Message system, control method, and program

Abstract

To provide a server, a terminal, and a program for allowing a user to easily identify a message related to the user, in an image including messages arranged in time series.SOLUTION: In a message control system, a message control server 10 communicates with a terminal 20 for displaying an image in which messages for each of multiple users are arranged in time series. The message control system includes: a message acquisition unit 70 which acquires messages input by the users; an address acquisition unit 72 which acquires address information indicating addresses of the messages; and a transmitting / receiving unit 74 which transmits data for displaying an image on a terminal of each user, transmits, to a recipient, on the basis of the address information, messages input addressed to the recipient and messages addressed to others than the recipient and input by a user who is different from a recipient user, and transmits, to the recipient, data for displaying an image in which the messages input addressed to the recipient are separated from the messages addressed to the others than the recipient and input by the user who is different from the recipient user.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a message control server, a message control terminal, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there has been known a technique for displaying on a terminal an image in which messages from a plurality of users are arranged in chronological order. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a terminal that displays messages in chronological order on the terminal of each user participating in a chat, identifies correlations between users based on the messages, and displays correlated users in a list of all users in different colors. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 4637192 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the above-described technology, when the number of messages displayed in chronological order increases, it becomes difficult for the user to identify which messages are relevant to them. However, even if correlated users are displayed in different colors on a list, as in Patent Document 1, the user is only able to see the relationship between the users, and is therefore required to look at each message and determine whether it is relevant to them.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide a message control server, a message control terminal, and a program that enable a user to easily identify messages that are relevant to them in an image in which messages are arranged in chronological order. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problem, the message control server of the present invention is a message control server that communicates with a terminal that displays an image in which each of the messages of a plurality of users is arranged in chronological order, and is characterized in that it includes: a message acquisition means that acquires the message input by each user; a destination acquisition means that acquires destination information indicating the destination of the message; and a means for sending data to display the image on each user's terminal, which, based on the destination information, sends to the destination a message input to the destination and a message input by a user other than the destination and addressed to a destination other than the destination, and sends to the destination data to display an image that distinguishes between the message input to the destination and the message input by a user other than the destination and addressed to a destination other than the destination.

[0007] The message control terminal of the present invention is a message control terminal that displays an image in which each message of a plurality of users is arranged in chronological order, and is characterized by including: a message acquisition means that acquires messages entered by each user; a destination acquisition means that acquires destination information indicating the destination of the message; and a display control means that, based on the destination information, displays an image that distinguishes between messages entered for a user and messages entered by a user other than the user and addressed to a party other than the user.

[0008] The program of the present invention causes a computer that communicates with a terminal that displays an image in which each of a plurality of users' messages are arranged in chronological order to function as a message acquisition means that acquires the message entered by each user, a destination acquisition means that acquires destination information indicating the destination of the message, and a means for sending data to display the image on each user's terminal, which, based on the destination information, sends to the destination a message entered for the destination and a message entered by a user other than the destination and addressed to a destination other than the destination, and sends to the destination data to display an image that distinguishes between the message entered for the destination and the message entered by a user other than the destination and addressed to a destination other than the destination.

[0009] The program of the present invention causes a computer that displays an image in which each message from a plurality of users is arranged in chronological order to function as a message acquisition means that acquires messages entered by each user, a destination acquisition means that acquires destination information indicating the destination of the message, and a display control means that, based on the destination information, displays images that distinguish between messages entered for a user and messages entered by a user other than the user and addressed to someone other than the user. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating an overall configuration of a message control system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a chat image displayed on the terminal of user A. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a chat image when user A specifies an avatar image of user X. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a chat image displayed on a terminal of a user X. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing functions related to the present invention among functions realized in the message control system. [Figure 6]FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of data storage in a message database. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing processing executed by the message control system. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing details of the process executed in S7. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a functional block diagram of a modified example. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of data storage in a message database according to a modified example. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a chat image of user A. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a chat image of user A. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing how the chat image changes when user A specifies a reply message. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing changes in the chat image when user A specifies the original message. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of data storage in a message database according to the present modified example. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a chat image of user A. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a change in the chat image when user A specifies a message. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a chat image 30 of a user A. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a comparative example of a message image 32. [Figure 20] 10 is a diagram showing how the chat image 30 changes when user A selects the avatar image 34 of user X. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] [1. Overall configuration of message control system] Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, a message control server according to the present invention is applied to a message control system that controls a chat in which multiple users participate.

[0012] Fig. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a message control system according to an embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, the message control system 1 includes a message control server 10 and a plurality of terminals 20. The message control server 10 and each terminal 20 are connected via a communication network 2 so as to be able to transmit and receive data to and from each other.

[0013] The message control server 10 is realized by a server computer. As shown in FIG. 1, the message control server 10 includes a control unit 11, a memory unit 12, and a communication unit 13. The control unit 11 includes, for example, a microprocessor and executes processing in accordance with an operating system and other programs. The memory unit 12 includes a main memory unit (for example, RAM) and an auxiliary memory unit (for example, a hard disk drive or solid state drive). The communication unit 13 is for performing data communication via the communication network 2.

[0014] The terminal 20 is a computer operated by a user. For example, the terminal 20 is realized by a mobile phone (including a smartphone), a personal digital assistant (including a tablet computer), a game console, or a personal computer. As shown in FIG. 1, the terminal 20 includes a control unit 21, a storage unit 22, a communication unit 23, an operation unit 24, and a display unit 25.

[0015] The control unit 21, the storage unit 22, and the communication unit 23 are the same as the control unit 11, the storage unit 12, and the communication unit 13 of the message control server 10. The operation unit 24 is an input device, such as a touch panel. The display unit 25 is, for example, a liquid crystal display panel or an organic EL display, and displays a screen according to instructions from the control unit 21.

[0016] In this embodiment, the programs and data described as being stored in the storage unit 12 and the storage unit 22 may be supplied to the message control server 10 and the terminal 20 via the communication network 2, for example. The message control server 10 or the terminal 20 may also include components for reading programs or data stored in a computer-readable information storage medium (e.g., a memory card). The programs and data may then be supplied to the message control server 10 or the terminal 20 via the information storage medium.

[0017] [2. Chat executed in the message control system] Next, we will explain chatting that is performed in the message control system 1, taking as an example a situation in which four users who are playing a game cooperatively discuss strategies. Here, these four users are referred to as users A, X, Y, and Z, respectively.

[0018] Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a chat image displayed on the terminal 20 of user A. As shown in Fig. 2, in the chat image 30, message images 32A to 32H (hereinafter collectively referred to as message images 32) showing messages from a plurality of users are arranged in chronological order.

[0019] A message is information content communicated between users, and is composed of, for example, a symbol string entered by each user or an image specified by each user. Here, a symbol string includes a character string (text). Furthermore, arranging messages in chronological order means that message images 32 are displayed on the screen in the order in which the messages were entered (transmitted).

[0020] The t-axis in Fig. 2 is the time axis. In the example screen of Fig. 2, message image 32A indicates the newest message, and message image 32H indicates the oldest message. That is, in chat image 30, message images 32 indicating newer messages are displayed as one moves in a predetermined direction (upward in Fig. 2), and message images 32 indicating older messages are displayed as one moves in the opposite direction (downward in Fig. 2), so that messages are arranged in chronological order.

[0021] Also, the chat image 30 displays avatar images 34A to 34H (hereinafter, these are collectively referred to as avatar images 34) of users who have input messages. For example, in the chat image 30 of user A, avatar images 34 of users other than user A (i.e., users X, Y, and Z) are displayed near one end (the left end in FIG. 2), and the avatar image 34 of user A is displayed near the opposite end (the right end in FIG. 2). Note that the vicinity of the end refers to an area up to a predetermined distance from the end of the screen (for example, an area up to a pixel that is a predetermined number of pixels away from the end).

[0022] In this embodiment, each user can input a message by specifying a destination. The destination refers to the person, terminal 20, or account to whom the message is to be sent. For example, message images 32B and 32F show messages addressed by user X to user A, and message image 32C shows a message addressed by user A to user X. Furthermore, message image 32E shows a message addressed by user X to user Y, and message image 32G shows a message addressed by user Y to user X.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 2, in the chat image 30 of user A, message images 32B and 32F showing messages addressed to user A and message images 32E and 32G showing messages addressed to users other than user A (i.e., users X, Y, or Z) are displayed in different ways. For example, message images 32B and 32F are in a first color (shown with diagonal lines in FIG. 2) and include arrows pointing to the right. On the other hand, message images 32E and 32G are in a second color (shown with halftone dots in FIG. 2) and do not include arrows. Instead, message images 32E and 32G are given destination images 36E and 36G showing the destinations.

[0024] User A can input a message while checking the chat image 30 displayed as described above. For example, when User A performs a predetermined operation, an input form for inputting a new message is displayed. Then, User A inputs a new message and specifies a destination in this input form. Note that the input form for inputting a new message may be displayed without performing a predetermined operation.

[0025] In this embodiment, when user A designates an avatar image 34 of user X, Y, or Z, an input form for inputting a message to the user indicated by the avatar image 34 is displayed.

[0026] 3 is a diagram showing an example of a chat image 30 when user A specifies an avatar image 34 of user X. As shown in FIG. 3, in an input form 38, user X is specified in a destination field 40 for specifying the destination of a message. User A inputs a character string or the like in a message input field 42. Thereafter, when user A selects a send button 44, the message addressed to user X can be sent.

[0027] The message image 32 (message image 32C in FIGS. 2 and 3) showing the message entered by user A to user X is a third color (shown as a vertical line in FIGS. 2 and 3) in user A's chat image 30 and includes a left-pointing arrow. In addition, the message image 32C shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 is given a destination image 36C indicating that the message is addressed to user X.

[0028] Furthermore, in this embodiment, each user can send a message to all users or to an unspecified addressee. In the examples of Figures 2 and 3, the message images 32D and 32H of messages sent to all users or to an unspecified addressee are a fourth color (shown in white in Figures 2 and 3).

[0029] 2 and 3, the chat image 30 of user A has been described, but similar chat images 30 are also displayed on the terminals 20 of users X, Y, and Z. However, since the subject viewing the chat image 30 is not user A, the display content of the chat image 30 is different for each of users X, Y, and Z so that they can distinguish between messages addressed to them and messages addressed to others.

[0030] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a chat image 30 displayed on user X's terminal 20. As shown in FIG. 4, message images 32C and 32G indicate messages addressed to user X, and therefore are colored in a first color and include a right-pointing arrow. Note that, in this example, users A, Y, and Z have not entered messages addressed to anyone other than user X, and therefore message image 32 is not displayed in a second color. Message images 32B, 32E, and 32F indicate messages entered by user X, and therefore are colored in a third color and include a left-pointing arrow. Message images 32A and 32D indicate messages addressed to the entire user or messages with no specified address, and therefore are colored in a fourth color.

[0031] As described above, the message control system 1 of the present embodiment is configured so that a user can easily identify messages that are relevant to the user in the chat image 30 that displays messages in chronological order. The process for realizing this technology will be described in detail below.

[0032] [3. Functions realized in the message control system] Figure 5 is a functional block diagram showing functions related to the present invention among the functions realized by the message control system 1. Here, the functions realized by each terminal 20 will be explained first, followed by the functions realized by the message control server 10. Note that for simplification, only one terminal 20 is shown in Figure 5, but similar functions are realized by each terminal 20. Furthermore, of the functions shown in Figure 5, all but the message acquisition unit 70, destination acquisition unit 72, and transmission / reception unit 74 may be omitted.

[0033] [3-1. Functions available on each device] Each terminal 20 is realized with a message input unit 60, a destination designation unit 62, a transmission / reception unit 64, and a display control unit 66. The message input unit 60 and the destination designation unit 62 are realized mainly by the control unit 21 and the operation unit 24, the transmission / reception unit 64 is realized mainly by the control unit 21 and the communication unit 23, and the display control unit 66 is realized mainly by the control unit 21 and the display unit 25.

[0034] [Message input section] The message input unit 60 accepts message input. For example, the message input unit 60 accepts input of a symbol string or designation of an image by the user. Note that the image included in the message may be stored in the terminal 20 or the message control server 10.

[0035] [Destination section] The destination designation unit 62 accepts the designation of a destination. The destination designation unit 62 accepts the designation of at least one user. In this embodiment, a chat in which multiple users participate is realized, so the destination designation unit 62 accepts the designation of at least one user who will participate in the chat.

[0036] In this embodiment, a case where only one user can be designated as a destination will be described, but as will be described in a modified example below, multiple users may be designated as destinations. Also, in this embodiment, all users can be designated as destinations, so the destination designation unit 62 accepts the designation of all users. In other words, the destination designation unit 62 can accept all users participating in the chat as destinations.

[0037] [Transmitter / Receiver] The transmitting / receiving unit 64 transmits and receives various data to and from the transmitting / receiving unit 74. For example, the transmitting / receiving unit 64 transmits a message accepted by the message input unit 60 and destination information accepted by the destination designation unit 62. In addition, the transmitting / receiving unit 64 may transmit various operations performed by the user. Furthermore, the transmitting / receiving unit 64 receives data for displaying a chat image 30, which is transmitted by the transmitting / receiving unit 74 described later.

[0038] [Display control section] The display control unit 66 causes the display unit 25 to display the chat image 30 based on data transmitted by the transmission / reception unit 74, which will be described later.

[0039] [3-2. Functions realized by the message control server] The message control server 10 is realized with a data storage unit 68, a message acquisition unit 70, a destination acquisition unit 72, and a transmission / reception unit 74. For example, the data storage unit 68 is realized mainly by the storage unit 12, and the message acquisition unit 70, destination acquisition unit 72, and transmission / reception unit 74 are realized mainly by the control unit 11 and the communication unit 13.

[0040] [Data storage section] The data storage unit 68 stores a message database that stores various data related to messages. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of data storage in the message database. As shown in Fig. 6, the message database stores a message ID, sender information, destination information, message, and time information in association with each other.

[0041] The message ID is information for uniquely identifying each message. The sender information is information for identifying the user who input (sent) the message. The destination information is information indicating the destination of the message. If the destination of the message is not specified, nothing is stored in the destination information. The time information is the time the message was input. The time information may indicate the date and time, or may indicate only the time.

[0042] The data stored in the data storage unit 68 is not limited to the above example. The data storage unit 68 may store data for realizing message exchange between users. For example, in this embodiment, the data storage unit 68 stores data for displaying a chat image 30 for each user. The data storage unit 68 may also store information for identifying users participating in the chat and detailed information about each user. In addition, for example, the data storage unit 68 may store various types of image data such as a message image 32 and an avatar image 34.

[0043] [Message acquisition section] The message acquisition unit 70 acquires messages input by each user. The message acquisition unit 70 acquires messages accepted by the message input unit 60 of each terminal 20 via the transmission / reception unit 74. The messages acquired by the message acquisition unit 70 are stored in a message database.

[0044] [Destination Acquisition Section] The destination acquisition unit 72 acquires destination information indicating the destination of a message. The destination acquisition unit 72 acquires destination information indicating the destination accepted by the destination designation unit 62 of each terminal 20 via the transmission / reception unit 74. The destination information acquired by the destination acquisition unit 72 is stored in the message database.

[0045] [Transmitter / Receiver] The transmitting / receiving unit 74 transmits and receives various data to and from the transmitting / receiving unit 64. For example, the transmitting / receiving unit 74 receives messages and destination information transmitted by the transmitting / receiving unit 64.

[0046] The transmitting / receiving unit 74 transmits data for displaying the chat image 30 on each user's terminal 20. In other words, the transmitting / receiving unit 74 transmits data for displaying the chat image 30 on each user's terminal 20. The data transmitted by the transmitting / receiving unit 74 may be in any data format for displaying an image on the display unit 25, such as HTML format data. In the following description, the transmitting / receiving unit 74 generates the data to be transmitted.

[0047] The transmitting / receiving unit 74 transmits to the destination, based on the destination information, a message input to the destination and a message input by a user other than the destination and addressed to a destination other than the destination, and transmits to the destination data for displaying a chat image 30 that distinguishes between the message input to the destination and the message input by a user other than the destination and addressed to a destination other than the destination.

[0048] The destination is a user, terminal 20, account, or the like to which the transmitting / receiving unit 74 transmits data (transmission target). In this embodiment, a case will be described in which the "destination" is a destination user, but the destination is not limited to this and may be any destination to which data is transmitted. For example, the destination user may be a user who operates the terminal 20, or a user corresponding to the chat image 30 (a user who views the chat image 30). In this embodiment, the destination user is each of the multiple users participating in the chat.

[0049] Displaying a chat image 30 that distinguishes messages means changing the display mode (display form) of the message image 32, for example, by changing at least one of the color, brightness, shape, and size of the message image 32, or by changing the display position or font type, etc. Note that these are merely examples of how to distinguish messages. Methods for distinguishing messages are not limited to these, and any method that makes the messages visually distinguishable is sufficient. A message image 32 indicating a message addressed to a destination user has a first display mode (for example, a first color including an arrow pointing to the right), and a message image 32 indicating a message addressed to a user other than the destination user has a second display mode (for example, a second color including no arrow).

[0050] Furthermore, the transmitting / receiving unit 74 transmits data including a message, which is data for displaying a chat image 30 that associates a message addressed to the destination entered by a user other than the user of the destination with a direction from a position on the chat image 30 associated with a user other than the destination to a position on the chat image 30 associated with the destination.

[0051] Associating a message with a direction means displaying an image indicating the message and the direction (message image 32 including an arrow in this embodiment), or displaying an image indicating the direction near (within a predetermined distance from) the image indicating the message. In this embodiment, the transmitter / receiver 74 generates a message image 32 including an arrow pointing in a direction (rightward in the examples of FIGS. 2 to 4) from an area where an avatar image 34 associated with a user other than the destination user is displayed (near the left end in the examples of FIGS. 2 to 4) to an area where the avatar image 34 of the destination user is displayed (near the right end in the examples of FIGS. 2 to 4).

[0052] In this embodiment, the transmitting / receiving unit 74 transmits data including the message to the destination, the data being used to display a chat image 30 in which a message addressed to a destination other than the destination and entered by a user other than the destination user is associated with information identifying the destination. The information identifying the destination is an image for displaying the destination, and in this embodiment, corresponds to the destination image 36. Associating the message with the information identifying the destination refers to a state in which it is possible to identify which message the information identifying the destination corresponds to, such as by displaying the image identifying the destination near (within a predetermined distance from) the image indicating the message, or by displaying a single image indicating the message and the destination, but is not limited to these displays. In this embodiment, the transmitting / receiving unit 74 assigns the destination image 36 indicating the destination to the message image 32.

[0053] In this embodiment, the transmitting / receiving unit 74 transmits data including the message to the destination, which is data for displaying a chat image 30 that further distinguishes a message entered by the destination user for a destination other than the destination. The message image 32 showing the message entered by the destination user is in a third display mode (for example, a third color including an arrow pointing left).

[0054] Furthermore, the transmitting / receiving unit 74 transmits to the destination data including a message, which is data for displaying a chat image 30 that associates a message entered by the destination user for a destination other than the destination with a direction from a position on the chat image 30 associated with the destination to a position on the chat image 30 associated with the destination other than the destination. For example, the transmitting / receiving unit 74 generates a message image 32 including an arrow pointing in a direction (leftward in the examples of FIGS. 2 and 3) from an area where the destination user's avatar image 34 is displayed (near the right end in the examples of FIGS. 2 to 4) to an area where an avatar image 34 associated with a user other than the destination user is displayed (near the left end in the examples of FIGS. 2 to 4).

[0055] In this embodiment, since the destination of a message can be all of the destinations to which the message can be sent or no destination can be specified, the transmitter / receiver 74 transmits data including these messages to the destination, which is data for displaying a chat image 30 that further distinguishes between a message addressed to all of the destinations to which the message can be sent or a message to which no destination is specified. For example, the message image 32 indicating a message addressed to all users or a message to which no destination is specified is in a fourth display mode (for example, a fourth color).

[0056] In this embodiment, the transmitting / receiving unit 74 transmits data for displaying an avatar image 34 that identifies the user who sent each message to the destination. When an avatar image 34 is designated based on an operation by each user, the transmitting / receiving unit 74 also transmits data for accepting input of a message addressed to the destination indicated by the designated avatar image 34 (for example, data for displaying an input form 38).

[0057] [4. Processing performed in the message control system] Fig. 7 is a flow diagram showing the processing executed by the message control system 1. When a chat involving multiple users starts, the processing shown in Fig. 7 is executed by the control unit 11 operating in accordance with a program stored in the storage unit 12 and the control unit 21 operating in accordance with a program stored in the storage unit 22. The functional blocks shown in Fig. 5 are realized by executing the processing described below. Note that, for the sake of simplicity, Fig. 7 shows only one terminal 20, but similar processing is executed in each terminal 20.

[0058] 7, in the message control server 10, the control unit 11 generates data for displaying an initial screen of the chat image 30 for each terminal 20 (S1) and transmits the data to each terminal 20 (S2). Here, the message control server 10 manages data for displaying the chat image 30 for each user participating in the chat in the storage unit 12. Note that the data generated in S1 is the initial screen, and therefore does not yet include the message image 32 or the avatar image 34.

[0059] In each terminal 20, when data is received, the control unit 21 displays the chat image 30 on the display unit 25 (S3) and determines whether the user has entered a new message (S4). As described above, a new message is entered when the user performs a predetermined operation. It is also possible to specify a destination for a new message. It is assumed that the memory unit 22 of each terminal 20 stores the user IDs of all users participating in the chat. When a user specifies a destination for a message, the control unit 21 refers to the user IDs stored in the memory unit 22.

[0060] If it is not determined that a new message has been input by the user (S4; N), the process proceeds to S8, which will be described later. In this case, it is determined whether data for updating the display of the chat image 30 has been received due to a message input by another user participating in the chat.

[0061] On the other hand, if it is determined that the user has input a new message (S4; Y), the control unit 21 transmits the message and destination information to the message control server 10 (S5). When information is transmitted from each terminal 20 to the message control server 10, the user ID and the like are also transmitted, so that the message control server 10 can identify the user from whom the message and destination information were received. If no destination is specified, the destination information is not transmitted.

[0062] In the message control server 10, when the message and destination information are received, the control unit 11 stores them in the message database (S6) and executes a process of generating and transmitting data for updating the display of the chat image 30 (S7). In S6, the control unit 11 issues a message ID under a predetermined ID issuance rule and creates a new record in the message database. Then, the control unit 11 stores the issued message ID, the user ID of the user who input the message, the received destination information, the received message, and the current time in the created new record.

[0063] Fig. 8 is a diagram showing details of the processing executed in S7. In the processing shown in Fig. 8, data for updating the display of the chat image 30 is generated for each user participating in the chat. As shown in Fig. 8, first, the control unit 11 selects a destination user from among the users participating in the chat (S21). In S21, the control unit 11 will select a user for whom data will be generated.

[0064] The control unit 11 refers to the sender information of the newly input message and determines whether the message was input by the destination user (S22). If it is determined that the message was input by a user different from the destination user (S22; N), the control unit 11 refers to the destination information of the message (S23).

[0065] If the message is addressed to the destination user (S23; destination), the control unit 11 generates a message image 32 in a first color including a right-pointing arrow and places an avatar image 34 on the left side (S24). This avatar image 34 is the avatar image 34 of the user who input the message. The same applies to the avatar images 34 described below in S25 to S27.

[0066] On the other hand, if the message is addressed to a user different from the destination user (S23; different user), the control unit 11 generates a message image 32 in the second color with a destination image 36 added, and places an avatar image 34 on the left side (S25). In S25, the control unit 11 generates the destination image 36 by referring to the destination information of the message.

[0067] On the other hand, if the message is addressed to all users or has no designated address (S23; Other), the control unit 11 generates a message image 32 in a fourth color and places an avatar image 34 on the left side (S26).

[0068] If it is determined in S22 that the destination user has made an input (S22; Y), the control unit 11 generates a message image 32 in a third color including a left-pointing arrow and places an avatar image 34 on the right side (S27). If a destination has been specified, in S27 the control unit 11 refers to the destination information of the message, generates a destination image 36, and assigns it to the message image 32.

[0069] The control unit 11 generates data for displaying the chat image 30 by merging each image generated in any of S24 to S27 with the original chat image 30 so that the messages are arranged in chronological order (S28). In this embodiment, the message image 32 indicating the latest message is displayed above the chat image 30, so in S28 the control unit 11 generates data for the updated chat image 30 by merging each image generated in any of S24 to S27 above the original chat image 30. The control unit 11 stores the generated data in the storage unit 12 in association with the destination user.

[0070] The control unit 11 determines whether data for all users has been generated (S29). If it is determined that there is a user for which data has not yet been generated (S29; N), the process returns to S21, and data for the next destination user is generated. If it is determined that data for all users has been generated (S29; Y), the control unit 11 transmits the generated data to each terminal 20 (S30), and the process ends and returns to the main routine of FIG. 7. In S30, the control unit 11 transmits each piece of data generated in S28 to the terminal 20 of the destination user.

[0071] 7, in each terminal 20, the control unit 21 determines whether or not data for displaying the chat image 30 has been received (S8). If it is determined that the data has not been received (S8; N), the display of the chat image 30 is not updated, and the process proceeds to S10, which will be described later.

[0072] On the other hand, if it is determined that data has been received (S8; Y), the control unit 21 updates the display of the chat image 30 (S9). In S9, the control unit 21 updates the display of the chat image 30 based on the received data so that the message image 32 indicating the latest message is displayed at the top of the screen.

[0073] The control unit 21 determines whether the user has designated an avatar image 34 (S10). If it is determined that the user has not designated an avatar image 34 (S10; N), the process returns to S4. On the other hand, if it is determined that the user has designated an avatar image 34 (S10; Y), the control unit 21 transmits information identifying the avatar image 34 designated by the user to the message control server 10 (S11).

[0074] In the message control server 10, when the information identifying the avatar image 34 is received, the control unit 11 transmits data for displaying an input form 38 in which the user indicated by the avatar image 34 is set in the destination field 40 (S12). Note that the image data of the input form 38 is assumed to be stored in advance in the storage unit 12.

[0075] When each terminal 20 receives the data, the control unit 21 displays the input form 38 on the chat image 30 (S13). After that, the input of a message into the input form 38 is accepted. The control unit 21 determines whether the user has selected the send button 44 (S14).

[0076] If it is determined that the user has selected the send button 44 (S14; Y), the process proceeds to S5. In this case, in S5, the message and destination information entered in the input form 38 are sent to the message control server 10. Thereafter, in S6, the message is stored in the message database, and in S7, the process for updating the chat image 30 is executed. The details of each of these processes are as described above.

[0077] On the other hand, if it is not determined that the user has selected the send button 44 (S14; N), the control unit 21 determines whether the chat has ended (S15). The chat ends when a predetermined condition is met, for example, when one of the users performs a predetermined operation to end the chat. If it is not determined that the chat has ended (S15; N), the process returns to S4. On the other hand, if it is determined that the chat has ended (S15; Y), this process ends.

[0078] According to the message control system 1 described above, in the chat image 30 for displaying messages in chronological order, the display manner of the message images 32 indicating messages addressed to the user and the message images 32 indicating messages not addressed to the user is different, so that the user can easily identify messages that are relevant to him or her.

[0079] In particular, in a game in which users play while chatting about strategies, as in the present embodiment, due to the nature of the game, each user not only needs to see messages addressed to themselves, but also needs to refer to messages addressed to others. In other words, since it is not possible to provide each user with a screen that filters out only messages addressed to themselves, a mechanism is required that allows the user to check all messages. In this regard, by displaying the chat image 30 as described above, even if all messages are displayed, each user can easily distinguish between messages addressed to themselves and messages addressed to others.

[0080] Furthermore, when chatting about strategies during a game, there is often not enough time to carefully check messages, but the chat image 30 of this embodiment allows users to quickly identify the messages they need, effectively preventing them from overlooking messages. Furthermore, each user is less likely to mistake a message addressed to them for another person, and is also less likely to mistake a message addressed to another person for oneself, thereby preventing messages from being sent by mistake due to these misunderstandings.

[0081] Furthermore, in the chat image 30, the display mode of the message image 32 indicating the message entered by the user is further different, so that it becomes easier for each user to identify the message entered by the user to another person among the messages displayed in chronological order. For example, it is possible to reduce the possibility that each user will mistake a message sent by themselves for a message sent by another person. Furthermore, for example, it becomes easier for each user to identify what message a message from another person to them is in response to.

[0082] Furthermore, in the chat image 30, a destination image 36 is displayed next to the message image 32 of a message not addressed to each user, making it easier for users to identify who a message addressed to another person is addressed to among the messages displayed in chronological order. In particular, in situations such as chatting about game strategies, when each user plays the game, there may be users who are closely related to the user and users who are not so closely related to the user due to the strategy. Therefore, each user can easily identify from the destination image 36 whether the message is addressed to a user who is closely related to the user.

[0083] Furthermore, the chat image 30 can further distinguish between messages addressed to all users and messages without a specified address, making it easier to understand whether a message is of low importance, such as a simple tweet. In particular, when chatting about game strategies, users may send messages as reference information for formulating strategies. In such cases, each user can easily identify whether the message is merely reference information or a message that provides details of the strategy.

[0084] Furthermore, by designating an avatar image 34, the user can input a message addressed to the user indicated by that avatar image 34, making it easier for the user to specify the destination when inputting a message. In particular, by having the user select an avatar image 34 displayed near the message image 32, each user can easily designate the user who sent the message to which they wish to reply.

[0085] Furthermore, since the message image 32 showing a message addressed to each user includes a right-facing arrow on which the user's avatar image 34 is displayed, each user can easily intuitively identify whether the message is addressed to them.

[0086] Furthermore, since the message image 32 showing the message entered by each user includes a leftward arrow showing the avatar image 34 of another user, each user can easily intuitively identify whether the message is addressed to another user.

[0087] [5. Modifications] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0088] Fig. 9 is a functional block diagram of the modified example. As shown in Fig. 9, in the modified example, in addition to the functions of the embodiment, a reply source acquisition unit 76 and a group affiliation unit 78 are realized. For example, the reply source acquisition unit 76 and the group affiliation unit 78 are realized mainly by the control unit 11.

[0089] (1-1) For example, when user A enters a reply message in response to a message entered by user X, the reply message may be made identifiable in the chat image 30 to indicate what the reply message is in response to. In this modification, a reply can be addressed to the user who sent the message, and the message acquisition unit 70 acquires the reply message entered by each user. Note that the reply message is composed of a symbol string and an image, just like a normal message. Furthermore, the reply message is assumed to be entered from an input form, just like the embodiment.

[0090] The message control server 10 of this modified example includes a reply source acquisition unit 76. The reply source acquisition unit 76 acquires reply source information that identifies the original message of the reply. For example, the reply source information is the message ID of the original message of the reply. The reply source acquisition unit 76 acquires the message ID of the message specified when the user inputs a reply as the reply source information.

[0091] Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example of data storage in a message database in a modified example. As shown in Fig. 10, reply source information for each message is stored in the message database. Note that reply source information is not stored for normal messages that are not replies. Also, here, a case will be described in which the reply source information is the message ID of the original message, but the reply source information is not limited to this as long as it is information that identifies the original message.

[0092] The transmitting / receiving unit 74 transmits data including the message to the destination, which is data for displaying a chat image 30 in which the reply message and the original message of the reply are associated based on the reply source information. Associating messages means displaying multiple message images 32 in a display mode that corresponds to each other (for example, corresponding to at least one of color, brightness, shape, and size), or displaying an image pointing to the multiple message images 32 (for example, displaying a line connecting the multiple message images 32 or displaying an arrow pointing to the multiple message images 32).

[0093] Fig. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a chat image 30 of user A. In the example of Fig. 11, message image 32I shows a new message entered by user Z. In other words, the message shown in message image 32I is neither a reply message nor the original message of the reply.

[0094] On the other hand, message image 32J shows a reply message from user Y to the message shown by message image 32K. Message image 32K is a new message entered by user X, and is also the original message of the reply shown by message image 32K. In the example of FIG. 11, the transmitter / receiver 74 displays message image 32I in a darkened state (shown by shading in FIG. 11), and generates and transmits data for displaying message image 32J and message image 32K without darkening.

[0095] Although the case where message images 32 are displayed at corresponding brightness levels without being dimmed has been described as an example of associating messages, the display control for associating messages is not limited to this as long as multiple messages associated with each other can be distinguished. The same applies to the modified examples described below.

[0096] According to the modified example (1-1), in the chat image 30, a message image 32 indicating the reply message and a message image 32 indicating the source of the reply are displayed in association with each other, so that each user can easily identify what the reply message is a reply to as the messages are displayed in chronological order.

[0097] (1-2) For example, when a message is designated based on the operation of each user, the transmitting / receiving unit 74 may transmit data for accepting input of a reply message to the designated message. In this case, the user's selection of the message image 32 using the operation unit 24 corresponds to designating a message.

[0098] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a chat image 30 of user A. In the example of FIG. 12, when user A selects message image 32K, an input form 46 is displayed for inputting a reply to the message indicated by message image 32K. The sender of the original message (i.e., the message selected by the user) is set in a destination field 48. The user can input a message in a message input field 50 and select a reply button 52 to send the reply message.

[0099] In this modification, the message acquisition unit 70 acquires the message entered in the message input field 50, and the destination acquisition unit 72 acquires the destination information specified in the destination field 48. Then, the reply source acquisition unit 76 acquires information (here, a message ID) that identifies the message indicated by the message image 32 specified by the user. The message database stores each of these acquired pieces of information in association with each other.

[0100] According to the modified example (1-2), when a message image 32 is selected in the chat image 30, a reply to the message indicated by the message image 32 can be accepted, thereby reducing the effort required for each user to reply.

[0101] (1-3) For example, the display of the association as in the modified example (1-1) may be performed when a user specifies a message, rather than always being performed in the chat image 30. When a reply message is specified based on the operation of each user, the transmitting / receiving unit 74 in this modified example transmits data for displaying the chat image 30 in which the specified reply message and the original message of the reply are associated with each other, and transmits data including these messages to the destination.

[0102] 13 is a diagram showing a change in the chat image 30 when user A specifies a reply message. The example in FIG. 13 shows a change in the chat image 30 when user A selects message image 32J. When user A's terminal 20 accepts the selection of message image 32J indicating a reply message, it transmits a notification to that effect to the message control server 10.

[0103] In the message control server 10, the transmitting / receiving unit 74 refers to the message database to identify the original message of the reply selected by user A (the message indicated by message image 32K in the example of FIG. 13). Then, the transmitting / receiving unit 74 transmits to the terminal 20 data for displaying message images 32I and 32L in a darkened state and for displaying message images 32J and 32K without darkening.

[0104] Furthermore, although the above describes the case where a user specifies a reply message, when an original message is specified based on the operation of each user, the transmitting / receiving unit 74 may be configured to transmit data including these messages to the destination, which is data for displaying a chat image 30 that associates the specified original message with a reply message to the specified original message.

[0105] 14 is a diagram showing how the chat image 30 changes when user A specifies the original message. The example in FIG. 14 shows how the chat image 30 changes when user A selects message image 32K. When user A's terminal 20 accepts the selection of message image 32K indicating the original message of the reply, it transmits a notification to that effect to the message control server 10.

[0106] In the message control server 10, the transmitting / receiving unit 74 refers to the message database and identifies the reply messages to the original message selected by user A (the messages indicated by message images 32J and 32L in the example of FIG. 13). Then, the transmitting / receiving unit 74 transmits to the terminal 20 data for displaying message image 32I in a darkened state and displaying message images 32J, 32K, and 32L without darkening.

[0107] According to the modified example (1-3), it becomes easier to identify what the reply message specified on the chat image 30 is replying to, and it becomes easier to identify what reply was entered in response to the message specified on the chat image 30.

[0108] (2-1) For example, if a series of replies are sent in response to a certain message, it is highly likely that the series of messages are about the same topic. For this reason, messages about the same topic may be grouped together so that they can be identified in the chat image 30.

[0109] The message control server 10 of this modified example includes a group belonging unit 78. The group belonging unit 78 causes a reply message to belong to the same message group as the original message of the reply. Belonging to the same message group means associating messages with each other, for example, by assigning common identification information (a message group ID, described below) to the messages.

[0110] Fig. 15 is a diagram showing an example of data storage in the message database of this modified example. As shown in Fig. 15, the message database of this modified example stores message group IDs. The message group ID is information that uniquely identifies a message group. Messages with the same message group ID are likely to be on the same topic. In other words, messages with the same message group ID have the same original message (the message that is the starting point of the reply) when the original message of the reply is traced back.

[0111] The group affiliation unit 78 assigns the same message group ID as the original message to the reply message. The group affiliation unit 78 issues a message group ID when a reply is made to a certain message for the first time. The message group ID may be issued based on a predetermined ID issuing rule. Thereafter, each time a reply is made to a message with the issued message group ID, the group affiliation unit 78 assigns this message group ID to the reply message.

[0112] The transmitting / receiving unit 74 of this modification transmits data including the messages to the destination, which data is for displaying the chat image 30 associated with messages belonging to the same message group.

[0113] Fig. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a chat image 30 of user A. As shown in Fig. 16, the messages indicated by message images 32B, 32C, and 32F belong to the same message group (the group with the message group ID "002"). Therefore, the transmitter / receiver 74 transmits data for displaying message images 32A, 32D, 32E, 32G, and 32H in a darkened state, and for displaying message images 32B, 32C, and 32F without darkening them.

[0114] According to the modified example (2-1), when replies are sent one after another starting from a certain message, each user can easily identify messages on the chat image 30 that have the same origin message (i.e., messages that appear to be on the same topic).

[0115] (2-2) Furthermore, the display of association as in the modified example (2-1) may not always be performed in the chat image 30, but may be performed when the user specifies a message. When a message is specified based on the operation of each user, the transmitting / receiving unit 74 in this modified example transmits to the destination data for displaying the chat image 30 in which messages of the message group to which the specified message belongs are distinguished from messages that belong to message groups other than the specified message group. More specifically, the transmitting / receiving unit 74 transmits to the destination data for displaying the chat image 30 in which messages of the message group to which the specified message belongs are distinguished from messages that belong to message groups other than the specified message group.

[0116] 17 is a diagram showing how the chat image 30 changes when user A selects a message. The example in FIG. 17 shows how the chat image 30 changes when user A selects message image 32F. Upon receiving the selection of message image 32F, user A's terminal 20 transmits a notification to that effect to the message control server 10.

[0117] In the message control server 10, the transmitting / receiving unit 74 refers to the message database and identifies messages in the same message group as the message selected by user A. The transmitting / receiving unit 74 then transmits data to display message images 32A, 32D, 32E, 32G, and 32H in a darkened state, and to display message images 32B, 32C, and 32F without darkening them.

[0118] According to the modified example (2-2), each user can easily identify each message in the same message group as the message that he / she has specified on the chat image 30.

[0119] (3-1) For example, in the embodiment, a case where one user is the destination has been described, but multiple users may be designated as the destination. In this case, the destination information indicates one or multiple users. The transmitting / receiving unit 74 of this modified example is data for displaying a chat image 30 that distinguishes between messages in which the destination is included among the multiple specified destinations and messages in which the destination is not included among the multiple specified destinations, and transmits data including these messages to the destination.

[0120] FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of a chat image 30 of user A. In the example of FIG. 18, users A and Y are specified as recipients of the message shown in message image 32F. Therefore, multiple users are shown in destination image 36F attached to message image 32F. In this modified example, when multiple users are specified as recipients, it is determined in the process of S23 whether the destination user is included in these multiple users. Other processes are the same as those in the embodiment.

[0121] According to the modified example (3-1), multiple destinations can be specified and messages can be sent simultaneously, which reduces the time and effort required for the user to enter a message compared to sending messages individually. Furthermore, even if multiple destinations are specified, if the user himself / herself is included among them, the messages are displayed separately from messages addressed to other people, making it easier for the user receiving the message to identify the message addressed to him / her.

[0122] (3-2) For example, even if a message is addressed to user A, a message addressed only to user A may be more important than a message that also has other users as its destination, so it may be possible to distinguish between them. The transmitting / receiving unit 74 is data for displaying a chat image 30 that distinguishes between a message addressed only to the destination and a message that includes the destination and other users among the multiple specified destinations, and transmits data including these messages to the destination.

[0123] 19 is a diagram showing a comparative example of a message image 32. As shown in FIG. 19, the transmitter / receiver 74 transmits data for displaying a chat image 30 in which a message image 32M addressed only to user A and a message image 32N addressed to another user are displayed in different ways. For example, message image 32M is displayed more highlighted than message image 32N.

[0124] According to the modified example (3-2), each user can easily distinguish between messages addressed only to him / herself and messages addressed to other users. For example, messages addressed only to him / her may be more important, and in this case, each user can easily identify the more important messages.

[0125] (4) For example, when a user specifies an avatar image 34, a history of messages exchanged between the user and the specified avatar image 34 may be displayed in the chat image 30. The transmitting / receiving unit 74 of this modification transmits data including messages between a destination and a destination other than the destination specified by the destination user's operation, which data is used to display the chat image 30 in a manner that distinguishes the messages from messages other than the specified messages.

[0126] 20 is a diagram showing how the chat image 30 changes when user A selects user X's avatar image 34. As shown in FIG. 20, when user A selects user X's avatar image 34, the exchange between user A and user X is displayed on the chat image 30. Specifically, upon receiving the selection of user X's avatar image 34, user A's terminal 20 transmits a notification to that effect to the message control server 10.

[0127] In the message control server 10, the transmitting / receiving unit 74 refers to the message database and identifies messages between user A and user X designated by user A. For example, the transmitting / receiving unit 74 identifies messages in which the sender information and destination information are a combination of user A and user X. Then, the transmitting / receiving unit 74 generates a chat image 30 in which the exchange between user A and user X is displayed in a different manner from other messages, and transmits the data to user A's terminal 20. In other words, the transmitting / receiving unit 74 transmits a chat image 30 that shows the history of messages exchanged between user A and user X.

[0128] According to variant example (4), when a user specifies another user, the history of messages exchanged between the users can be displayed, making it easy to understand the content exchanged between specific users.

[0129] (5) For example, in the above description, the process of generating data for displaying the chat image 30 is implemented by the message control server 10, but this process may be implemented by each terminal 20 (message control terminal). That is, the main functions may be implemented by each terminal 20, rather than by the message control server 10.

[0130] For example, the message acquisition unit 70 and the destination acquisition unit 72 may be realized by each terminal 20. In this case, the control unit 21 and the communication unit 23 of each terminal 20 acquire the message entered by each user and the destination information indicating the specified destination via the communication network 2. For example, the message acquisition unit 70 acquires the message stored in the message database via the communication network 2, and the destination acquisition unit 72 acquires the destination information stored in the message database via the communication network 2.

[0131] Furthermore, the display control unit 66 of each terminal 20 displays chat images 30 that distinguish between messages input to the user (i.e., the user of the terminal 20) and messages input by users other than the user and addressed to a party other than the user, based on the destination information. In the embodiment, the case where the message control server 10 generates data for the chat images 30 has been described, but in this modified example, the display control unit 66 generates data for the chat images 30. The processing content itself for generating this data is the same as that described in the embodiment and the modified example.

[0132] Furthermore, each of the processes described in the above modified examples may be implemented by each terminal 20. For example, the display control unit 66 may execute the processes described in modified examples (1-1) to (1-3). That is, the display control unit 66 may generate data of a chat image 30 in which a reply message and an original message are associated with each other. Similarly, the display control unit 66 may execute the processes described in modified examples (2-1) and (2-2). That is, the display control unit 66 may generate data of a chat image 30 in which messages of the same message group are associated with each other. Furthermore, the display control unit 66 may execute the processes described in modified examples (3-1) and (3-2). That is, the display control unit 66 may generate data of a chat image 30 in which multiple users are specified as destinations.

[0133] According to the modification (5), the main processing can be executed on the terminal 20 side, so that the load on the message control server 10 can be reduced.

[0134] (6) For example, the embodiment and the above-described modified examples may be combined.

[0135] Furthermore, for example, the message control server or message control terminal according to the present invention can be applied to any technology for exchanging messages between users, and can be applied to other than chat. In other words, the present invention can be applied to, for example, an electronic bulletin board where multiple users post messages, which does not require real-time performance like chat.

[0136] [6. Summary of the invention] From the above description, the present invention can be understood, for example, as follows: A message control server (10) according to the present invention is a message control server (10) that communicates with a terminal (20) that displays an image (e.g., a chat image 30) in which messages from each of a plurality of users are arranged in chronological order, and is characterized by including: message acquisition means (70) that acquires messages input by each user; destination acquisition means (72) that acquires destination information indicating the destination of the message; and means (74) that transmits data for displaying the image (e.g., chat image 30) on each user's terminal (20), the means (74) transmitting data to the destination based on the destination information, which transmits to the destination a message input to a destination and a message input by a user other than the destination and addressed to a destination other than the destination, and transmits to the destination data for displaying an image (e.g., chat image 30) that distinguishes between the message input to the destination and the message input by a user other than the destination and addressed to a destination other than the destination.

[0137] The message control terminal (20) according to the present invention is a message control terminal (20) that displays an image (e.g., chat image 30) in which each message of a plurality of users is arranged in chronological order, and is characterized by including message acquisition means (70) that acquires a message input by each user, destination acquisition means (72) that acquires destination information indicating the destination of the message, and display control means (66) that, based on the destination information, displays an image (e.g., chat image 30) that distinguishes between a message input to a user and a message input by a user other than the user and addressed to a destination other than the user.

[0138] The program of the present invention causes a computer that communicates with a terminal (20) that displays an image (e.g., a chat image 30) in which each message of a plurality of users is arranged in chronological order to function as a message acquisition means (70) that acquires a message input by each user, a destination acquisition means (72) that acquires destination information indicating the destination of the message, and a means (74) that sends data for displaying the image (e.g., chat image 30) on each user's terminal (20), and based on the destination information, sends to the destination a message input to the destination and a message input by a user other than the destination and addressed to a destination other than the destination, and sends to the destination data for displaying an image (e.g., chat image 30) that distinguishes between the message input to the destination and the message input by a user other than the destination and addressed to a destination other than the destination.

[0139] The program of the present invention causes a computer that displays an image (e.g., chat image 30) in which messages from multiple users are arranged in chronological order to function as a message acquisition means (70) that acquires messages entered by each user, a destination acquisition means (72) that acquires destination information indicating the destination of the message, and a display control means (66) that displays an image (e.g., chat image 30) that distinguishes between messages entered for a user and messages entered by a user other than the user and addressed to a destination other than the user, based on the destination information.

[0140] An information storage medium according to the present invention is a computer-readable information storage medium on which the above program is recorded.

[0141] According to the present invention, a user can easily identify messages that are relevant to him or her in an image in which messages are arranged in chronological order.

[0142] In one aspect of the present invention, the sending means (74) sends data including the message to the destination, which is data for displaying an image (e.g., chat image 30) that further distinguishes messages entered by the destination user for addresses other than the destination. According to this aspect, among the messages displayed in chronological order, each user can easily identify messages that he or she has entered for others.

[0143] In one aspect of the present invention, the sending means (74) sends data including the message to the destination, which is data for displaying an image (e.g., chat image 30) that associates a message entered by a user other than the destination with information identifying the destination and addressed to a destination other than the destination. According to this aspect, while messages are displayed in chronological order, each user can easily identify to whom a message from another person addressed to another person is addressed.

[0144] In one aspect of the present invention, the message control server (10) can send a reply addressed to the user who sent the message, the message acquisition means (70) acquires a reply message entered by each user, the message control server (10) further includes means (76) for acquiring reply source information that identifies the original message of the reply, and the sending means (74) transmits data including these messages to the destination, the data being used to display an image (e.g., chat image 30) that associates the reply message with the original message of the reply based on the reply source information. According to this aspect, it is easy to identify what the reply message is responding to when messages are displayed in chronological order.

[0145] In one aspect of the present invention, when a message is specified based on an operation by each user, the sending means (74) sends data for accepting input of a reply message to the specified message. According to this aspect, when a message is specified by each user, a reply to that message can be accepted, making it easier for users to reply.

[0146] In one aspect of the present invention, the sending means (74) includes at least one of: means (74) for sending to the destination, when a reply message is specified based on the operation of each user, data for displaying an image (e.g., chat image 30) that associates the specified reply message with the original message of the reply, and means (74) for sending to the destination, when an original message is specified based on the operation of each user, data for displaying an image (e.g., chat image 30) that associates the specified original message with a reply message to the specified original message. According to this aspect, it becomes easier to identify what the reply message specified by the user is a reply to, and it becomes easier to identify what reply was entered in response to the message specified by the user.

[0147] In one aspect of the present invention, the message control server (10) can send a reply addressed to the user who sent the message, the message acquisition means (70) acquires a reply message entered by each user, the message control server further includes means (78) for assigning the reply message to the same message group as the original message of the reply, and the sending means (74) sends data including the message, which is data for displaying an image (e.g., chat image 30) associated with messages belonging to the same message group, to the destination. According to this aspect, when users reply one after another, it becomes easier to identify messages in the same group (e.g., messages on the same topic).

[0148] In one aspect of the present invention, when a message is designated based on an operation of each user, the sending means (74) sends to the destination data for displaying an image (e.g., chat image 30) that distinguishes between messages in a message group to which the designated message belongs and messages other than the designated message. According to this aspect, it becomes easier to identify messages in the same message group as the message designated by the user.

[0149] In one aspect of the present invention, multiple users can be specified as message destinations, and the sending means (74) is characterized in that it is data for displaying images (e.g., chat images 30) that distinguish between messages in which the destination is included among the specified multiple destinations and messages in which the destination is not included among the specified multiple destinations, and sends data containing these messages to the destinations. According to this aspect, since multiple destinations can be specified and messages can be sent simultaneously, the user's effort is reduced compared to sending messages individually. Furthermore, even if multiple destinations are specified, if each user includes themselves in the messages, they are displayed separately from messages addressed to others, making it easier for them to identify messages addressed to themselves.

[0150] In one aspect of the present invention, the sending means (74) is characterized in that it is data for displaying an image (e.g., chat image 30) that distinguishes between a message addressed only to the destination and a message whose specified multiple destinations include both the destination and other users, and sends data including these messages to the destination. According to this aspect, each user can easily identify more important messages because messages addressed only to the user may be more important than messages whose destinations include other users.

[0151] In one aspect of the present invention, the destination of a message can be either all of the destinations to which the message can be sent or no destination can be specified, and the sending means (74) is data for displaying an image (e.g., chat image 30) that further distinguishes between a message addressed to all of the destinations to which the message can be sent or a message to which no destination is specified, and sends data including these messages to the destination. According to this aspect, it is possible to further distinguish between messages addressed to all of the destinations or messages to which no destination is specified.

[0152] In one aspect of the present invention, the sending means (74) sends data for displaying information identifying the sender of each message to the destination, and when the information is specified based on the operation of each user, sends data for accepting input of a message for the destination indicated by the specified information. According to this aspect, it is easy for a user to specify a destination when entering a message.

[0153] In one aspect of the present invention, the sending means (74) sends data including a message, which is data for displaying an image (e.g., chat image 30) that distinguishes a message between the destination and a destination other than the destination specified based on an operation by the user of the destination from messages other than the message. According to this aspect, each user can easily understand the content of the exchange between the user and the user specified by the user.

[0154] In one aspect of the present invention, the sending means (74) sends to the destination data including a message input by a user other than the destination user and data for displaying an image associating a direction from a position on an image associated with a user other than the destination (e.g., chat image 30) to a position on an image associated with the destination (e.g., chat image 30). According to this aspect, each user can easily intuitively identify whether a message is addressed to them or not.

[0155] In one aspect of the present invention, the sending means (74) sends data including the message to the destination, which is data for displaying an image (e.g., chat image 30) that associates a message entered by the destination user with a destination other than the destination and a direction from a position on the image (e.g., chat image 30) associated with the destination to a position on the image (e.g., chat image 30) associated with the destination other than the destination. According to this aspect, each user can easily intuitively identify whether the message is addressed to another person. [Explanation of symbols]

[0156] 1 message control system, 2 communication network, 10 message control server, 11 control unit, 12 memory unit, 13 communication unit, 20 terminal, 21 control unit, 22 memory unit, 23 communication unit, 24 operation unit, 25 display unit, 30 chat image, 32, 32A, 32B, 32C, 32D, 32E, 32F, 32G, 32H, 32I, 32J, 32K, 32L, 32M, 32N message image, 34, 34A, 34B, 34C, 34D, 34E, 34F, 34G, 34H, 34I, 34J, 34K, 34L, 34M, 34N avatar image, 36 destination image, 38, 46 input form, 40, 48 destination field, 42, 50 message input field, 44 send button, 52 reply button, 60 Message input unit, 62 destination designation unit, 64 transmission / reception unit, 66 display control unit, 68 data storage unit, 70 message acquisition unit, 72 destination acquisition unit, 74 transmission / reception unit, 76 reply source acquisition unit, 78 group affiliation unit.

Claims

1. A messaging system in which a plurality of terminals and a server can transmit and receive data via a network, a message acquisition means for acquiring an input message from each of the plurality of terminals; a destination acquisition means for acquiring destination information indicating a destination user associated with the message; a display control means for causing each of the plurality of terminals to display an image in which the plurality of messages, including the message with a specified destination and the message without a specified destination, are arranged in chronological order; Including, The display control means, in each of the plurality of terminals, among the messages displayed on the image, based on the destination information associated with the message for which a destination is specified, a first message addressed to the user of the terminal is displayed on the image in a first display mode, and a second message addressed to a person other than the user of the terminal is displayed on the image in a second display mode different from the first display mode. Message system.

2. the display control means displays the message with a specified destination and the message without a specified destination in a distinguishable manner; The messaging system of claim 1 .

3. the display control means displays the message having a specified destination in association with a user who is a destination indicated by the destination information associated with the message; 3. A message system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. In the image, a destination user can be selected from among the users of the plurality of terminals. A message system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. A method for controlling a messaging system in which a plurality of terminals and a server can transmit and receive data via a network, comprising: a message acquisition step of acquiring an input message from each of the plurality of terminals; a destination acquisition step of acquiring destination information indicating a destination user associated with the message; a display control step of displaying, on each of the plurality of terminals, an image in which the plurality of messages, including the message with a specified destination and the message without a specified destination, are arranged in chronological order; Including, The display control step includes, in each of the plurality of terminals: among the messages displayed on the image, based on the destination information associated with the message for which a destination is specified, a first message addressed to the user of the terminal is displayed on the image in a first display mode, and a second message addressed to a person other than the user of the terminal is displayed on the image in a second display mode different from the first display mode. Control method.

6. A server that can send and receive data via multiple terminals and networks. a message acquisition means for acquiring an input message from each of the plurality of terminals; a destination acquisition means for acquiring destination information indicating a destination user associated with the message; a display control means for causing each of the plurality of terminals to display an image in which the plurality of messages, including the message with a specified destination and the message without a specified destination, are arranged in chronological order; A program for functioning as The display control means, in each of the plurality of terminals, among the messages displayed on the image, based on the destination information associated with the message for which a destination is specified, a first message addressed to the user of the terminal is displayed on the image in a first display mode, and a second message addressed to a person other than the user of the terminal is displayed on the image in a second display mode different from the first display mode. program.

7. A terminal that can send and receive data via a network a message acquisition means for acquiring an input message from another terminal; a destination acquisition means for acquiring destination information indicating a destination user associated with the message; a display control means for displaying an image in which a plurality of messages, including the message with a specified destination and the message without a specified destination, are arranged in chronological order; A program for functioning as the display control means, on the terminal, based on the destination information associated with the message having a specified destination among the messages displayed on the image, causes a first message addressed to the user of the terminal to be displayed on the image in a first display mode, and causes a second message addressed to a person other than the user of the terminal to be displayed on the image in a second display mode different from the first display mode; program.

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