JP4362298B2 - User status disclosure system - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a user status disclosure system, and more particularly to a user status disclosure system for portable terminals represented by the presence function of an instant message system.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Since the portable terminal is carried by the user, it is considered a tool suitable for inputting state information in the user state disclosure system. However, the user tends to forget to input the state information, and a solution for obtaining the accurate state information of the user is demanded.
[0003]
Therefore, there are a user status input method linked to user schedule information, which is represented by Patent Document 1, a user status input method linked to user location information, and the like. However, in the user status input method linked with the user's schedule information, there are few users who perform schedule management using an electronic medium such as a portable terminal, which is not a very effective solution. Also, in the user status input method linked with the user position information, the status may be completely different even if staying in the same place, for example, when reading in the bedroom or when sleeping. This is not a very effective solution.
[0004]
[Patent Document 1]
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-318871
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In view of such circumstances, an object of the present invention is to provide a user status disclosure system that requests the user to input status information at regular intervals and prompts the user to update the status information.
[0006]
At this time, an object of the present invention is to provide a user status disclosure system having a specific function that makes such an input request for status information visually and makes the visual input request more effective.
[0007]
Specific functions include input and transmission of state information that accurately represents the user state of the user, a function that improves continuity to the original operation after the input of state information, and an input request. Has the ability to alleviate discomfort.
[0008]
It is another object of the present invention to provide a user status disclosure system that makes tactile input requests for status information.
[0009]
It is another object of the present invention to provide a user state disclosure system that makes an input request for state information audibly.
[0010]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
To solve the above object, the invention comprises a user state public server that manages the user state indicating the state of each user as the state information, the said state information of the user state about itself user state according to claim 1 transmitted to the public server, the user state public client receiving the status information about other users than the user state public server forms a network are connected to each other, each user status public client other user state a user state public system can grasp the user status of the public client, at least one of the user state public client, an input request unit for requesting an input of the state information of the user state to the own user, an input request interval storage means for storing a time interval of the input request, the input request User for the user status public means periodically performs the input request to the time specified by referring to the interval storage means, the user receives a request by the input request means for inputting the state information of the user state Display means for displaying a state input image, wherein the display means does not accept an input other than a state input by a user while the user state input image is being displayed .
[0012]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the invention, the user state disclosure client includes a state option storage unit that stores a list of state information of the user state displayed on the user state input image, and a user state. Input means for inputting the state information and user ID storage means for storing the identification information for identifying each user, and the user state disclosure means refers to the state option storage means for referring to the state information of the user state. When the user status input information is input from the input means, the user status disclosure means stores the user ID storage means. The identification information is retrieved by reference, and the user status state information and identification information input from the input means are transmitted to the user status disclosure server. And features.
[0013]
The invention according to claim 3 is the invention according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein the addition of new status information or deletion of existing status information is added to the list of status information of the user status stored in the status option storage means. By creating a list of status information of the new user status, the user status disclosure means refers to the status option storage means to retrieve the list of status information of the new user status, and displays the new user status on the display means A user status input image to which a list of status information is added is displayed.
[0014]
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect of the invention, the user state disclosure means controls to change the size of the user state input image displayed on the display means.
[0015]
The invention according to claim 5 is the invention according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein the entertainment information corresponding to the state information of each user state is added to the list of state information of the user state stored in the state option storage means. The user state disclosure unit refers to the state option storage unit to retrieve a list of state information of the user state to which the image data is added and adds the image data to the display unit. A user status input image to which a list of status information of the user status is added is displayed.
[0016]
The invention according to claim 6 is the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 5 , wherein the user status disclosure client further includes a vibration means for generating a predetermined vibration, An input request is periodically made at a designated time by referring to the input request interval storage means, and the vibration means is controlled to generate vibration.
[0017]
According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, the user status disclosure client further includes a voice output unit that outputs a predetermined voice, and the user status disclosure unit includes: The input request is periodically requested by referring to the input request interval storage means, and the sound output means is controlled to output the sound.
[0018]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0019]
<Configuration>
The embodiment of the present invention is a user status disclosure system as shown in FIG. 1 and includes a user, a fellow user, a mobile terminal, a network, and a user status disclosure server.
[0020]
The user status public server manages status information of users or fellow users via a network.
[0021]
As shown in FIG. 2, the portable terminal includes a user state disclosure client unit 1, a state option storage unit 2, an input request interval storage unit 3, a user ID storage unit 4, a window display control unit 5, a display unit 6, and a vibration control unit. 7, a motor unit 8, a voice control unit 9, a speaker unit 10, a keyboard unit 11, and a network interface unit 12.
[0022]
The user status disclosure client unit 1 communicates with the user status disclosure server, notifies the user status disclosure server of the user status information, and acquires the status information of the fellow users from the user status disclosure server.
[0023]
The state option storage unit 2 stores a group of options that can be taken as user states such as “in the train”, “meeting”, and “phone OK”.
[0024]
The input request interval storage unit 3 stores a time interval at which the user state disclosure client unit 1 makes a user state input request to the user.
[0025]
The user ID storage unit 4 stores an ID for uniquely identifying a user in the user state disclosure system.
[0026]
The window display control unit 5 controls a window displayed on the display unit 6. For example, an X window system often found in a UNIX (registered trademark) OS corresponds to this.
[0027]
The display unit 6 is a part for displaying a window viewed by the user. In particular, the display unit 6 displays a state input window for designating a user state stored in the state option storage unit 2 and is controlled by the window display control unit 5.
[0028]
The vibration control unit 7 controls the motor unit 8 that vibrates the mobile terminal.
[0029]
The motor unit 8 is a part that vibrates the mobile terminal, and is controlled by the vibration control unit 7.
[0030]
The audio control unit 9 controls the speaker unit 10 that performs audio output.
[0031]
The speaker unit 10 is a part that outputs sound, and is controlled by the sound control unit 9.
[0032]
The keyboard unit 11 is a location where the user inputs his / her user status in response to a user status input request from the user status disclosure client unit 1.
[0033]
The network interface unit 12 is an interface for the user status disclosure client unit 1 to transmit / receive predetermined information to / from a user status disclosure server or a mobile terminal of a fellow user.
[0034]
<Operation of Embodiment 1>
First, in the first embodiment, a method for visually requesting the user to input state information will be described. That is, a state will be described in which the user state disclosure client unit 1 displays a state input window on the display of the mobile terminal until a user inputs state information after a predetermined time has elapsed.
[0035]
First, as shown in FIG. 3, the user status disclosure client unit 1 refers to the input request interval storage unit 3 and acquires the input request interval of status information ((1)). When the acquired time elapses (2), the user status disclosure client unit 1 refers to the status option storage unit 2 and acquires a stored option group (3). Then, a user status input window for displaying the option group and receiving input from the user is generated, and the window display control unit 5 is requested to display the user status input window ((4)). The window display control unit 5 causes the display unit 6 to display the user status input window requested to be displayed by the user status disclosure client unit 1 ((5)).
[0036]
Here, the user status input window is generated with the full screen size of the display unit 6. The user status input window catches all events that occur on the display unit 6. Also, the user status input window normally processes the events used for inputting the status information among the caught events, and does not transmit the event to other programs even if an event that is not necessary for inputting the status information is caught.
[0037]
Displaying the window as described above on the display unit 6 makes it impossible for the user to perform operations other than input of state information. In this way, the user can be prompted to input status information.
[0038]
In the above-described operation processing, the user status input window generated by the user status disclosure client unit 1 is a window that includes both the meaning of the user status input request to the user and the meaning of presentation of the user status option group. However, they can be separated. In other words, there are two types of windows: a user status input window for requesting input and a user status input window that presents a group of options. First, the user status input window for requesting input is displayed and an input request is made. An operation process for displaying a user status input window that presents a group of options according to the response may be used.
[0039]
In the above-described operation processing, the option group is presented by the user status input window generated by the user status disclosure client unit 1. However, as a method of presenting the option group to the user, a voice presentation method is also possible. is there. At this time, the contents of the option group are output by voice through the speaker unit 10.
[0040]
Next, as shown in FIG. 4, when the user inputs status information from the keyboard unit 11 (6), the user status disclosure client unit 1 acquires the user ID from the user ID storage unit 4 (7). ) The user ID and the status information input by the user are notified to the user status disclosure server via the network interface unit 12 and the network ((8)).
In the operation process (6), the state information may be input by pressing a target button or by inputting a predetermined voice.
[0041]
By such a processing procedure, the user can notify the fellow user of his / her highly reliable status information by regularly displaying on the display and prompting the user to input a status that tends to be forgotten.
[0042]
In addition, fellow users also use the same user state input request method, and since it is guaranteed that state information is periodically input, the user must obtain highly reliable state information regarding fellow users. This makes it possible to select a contact means such as an instant message, e-mail, or telephone when it is desired to contact a fellow user.
[0043]
In addition, since all users using the user status disclosure system use this input method, the user status disclosure system periodically inputs status information of all users. It can be mentioned that “the reliability of the status information to be communicated is high”, which leads to an advertising effect for acquiring new customers.
[0044]
Examples (1) to (3) will now be described with respect to the display of the user status input window.
[0045]
<Example (1) of Embodiment 1>
The user status disclosure client unit 1 can generate a user status input window in which user-specific status information can be input in addition to the option group already stored in the status option storage unit 2.
[0046]
For example, the user first inputs “meal” which is state information unique to the user from the keyboard unit 11. The user status information representing “meal” is stored in the status option storage unit 2.
[0047]
When the user status disclosure client unit 1 reaches a certain time and requests the user to input status information, the operation processes {circle around (1)} to {circle around (5)} described in the operation of the first embodiment are performed, as shown in FIG. As described above, the item “meal” is displayed on the display.
[0048]
If the user selects the item “meal” and inputs it from the keyboard unit 11, the operation processes {circle around (6)} to {circle around (8)} described in the operation of the first embodiment are performed, and the user status disclosure server receives the user ID. And “meal” status information.
[0049]
Thus, even when there is no appropriate item among the options displayed in the user status input window, the user can input a status that matches his / her own status.
[0050]
Further, it is possible to delete unnecessary state information that is unnecessary as necessary, by deleting the options stored in the state option storage unit 2.
[0051]
In addition, the addition and deletion of such options are not only performed in advance as described above, but the user information disclosure client unit 1 requests the input of the state information, and the original state is selected at the stage of actually selecting the state. It is also possible to write options.
[0052]
<Example (2) of Embodiment 1>
The user status disclosure client unit 1 can generate a user status input window in an area excluding the battery remaining area and the time display area instead of the full screen display.
[0053]
When the user status disclosure client unit 1 reaches a certain time and requests the user to input status information, the operation processes (1) to (5) described in the operation of the first embodiment are performed. In the operation processing, the user status input client that the user status disclosure client unit 1 requests to display to the window display control unit 5 may be displayed in an arbitrary size instead of the full screen size.
[0054]
The window display control unit 5 displays the arbitrary size on the display unit 6 so that the user status input window displayed on the display is partially displayed as shown in FIG. You can also see the area.
[0055]
Thus, the user can see the information displayed in the area other than the user status input window without inputting the status information, so that the continuity to the original operation after the status information is input can be improved. it can.
[0056]
<Example (3) of Embodiment 1>
The user state disclosure client unit 1 can have an entertainment function. For example, if the user status disclosure client unit 1 has a virtual life training function as an entertainment function, virtual life is also displayed in the user status input window as shown in FIG. Furthermore, the user state disclosure client unit 1 changes the state of virtual life according to state information input from the user.
[0057]
When the user status disclosure client unit 1 reaches a certain time and requests the user to input status information, the operation processes (1) to (5) described in the operation of the first embodiment are performed. At the time of the operation processing, the image of the virtual life is also displayed in the user state input window that the user state disclosure client unit 1 requests the window display control unit 5 to display.
[0058]
If the user selects the item “2: Working” and inputs it from the keyboard unit 11, the operation processes (6) to (8) described in the operation of the first embodiment are performed. The part 1 changes the virtual life in the user state input window according to the input “2: at work” item, and requests the window display control part 5 to display the image of the changed virtual life. . The window display control unit 5 displays a corresponding image on the display unit 6 so that the user can see a virtual life as shown in FIG.
[0059]
Since the operation to the mobile terminal is restricted, the user may feel uncomfortable with the user status input request method of the present invention, but according to this embodiment, the user can input status information while having fun. .
[0060]
<Operation of Embodiment 2>
Next, a method for tactilely requesting input of state information to the user in the second embodiment will be described. That is, a state in which the user state disclosure client unit 1 vibrates the mobile terminal until the user inputs state information after a predetermined time has elapsed will be described. However, unlike the first embodiment, the state input window is not displayed unless the user requests display of the state input window.
[0061]
First, as shown in FIG. 8, the user state disclosure client unit 1 refers to the input request interval storage unit 3 and acquires the input request interval of the state information ((1)). When the acquired time has elapsed ((2)), the user state disclosure client unit 1 requests the vibration control unit 7 to vibrate the mobile terminal ((3)). The vibration control unit 7 vibrates the motor unit 8 in response to a request from the user state disclosure client unit 1 (4). When there is some response from the user, the user state disclosure client unit 1 refers to the state option storage unit 2 and acquires the stored option group (5). Then, a group of options is presented to the user by a user status input window or by voice.
[0062]
Next, as shown in FIG. 9, when the user inputs state information from the keyboard unit 11 ((6)), the user state disclosure client unit 1 acquires the user ID from the user ID storage unit 4 (7). ) The user ID and the status information input by the user are notified to the user status disclosure server via the network interface unit 12 and the network ((8)).
In the operation process (6), the state information may be input by pressing a target button or by inputting a predetermined voice.
[0063]
If the user wants to see the user status input window when responding to an input request for status information due to vibration, the user status disclosure client unit 1 sends a window display control unit 5 to the operation process (4). Requests display of the user status input window generated by itself. Then, the window display control unit 5 may display the user status input window requested to be displayed by the user status disclosure client unit 1 on the display unit 6. As for the display of the user status input window, the display methods of Examples (1) to (3) of the first embodiment can be applied.
[0064]
As shown in FIG. 10 by the above operation process, when the time acquired from the input request interval storage unit 3 has elapsed, the mobile terminal vibrates until the user inputs state information.
[0065]
Thereby, even if the user is not aware of the input request for the state information, it can be noticed by the vibration, and the input of the state information can be prompted. Further, even when the user is aware of the input request for the state information but has not made an input, it is assumed that the user inputs the state information in order to stop the vibration, and the user can be prompted to input the state information. Unlike Embodiment 1, when a user inputs state information, the operation on the portable terminal is not restricted.
[0066]
<Operation of Embodiment 3>
Next, a method for aurally requesting input of state information to the user in the third embodiment will be described. That is, a state in which the user state disclosure client unit 1 requests input of state information by voice until a user inputs state information after a predetermined time has elapsed will be described. However, unlike the first embodiment, the state input window is not displayed unless the user requests display of the state input window.
[0067]
First, as shown in FIG. 11, the user state disclosure client unit 1 refers to the input request interval storage unit 3 and acquires the input request interval of the state information ((1)). Then, when the acquired time has elapsed ((2)), the user status disclosure client unit 1 requests the voice control unit 9 to output a pre-recorded voice ((3)). The voice control unit 9 causes the speaker unit 10 to output voice in response to a request from the user status disclosure client unit 1 ((4)). When there is some response from the user, the user state disclosure client unit 1 refers to the state option storage unit 2 and acquires the stored option group (5). Then, a group of options is presented to the user by a user status input window or by voice.
[0068]
Next, as shown in FIG. 12, when the user inputs state information from the keyboard unit 11 (<6>), the user state disclosure client unit 1 acquires the user ID from the user ID storage unit 4 (<7>). ) The user ID and the status information input by the user are notified to the user status disclosure server via the network interface unit 12 and the network ((8)).
In the operation process (6), the state information may be input by pressing a target button or by inputting a predetermined voice.
[0069]
If the user responds to an input request for status information by voice and wants to see the user status input window, the user status disclosure client unit 1 sends a window display control unit 5 to the operation process (4). Requests display of the user status input window generated by itself. Then, the window display control unit 5 may display the user status input window requested to be displayed by the user status disclosure client unit 1 on the display unit 6. As for the display of the user status input window, the display methods of Examples (1) to (3) of the first embodiment can be applied.
[0070]
As shown in FIG. 13, when the time acquired from the input request interval storage unit 3 elapses as a result of the above-described operation processing, input of state information is requested by voice until the user inputs state information.
[0071]
Thereby, when the user is not aware of the input request for the state information, the user can be made aware by voice, and the user can be prompted to input the state information. Also, even when the user is aware of the input request for the state information but has not made an input, it is assumed that the user inputs the state information in order to stop the voice, and the user can be prompted to input the state information. Unlike Embodiment 1, when a user inputs state information, the operation on the portable terminal is not restricted.
[0072]
In the first to third embodiments, it is not necessary that all the mobile terminals of users and fellow users connected to the user status disclosure server have an input request function, and mobile terminals that do not have the function are in the user status. A system connected to a public server is also conceivable.
[0073]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, the user status disclosure system of the present invention can request the user to input status information at regular intervals, and can prompt the user to update the status information.
[0074]
At this time, it is possible to visually request such state information input.
[0075]
In addition, it is possible to make a tactile input request for state information.
[0076]
In addition, it is possible to make an auditory request to input state information.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a user status disclosure system according to an embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a configuration block diagram of a mobile terminal in the present embodiment.
FIG. 3 is an example of an operation processing flowchart according to the first embodiment;
FIG. 4 is a continuation of the operation processing flowchart of FIG.
FIG. 5 illustrates how window display control is performed in the embodiment (1).
FIG. 6 illustrates how window display control is performed in the embodiment (2).
FIG. 7 shows how window display control is performed in the embodiment (3).
FIG. 8 is an example of an operation processing flowchart according to the second embodiment;
FIG. 9 is a continuation of the operation processing flowchart of FIG. 8;
FIG. 10 illustrates a state of vibration control according to the second embodiment.
FIG. 11 is an example of an operation process flowchart according to the third embodiment;
12 is a continuation of the operation processing flowchart of FIG.
FIG. 13 illustrates a state of voice control according to the third embodiment.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 User state disclosure client part 2 State option storage part 3 Input request interval storage part 4 User ID storage part 5 Window display control part 6 Display part 7 Vibration control part 8 Motor part 9 Voice control part 10 Speaker part 11 Keyboard part 12 Network interface Part

Claims (7)

The user status public server managing the user status representing the status of each user as status information, the status information of the user status related to itself being transmitted to the user status public server, and the status information related to other users being transmitted to the user The user status disclosure client that receives from the status disclosure server is connected to each other to form a network, and each user status disclosure client can grasp the user status of other user status disclosure clients. Because
At least one of the user state disclosure clients is
Input request means for requesting the user to input the state information of the user state ;
Input request interval storage means for storing a time interval of the input request;
User status disclosure means for periodically making the input request at a time specified by referring to the input request interval storage means ;
Display means for displaying a user status input image for a user to input status information of the user status in response to a request from the input request means;
The display unit does not accept any input other than the state input by the user while the user state input image is being displayed . The user status publishing client is:
State option storage means for storing a list of state information of the user state displayed in the user state input image;
Input means for inputting status information of the user status;
User ID storage means for storing identification information for identifying each user;
The user status disclosure means refers to the status option storage means, retrieves a list of status information of the user status, and displays the user status input image with the list of status information of the user status added to the display means Let
When the status information of the user status is input from the input means, the user status disclosure means retrieves the identification information by referring to the user ID storage means, and is input from the input means to the user status disclosure server. The user status disclosure system according to claim 1 , wherein the user status status information and the identification information are transmitted. Create a list of new user status state information by adding new status information or deleting existing status information to the list of user status status information stored by the status option storage means,
The user status disclosure means refers to the status option storage means, takes out a list of the status information of the new user status, and adds the list of status information of the new user status to the display means. The user state disclosure system according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein an input image is displayed. The user state disclosure system according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein the user state disclosure unit controls to change the size of the user state input image displayed on the display unit. The image data having entertainment properties corresponding to the state information of each user state is added to the list of state information of the user state stored by the state option storage unit,
The user status disclosure means refers to the status option storage means to retrieve a list of status information of the user status to which the image data has been added, and to display the user status to which the image data has been added to the display means. 3. The user status disclosure system according to claim 1, wherein the user status input image to which a list of status information is added is displayed. The user status publishing client is:
It further has a vibration means for generating a predetermined vibration,
The user status disclosing means makes the input request periodically at a time designated by referring to the input request interval storage means, and controls the vibration means to generate vibration. 6. The user status disclosure system according to any one of 1 to 5 . The user status publishing client is:
It further has audio output means for outputting a predetermined audio,
The user status disclosing means periodically makes the input request at a time designated by referring to the input request interval storage means, and controls the voice output means to output a voice. The user status disclosure system according to any one of 1 to 5 .

Images