DATA PROCESSING METHOD, DATA PROCESSING APPARATUS, AND DATA PROCESSING PROGRAM

Abstract

A data processing method according to an embodiment is used in an online communication system. The data processing method comprises: registering, for each user, a registration name and a false name in a user database in the online communication system; displaying (S23), on a display device, registration names as user names of users who allow the mutual disclosure of information; and displaying (S24), on a display device, false names as user names of users who do not allow the mutual disclosure of information.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The embodiments relate to a data processing method, a data processing device, and a data processing program. [Background technology]

[0002] Friendships in communities where strangers gather, such as university freshmen, are built by people who are physically close to each other gradually disclosing information about each other through everyday interactions, such as class content and general topics. On the other hand, it is possible to imagine situations in which face-to-face interactions are limited and friendship building is restricted to online communication only. Well-known technologies used for online communication include social networking services (SNS) that use real names or pseudonyms (e.g., handle names) and anonymous bulletin boards. [Prior art documents] [Non-patent literature]

[0003] [Non-Patent Document 1] Kenichi Ishii, "'Strong Ties' and 'Weak Ties' SNS: A Comparison of Personal Information Disclosure and Interpersonal Relationships," [online], March 25, 2012, Journal of the Japan Society of Information and Communication Engineers, Vol. 29, No. 3 (2011), [Retrieved June 8, 2021], Internet<URL: https: / / www.jstage.jst.go.jp / article / jsicr / 29 / 3 / 29_3_3_25 / _pdf / -char / ja> [Non-Patent Document 2] Akiko Orita, “Social Media and Anonymity (<Special Feature> Twitter and Social Media=”, [online], January 2012, Journal of the Japanese Society for Artificial Intelligence Vol. 27 No. 1 (January 2012), [Retrieved June 8, 2021], Internet<URL:https: / / www.jstage.jst.go.jp / article / jjsai / 27 / 1 / 27_59 / _pdf / -char / ja> Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, because SNS first discloses personal information to the entire community, there is a risk of unintentional identification of individuals. For this reason, the psychological hurdle for users to use SNS is high. On the other hand, anonymous bulletin boards have the problem that it is impossible to build relationships with specific people because they are limited to anonymous communication.

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT EMBODIMENT An object of the present invention is to create an online communication system that enables a user to communicate with a specific person without disclosing personal information to the entire community, while building friendships with specific people. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A data processing method according to an embodiment is used in an online communication system. The data processing method includes registering a registered name and a pseudonym for each user in a user database of the online communication system, displaying the registered name on a display device as the user name of a user who has mutually permitted information disclosure, and displaying the pseudonym on a display device as the user name of a user who has not mutually permitted information disclosure. Effect of the Invention

[0007] The data processing method according to the embodiment can realize communication without disclosing personal information to the entire community, and while disclosing personal information to specific others. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of use of an online communication system according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a server device according to the embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a terminal device according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the online communication system according to the embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a table showing an example of a user database stored in a storage unit included in the online communication system according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a table showing an example of a communication log database stored in a storage unit included in the online communication system according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a user registration process in the online communication system according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a log display process in the online communication system according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing a specific example of use of the online communication system according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. The embodiments illustrate devices and methods for embodying the technical ideas of the invention. The drawings are schematic or conceptual. In the following description, components having substantially the same functions and configurations are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0010] <Embodiment> The online communication system 1 according to the embodiment provides communication means such as bulletin boards and SNS that can be used for online communication between multiple users. The online communication system 1 according to the embodiment will be described in detail below. In this specification, a "real name" corresponds to a real-world name of a user, such as a real name. A "pseudonym (alias)" corresponds to a name created by a user, such as a handle name. "Anonymous" corresponds to a name common to all users that is set so that it is not clear which user posted the content, or corresponds to a state in which the name is not displayed.

[0011] <1> composition FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of use of an online communication system 1 according to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the online communication system 1 includes, for example, a server device 10 and at least one terminal device 20. The server device 10 and the at least one terminal device 20 are configured to be able to communicate with each other via a network NW. In this example, three terminal devices 20A, 20B, and 20C are connected to the network NW. For example, the terminal devices 20A, 20B, and 20C are mobile terminals managed and owned by users U1, U2, and U3, respectively.

[0012] The online communication system 1 provides a means of communication between a plurality of users U1 to U3, for example, by a communication application CA. By using the communication application CA, the users U1 to U3 can exchange messages in text format between the plurality of users, like a bulletin board or SNS. For example, when an exchange of messages occurs between a plurality of users, the communication application CA associates each message with the user name who posted the message and displays the message on the terminal device 20. In the online communication system 1, the user name displayed on the terminal device 20 at this time is changed according to the disclosure setting for each user. Details of this operation will be described later. The communication application CA may also display an icon together with the user name on the terminal device 20.

[0013] <1-1> Hardware configuration of server device 10 Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the server device 10 according to the embodiment. As shown in Fig. 2, the server device 10 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 12, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 13, a communication device 14, and a storage device 15.

[0014] The CPU 11 is an integrated circuit capable of executing various programs. The CPU 11 executes a program deployed in the RAM 13, for example, to realize a part of the functions of the online communication system 1.

[0015] The ROM 12 is a non-volatile semiconductor memory that stores programs for controlling the server device 10, control data, and the like.

[0016] The RAM 13 is, for example, a volatile semiconductor memory, and is used as a working area for the CPU 11.

[0017] The communication device 14 is a communication circuit configured to be connectable to the network NW. The server device 10 transfers message data and the like received via the communication device 14 to the storage device 15.

[0018] The storage device 15 is a non-volatile storage device, and stores, for example, user data and a communication log related to the communication application CA.

[0019] <1-2> Hardware configuration of terminal device 20 3 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the terminal device 20 according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the terminal device 20 includes, for example, a CPU 21, a ROM 22, a RAM 23, an input interface (input IF) 24, a communication device 25, a storage device 26, and a display device 27.

[0020] The CPU 21 is an integrated circuit capable of executing various programs. The CPU 21 executes a program deployed in the RAM 23, for example, to realize a part of the functions of the online communication system 1.

[0021] The ROM 22 is a non-volatile semiconductor memory that stores programs for controlling the terminal device 20, control data, and the like.

[0022] The RAM 23 is, for example, a volatile semiconductor memory, and is used as a working area for the CPU 21.

[0023] The input interface 24 is an input device used for inputting various information and messages to the communication application CA.

[0024] The communication device 25 is a communication circuit configured to be connectable to the network NW wirelessly or wired. The communication device 25 transmits message data and the like to the server device 10 via the network NW, and receives a communication log and the like from the server device 10.

[0025] The storage device 26 is a non-volatile storage device, and stores, for example, cache data of a communication log related to the communication application CA.

[0026] The display device 27 is a display capable of displaying information of the communication application CA. Various types of displays may be used as the display device 27. If the display device 27 has a touch panel function, it may be used as the input interface 24.

[0027] <1-3> Functional configuration of online communication system 1 Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of the online communication system 1 according to the embodiment. As shown in Fig. 4, the online communication system 1 includes, for example, a storage unit 30, a control unit 40, an input unit 41, a display unit 42, a user management unit 43, a pseudonym generation unit 44, a log management unit 45, and a disclosure control unit 46.

[0028] The storage unit 30 corresponds to, for example, the storage device 15 of the server device 10, and stores data managed by the communication application CA. Specifically, the storage unit 30 stores a user database 31 and a communication log database 32. The user database 31 includes information on users who use the communication application CA. The communication log database 32 includes information such as messages posted via the communication application CA, and records communication contents such as bulletin boards and individual chats.

[0029] The control unit 40 corresponds to, for example, the CPU 21 of the terminal device 20, and controls the overall operation of the online communication system 1. For example, the control unit 40 executes a communication application CA, and causes the display unit 42 to display a user interface of the communication application CA. In addition, the control unit 40 controls the user management unit 43 and the log management unit 45 based on instructions received from the input unit 41.

[0030] The input unit 41 corresponds to the input interface 24 of the terminal device 20, and transfers a signal based on a user's operation to the control unit 40. Specifically, the input unit 41 transfers personal information, messages, and the like input by the user to the control unit 40.

[0031] The display unit 42 corresponds to the display device 27 of the terminal device 20 and can be viewed by a user. The display unit 42 displays an image based on an instruction from the control unit 40 or the log management unit 45.

[0032] The user management unit 43 corresponds to the CPU 11 of the server device 10 or the CPU 21 of the terminal device 20, and manages information on users who use the online communication system 1. The user management unit 43 can update the user database 31 based on a user registration process described later or a user request.

[0033] The pseudonym generation unit 44 corresponds to the CPU 11 of the server device 10 or the CPU 21 of the terminal device 20, and generates a pseudonym associated with a new user when the new user is registered in the online communication system 1. The pseudonym is a name that is unique on the online communication system 1. The generated pseudonym is then associated with the new user and registered in the user database 31.

[0034] The log management unit 45 corresponds to the CPU 11 of the server device 10 or the CPU 21 of the terminal device 20, and manages processing related to the communication log of the online communication system 1. The log management unit 45 can update the communication log database 32 based on messages and other posts by users. Furthermore, the log management unit 45 can display the user name associated with the communication log on the display unit 42 in a desired state by a log display process described later.

[0035] The disclosure control unit 46 corresponds to the CPU 11 of the server device 10 or the CPU 21 of the terminal device 20, and refers to the user database 31 based on an instruction from the log management unit 45. For example, the disclosure control unit 46 instructs the log management unit 45 to display the user name according to the disclosure state set for the viewer user and the disclosure state set for other users.

[0036] <1-4> User database 31 configuration Fig. 5 is a table showing an example of a user database 31 stored in the storage unit 30 included in the online communication system 1 according to the embodiment. As shown in Fig. 5, the user database 31 includes user information and disclosure settings. The user information includes, for example, a "user ID (identifier)", a "registered name", a "pseudonym", and "pre-disclosure information".

[0037] The user ID is an identifier assigned to each user of the online communication system 1. In this example, "1001", "1002", "1003", and "1004" are assigned as user IDs. Other formats may be used as the user ID as long as they allow identification of each user.

[0038] The registered name is a name input by a user when the user registers with the online communication system 1. For example, a real name or a pseudonym (alias) is used as the registered name. In this example, "XXX", "YYY", "ZZZ", and "WWW" are registered in association with user IDs "1001", "1002", "1003", and "1004", respectively, as the registered names input for each user.

[0039] The pseudonym is a name that is automatically generated by the online communication system 1 when a user is registered, and is generated without the user's intention. In this example, the automatically generated pseudonyms "cat", "rabbit", "bear", and "dog" are registered in association with the user IDs "1001", "1002", "1003", and "1004", respectively.

[0040] The pre-disclosure information is personal information input by the user at the time of user registration. The pre-disclosure information can be referenced by other users even in a state where disclosure is not permitted, which will be described later. Note that the pre-disclosure information may be omitted from the user database 31, or multiple types of pre-disclosure information may be provided.

[0041] The disclosure setting stores, for each user ID, the disclosure settings for other user IDs registered in the user database 31. In this example, "0" is assigned to the disclosure non-permission setting and "1" is assigned to the disclosure permission setting in the user database 31. The online communication system 1 may use other methods for registering the disclosure settings as long as the user's disclosure setting can be identified.

[0042] <1-5>Communication Log Database 32 Configuration Fig. 6 is a table showing an example of the communication log database 32 stored in the storage unit 30 included in the online communication system 1 according to the embodiment. As shown in Fig. 6, the communication log database 32 includes, for example, a "user ID", a "date and time", and a "communication content" for each created community.

[0043] In the communication log database 32, the "user ID" corresponds to the ID of the user who posted a message, etc. The "date and time" indicates, for example, the date and time (Y / M / D) when communication content posted by a certain user was registered in the communication log database 32. The "communication content" corresponds to text, etc. (message, etc.) posted by a certain user. In this way, the communication log database 32 can record pairs of communication content and user ID in chronological order.

[0044] <2> operation In the online communication system 1 according to the embodiment, the user name associated with the communication log is basically displayed as "pseudonym" or "anonymous", and only interested users can see the "pseudonym, alias" or "real name". The operation of the online communication system 1 according to the embodiment will be described in detail below.

[0045] <2-1> User registration process 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a user registration process of the online communication system 1 according to the embodiment. Hereinafter, the flow of the user registration process of the online communication system 1 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0046] The user management unit 43 starts the user registration process in response to a user registration operation for the online communication system 1 by the user (START).

[0047] First, the user management unit 43 assigns a new user ID to this user registration process (step S10). The new user ID is set so as not to overlap with any existing user ID already used in the online communication system 1.

[0048] Next, the user management unit 43 causes the pseudonym generation unit 44 to generate a pseudonym that is not duplicated in the user database 31 (step S11). The pseudonym generation unit 44 may generate a pseudonym by a combination of specific words or phrases, or may change the type of pseudonym that can be used for each community. An example of a pseudonym is "blue bear." The pseudonym generation unit 44 generates a unique pseudonym on the online communication system 1, for example, by adding a modifier indicating a color (e.g., "blue") to a name (e.g., "bear") generated as a base name.

[0049] Next, the user management unit 43 registers the input user information and the generated pseudonym in the user database 31 in association with a new user ID (step S12). Specifically, the user management unit registers the new user ID in the user database 31, and registers the "registered name" input by the user, the "pseudonym" generated by the pseudonym generation unit 44, and the disclosure setting between the existing user ID in association with the new user ID. The initial setting of the disclosure setting between the existing user ID is, for example, "0 (disclosure not permitted)". The initial setting of the disclosure setting may be configured to be changeable according to the user's wishes.

[0050] When the process of step S12 is completed, the user management unit 43 ends the series of processes in FIG.

[0051] <2-2> Log display process flow 8 is a flowchart showing an example of a log display process of the online communication system 1 according to the embodiment. Hereinafter, the flow of the log display process of the online communication system 1 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0052] The log management unit 45 starts the display process in response to detecting an access to the communication log by a user (START).

[0053] First, the log management unit 45 reads out a communication log designated by the user from the communication log database 32, and displays the communication content of the read communication log on the display unit 42 (step S20).

[0054] Next, the log management unit 45 checks the user ID related to the read communication log (step S21). In other words, the log management unit 45 checks the user ID who posted the message to the communication log. Note that, when the communication log is in the form of a community in which multiple user IDs participate, the log management unit 45 may check all user IDs belonging to the community.

[0055] Next, the log management unit 45 causes the disclosure control unit 46 to confirm the disclosure settings of the confirmed user ID and the viewer's user ID (step S22). Specifically, the disclosure control unit 46 refers to the user database 31 and compares the disclosure settings associated with the viewer's user ID with the disclosure settings associated with the confirmed user ID. Then, it is confirmed whether the disclosure settings between the viewer's user ID and each of the confirmed user IDs are mutually disclosure-permitted settings.

[0056] Next, the log management unit 45 causes the display unit 42 to display the registered name in the user database 31 as the user name of the user ID for which mutual disclosure is permitted (step S23). For example, the log management unit 45 causes the display unit 42 to display the registered name associated with the user ID in association with a message posted by the user ID confirmed by the disclosure control unit 46 to be mutually permitted to disclose.

[0057] Next, the log management unit 45 causes the display unit 42 to display the registered name in the user database 31 as the user name of the user ID for which mutual disclosure is permitted (step S24). For example, the log management unit 45 causes the display unit 42 to display a pseudonym associated with the user ID in association with a message posted by the user ID confirmed by the disclosure control unit 46 as not being mutually permitted to disclose.

[0058] When the process of step S24 is completed, the log management unit 45 ends the series of processes in FIG. 8 (END).

[0059] <2-3> Specific examples of use of online communication system 1 Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram showing a specific example of the use of the online communication system 1 according to the embodiment. A specific example of the use of the online communication system 1 according to the embodiment will be described below with reference to (A), (B), (C), (D), and (E) in Fig. 9, which are arranged in chronological order.

[0060] FIG. 9A shows an overview of user registration processing by user U1. In this example, user U1 uses the registration name "XXX" to register with the online communication system 1. Then, the registration name "XXX" is associated with a new user ID and registered in the user database (user DB) 31. Then, the pseudonym generating unit 44 generates a pseudonym "cat" that does not exist in the user database 31 and associates it with the new user ID, and registers it in the user database 31. Although not shown in the figure, in this example, users U2 and U3 also perform user registration in the same way, and the registration name "YYY" and pseudonym "rabbit" of user U2 and the registration name "ZZZ" and pseudonym "bear" of user U3 are registered in the user database 31.

[0061] FIG. 9B shows the state of communication between users U1 and U2 before mutual disclosure is permitted. At this time, the user names (disclosure state) displayed between users U1 and U2 are pseudonyms (initial state). Specifically, when a message is posted by each of users U1 and U2, the disclosure control unit 46 confirms that the disclosure state between users U1 and U2 is "disclosure not permitted". As a result, the terminal device 20 of user U1 displays the pseudonym "rabbit" as the user name of user U2, and the terminal device 20 of user U2 displays the pseudonym "cat" as the user name of user U1. In this way, in the initial state, communication between users is performed using pseudonyms. Each user can distinguish the other by the pseudonym assigned to each user. Each user can also post messages, etc., anonymously (without a name) at his / her discretion.

[0062] FIG. 9 (C) shows a situation where user U1 permits disclosure of personal information to a pseudonym "Usagi" (user U2) (U1→U2 disclosure permission). In this example, when user U1 registers disclosure permission for the pseudonym "Usagi" (U2 disclosure permission), user U2 does not register disclosure permission for user U1 (U1 disclosure not permitted). In other words, since users U1 and U2 are not mutually set to permit disclosure, the user names displayed in the exchanges between users U1 and U2 remain pseudonyms. Each user can also register disclosure permission for specific messages posted anonymously (without a name). User U2 may or may not be notified that user U1 has permitted user U2 to disclose personal information.

[0063] FIG. 9 (D) shows a situation where user U2 permits disclosure of personal information to a pseudonym "cat" (user U1) (U2→U1 disclosure permission). By user U1 registering disclosure permission for the pseudonym "rabbit", the disclosure settings between user U1 and user U2 become mutual disclosure permission settings (disclosure permission established / matching established). Then, the display of each user's user name between users U1 and U2 is changed to the registered name (real name, etc.). Specifically, when each of users U1 and U2 posts a message, the disclosure control unit 46 confirms that the disclosure status between users U1 and U2 is "disclosure permitted". As a result, the terminal device 20 of user U1 displays the registered name "YYY" as the user name of user U2, and the terminal device 20 of user U2 displays the registered name "XXX" as the user name of user U1. After matching is established, personal information registered for each user after disclosure permission can be viewed between users U1 and U2.

[0064] FIG. 9 (E) represents a situation in which user U3, who is in a relationship of non-disclosure with both users U1 and U2, views the exchanges after disclosure permission in FIG. 9 (C) and (D). In this case, when each of users U1 and U2 posts a message, the user name displayed between users U1 and U2 is the registered name, as described with reference to FIG. 9 (D). On the other hand, user U3 can view each of the messages of users U1 and U2, but is in a relationship of non-disclosure with both users U1 (pseudonym: cat) and user U2 (pseudonym: rabbit) (U1, U2 disclosure not permitted). Therefore, the user name of user U1 seen by user U3 is the pseudonym "cat", and the user name of user U2 seen by user U3 is the pseudonym "rabbit". Similarly, the user name of user U3 seen by each of users U1 and U2 is the pseudonym "bear". In other words, registered names are displayed between users who are matched, and pseudonyms or anonymous names are displayed between users who are not matched.

[0065] <3> Effects of the embodiment In the online communication system 1 according to the embodiment, a pseudonym for each user is automatically generated, suppressing the risk of individual identification of the user by unspecified other companies. As a result, the user can lower the psychological hurdle of communication using the online communication system 1. Also, by referring to the pseudonym assigned to each user, the user can communicate with the other party while distinguishing them. Furthermore, by setting the disclosure permission setting to any user, the user can have more intimate exchanges with the specific user with whom the disclosure permission setting has been mutually set, and the online communication system 1 can be utilized to build friendships.

[0066] The online communication system 1 can also handle anonymous (anonymous) posting and responses. That is, a user can see responses from other users by posting anonymously (anonymously) to the online communication system 1. The user can also set disclosure permissions for users who posted anonymously (anonymously). This allows users to use their interests in specific hobbies or topics as a starting point for communication and can lead to the building of new human relationships.

[0067] As described above, the data processing method used in the online communication system 1 of the embodiment makes it possible to realize communication without disclosing personal information to the entire community, and while disclosing personal information to specific others.

[0068] In addition, the online communication system 1 allows users to keep the fact that disclosure permission has been registered anonymously. Keeping the registration of disclosure permission anonymous can, for example, reduce the psychological stress felt by a user who gives disclosure permission, thinking that "it may seem like I am requesting disclosure permission from the other party as well," and reduce the psychological stress felt by a user who has received disclosure permission, thinking that "since disclosure has been registered, it may be rude to the other party if I do not also give disclosure permission."

[0069] <4> Variations, etc. In the embodiment, the disclosure setting is exemplified as having two types, "disclosure permitted" and "disclosure not permitted", but is not limited thereto. The online communication system 1 may set three or more types of disclosure permission levels that specify the other party. Specifically, just as there are levels in human relationships, the disclosure setting may be provided with a plurality of disclosure levels, such as "stranger (initial state)", "acquaintance", and "friend". When a plurality of disclosure levels are provided, the user registers personal information to be disclosed for each disclosure level in the user database 31. For example, when the disclosure permission levels of the two users are the same, the online communication system 1 displays or hides personal information according to the disclosure permission level. In addition, when the disclosure permission level of one user is higher than the disclosure permission level of the other user, the online communication system 1 displays personal information according to, for example, the lower disclosure permission level between the users.

[0070] When the user has the choice between "no disclosure permitted (pseudonym)" and "disclosure permitted (registered name)", the user may forget what kind of communication he or she has had with the pseudonym in the past (for example, whether the pseudonym is a user with whom he or she has had previous interactions, or a user with the pseudonym with whom he or she has had his or her first interaction). In this regard, the online communication system 1 may have a function of recording communication history and relationships with other users without showing them to others. In other words, the online communication system 1 may have a function of displaying communication history in addition to displaying user information. This allows the user to check the communication history for each pseudonym, making it easier to deepen personal relationships with people who are pseudonyms. In addition, when disclosure is permitted mutually, the pseudonym may be written together with the registered name. This allows the user to communicate with an unspecified number of people without inconvenience, even when the user who displays the registered name is called by a pseudonym.

[0071] In the embodiment, the online communication system 1 is used for exchanging messages as an example, but the online communication system 1 may be used for exchanging illustrated images or various data files. The online communication system 1 is not limited to use in an environment where multiple people can view the online communication system 1, such as a community or a bulletin board thread, and may be used for one-to-one communication. In the embodiment, the user uses the communication application CA, but the operation described in the embodiment may be provided as a web service such as a bulletin board or SNS. In each of the flowcharts shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, the order of processing may be changed to the extent possible, or other processing may be added, as long as the same results as those in the embodiment can be obtained.

[0072] The hardware configurations of the server device 10 and the terminal device 20 described in the embodiment may be other configurations as long as the operations described in the embodiment can be realized. The classification of the functional configuration of the online communication system 1 described in the embodiment is merely an example. The CPU 11 of the server device 10 and the CPU 21 of the terminal device 20 may be other circuits. For example, instead of the CPUs 11 and 21, an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), or an FPGA (field-programmable gate array) may be used. The operations described in the embodiment may be realized by dedicated hardware, or may include a mixture of processes executed by software and processes executed by hardware, or may be only one of them. In this specification, the server device 10 may be called a "data processing device", a "data processing server", a "server", etc. The CPUs 11 and 21 may be called a "processor". The ROMs 12 and 22, the RAMs 13 and 23, and the storage devices 15 and 26 may be called a "storage circuit".

[0073] The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, and can be modified in various ways without departing from the gist of the present invention. The embodiments may be combined as appropriate, and in that case, the combined effect can be obtained. Furthermore, the above-mentioned embodiment includes various inventions, and various inventions can be extracted by combinations selected from the multiple components disclosed. For example, if the problem can be solved and the effect can be obtained even if some components are deleted from all the components shown in the embodiment, the configuration from which the components are deleted can be extracted as an invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0074] 1. Online communication system 10. Server equipment 20...Terminal device 11,21…CPU 12,22…ROM 13,23…RAM 14,25…Communication equipment 15,26...Storage device 24…Input interface 27…Display device 30...Storage section 31...User database 32…Communication log database 40...Control unit 41...Input section 42...Display section 43...User Management Department 44…Kana generation section 45…Log Management Department 46...Disclosure Control Unit

Claims

1. A data processing method for use in an online communication system, comprising: registering a registration name and a pseudonym for each user in a user database of the online communication system; The one user may withhold information that the other user has authorized to disclose the information; displaying on a display device the registered names of users who have mutually permitted disclosure of information; displaying on said display device a pseudonym as a user name of a user who has not mutually permitted disclosure of information; A data processing method comprising:

2. A pseudonym for each user is automatically generated so as not to be duplicated in the user database when the user registers with the online communication system.

2. The data processing method according to claim 1.

3. Multiple levels of permission for disclosure of information between users can be set. displaying information corresponding to an authorization level of one user for the other user and an authorization level of the other user for the one user on the display device; Further comprising:

3. The data processing method according to claim 1.

4. A data processing device for use in an online communication system, comprising: a processor for registering a registered name and a pseudonym for each user in a user database of the online communication system, for preventing one user from notifying the other user that he or she has permitted the disclosure of information, for displaying on a display device the registered name as the user name of the user who has mutually permitted the disclosure of information, and for displaying on the display device the pseudonym as the user name of the user who has not mutually permitted the disclosure of information; Data processing device.

5. A pseudonym for each user is automatically generated so as not to be duplicated in the user database when the user registers with the online communication system.

5. A data processing apparatus according to claim 4.

6. The processor, Set multiple permission levels for disclosure of information between users, displaying, on the display device, information according to an authorization level given by one user to the other user and an authorization level given by the other user to the one user; 6. A data processing device according to claim 4 or claim 5.

7. A data processing program for use in an online communication system, comprising: On the computer, registering a registration name and a pseudonym for each user in a user database of the online communication system; The one user may withhold information that the other user has authorized to disclose the information; displaying on a display device the registered names of users who have mutually permitted disclosure of information; displaying on said display device a pseudonym as a user name of a user who has not mutually permitted disclosure of information; A data processing program that executes the above.

Images