COMMUNICATION SUPPORT DEVICE, COMMUNICATION SUPPORT METHOD, COMMUNICATION SUPPORT SYSTEM, AND PROGRAM

Abstract

To provide a technique for suppressing the occurrence of lateness in a meeting and for rewarding a person who is kept waiting even a little. [Solution] The communication support device comprises an event management unit which sets event information including information on the event's meeting place, meeting date and time, participants, and lateness penalty based on input from a user, a lateness management unit which registers latecomers among the participants of the event who are late for the meeting date and time, and a gift management unit which, if there are latecomers, controls the lateness penalty by imposing a penalty on the latecomer based on information on the lateness penalty and presenting gifts to non-latecomers.

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] For example, some people are late when meeting up with friends. Some people have a habit of being late almost every time, even if it is unintentional. The late person does not seem to mind his or her own lateness. On the other hand, the person who is made to wait feels angry toward the late person, as the time spent waiting for the late person is wasted, and as a result, the friendship may deteriorate.

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

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

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-150988 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The technology described in Patent Document 1 penalizes users for being late to a reserved time for a game device, but cannot be applied to users being late to a meeting with friends. In addition, the technology does not take into consideration the people who are being made to wait.

[0007] To provide a technique for preventing lateness when meeting someone and for rewarding those who are kept waiting, even if only a little. [Means for solving the problem]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0016] The gift management unit can present the gift to the non-latecomer in an amount that is increased according to the amount of lateness.

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

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

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

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

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

[0022] A program according to yet another aspect of the present invention causes a computer serving as a terminal device to execute processing including the steps of connecting to a communication support device via a network, accepting input of event information from a user including information regarding the meeting place, meeting date and time, participants, and lateness penalty for the event, transmitting the input to the communication support device, and notifying the communication support device of whether the user will be late based on location information of the terminal device and location information of the meeting place, and at least one of latecomers identified by the user, and the communication support device comprising an event management unit that sets the event information based on input from the user of the terminal device, a lateness management unit that registers latecomers among the participants of the event who are late for the meeting date and time based on the notification from the terminal device, and a gift management unit that, if latecomers are present, controls the lateness penalty to impose a penalty on the latecomer and present gifts to non-latecomers based on information regarding the lateness penalty. Effect of the Invention

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

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

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

[0026] Hereinafter, a number of embodiments according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In all the drawings for describing each embodiment, the same components are generally given the same reference numerals, and the repeated description thereof will be omitted. In addition, in the following embodiments, the components (including element steps, etc.) are not necessarily essential, except when specifically stated otherwise or when it is clearly considered essential in principle. In addition, when it is said that "consists of A," "consists of A," "has A," or "includes A," it does not exclude other elements, except when it is specifically stated that it is only that element. Similarly, in the following embodiments, when referring to the shape, positional relationship, etc. of components, etc., it includes those that are substantially similar or similar to the shape, etc., except when it is specifically stated otherwise or when it is clearly considered not essential in principle.

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

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

[0029] Here, the existing event function of the SNS is for sharing information about an event among multiple users who make up a group of the SNS, and executes the setting of the location and date of the event, confirmation of participation availability, notification when the deadline approaches, etc. The expanded event function in this embodiment further enables the setting of a penalty for latecomers.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0037] The event management unit 212 controls the extended event function. Specifically, based on input from the user, it controls the setting of the date, time and location of the event, the setting of the penalty for latecomers, confirmation of participation, confirmation of participation in the penalty for latecomers, notification when the deadline is approaching, etc.

[0038] The tardiness management unit 213 judges who will be late for the meeting time of the event. The tardiness determination process by the tardiness management unit 213 will be described later. Note that, instead of the tardiness management unit 213 judging who will be late, someone among the participants of the event may judge who will be late and input it. Furthermore, the tardiness management unit 213 manages the tardiness history of users belonging to each group.

[0039] The gift management unit 214 controls the gift settlement process, i.e., the imposition of a penalty on those who are late to an event (for example, charging an amount equivalent to a gift) and the presentation of gifts to those who are not late. The gift management unit 214 also manages the history of penalties imposed when each user is late.

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

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

[0042] Furthermore, instead of or in addition to charging the latecomer an amount equivalent to the gift, a penalty for the latecomer may be imposed by, for example, displaying an advertisement for a specified period on the screen of the terminal device 30 used by the latecomer, or by registering the latecomer's email address with a specified email distribution service so that the latecomer will receive an advertising email.

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0049] The billing information is information used when billing a user, and for example, a credit card number, a bank account, etc. are recorded. The group ID records an identifier for uniquely identifying the group to which the user belongs. If the user belongs to multiple groups, multiple group IDs are recorded. The message information, etc. records messages communicated between users belonging to a group. The gift history records a lateness penalty ID when the user is billed an amount equivalent to a gift as a latecomer, and a lateness penalty ID when the user is given a gift as a non-latecomer. The event history records the event IDs of events in which the user will participate and events that the user has participated in. The lateness billing history records a lateness penalty ID corresponding to an event for which the user was billed as a latecomer.

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

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

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

[0053] The lateness penalty information 223 has columns for recording the event ID, lateness penalty consenter list, consenter ID, lateness gift, latecomer list, and gift history, in correspondence with the lateness penalty ID, which is an identifier for uniquely identifying the lateness penalty.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0070] As for user A, since he is the person who set up the event, he may be considered to participate in the event and the lateness penalty. However, as with users B and C, a response as to whether or not he will participate in the event may be obtained from user A.

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

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

[0073] In this embodiment, in principle, a lateness penalty is applied (a lateness penalty is implemented) only when all participants of the event participate in the lateness penalty, and if there is even one person who does not participate in the lateness penalty, there is no lateness penalty (a lateness penalty is not implemented). However, even if there is someone who does not participate in the lateness penalty, the lateness penalty may be implemented only among those who participate in the lateness penalty.

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

[0075] This concludes the explanation of the event setting process. According to the event setting process, the user can set events, lateness penalties, gifts, etc. Also, the user can check the answers of other users belonging to the same group as to whether or not they will participate in the event or lateness penalties.

[0076] FIG. 10 shows an example of an event notification screen 150 displayed by the event management unit 212 on the terminal device 30 of an event participant immediately before the event date (this can be set by the user; for example, one day before).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0085] This is the end of the latecomer determination process. According to the latecomer determination process, latecomers can be determined fairly without taking into account the individual circumstances of each participant, such as their schedule.

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

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

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

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

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

[0091] The gift settlement process is executed, for example, in response to the latecomer list of the lateness penalty information 223 being updated by the lateness management unit 213.

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

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

[0094] On the other hand, if there is a latecomer, the gift management unit 214 then imposes a penalty on the latecomer to the event as a settlement process, and presents gifts to those who are not late (step S33).The gift management unit 214 then adds a lateness penalty ID corresponding to the lateness penalty to the gift history of the user information 221 corresponding to each of the latecomer and the non-latecomer, and adds a lateness penalty ID corresponding to the lateness penalty to the lateness charge history of the user information 221 corresponding to the latecomer.Furthermore, the gift management unit 214 records the user ID of the latecomer, the user ID of the non-latecomer, and the gift ID of the gift in the gift history of the lateness penalty information 223 corresponding to the lateness penalty.

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

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

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

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

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

[0100] Users belonging to the group can grasp the number of times they were late to an event and the amount they paid, and use it as a lesson to themselves. It is also possible to impose further penalties according to the number of times a user was late in a given period of time.

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

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

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

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

[0105] The virtual space management unit 215 provides each user with a virtual space and controls the behavior of the avatars corresponding to each user and the player characters operated by each user in the virtual space, such as the movement of the avatars. The virtual space may be, for example, a virtual office, a virtual exhibition, or the like, which is an extension of the real space, or a virtual space in a game.

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

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

[0108] According to the communication support system 12, in addition to the functions and effects of the communication support system 11, it is possible to execute a lateness penalty for a meeting in a virtual space.

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

[0110] In addition, each of the above configurations, functions, processing units, processing means, etc. may be realized in hardware, for example, by designing a part or all of them as an integrated circuit. In addition, each of the above configurations, functions, etc. may be realized in software by a processor interpreting and executing a program that realizes each function. Information such as a program, table, file, etc. that realizes each function can be placed in a memory, a recording device such as a hard disk or SSD, or a recording medium such as an IC card, an SD card, or a DVD. In addition, the control lines and information lines are shown as those considered necessary for explanation, and not all control lines and information lines are necessarily shown in the product. In reality, it may be considered that almost all configurations are connected to each other. [Explanation of symbols]

[0111] 11, 12... communication support system, 20... communication support device, 21... processing unit, 211... communication management unit, 212... event management unit, 213... lateness management unit, 214... gift management unit, 215... virtual space management unit, 22... storage unit, 221... user information, 222... event information, 223... lateness penalty information, 224... gift information, 23... communication unit, 30... terminal device, 100... talk screen, 110... event setting screen, 120... event setting notification area, 130... invitation response screen, 140... event invitation result screen, 150... event holding notification screen, 160... latecomer input screen, 170... lateness penalty result screen, 180... lateness history screen

Claims

1. A communication support device that manages lateness penalties for people who are late to an event, regardless of whether or not the event has been reserved, comprising: an event management unit that sets event information including a meeting place, meeting date and time, participants, and information regarding the lateness penalty for the event based on input from a user using a terminal device; a lateness management unit that registers latecomers who are late for the meeting date and time among the participants of the event; a gift management unit that controls the lateness penalty, when the latecomer is present, to charge the latecomer an amount equivalent to a gift to be given to non-latecomers as a penalty based on information regarding the lateness penalty, and to give the non-latecomer the gift that is receivable by the non-latecomer using a terminal device and is not related to the fee for the event and the implementation of the event, The event management unit sets, as the gift, information on the lateness penalty selected by the user from a plurality of options including at least one of a coupon, points, and a participation ticket. Communication support device.

2. The communication support device according to claim 1 , The event management unit receives an input from the participant of the event, using a terminal device, of a response as to whether or not the participant agrees to the execution of the lateness penalty. Communication support device.

3. The communication support device according to claim 2, If consent to the execution of the lateness penalty is obtained from all of the participants of the event, the penalty is imposed on the latecomers among all of the participants, and the gifts are given to the non-latecomers among all of the participants. Communication support device.

4. The communication support device according to claim 2, If consent to the execution of the lateness penalty is not obtained from some of the participants of the event, the penalty is given to the latecomer among the participants who consented to the execution of the lateness penalty, and the gift is given to the non-latecomer among the participants who consented. Communication support device.

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

6. The communication support device according to claim 1 , The lateness management unit receives and registers the latecomers based on selection input from the participants using their terminal devices. Communication support device.

7. The communication support device according to claim 1 , The information regarding the lateness penalty includes a gift setting according to the lateness time, the tardiness management unit calculates, as the tardiness time, a difference between an arrival time of the tardiness person at the meeting place and the meeting date and time; The gift management unit presents the gift to the non-latecomer according to the amount of lateness. Communication support device.

8. The communication support device according to claim 1 , The information regarding the lateness penalty includes a gift setting according to the lateness time, the tardiness management unit calculates, as the tardiness time, a difference between an arrival time of the tardiness person at the meeting place and the meeting date and time; The gift management unit presents the gift to the non-latecomer in accordance with the amount of the lateness. Communication support device.

9. The communication support device according to claim 1 , the tardiness management unit records a tardiness charge history for the event for each participant, The event management unit tallys and displays at least one of the number of times of lateness and the amount of payment as the lateness penalty based on the lateness charge history. Communication support device.

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

11. A communication support method using a communication support device that manages a lateness penalty for a person who is late to an event, regardless of whether or not the event has been reserved, comprising: an event management step of setting event information including a meeting place, meeting date and time, participants, and information regarding the lateness penalty for the event based on an input from a user using a terminal device; a lateness management step of registering latecomers who are late for the meeting date and time among the participants of the event; and a gift management step of controlling the lateness penalty, when the latecomer is present, charging the latecomer an amount equivalent to a gift to be given to non-latecomers as a penalty based on information regarding the lateness penalty, and presenting the gift to the non-latecomer that is receivable by the non-latecomer using a terminal device and is not related to the fee for the event and the implementation of the event, The event management step includes setting, as the gift, information on the lateness penalty selected by the user from a plurality of options including at least one of a coupon, points, and a participation ticket. Communication support methods.

12. A communication support system comprising: a communication support device that manages lateness penalties for people who are late to an event, regardless of whether or not the event has been reserved for use; and a plurality of terminal devices connected to the communication support device via a network, The terminal device accepting input of event information from a user, the event information including a meeting place, a meeting date and time, participants, and information regarding the lateness penalty; The communication support device includes: an event management unit that sets the event information based on an input from the user using the terminal device; a lateness management unit that registers latecomers who are late for the meeting date and time among the participants of the event; a lateness management unit that registers latecomers who are late for the meeting date and time among the participants of the event; a gift management unit that controls the lateness penalty, when the latecomer is present, to charge the latecomer an amount equivalent to a gift to be given to non-latecomers as a penalty based on information regarding the lateness penalty, and to give the non-latecomer the gift that is receivable by the non-latecomer using a terminal device and is not related to the fee for the event and the implementation of the event, The event management unit sets, as the gift, information on the lateness penalty selected by the user from a plurality of options including at least one of a coupon, points, and a participation ticket. Communication support system.

13. A computer as a communication support device for managing lateness penalties for people who are late to an event, regardless of whether or not there is a reservation for the event, an event management unit that sets event information including a meeting place, meeting date and time, participants, and information regarding the lateness penalty for the event based on input from a user using a terminal device; a lateness management unit that registers latecomers who are late for the meeting date and time among the participants of the event; if there is a latecomer, the gift management unit functions as a gift management unit that controls the latecomer penalty, charging the latecomer an amount equivalent to a gift to be given to non-latecomers as a penalty based on information regarding the latecomer penalty, and presenting to the non-latecomer the gift that is receivable by the non-latecomer using a terminal device and is not related to the fee for the event and the implementation of the event; The event management unit sets, as the gift, information on the lateness penalty selected by the user from a plurality of options including at least one of a coupon, points, and a participation ticket. program.

14. For computers as terminal devices, connecting via a network to a communication support device that manages lateness penalties for people who are late to an event, regardless of whether or not there is a reservation for the event; accepting input of event information from a user, the event information including a meeting place, a meeting date and time, participants, and information regarding the lateness penalty, and transmitting the event information to the communication support device; Notifying the communication support device of at least one of whether the user is late or not, which is determined based on the location information of the terminal device, the location information of the meeting place, the arrival time of the user at the meeting place, and the meeting date and time, and a person who is late, identified by the user. Execute a process that includes steps, The communication support device includes: an event management unit that sets the event information based on an input from the user of the terminal device; a lateness management unit that registers latecomers who are late for the meeting date and time among the participants of the event based on the notification from the terminal device; a gift management unit that controls the lateness penalty, when the latecomer is present, to charge the latecomer an amount equivalent to a gift to be given to non-latecomers as a penalty based on information regarding the lateness penalty, and to give the non-latecomer the gift that is receivable by the non-latecomer using a terminal device and is not related to the fee for the event and the implementation of the event, The event management unit sets, as the gift, information on the lateness penalty selected by the user from a plurality of options including at least one of a coupon, points, and a participation ticket. program.

Images