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

Abstract

To provide a new communication tool. [Solution] In each terminal device, for each post by a poster, a first icon that accepts the user's first affirmative expression of intent regarding the post is displayed regardless of the user's authority, and a second icon that accepts the user's second affirmative expression of intent regarding the post is displayed on the condition that the user has a predetermined authority. The communication support device stores authority information for each user, and controls the display and non-display of the second icon in each terminal device using the authority information. For each post, if the first icon is changed from off to on in each terminal device, the first expression of intent is recorded, and for each post, if the second icon is changed from off to on in each terminal device, the second expression of intent is recorded.

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Companies and other organizations often use business systems and groupware with functions such as posting, messaging, bulletin boards, chat, calendars, and task management as communication tools to stimulate communication between members such as executives and employees. Social networking services (SNS) are sometimes used instead of or in addition to business systems and groupware. There are also systems in which business systems and groupware are linked or integrated with SNS.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 describes a system in which a calendar sharing application that shares calendars on a network has a chat function that allows users sharing a calendar to exchange (send and receive) comments (text), images, URLs, etc. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-101521 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Communication tools are already commonly used in many organizations, so it is difficult to expect them to further stimulate communication. What is expected is the implementation of functions that can promote communication while also increasing members' motivation for work and self-development.

[0006] In view of the above problems, the present disclosure aims to provide a novel communication tool. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] One aspect of the present disclosure that solves the above-mentioned problem is a communication support device that has a processor and memory resources and is connectable to terminal devices of multiple users, wherein on each of the terminal devices, for each post by a poster, a first icon that accepts the user's first positive expression of intent regarding the post is displayed regardless of the user's authority, and a second icon that accepts the user's second positive expression of intent regarding the post is displayed on the condition that the user has a specified authority, the communication support device stores authority information for each of the users, and the display and non-display of the second icon on each of the terminal devices is controlled using the authority information, and for each post, when the first icon is changed from off to on on each of the terminal devices, the first expression of intent is recorded, and for each post, when the second icon is changed from off to on on each of the terminal devices, the second expression of intent is recorded.

[0008] The communication support device may not notify the poster when the first icon is changed from off to on, and may notify the poster when the second icon is changed from off to on.

[0009] The communication support device may record the number of on-operations of the first icon and the number of on-operations of the second icon for each post, and output and display the recorded number of on-operations of the first icon and the number of on-operations of the second icon for each post to the terminal device.

[0010] The communication support device may total the number of on-operations of the second icon for each post by each poster, and output and display the total number of on-operations of the second icon for each poster to the terminal device.

[0011] When the second icon is changed from off to on for each post, the communication support device may accept and record a comment regarding the post from the user, and output and display the recorded comment to the terminal device for each post.

[0012] The communication support device may generate a list of the posts for which the second icon has been turned on, and output the list to the terminal device for display.

[0013] The communication support device may total the number of on-operations of the second icon for each post by each poster, generate a ranking of posters in relation to the total number of on-operations of the second icon, and output and display the ranking to the terminal device.

[0014] Another aspect of the present disclosure that solves the above-mentioned problem is a communication support method using a communication support device that has a processor and memory resources and is connectable to terminal devices of multiple users, wherein on each of the terminal devices, for each post by a poster, a first icon that accepts the user's first positive expression of intent regarding the post is displayed regardless of the user's authority, and a second icon that accepts the user's second positive expression of intent regarding the post is displayed on the condition that the user has a specified authority, the communication support device stores authority information for each of the users, and the display and non-display of the second icon on each of the terminal devices is controlled using the authority information, and for each post, when the first icon is changed from off to on on each of the terminal devices, the first expression of intent is recorded, and for each post, when the second icon is changed from off to on on each of the terminal devices, the second expression of intent is recorded.

[0015] Yet another aspect of the present disclosure that solves the above problem is a program that causes a computer to function as a communication support device that can be connected to terminal devices of multiple users, wherein on each of the terminal devices, for each post by a poster, a first icon that accepts the user's first positive expression of intent regarding the post is displayed regardless of the user's authority, and a second icon that accepts the user's second positive expression of intent regarding the post is displayed on the condition that the user has a specified authority, the program stores authority information for each of the users in the computer, and the display and non-display of the second icon on each of the terminal devices is controlled using the authority information, and for each post, when the first icon is changed from off to on on each of the terminal devices, the program executes processes that record the first expression of intent, and when the second icon is changed from off to on on each of the terminal devices, the program executes processes that record the second expression of intent.

[0016] Yet another aspect of the present disclosure that solves the above-mentioned problems is a communication support system comprising terminal devices of multiple users and a communication support device, wherein the terminal device, for each post by a poster, displays a first icon that accepts the user's first positive expression of intent regarding the post regardless of the user's authority, and displays a second icon that accepts the user's second positive expression of intent regarding the post on the condition that the user has a specified authority, the communication support device stores authority information for each user, and the display and non-display of the second icon on each terminal device is controlled using the authority information, and for each post, when the first icon is operated from off to on on each terminal device, the first expression of intent is recorded, and for each post, when the second icon is operated from off to on on each terminal device, the second expression of intent is recorded.

[0017] Yet another aspect of the present disclosure that solves the above-mentioned problem is a communication support method using a system that includes terminal devices of multiple users and a communication support device, wherein the terminal device, for each post by a poster, displays a first icon that accepts the user's first positive expression of intent regarding the post regardless of the user's authority, and displays a second icon that accepts the user's second positive expression of intent regarding the post on the condition that the user has a specified authority, the communication support device stores authority information for each user, and the display and non-display of the second icon on each terminal device is controlled using the authority information, and for each post, when the first icon is operated from off to on on each terminal device, the first expression of intent is recorded, and for each post, when the second icon is operated from off to on on each terminal device, the second expression of intent is recorded.

[0018] Yet another aspect of the present disclosure that solves the above-mentioned problem is a program that causes a computer to function as a terminal device that can be connected to a communication support device, the program causing the computer to execute the following processes: for each post by a poster, display a first icon that accepts a first positive expression of intent from the user of the computer regarding the post regardless of the user's authority; for each post, display a second icon that accepts a second positive expression of intent from the user regarding the post, provided that the user has a specified authority; for each post, if the first icon is changed from off to on, notify the communication support device of the first expression of intent; and for each post, if the second icon is changed from off to on, notify the communication support device of the second expression of intent. [Effects of the Invention]

[0019] According to the present disclosure, a novel communication tool can be provided.

[0020] Problems, configurations, and effects other than those described above will become apparent from the following description of the embodiments. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a communication support system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data structure of information managed by the communication support system. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of processing performed by the communication support system. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of an operation screen (a screen listing posts by general users). [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of an operation screen (post list screen for an administrator user). [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the operation screen (super like comment screen). [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the operation screen (super-liked posts list screen). [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the operation screen (ranking screen). DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] An embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. In all drawings used to describe the embodiment, identical components are generally designated by the same reference numerals, and repeated description thereof will be omitted. In the following embodiments, the components (including element steps, etc.) are not necessarily essential unless otherwise specified or considered to be clearly essential in principle. Furthermore, when the terms "consisting of A," "composed of A," "having A," and "including A" are used, other elements are not excluded unless otherwise specified, specifically indicating that only that element is included. Similarly, in the following embodiments, when referring to the shape, positional relationship, etc. of components, etc., this includes those that are substantially similar or similar to the shape, etc., unless otherwise specified or considered to be clearly not essential in principle.

[0023] 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a communication support system according to an embodiment. The communication support system 1 includes a communication support device 2 and a plurality of terminal devices 3, which are communicatively connected via a network 4. The network 4 is a two-way communication network such as the Internet or a mobile phone communication network.

[0024] The communication support device 2 is configured to provide a communication tool, that is, a social networking service (SNS), to users of the terminal devices 3.

[0025] The communication support device 2 can be configured by a general computer such as a server computer equipped with, for example, 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, or touch panel, output devices such as a display or audio output device, and a communication module such as a NIC (Network Interface Card) (none of which are shown). The communication support device 2 can also be configured by multiple computers. The memory and storage correspond to memory resources.

[0026] The terminal device 3 can be configured from a general computer such as a personal computer, smartphone, tablet terminal, or wearable terminal that includes, for example, a processor such as a CPU, memory such as DRAM, storage such as an HDD or SSD, input devices such as a keyboard, mouse, or touch panel, output devices such as a display or audio output device, and a communication module such as an NIC (none of which are shown). The memory and storage correspond to memory resources.

[0027] The communication support device 2 has functions as a server, such as a web server and an application server, and executes processing in response to requests from the terminal device 3, and transmits information such as data corresponding to the results of the processing (for example, data displayed on the operation screen or web page data) and control data to the terminal device 3.

[0028] A predetermined program (for example, a dedicated application of this embodiment or a general-purpose web browser) that runs on an OS (Operating System) is installed on the terminal device 3, and the program allows the user to use the SNS provided by the communication support device 2. The following describes an example in which the dedicated application 311 of this embodiment is used.

[0029] The communication support device 2 has functional blocks of a processing unit 21, a storage unit 22, and a communication unit 23.

[0030] The processing unit 21 is realized by a computer processor. The processing unit 21 has functional blocks of a communication control unit 211 and a statistical processing unit 212. These functional blocks are realized by the computer processor executing a predetermined program loaded into memory. Note that some or all of these functional blocks may be realized as hardware using an integrated circuit or the like. Furthermore, some or all of these functional blocks may be realized by multiple computers that are distributed.

[0031] The communication control unit 211 controls the main functions of the SNS, such as the posting function, message function, bulletin board function, chat function, calendar function, task management function, etc. This embodiment is characterized mainly by the posting function and its peripheral functions. The following mainly describes the posting function and its peripheral functions, and detailed descriptions of other functions are omitted.

[0032] The posting function of this embodiment is configured so that users who are posters can post content such as text, images, videos, and audio, and other users can view it. It is also configured so that users who are viewers can add (turn on) a positive first expression of intent (Like) to the posted content (hereinafter also simply referred to as a "post"). It is also configured so that users who are viewers can add a positive second expression of intent (Super Like) to the post. The number of first expressions of intent and second expressions of intent added to the post is counted, and the total number of each is displayed.

[0033] Here, the first expression of intention (Like) is configured to be added by any user, whereas the second expression of intention (Super Like) is configured to be added only by users who have been granted specific authority. For example, if a company uses the SNS of this embodiment, it can be operated so that everyone, including employees and executives, can execute the first expression of intention, and only those who have been granted specific authority, such as managers and executives, can execute the second expression of intention. This allows the second expression of intention to have a special feeling that is different from the first expression of intention, and the poster of a post to which the second expression of intention has been granted can attract attention and increase their motivation for work.

[0034] Note that "like" and "super like" are examples of expressions, and other expressions such as "like" and "great general like" may be used as long as it is possible to distinguish between the first and second expressions of intention. In the following, the first expression of intention may be replaced with "like" and the second expression of intention may be replaced with "super like."

[0035] The communication control unit 211 controls the posting function and other overall functions of the SNS. In response to a request from a user via an application 311, the communication control unit 211 executes the corresponding process and transmits data corresponding to the results of the process to the application 311.

[0036] For example, the communication control unit 211 authenticates the user of the application 311, and if the authentication is successful, refers to the user information 221 and returns the user's authority information (general, administrator, etc.) to the application 311. This allows the application 311 to determine the user's authority.

[0037] Furthermore, for example, the communication control unit 211 receives a post input based on a user operation from the application 311 and stores it in the post information 222. The stored post is sent to the application 311 of each terminal device 3 and displayed.

[0038] Furthermore, for example, the communication control unit 211 accepts a comment on a post input based on a user operation, associates it with the post information 222 corresponding to the post, and stores it in the comment information 223. The stored comment is sent to the application 311 of each terminal device 3 and displayed in association with the post.

[0039] Furthermore, for example, the communication control unit 211 receives from the application 311 an operation to turn on a first expression of intention (like) for a post input based on a user operation. The communication control unit 211 records the number of likes received from each user for each post in the post information 222. The recorded number of likes for each post is sent to the application 311 of each terminal device 3 and displayed in association with the post. Furthermore, the communication control unit 211 records the number of likes received from each user for each poster (user) in the user information 221. The recorded number of likes for each poster (user) is sent to the application 311 of each terminal device 3 and displayed in association with the poster or user.

[0040] Furthermore, for example, the communication control unit 211 receives from the application 311 an operation to turn on a second expression of intent (super like) for a post input based on an operation by a user who has been granted specific authority. The communication control unit 211 records the number of super likes received from each user for each post in the post information 222. The recorded number of super likes for each post is sent to the application 311 of each terminal device 3 and displayed in association with the post. The communication control unit 211 also records the number of super likes received from each user for each poster (user) in the user information 221. The recorded number of super likes for each poster (user) is sent to the application 311 of each terminal device 3 and displayed in association with the poster or user.

[0041] Furthermore, for example, the communication control unit 211 receives from the application 311 a comment (for example, the reason for turning on the "super like") regarding a second expression of intent (super like) on a post input based on the operation of a user who has been granted specific authority, and stores the comment in comment information 223 in association with post information 222 corresponding to the post. The stored comment is sent to the application 311 of each terminal device 3 and displayed in association with the post.

[0042] Furthermore, for example, when the communication control unit 211 receives an operation to turn on the second expression of intention (super like), it identifies the poster of the post and notifies the application 311 of the user who posted the post that a super like has been given. In addition to the poster himself, the application 311 of another user may also be notified to inform the user.

[0043] The statistical processing unit 212 performs various statistics using the number of likes, super likes, posts, and links for each user, as well as the number of likes, super likes, comments, and read counts for each post, and stores the results as statistical information 224. In addition, the various statistics read from the statistical information 224 are sent to the application 311 of each terminal device 3 and displayed.

[0044] Statistics can be generated, for example, by ranking of number of likes (rank, user name, number of likes), by number of super likes (rank, user name, number of super likes), by number of posts (rank, user name, number of posts), by number of links (rank, user name, number of links), etc. Statistics can also be generated for different periods, such as monthly, annual, and cumulative (entire period). This allows each user to know the status of themselves and other users, stimulating a competitive spirit and increasing motivation for work.

[0045] The storage unit 22 can be realized by a computer memory and storage. The storage unit 22 stores user information 221, posted information 222, comment information 223, and statistical information 224. The storage unit 22 may store information and data other than the above-mentioned information. Details of each piece of information will be described later.

[0046] The communication unit 23 is realized by a communication module of a computer. The communication unit 23 connects to each terminal device 3 via the network 4 and communicates various data and information.

[0047] The terminal device 3 has functional blocks of a processing unit 31, a storage unit 32, a communication unit 33, an input unit 34, and an output unit 35.

[0048] The processing unit 31 is realized by a computer processor. The processing unit 31 realizes various functional blocks by the computer processor executing a predetermined program (application 311 in this embodiment) loaded into memory. Note that some or all of the functional blocks may be realized as hardware using an integrated circuit or the like. Furthermore, some or all of these functional blocks may be realized by multiple computers that are distributed.

[0049] The processing unit 31 displays operation screens related to the posting function and other SNS functions on an output unit 35 such as a display, based on data received from the communication support device 2. The various operation screens will be described in detail later, and display information such as posts, comments, the number of likes, the number of super likes, and statistical information acquired from the communication support device 2. The processing unit 31 also accepts user operations via an input unit 34 such as a touch panel, and executes corresponding processing.

[0050] For example, the processing unit 31 requests the communication support device 2 to authenticate the user of the application 311, and if the authentication is successful, receives the user's authority information (general, administrator, etc.) and stores it in the storage unit 32.

[0051] For example, the processing unit 31 receives input of a post based on a user's operation and transmits the input to the communication support device 2. For example, the processing unit 31 receives input of a comment on a post based on a user's operation and transmits the comment to the communication support device 2.

[0052] For example, the processing unit 31 receives an ON operation for a first expression of intention (Like) for a post based on a user's operation, and transmits the ON operation to the communication support device 2. For example, the processing unit 31 receives an ON operation for a second expression of intention (Super Like) for a post based on a user's operation to which specific authority has been granted, and transmits the ON operation to the communication support device 2.

[0053] Furthermore, for example, the processing unit 31 accepts input of a comment regarding a second expression of intention (a big like) on a post based on an operation by a user who has been granted a specific authority, and transmits the comment to the communication support device 2.

[0054] Furthermore, for example, the processing unit 31 accepts bookmarks of URLs of posts, web pages, etc. based on user operations and transmits them to the communication support device 2. The bookmarked URL link is registered in a link list of the user information 221 of the corresponding user.

[0055] The memory unit 32 can be realized by a computer's memory and storage. The communication unit 33 is realized by a computer's communication module. The communication unit 33 connects to the communication support device 2 via the network 4 and communicates various data and information. The input unit 34 is realized by a computer's input device. The output unit 35 is realized by a computer's output device.

[0056] 2 is a diagram showing an example of the data structure of information managed by the communication support system. As described above, the storage unit 22 stores user information 221, posted information 222, comment information 223, and statistical information 224.

[0057] User information 221 is used to manage information about users, and the communication control unit 211 generates and updates records for each user based on the information entered when registering to use the SNS.

[0058] The user information 221 includes, for each user, a username, authority, the number of likes, the number of super likes, the number of posts, the number of links, a link list, and the like, all associated with a user ID, which is an identifier for uniquely identifying the user. A password (not shown) required for authentication may also be included. Authority is data specifying a user's operational authority on the SNS, such as general, administrator, etc. In this embodiment, general and administrator users are permitted to perform operations related to the first expression of intention, while only administrator users are permitted to perform operations related to the second expression of intention. The number of likes, super likes, posts, and links are the total number of likes for all posts by the user, the total number of super likes for all posts by the user, the number of all posts by the user, and the number of links (URLs, etc.) bookmarked by the user, respectively. The number of likes, super likes, posts, and links may each be tallied by different time periods, such as monthly, annually, or cumulatively (overall period). The link list is a list of links (reference addresses, such as URLs) bookmarked by the user.

[0059] Post information 222 is used to manage information related to posts, and the communication control unit 211 generates and updates a record for each post based on the information input at the time of posting.

[0060] The post information 222 includes, for each post, a post ID, which is an identifier for uniquely identifying the post, and includes the post date and time, poster ID (poster's user ID), main text, attachments, number of likes, number of super likes, number of comments, number of reads, etc. The main text is text data from the posted content. Attachments are files such as images, videos, and audio from the posted content. The number of likes, super likes, number of comments, and number of reads are the number of likes for the post, the number of super likes for the post, the number of comments for the post, and the number of times the post has been viewed, respectively.

[0061] In addition, the storage unit 22 may record history information that specifies which posts each user has liked, super liked, commented on, or viewed (read).

[0062] Comment information 223 is used to manage information related to comments on posts, and the communication control unit 211 generates and updates a record for each comment based on information input when a comment is made on a post.

[0063] The comment information 223 includes, for each comment, a comment ID, which is an identifier for uniquely identifying the comment, and includes the post ID of the post to which the comment was added, type, comment date and time, commenter ID (user ID of the commenter), main text, attached files, etc. The type is data that identifies whether the comment was entered when a super like was added. The main text is text data from the comment. The attached files are files such as images, videos, and audio from the comment.

[0064] The statistical information 224 is used to manage the various statistical information described above, and is generated and updated by the statistical processing unit 212. As described above, the statistical information 224 includes lists such as rankings by number of likes, number of super likes, number of posts, and number of links. Each of these may include statistics for different periods such as one month, one year, or cumulative (entire period).

[0065] Fig. 3 is a sequence diagram showing an example of processing of the communication support system. Fig. 3 mainly explains functions related to super likes. It is assumed that each user has completed user registration for the communication support device 2 and that user information 221 has been generated. It is assumed that the user of the terminal device 3 on the left side of Fig. 3 has been granted administrator authority, and other users of one or more terminal devices 3 on the right side of Fig. 3 have been granted general authority or administrator authority.

[0066] When the application 311 is started (step S1), the processing unit 31 transmits a user ID and password, which have been input by the user or set in advance, to the communication support device 2 and requests authentication (step S2). In response to the authentication request, the communication control unit 211 authenticates the received user ID and password by referring to the user information 221, and transmits the authentication result (success or failure) and, if the authentication is successful, the user's authority information to the terminal device 3 (step S3). If the authentication result received from the communication support device 2 is successful, the processing unit 31 stores the received authority information in the storage unit 32 (step S4). In the example of FIG. 3, the user's authority is administrator authority.

[0067] The trigger for the processing unit 31 to perform authentication is not limited to when the application 311 is started, but may be, for example, every time the communication support device 2 is accessed, when the communication support device 2 is accessed for the first time after a timeout due to the passage of a predetermined time, or when processing is performed by a specific operation.

[0068] When a predetermined operation requiring data acquisition is received from a user on the operation screen of the application 311, the processing unit 31 transmits a data acquisition request to the communication support device 2 (step S11). In response to the data acquisition request, the communication control unit 211 acquires corresponding information from the storage unit 22 and transmits the information to the terminal device 3 in a predetermined format (step S12). The predetermined operation requiring data acquisition is, for example, an operation instructing a transition to an operation screen displaying a list of posts or an operation screen displaying statistical information. When displaying the operation screen displaying the list of posts, the communication control unit 211 acquires data on the post and each comment associated with the post from the post information 222 and the comment information 223 for each post, and also acquires data on the poster of the post from the user information 221, and outputs the data to the terminal device 3. When displaying a screen displaying statistical information, the communication control unit 211 acquires data on each ranking list from the statistical information 224 and outputs the data to the terminal device 3.

[0069] When the processing unit 31 receives data from the communication support device 2, it refers to the storage unit 32 and determines the user's authority (step S13). In the example of FIG. 3, the user's authority is administrator authority. Then, the processing unit 31 processes the data received from the communication support device 2 as necessary and displays it on the operation screen (step S14). For example, in the case of an operation screen that displays a list of posts, the content and comments of the posts are displayed separately for each post. In the case of an operation screen that displays statistical information, a ranking list is displayed for each ranking type. Here, if the user of the terminal device 3 has administrator authority, the processing unit 31 displays an icon for accepting a second expression of intent (super like) for each post. Conversely, if the user of the terminal device 3 has general authority, the processing unit 31 does not display an icon for accepting a second expression of intent (super like). The operation screen will be described in detail later (FIGS. 4 to 8).

[0070] When the processing unit 31 receives an operation to turn on the icon of a second expression of intention (super like) for a post from the user on the operation screen of the application 311 (step S21), the processing unit 31 displays an operation screen for receiving comments on the post and receives input of a comment from the user (step S22). Then, the processing unit 31 transmits a notification indicating that the super like has been turned on to the communication support device 2 together with the post ID and the comment (step S23). Note that when the like has been turned on, the processing unit 31 transmits a notification indicating that the like has been turned on together with the post ID.

[0071] When the communication control unit 211 receives a notification from the terminal device 3 indicating that a super like has been turned on, it records the notification in the storage unit 22 (step S24). Specifically, the communication control unit 211 counts up by one the number of super likes in the posted information 222 corresponding to the notified post ID, generates comment information 223 corresponding to the notified comment, and associates it with the posted information 222. An identifier indicating that the comment is a super like is set as the type. The user ID of the user who made the comment is set as the commenter ID. The notified comment is set as the text. Furthermore, the communication control unit 211 counts up by one the number of super likes in the user information 221 corresponding to the user who posted the super liked post.

[0072] Furthermore, the communication control unit 211 identifies the user who posted the post from the post information 222 corresponding to the notified post ID (step S25), and transmits a notification indicating that a super like has been turned on to the terminal device 3 used by the user, together with the post ID (step S26). The processing unit 31 of the terminal device 3 that has received the notification notifies the user by outputting a message indicating that a super like has been turned on together with the post ID, such as by a pop-up (step S27). Note that the communication control unit 211 may notify other users, not just the poster of the post that has been super liked, that a super like has been turned on.

[0073] Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of an operation screen (a list screen of posts by a general user), and Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of an operation screen (a list screen of posts by an administrator user).

[0074] The operation screen 500 includes a field 510 for selecting the type of post to be displayed, a field 520 for displaying one or more posts in a scrollable manner, and a field 530 for selecting the operation screen to be displayed.

[0075] Column 510 displays option icons such as "All," which displays all posts, "Important," which displays posts classified as important by the user, and "Following," which displays posts followed by the user.

[0076] Column 520 displays, for each post, column 521 displaying information about the poster, column 522 displaying the posted content, column 523 related to viewer actions on the post, and column (not shown) displaying comments added to the post. Column 521 displays the poster's name, the total number of super likes for the poster, the posting date and time, an icon for selecting whether to follow or not, an icon for selecting whether to mark as important or not, and the like. Column 522 displays the main text of the content, attachments to the content, and the like. Column 523 displays the number of likes that viewers have turned on for the post, the number of super likes that viewers have turned on for the post, the number of comments that viewers have made on the post, the number of times that viewers have read the post, and the like.

[0077] Also, in field 523, option icons are displayed such as "Like" which turns on / off the user's first expression of will for the post, "Comment" which instructs the user to enter a comment on the post, "Bookmark" which turns on / off the registration of the post in the user's bookmarks, etc. Here, as shown in Fig. 5, if the user has administrator authority, "Super Like" which turns on / off the user's second expression of will for the post is displayed.

[0078] Column 530 displays option icons such as "Posts" which displays a post list screen, "Super Likes" which displays a post list screen that shows only posts that have been given a "Super Like", and "Links" which displays a link list screen of links that the user has bookmarked.

[0079] The total number of super likes for the poster in column 521 is obtained by the communication control unit 211 from the user information 221 of the user corresponding to the poster ID of the post. In addition, the number of likes, the number of super likes, the number of comments, and the number of reads in column 523 are obtained by the communication control unit 211 from the post information 222 corresponding to the post.

[0080] When the "super like" icon in field 523 is turned on in operation screen 500, operation screen 600 shown in Fig. 6 is displayed. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the operation screen (super like comment screen).

[0081] The operation screen 600 displays a field 610 for inputting a user's comment on the post, and a field 620 for specifying whether or not to register the comment. Field 620 displays option icons: "Register" for registering the comment, and "Cancel" for canceling the comment registration. When a comment is entered in field 610 and "Register" is selected, the comment is sent to the communication support device 2.

[0082] When the "Super Like" icon in field 530 is selected on operation screen 500, operation screen 700 shown in Fig. 7 is displayed. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the operation screen (Super Like post list screen).

[0083] The operation screen 700 includes a field 720 for displaying one or more posts (posts with Super Likes) in a scrollable manner, and a field 730 for selecting an operation screen to be displayed.

[0084] Column 720 displays, for each post, column 721 displaying information about the poster, column 722 displaying the posted content, column 723 related to viewer actions on the post, and column 724 displaying comments added to the post. Columns 721, 722, and 723 are similar to columns 521, 522, and 523 described above. Column 724 displays, for each comment, a list of comments registered for the post (FIG. 6) and the names of commenters, etc. Posts with Super Likes can be displayed, for example, in ascending or descending order of the number of Super Likes, or in ascending or descending order of the posting date and time, etc.

[0085] A post with a super like is acquired by the communication control unit 211 specifying post information 222 with one or more super likes. A comment registered for a post is acquired by the communication control unit 211 specifying comment information 223 whose type indicates a super like from comment information 223 associated with the post. The communication control unit 211 acquires the name of the commenter from user information 221 of the user corresponding to the commenter ID.

[0086] When an icon (not shown) for displaying a ranking screen is selected on any of the operation screens, an operation screen 800 shown in Fig. 8 is displayed. Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the operation screen (ranking screen).

[0087] The operation screen 800 includes a field 810 for selecting the type of ranking to be displayed, a field 820 for displaying the ranking, and a field 830 for selecting the operation screen to be displayed. The field 830 is similar to the field 530 described above.

[0088] Column 810 displays the following selection icons: "Like," which displays a ranking of the total number of likes by user; "Super Like," which displays a ranking of the total number of super likes by user; "Post," which displays a ranking of the total number of posts by user; and "Link," which displays a ranking of the number of links by user.

[0089] Column 820 displays the ranking list selected in column 810. In the example of Fig. 8, "Super Like" is selected. The ranking list displayed in column 820 is acquired by the communication control unit 211 from the statistical information 224.

[0090] An embodiment of the present disclosure has been described above. According to this embodiment, a novel communication tool can be provided. For example, this embodiment provides a first expression of intention function that can be added by any user with any authority, as well as a second expression of intention function that can be added by a user with specific authority. This allows the second expression of intention to have a special feel that is different from the first expression of intention, and the poster of a post to which the second expression of intention has been added can attract attention and increase their motivation for their work.

[0091] Furthermore, for example, this embodiment notifies the poster of a post to which a second expression of intent has been assigned of that fact. Furthermore, for example, this embodiment displays the total number of second expressions of intent assigned to the poster in association with the poster. Furthermore, for example, this embodiment displays the total number of second expressions of intent assigned to the post in association with the post. Furthermore, for example, this embodiment displays a post list screen that compiles posts to which a second expression of intent has been assigned, and displays comments assigned to each post. Furthermore, for example, this embodiment displays a ranking of the number of second expressions of intent assigned. All of these functions contribute to improving the motivation and competitive spirit of members such as posters and viewers.

[0092] As described above, the system of the present disclosure typically installs a dedicated application having various operation screens on a terminal device, and the server transmits some of the content to be displayed on the various operation screens to the terminal device, thereby causing the dedicated application on the terminal device to display the various operation screens. However, the system of the present disclosure is not limited to this aspect. For example, the server can prepare various operation screens as web pages and display them in the web browser of the terminal device. In other words, the system of the present disclosure can include various implementations that can display screens on the terminal device.

[0093] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments and modifications, and various modifications are possible. For example, the above-described embodiments and modifications have been described in detail to clearly explain the present disclosure, and are not necessarily limited to those having all of the described configurations. Furthermore, it is possible to replace a part of a modification with another modification, or to combine modifications.

[0094] Furthermore, some or all of the above-described configurations, functions, processing units, processing means, etc. may be implemented in hardware, for example, by designing them as integrated circuits. Furthermore, the above-described configurations, functions, etc. may be implemented in software by a processor interpreting and executing a program that implements each function. Information such as programs, tables, and files that implement each function may be stored in memory, a storage device such as a hard disk or SSD, or a storage medium such as an IC card, SD card, or DVD. Furthermore, the control lines and information lines shown are those considered necessary for explanation, and do not necessarily represent all control lines and information lines in the product. In reality, it can be assumed that almost all components are interconnected. [Explanation of symbols]

[0095] 1 communication support system, 2 communication support device, 3 terminal device, 4 network, 21 processing unit, 22 memory unit, 23 communication unit, 31 processing unit, 32 memory unit, 33 communication unit, 34 input unit, 35 output unit, 211 communication control unit, 212 statistical processing unit, 221 user information, 222 posted information, 223 comment information, 224 statistical information, 311 application, 500 operation screen, 600 operation screen, 700 operation screen, 800 operation screen

Claims

1. A communication support device that includes a processor and memory resources, is connectable to terminal devices of multiple users belonging to a specific organization, and provides a social networking service (SNS) to the multiple users, In each of the terminal devices, For each post made by a poster belonging to the specific organization, a first icon for accepting a first affirmative expression of intent from the user regarding the post is displayed regardless of the authority based on the user's position in the specific organization, and a second icon for accepting a second affirmative expression of intent from the user regarding the post is displayed on the condition that the user has specific authority based on the position in the specific organization; the communication support device, storing authority information based on the position of each of the users in the specific organization, and controlling whether to display or hide the second icon of each of the terminal devices using the authority information; For each of the posts, when the first icon is operated from off to on in each of the terminal devices, the first expression of intention is recorded; For each of the posts, when the second icon is operated from off to on in each of the terminal devices, the second expression of intention is recorded; the communication support device, Recording the number of on-operations of the first icon and the number of on-operations of the second icon for each of the posts; For each of the posts, the recorded number of on-operations of the first icon and the recorded number of on-operations of the second icon are output to each of the terminal devices and displayed. Communication support device.

2. The communication support device according to claim 1, When the first icon is changed from off to on, no notification is sent to the contributor. When the second icon is changed from off to on, a notification is sent to the poster. Communication support device.

3. The communication support device according to claim 1, summing up the number of on-operations of the second icon for each of the posts for each of the contributors; The total number of on-operations of the second icon for each of the contributors is output to the terminal device and displayed. Communication support device.

4. The communication support device according to claim 1, For each of the posts, when the second icon is operated from off to on, a comment on the post is received from the user and recorded; For each of the posts, the recorded comments are output to the terminal device for display. Communication support device.

5. The communication support device according to claim 1, When an operation for displaying a list of one or more posts to which the second expression of intention has been added is performed on the terminal device, a list of one or more posts for which the second icon has been turned on is generated from among the plurality of posts on the SNS, and the list is output to the terminal device for display. Communication support device.

6. The communication support device according to claim 1, summing up the number of on-operations of the second icon for each of the posts for each of the contributors; generating a ranking of contributors regarding the total number of on-operations of the second icon, and outputting and displaying the ranking to the terminal device; Communication support device.

7. A communication support method using a communication support device that includes a processor and memory resources, is connectable to terminal devices of multiple users belonging to a specific organization, and provides a social networking service (SNS) to the multiple users, comprising: In each of the terminal devices, For each post made by a poster belonging to the specific organization, a first icon for accepting a first affirmative expression of intent from the user regarding the post is displayed regardless of the authority based on the user's position in the specific organization, and a second icon for accepting a second affirmative expression of intent from the user regarding the post is displayed on the condition that the user has specific authority based on the position in the specific organization; the communication support device, storing authority information based on the position of each of the users in the specific organization, and controlling whether to display or hide the second icon of each of the terminal devices using the authority information; For each of the posts, when the first icon is operated from off to on in each of the terminal devices, the first expression of intention is recorded; For each of the posts, when the second icon is operated from off to on in each of the terminal devices, the second expression of intention is recorded; the communication support device, Recording the number of on-operations of the first icon and the number of on-operations of the second icon for each of the posts; For each of the posts, the recorded number of on-operations of the first icon and the recorded number of on-operations of the second icon are output to each of the terminal devices and displayed. Communication support methods.

8. A program that causes a computer to function as a communication support device that can be connected to terminal devices of multiple users belonging to a specific organization and provides SNS (Social Networking Service) to the multiple users, In each of the terminal devices, For each post made by a poster belonging to the specific organization, a first icon for accepting a first affirmative expression of intent from the user regarding the post is displayed regardless of the authority based on the user's position in the specific organization, and a second icon for accepting a second affirmative expression of intent from the user regarding the post is displayed on the condition that the user has specific authority based on the position in the specific organization; The program causes the computer to: storing authority information based on the position of each of the users in the specific organization, and controlling whether to display or hide the second icon of each of the terminal devices using the authority information; For each of the posts, when the first icon is operated from off to on in each of the terminal devices, the first expression of intention is recorded; For each of the posts, when the second icon is operated from off to on in each of the terminal devices, the second expression of intention is recorded. Execute each process, The program causes the computer to: Recording the number of on-operations of the first icon and the number of on-operations of the second icon for each of the posts; For each of the posts, the recorded number of on-operations of the first icon and the recorded number of on-operations of the second icon are output to each of the terminal devices and displayed. Execute each process program.

9. A communication support system comprising terminal devices of multiple users belonging to a specific organization and a communication support device that provides SNS (Social Networking Service) to the multiple users, Each of the terminal devices For each post made by a poster belonging to the specific organization, a first icon for accepting a first affirmative expression of intent from the user regarding the post is displayed regardless of the authority based on the position of the user in the specific organization, and a second icon for accepting a second affirmative expression of intent from the user regarding the post is displayed on the condition that the user has a specific authority based on the position of the user in the specific organization; the communication support device, storing authority information based on the position of each of the users in the specific organization, and controlling whether to display or hide the second icon of each of the terminal devices using the authority information; For each of the posts, when the first icon is operated from off to on in each of the terminal devices, the first expression of intention is recorded; For each of the posts, when the second icon is operated from off to on in each of the terminal devices, the second expression of intention is recorded; the communication support device, Recording the number of on-operations of the first icon and the number of on-operations of the second icon for each of the posts; For each of the posts, the recorded number of on-operations of the first icon and the recorded number of on-operations of the second icon are output to each of the terminal devices and displayed. Communication support system.

10. A communication support method using a system including terminal devices of multiple users belonging to a specific organization and a communication support device that provides a social networking service (SNS) to the multiple users, Each of the terminal devices For each post made by a poster belonging to the specific organization, a first icon for accepting a first affirmative expression of intent from the user regarding the post is displayed regardless of the authority based on the position of the user in the specific organization, and a second icon for accepting a second affirmative expression of intent from the user regarding the post is displayed on the condition that the user has a specific authority based on the position of the user in the specific organization; the communication support device, storing authority information based on the position of each of the users in the specific organization, and controlling whether to display or hide the second icon of each of the terminal devices using the authority information; For each of the posts, when the first icon is operated from off to on in each of the terminal devices, the first expression of intention is recorded; For each of the posts, when the second icon is operated from off to on in each of the terminal devices, the second expression of intention is recorded; the communication support device, Recording the number of on-operations of the first icon and the number of on-operations of the second icon for each of the posts; For each of the posts, the recorded number of on-operations of the first icon and the recorded number of on-operations of the second icon are output to each of the terminal devices and displayed. Communication support methods.

11. A program that can be connected to a communication support device that provides a social networking service (SNS) to multiple users belonging to a specific organization, and that causes a computer to function as a terminal device for the user, The program causes the computer to: displaying, for each post made by a contributor belonging to the specific organization, a first icon for accepting a first affirmative expression of intent from the user regarding the post, regardless of the authority of the user based on the position of the user in the specific organization; displaying, for each of the posts, a second icon for accepting a second affirmative expression of intent from the user regarding the post, on the condition that the user has specific authority based on a position in the specific organization; notifying the communication support device of the first expression of intention when the first icon is operated from off to on for each post; When the second icon is changed from off to on for each post, the second intention is notified to the communication support device. Execute each process, The program causes the computer to: receiving, for each post, the number of on-operations of the first icon and the number of on-operations of the second icon from the communication support device; Displaying the number of on-operations of the first icon and the number of on-operations of the second icon received for each post. Execute each process program.

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