk room candidate (A115). In this case, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20 may, as an example and not an exhaustive one, determine the destination talk room candidate based on the aforementioned destination talk room candidate determination table (see Figure 2-1) using a method similar to the one described earlier. The control unit 21 then displays the switchable talk room information corresponding to the selected destination talk room candidate on the display unit 24 (A630). In this case, one possible method, not limited to but as an example, is for the control unit 21 of the terminal 20 to generate and display switchable chat room information corresponding to the determined destination chat room candidate based on the chat history and chat room information stored in the storage unit 28.

[0390] Alternatively, terminal 20 may send information about the selected destination chat room candidate to server 10 and receive chat history and chat room information corresponding to that destination chat room candidate from server 10. Then, the control unit 21 of terminal 20 may or may not generate and display switchable chat room information based on the received information.

[0391] Next, the control unit 21 determines whether or not the switching condition for the switchable talk room information display has been met (A640). The conditions for switching the display of switchable chat room information are not limited, but can be defined as, for example, the aforementioned switching input for displaying switchable chat room information being made via the input section.

[0392] If it is determined that the conditions for switching the display of switchable talk room information have been met (A640: YES), the control unit 21 performs the switching the display of switchable talk room information (A650). Specifically, the display unit 24 controls the display position (display area) of the switchable talk room information.

[0393] Subsequently, the control unit 21 determines whether or not input (not limited to, but for example, a tap) has been made to the displayed switchable talk room information (A660). If it determines that input has been made (A660: YES), the control unit 21 controls the display to switch from the currently displayed first talk room to the second talk room corresponding to the input switchable talk room information (A670). Then, the control unit 21 terminates the process.

[0394] If A660 determines that no input has been made for the switchable talk room information (A660: NO), the control unit 21 determines whether to terminate the process (A690). If it determines to continue the process (A690: NO), the control unit 21 returns the process to A640. On the other hand, if it determines to terminate the process (A690: YES), the control unit 21 terminates the process.

[0395] If A620 determines that the condition for displaying switchable talk room information is not met (A620: NO), the control unit 21 determines whether to terminate the process (A695). If it determines to continue the process (A695: NO), the control unit 21 returns the process to A620. On the other hand, if it determines to terminate the process (A695: YES), the control unit 21 terminates the process.

[0396] Furthermore, as explained in the second variation, it is also possible to have server 10 determine the candidate destination chat room. In this case, rather than being limited, the process in Figure 6-3 above can be rewritten following the process in Figure 2-6 described earlier, as an example. Specifically, and this is not an exhaustive example, if it is determined that the switching-type talk room information display condition is met in A620 in Figure 6-3 (A620: YES), the control unit 21 of terminal 20 executes step A112 in Figure 2-6. Accordingly, the control unit 11 of the server 10 executes steps S110 and S120 in Figure 2-6. Then, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20 can display switchable talk room information based on the destination talk room candidate determination information received from the server 10, and then proceed to step A640 in Figure 6-3.

[0397] Furthermore, these contents are also applicable to other embodiments and modifications related to the display of switchable talk room information.

[0398] <Effects of the 6th Example> In this embodiment, terminal 20 displays switchable talk room information (not limited to, but an example of a first display) on the display unit 24. In this case, the display of switchable talk room information is shown in a different area of ​​the display unit 24 of terminal 20 from the area where the first talk room, which is the source talk room, is displayed. As an example of the effects of this configuration, the display of the second chat room can be easily displayed based on input to the first display, which is displayed in an area different from the area where the first chat room is displayed on the terminal's display unit.

[0399] In this case, the display of the switchable talk room information can include switchable source talk room information (not limited to, an example of display relating to the first chat room) corresponding to the first talk room displayed in the source talk room information display area (not limited to, an example of the first display area) of the display unit 24 of the terminal 20, and switchable talk room information (not limited to, an example of display relating to the second chat room) corresponding to the destination second talk room displayed in the talk room information display area (not limited to, an example of the second display area) of the display unit 24 of the terminal 20. As an example of the effects obtained by this configuration, the first display area of ​​the terminal's display unit displays information related to the first chat room, allowing the terminal user to check information about the first chat room from which they moved, and also to return the display to the first chat room. In addition, the second display area of ​​the terminal's display unit displays information related to the second chat room, allowing the terminal user to check information about the second chat room to which they moved, and also to move from the first chat room to the second chat room.

[0400] In this case, terminal 20 can be configured so that the control unit 21 controls the display position (display area) of the switchable talk room information based on input from the user of terminal 20 (not limited to this, but an example of control that displays information related to the second chat room in the first display area). One example of the effects of this configuration is that, based on user input from the terminal, it becomes possible to display information about the second chat room in the first display area, not as an example but as an example. Conversely, it also becomes possible to display information about the first chat room in the second display area, not as an example but as an example, based on user input from the terminal.

[0401] Furthermore, in this case, if there are unread messages (not limited to, but an example of content that the user of the device has not yet viewed) among the messages displayed in the second chat room, the display of the switchable chat room information can be made to appear with a mosaic or hatching effect applied to the chat area of ​​the preview image in the switchable chat room information (not limited to, but an example of a manner in which the content cannot be viewed). As an example of the effects of this configuration, if there is content displayed in the second chat room that the terminal user has not yet viewed, the first display can be shown in a manner that prevents the user from viewing or seeing the unviewed content.

[0402] <Sixth variation (1)> In the sixth embodiment, when switchable talk room information is displayed in the talk room information display area of ​​the display unit 24, an example was shown in which switchable source talk room information corresponding to the first chat room is displayed in a source talk room information display area different from the talk room information display area. However, the embodiment is not limited to this. As an example, and not limited to this, you may choose not to display the source chat room information corresponding to the first chat room in the source chat room information display area.

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

[0404] Furthermore, when displaying the background image of the source chat room as a background image on the display unit 24 in this manner, the visibility of this source chat room background image may be reduced compared to the switchable chat room information, or it may not be necessary to do so. For example, and not as an exhaustive rule, the background image of the source chat room used as this background image may be made to have a lower display priority than the switching chat room information (it appears to be on a lower display layer and displayed in the background), thereby reducing its visibility compared to the switching chat room information. For example, and not as an exhaustive rule, it may also be made to have a lower visibility compared to the switching chat room information by applying mosaic processing or hatching processing.

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

[0406] Here, we show an example of the display screen when, in the first destination chat room candidate determination process, the chat room with No. "SP01-1" ("the chat room that has been displayed many times within the set time") is selected as the destination chat room candidate. Specifically, in the first process of determining the candidate destination chat room, it is assumed that, as an example and not limited to, chat rooms that have been displayed a large number of times within a set time (as an example and not limited to, 1 hour) are determined as the candidate destination chat room (as an example and not limited to, chat rooms for chatting with user CC, chat rooms for chatting with user DD, and chat rooms for chatting with user EE).

[0407] In the screen shown in Figure 6-4, the talk room information display area ER2 displays, as an example rather than an exclusive view, the switchable talk room information corresponding to the destination talk room candidate determined in the first destination talk room candidate determination process. In this example, multiple switchable chat room information is displayed, not as a limitation but as an example, including the username "CC", its corresponding icon, and its corresponding preview image; the username "DD", its corresponding icon, and its corresponding preview image; and the username "EE", its corresponding icon, and its corresponding preview image.

[0408] Furthermore, this screen displays, as an example rather than a limitation, the background image of the source chat room corresponding to the first chat room, which is displayed as a background image across the entire screen of the display unit 24. In this example, the background image of the source chat room, as an example rather than a limitation, displays the name of the messaging application, "Messaging App," at the top center of the image. The icon image and username (user AA in this example) of the user of this device 20 in the messaging application are displayed at the top right of the image. The chat room name display area CLR displays the chat room name ("BB" in this example). Below that, there is a talk area where user AA and user BB can converse. The left side of the screen displays user BB's message, while the right side displays user AA's message.

[0409] In this case, and this is an example rather than an exhaustive one, the background image of the source chat room used as the background image is an image with a lower display priority than the switchable chat room information (it appears to be displayed on a lower display layer and in the background), and hatching is applied to it. As a result, the background image of the source chat room is displayed with lower visibility than the switchable chat room information.

[0410] <Sixth variation (2)> In the sixth embodiment, the terminal 20 can display switchable talk room information at any time based on a predetermined action of the user of the terminal 20, without performing a talk room information display determination process, but is not limited to this. As an example, rather than being limited, terminal 20 may perform a chat room information display determination process using the same method as in the third embodiment, based on the chat room information display condition table (Figure 3-1) described in the third embodiment. If it determines that chat room information should be displayed, it may then display the switchable chat room information.

[0411] Similarly, terminal 20 performs a chat room information display deletion determination process using the same method as in the fourth embodiment, based on the chat room information display deletion condition table (Figure 4-1) described in the fourth embodiment. If it determines that the chat room information display should be deleted, it can also delete the display of the switchable chat room information.

[0412] Furthermore, as described in the third and fourth modifications, it is also possible to have the chat room information display determination process and the chat room information display deletion determination process performed on the server 10 side.

[0413] <Example 7> The seventh embodiment is an embodiment relating to a method for preventing misidentification of a switched chat room. The contents described in the seventh embodiment are applicable to any of the other embodiments or any of the other modifications. Furthermore, components identical to those previously mentioned are given the same symbols, and their explanation is omitted.

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

[0415] In this embodiment, as an example and not an limitation, users belonging to the second chat room include users belonging to the first chat room among the users belonging to the second chat room (hereinafter referred to as "first users") and users belonging to the second chat room who do not belong to the first chat room (hereinafter referred to as "second users"). As an example, not limited to this case, if the members of "Group X" (First Talk Room: Group Talk Room) are Users AA, BB, and CC, and the members of "Group Y" (Second Talk Room: Group Talk Room) are Users AA, BB, and DD, then the first user is Users AA and BB, and the second user is User DD.

[0416] One way to prevent misidentification of the second chat room is to display the members belonging to the second chat room differently, not as a rule, but as an example, when switching to the second chat room. As an example, not an exhaustive one, the username and corresponding icon for the first user are displayed in the normal manner (as an example, username: regular font, icon: no emphasized icon), while the username and corresponding icon for the second user are displayed in a special manner (as an example, username: bold font, icon: with emphasized icon).

[0417] Furthermore, when displaying an icon corresponding to a second user in a special manner (for example, an icon with a highlight icon), it is also possible to display a highlight icon (for example, a round icon) in a designated position (for example, the upper left of the icon) to emphasize to the user that the user does not belong to the first chat room but belongs to the second chat room.

[0418] Furthermore, the following methods can be applied as another way to prevent misidentification of the second chat room to which you are scheduled to move. As an example of input for chat room information, we will provide an example of inputting a username or its corresponding icon (hereinafter referred to as "third input") to display information about the destination chat room (second chat room) (not limited to this, but for example, a preview of the destination chat room, a temporary destination chat room when temporarily switching to the destination chat room described later, etc.). Furthermore, as an example of input for chat room information separate from the above, as mentioned above, we will provide an example of inputting a username or its corresponding icon (hereinafter referred to as "second input") to switch the display from the currently displayed chat room (first chat room) to the destination chat room (second chat room).

[0419] As an example, and not a limitation, if we consider input as an operation input, the third input would be a long press operation on the target to be input. On the other hand, the second input would be a tap operation on the target to be input.

[0420] In this embodiment, when a third input (not limited to, but for example, a long press) is made to the chat room information, a preview of the destination chat room (second chat room) is displayed as information about the destination chat room (second chat room), not limited to, but for example. As an example, not limited to specific cases, the preview of the destination chat room includes the chat room name, and if it is a group chat room, the number of members belonging to that group in parentheses to the right of the chat room name, the names of the members belonging to that group, their corresponding icons, and the chat area.

[0421] Furthermore, in messaging services where, not limited to this form, a third input to the chat room information allows for a temporary switch to the destination chat room, and where the user can ultimately choose whether or not to switch to the destination chat room, when a temporary switch to the destination chat room is made, the temporary destination chat room corresponding to the destination chat room may be displayed as information about the destination chat room (second chat room).

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

[0423] Furthermore, the format is not limited to this example; it is also acceptable to avoid applying mosaic or hatching effects to the talk area, thereby making it easier for users to recognize the content of the talk without reducing its visibility.

[0424] <Display screen> Figure 7-1 shows an example of the screen transitions displayed on the display unit 24 of user AA's terminal 20A.

[0425] This figure shows an example of the display screen when, in the first destination chat room candidate determination process, the chat room with No. "SP01-1" (the chat room that has been displayed many times within the set time) is selected as the destination chat room candidate. Specifically, in the first process of determining the candidate destination chat room, it is assumed that the chat rooms that have been displayed the most times within a set time (not limited to, but as an example, 1 hour) (not limited to, but as an example, the chat room for chatting with the group "Work", the chat room for chatting with the group "Family", and the chat room for chatting with user EE) are determined as the candidate destination chat rooms.

[0426] In the left screen of Figure 7-1, the CLR (Collection Level Label) area displays text (in this example, "BB") indicating that this is a talk room where user AA is communicating with user BB, not as a limitation but as an example.

[0427] In this example, the chat room information display area ER1 displays multiple chat room information items, including, but not limited to, the group name "Work" and its corresponding icon, the group name "Family" and its corresponding icon, and the username "EE" and its corresponding icon.

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

[0429] The right-hand screen in Figure 7-1 shows, as an example rather than a limitation, a state where the group name "Work" or its corresponding icon has been long-pressed among multiple chat room information. In this case, the preview display PV1 of the destination chat room is shown from the bottom to the top of the display unit 24.

[0430] In this preview display PV1, as an example rather than a limitation, the top of the preview display shows text indicating that it is a chat room for the group named "Work" (in this example, "Work"), and in parentheses to the right of it, the number indicating the number of members in this group (in this example, the number "4") is displayed. Below that, the names of the members belonging to this group (in this example, "AA", "BB", "XX", and "YY") and their corresponding icons are displayed. Furthermore, below that, there is a chat area for members of this chat room to communicate. The left side of the screen displays messages from the other users BB, XX, and YY, while the right side displays messages from the user AA, who is the user in question.

[0431] In this example, the first users are users AA and BB, and the second users are users XX and YY. Therefore, the usernames and corresponding icons for the first users (users AA and BB) are displayed in the normal manner (usernames: regular font, icons: no emphasized icon), while the usernames and corresponding icons for the second users (users XX and YY) are displayed in a special manner (usernames: bold font, icons: with emphasized icon).

[0432] Furthermore, in this example, the chat area used for members of the chat room to communicate is hatched, which reduces the visibility of the chat area and makes it difficult for users to recognize the content of the conversation.

[0433] <Effects of the 7th Example> In this embodiment, terminal 20 displays a second chat room containing multiple users, including the user of terminal 20, on the display unit 24 based on input to terminal 20 where chat room information is displayed. In this case, terminal 20 is configured to display at least some of the users included in the second chat room in a different manner. One example of the effects of this configuration is that it prevents the user of the terminal from mistakenly identifying the second chat room that has been moved.

[0434] In this case, the multiple users include a first user included in the first chat room and a second user not included in the first chat room, and terminal 20 can perform processing to make the display of the first user and the second user different. One example of the effects of this configuration is that it allows the user of the terminal to easily distinguish between a first user included in the first chat room and a second user not included in the first chat room.

[0435] Furthermore, this embodiment shows a configuration in which terminal 20 displays the second talk room on the display unit 24 in a display manner different from when terminal 20 displays the second talk room without moving from the first talk room, based on input to terminal 20 where talk room information is displayed (not limited to, but an example of a fourth input). One example of the effects of this configuration is that the user of the terminal can easily identify the second chat room they are going to without having to move from the first chat room.

[0436] Furthermore, this embodiment shows a configuration in which the terminal 20 displays a preview of the destination chat room (not limited to an example of a display related to the second chat room to be moved to) on the display unit 24 based on a long press operation (not limited to an example of a fifth input to the first display) on the displayed chat room information (not limited to an example of a first display), and displays information such as the names of users included in the second chat room (not limited to an example of users included in the second chat room) on the display unit 24. One example of the effects of this configuration is that, without having to move from the first chat room, the user of the terminal can easily identify the second chat room to which they are to move, and the users included in the second chat room to which they are to move.

[0437] <7th variation (1)> In the seventh embodiment, an example was shown in which the display of users belonging to the second chat room is made different to prevent misidentification of the second chat room to which a user has moved, but the embodiment is not limited to this. As an example, and not limited to specific examples, it is also possible to prevent misidentification by including information related to the second chat room that is different from the information used to identify the second chat room in the chat room information.

[0438] In this modified example, the chat room information may include, as an example rather than an limitation, the chat room name and its corresponding icon as information that identifies the second chat room, as well as information related to the second chat room. Specifically, information related to the second chat room is not limited to, but includes examples, • Information that identifies a second chat room that is different from the chat room name and its corresponding icon (not limited to this, but for example, the chat room's background image, etc.) • Attribute information of the chat room (not limited to specifics, but examples include information indicating that it is a favorite, information indicating that it is in a folder, etc.) This can include things like that.

[0439] <Display screen> (1) Example of the first display screen Figure 7-2 shows an example of a screen displayed on the display unit 24 of user AA's terminal 20A. Here, we show an example of a screen where the chat room information includes the background image of the chat room, as described above (1), not as limited information, but as an example of information related to the second chat room.

[0440] This figure shows an example of the display screen when, in the first destination chat room candidate determination process, the chat room with No. "SP01-1" (the chat room that has been displayed many times within the set time) is selected as the destination chat room candidate. Specifically, in the first process of determining the candidate destination chat room, it is assumed that the chat rooms that have been displayed the most times within a set time (not limited to, but as an example, 1 hour) (not limited to, but as an example, the chat room for chatting with the group "Work", the chat room for chatting with the group "Family", and the chat room for chatting with user EE) are determined as the candidate destination chat rooms.

[0441] In the screen shown in Figure 7-2, the CLR display area for the talk room name shows, not as a limitation but as an example, the text indicating that it is a talk room for user AA to talk with user BB (in this example, "BB"). Below that, there is a talk area where user AA and user BB can converse. The left side of the screen displays user BB's message, while the right side displays user AA's message. Furthermore, at the bottom of the chat area, there is a chat room information display area ER1 that displays information for one or more chat rooms (not limited to, but an example of the first display) and is configured so that the user can select the chat room to move to.

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

[0443] On this screen, the talk room information display area ER1 (first talk room information display area ER11, second talk room information display area ER12, third talk room information display area ER13) displays talk room information corresponding to the destination talk room candidate determined in the first destination talk room candidate determination process, not as an example but as an example. Specifically, as multiple chat room information, and not limited to these, but as an example, the first chat room information display area ER11 includes the group name "Work" and its corresponding icon, the second chat room information display area ER12 includes the group name "Family" and its corresponding icon, and the third chat room information display area ER13 includes the username "EE" and its corresponding icon.

[0444] Furthermore, in this example, the background image of the second chat room, which is related to the second chat room, is displayed as chat room information, not as a limitation but as an example, along with the chat room name and its corresponding icon. Specifically, the background image of the chat room corresponding to the group name "Work" is displayed in the first chat room information display area ER11 along with the group name "Work" and its corresponding icon; the background image of the chat room corresponding to the group name "Family" is displayed in the second chat room information display area ER12 along with the group name "Family" and its corresponding icon; and the background image of the chat room corresponding to the username "EE" is displayed in the third chat room information display area ER13 along with the username "EE" and its corresponding icon.

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

[0446] (2) Example of the second display screen Figure 7-3 shows an example of a screen displayed on the display unit 24 of user AA's terminal 20A. Here, we show an example screen where the chat room information includes, as an example rather than being limited to, the attribute information (information indicating that it has been added to favorites) mentioned above, as information related to the second chat room.

[0447] This figure shows an example of the display screen when, in the first destination chat room candidate determination process, the chat room with No. "SP01-1" (the chat room that has been displayed many times within the set time) is selected as the destination chat room candidate. Specifically, in the first process of determining the candidate destination chat room, it is assumed that the chat rooms that have been displayed the most times within a set time (not limited to, but as an example, 1 hour) (not limited to, but as an example, the chat room for chatting with the group "Work", the chat room for chatting with the group "Family", and the chat room for chatting with user EE) are determined as the candidate destination chat rooms.

[0448] Furthermore, in this scenario, we assume that the user of device 20 has registered a chat room for communicating with the group "Family" as a favorite in a messaging service where the user can register any chat room as a favorite.

[0449] In the screen shown in Figure 7-3, the CLR (Collection Level Label) displays text (in this example, "BB") indicating that this is a chat room where user AA is having a conversation with user BB, not as a limitation but as an example. Below that, there is a talk area where user AA and user BB can converse. The left side of the screen displays user BB's message, while the right side displays user AA's message.

[0450] On this screen, the talk room information display area ER1 shows, as an example rather than a limitation, talk room information corresponding to the destination talk room candidate determined in the first destination talk room candidate determination process. Specifically, as part of the multiple chat room information, and not limited to specific examples, multiple chat room information is displayed, including the group name "Work" and its corresponding icon, the group name "Family" and its corresponding icon, and the username "EE" and its corresponding icon.

[0451] Furthermore, in this example, the chat room information, rather than being limited to specific chat rooms, is displayed as an example, along with the chat room name and its corresponding icon, indicating that the second chat room is a favorite. Specifically, a star-shaped icon indicating that the group name "Family" is favorited is displayed in the upper left corner of the corresponding icon.

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

[0453] This modified example shows a configuration in which the terminal 20 is controlled by the control unit 21 to display information related to the second talk room in association with the talk room information. As an example of the effects obtained by this configuration, by displaying information related to the second chat room in association with the first display, it is possible to prevent the terminal user from misidentifying the second chat room they are planning to move to.

[0454] In this case, the chat room information may include the icon image of the second chat room (not limited to, but an example of the first image information used to identify the second chat room), and the information related to the second chat room may include the background image of the second chat room or a mark indicating that the second chat room has been added to favorites (not limited to, but an example of the second image information different from the first image information). As an example of the effects of this configuration, the first image information allows the terminal user to identify the second chat room, while the second image information, which is different from the first image information, prevents the terminal user from misidentifying the second chat room they are supposed to move to.

[0455] <7th variation (2)> In the seventh embodiment, an example was shown in which the display of users belonging to the second chat room is changed when switching to the second chat room to prevent misidentification of the switched chat room, but the embodiment is not limited to this. As an example, and not limited to this, as a method to prevent misidentification of the switched chat room, when switching to the second chat room, the display of information about the second chat room may be made different from that of users belonging to the second chat room, or it may not be made so.

[0456] As an example, not limited to this, when switching to the second chat room, the chat room image of the second chat room can be displayed in a way that emphasizes it. Specifically, as an example, not limited to this, the chat room name of the second chat room can be displayed in bold, the background image of the second chat room can be displayed with animation, or the outer frame of the second chat room can be displayed with a thick line.

[0457] <Eighth Example> The eighth embodiment is an embodiment of a method for enabling a user to recognize the source (previous) chat room when switching chat rooms, and a method for enabling the user to return to the source chat room. The contents described in the eighth embodiment are applicable to any of the other embodiments or other modifications. Furthermore, components identical to those previously mentioned are given the same symbols, and their explanation is omitted.

[0458] In this embodiment, terminal 20 displays a second chat room (for example, the currently displayed chat room) on the display unit 24, then moves from this second chat room to the first chat room (for example, the previously displayed chat room) and displays a second display (for example, information about the source chat room corresponding to the next chat room to be displayed) on the display unit 24. Then, based on the input to this second display, terminal 20 performs a second process (for example, a chat room switching process) related to the display of the first chat room using the control unit 21 of terminal 20.

[0459] In this embodiment, "Originating Talk Room Information" will be used as an example of a second display. Originating Talk Room Information is a type of talk room information associated with a talk room in a messaging service, and more specifically, a type of talk room information associated with the original talk room. This source chat room information is not limited to, but includes, for example, information associated with a chat room, such as the chat room name (text information), chat room icon image (image information), and chat room identifier (identification information), which may be entered by the user or assigned by the messaging service. It may include any one of these, or a combination of two or more, or not.

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

[0461] In this embodiment, when displaying the source chat room information, information that allows the user to identify it as a type of chat room information corresponding to the source chat room (for example, an icon including a left-pointing arrow) is displayed at a predetermined location (for example, the upper left of the source chat room information), not limited to this location.

[0462] In this embodiment, as an example and not an limitation, a chat room information display area is provided at the bottom of the currently displayed chat room screen, where the user can select the destination chat room, and where information on one or more chat rooms (not an limitation, but an example of the first display) is displayed. In the leftmost area of ​​this talk room information display area ER1, there is a source talk room information display area ER4 that can display information about the source talk room.

[0463] <Display screen> Figure 8-1 shows an example of the screen transitions displayed on the display unit 24 of user AA's terminal 20A.

[0464] This figure shows an example of the display screen when, in the first destination chat room candidate determination process, the chat room with No. "SP01-1" (the chat room that has been displayed many times within the set time) is selected as the destination chat room candidate. Specifically, in the first process of determining the candidate destination chat room, it is assumed that, as an example and not limited to, chat rooms that have been displayed a large number of times within a set time (as an example and not limited to, 1 hour) are determined as the candidate destination chat room (as an example and not limited to, chat rooms for chatting with user CC, chat rooms for chatting with user DD, and chat rooms for chatting with user EE).

[0465] In the left screen of Figure 8-1, the chat room name display area CLR shows text (in this example, "BB") indicating that it is a chat room where user AA is having a conversation with user BB, not as a limitation but as an example. In this example, the talk room information display area ER1 displays talk room information corresponding to the destination talk room candidate determined in the first destination talk room candidate determination process, not as an example but as an example. Specifically, multiple chat room information entries are displayed, including the username "CC" and its corresponding icon, the username "DD" and its corresponding icon, and the username "EE" and its corresponding icon. Below that, there is a talk area where user AA and user BB can converse. The left side of the screen displays user BB's message, while the right side displays user AA's message.

[0466] Furthermore, this screen, as an example rather than a limited one, shows the state when the username "CC" or its corresponding icon has been tapped among multiple chat room information. In this case, the display switches from the chat room with user BB (first chat room) to the chat room with user CC (second chat room). As a result, the screen shown in the center of Figure 8-1 is displayed, as an example rather than a limited one.

[0467] This screen is a chat room for user AA to communicate with user CC. It's not limited to this specific room, but as an example, the chat room name display area (CLR) shows text indicating that it's the chat room for user "CC" (in this example, "CC"). Below that, there is a talk area where User AA and User CC can converse. The left side of the screen displays User CC's message, while the right side displays User AA's message.

[0468] Furthermore, the chat room information display area ER1 at the bottom of the screen shows multiple icon-type chat room information, not as a limited selection, but as an example. Specifically, the source chat room information display area ER4 of the chat room information display area ER1 displays source chat room information including the username "BB" and its corresponding icon, not as an example but as an example. In the area of ​​the chat room information display area ER1 to the right of the source chat room information display area ER4, multiple icon-type chat room information is displayed, including the username "DD" and its corresponding icon, and the username "EE" and its corresponding icon.

[0469] Furthermore, in this example, the designated location (not limited to, but for example, the upper left of the source chat room information) of the icon corresponding to the source chat room information displays information that identifies the source chat room, as well as information that identifies the user as returning to the source chat room. Specifically, the icon corresponding to user BB displays a left-pointing arrow in the upper left corner, indicating that it will return to the original chat room.

[0470] Furthermore, this screen, as an example rather than a limited one, shows the state when the username "BB" or its corresponding icon (source chat room information) is tapped among multiple chat room information. In this case, the display switches from the chat room with the other party as user CC (second chat room) to the chat room with the other party as user BB (first chat room). As a result, the screen shown on the right of Figure 8-1 is displayed, as an example rather than a limited one.

[0471] This screen is a chat room for user AA to communicate with user BB. It's not limited to this specific room, but as an example, the chat room name display area (CLR) shows text indicating that it's a chat room for user "BB" (in this example, "BB"). Below that, there is a talk area where user AA and user BB can converse. The left side of the screen displays user BB's message, while the right side displays user AA's message.

[0472] Furthermore, the chat room information display area ER1 at the bottom of the screen shows information for multiple chat rooms, not as a limited selection, but as an example. Specifically, the source chat room information display area ER4 of the chat room information display area ER1 displays source chat room information including the username "CC" and its corresponding icon, not as an example but as an example. In the area of ​​the chat room information display area ER1 to the right of the source chat room information display area ER4, multiple chat room information is displayed, including the username "DD" and its corresponding icon, and the username "EE" and its corresponding icon.

[0473] Furthermore, in this example, the designated location (not limited to, but for example, the upper left of the source chat room information) of the icon corresponding to the source chat room information displays information that identifies the source chat room, as well as information that identifies the user as returning to the source chat room. Specifically, the upper left corner of the icon corresponding to the user CC displays an icon that includes a left-pointing arrow indicating that it will return to the original chat room.

[0474] Furthermore, if the user transitions in the order of the screen on the left in Figure 8-1 → the screen in the center of Figure 8-1 → the screen on the right in Figure 8-1, the control unit 21 of the terminal 20 may, for example, not be limited to, display a notification in the first chat room (the chat room on the left screen of Figure 8-1) regarding the transition from the first chat room (the chat room on the left screen of Figure 8-1) to the second chat room (the chat room on the center screen of Figure 8-1) and then back to the first chat room (the chat room on the left screen of Figure 8-1). In this case, it's not limited to a specific format; for example, a message such as "You've returned to the original chat room" could be displayed as a pop-up in the center of the screen, or as a push notification at the top of the screen.

[0475] Furthermore, notification may be provided through methods other than display. For example, the control unit 21 of terminal 20 may notify the user of terminal 20 that they have returned to the original chat room by controlling the vibration unit (not shown) of terminal 20 to vibrate the casing (vibration function), controlling the sound output unit 26 of terminal 20 to output a specific sound (for example, a voice message informing that they have returned to the original chat room, a specific sound effect, etc.), or controlling the light-emitting unit (not shown) of terminal 20 to light up, or it may not.

[0476] <Effects of the 8th Example> In this embodiment, terminal 20 displays the second chat room on the display unit 24. Then, terminal 20 displays source chat room information (not limited to, but an example of a second display relating to moving from the second chat room to the first chat room and displaying the first chat room on the display unit 24) on the displayed second chat room.The terminal 20 is configured such that the control unit 21 performs the process of switching the display from the second chat room to the first chat room based on the input of source chat room information. One example of the effects of this configuration is that when moving from the first chat room to the second chat room, the second display makes it easy to recognize the original first chat room. Furthermore, based on input to the terminal displaying the second display, it becomes possible to easily return to the original first chat room.

[0477] In this case, if terminal 20 switches the display from the second chat room to the first chat room based on input for the source chat room information, after moving from the first chat room to the second chat room, a message indicating that the user has moved from the second chat room to the first chat room (not limited to, but an example of a notification regarding the move from the second chat room to the first chat room after moving from the first chat room to the second chat room) can be displayed on the display unit 24. One example of the effects of this configuration is that, after moving from the first chat room to the second chat room, the user of the terminal can easily recognize that they have moved from the second chat room to the first chat room.

[0478] In this case, terminal 20 can also display information about the source chat room (not limited to, but an example of information about the first chat room) in the second chat room based on input regarding the chat room information displayed in the first chat room. As an example of the effects of this configuration, based on the input to the first display, the user of the terminal can be made to confirm the original first chat room in the second chat room. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0479] 1. Communication System 10 servers 20 devices 30 Networks

Claims

[Claim 1] A program executed by a terminal that performs processing related to a service that includes at least a chat function, To display the first chat room, including the user of the terminal, on the display unit of the terminal, If predetermined conditions are met, the terminal displays a first display prompting the user to display one or more second chat rooms different from the first chat room on the display unit; if the predetermined conditions are not met, the terminal does not display the first display on the display unit. The aforementioned predetermined condition includes at least one of the following: there is newly received content in the second chat room, or there is a mention posted to the user of the terminal in the second chat room. program.

Images