JP6728950B2 - Information processing system, terminal device and program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an information processing system, a terminal device and a program.

As a method of displaying a conversation on a time axis in the fields such as chat, instant message, and electronic conference (Web conference), a method of using a balloon (Speech Baloon) has been conventionally known.

For example, in a conventional chat system, a user selects the shape of a speech bubble and changes the color of the speech bubble for each user to expand the expressive ability of the speaker's emotions and intentions so that the user can communicate smoothly. There was (for example, refer to Patent Document 1).

In a conventional chat system, a user selects the shape of a speech bubble in order to expand the speaker's emotional/intentional expression ability. However, conventional chat systems only change the way conversations are presented.

An embodiment of the present invention aims to provide an information processing system capable of transmitting information indicating a display form of a message and a message input from an input screen corresponding to the display form of the message to another terminal device. And

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, claim 1 of the present application is an information processing system including a plurality of terminal devices, wherein a first terminal device of the plurality of terminal devices receives a designation of a display form of a message. Receiving means, first display means for displaying an input screen of a message in accordance with the display form accepted by the first receiving means, information indicating the display form, and the first display means. in a transmission means for transmitting a message input through the displayed input screen, a to the second terminal device among the plurality of terminal devices, wherein the second end terminal device, the second receiving means for receiving information indicative of the message and the display form is transmitted from the first terminal device, the message received by the receiving means, and second display means for displaying in the display mode received, the When the receiving unit receives the message and the display form, processing is performed based on the processing information indicating the process to be executed when the information of the display form stored in association with the display form is received, and the message. And executing means for executing .

According to an embodiment of the present invention, information indicating a display form of a message and a message input from an input screen corresponding to the display form of the message can be transmitted to another terminal device.

It is a block diagram of an example of an information processing system according to the present embodiment. It is a hardware block diagram of an example of the computer which concerns on this embodiment. It is a hardware block diagram of an example of the information terminal which concerns on this embodiment. It is a hardware block diagram of an example of the input/output device which concerns on this embodiment. It is a processing block diagram of an example of the chat server which concerns on this embodiment. It is a processing block diagram of an example of the client concerning this embodiment. It is an image figure of an example of a chat screen of a client with a comparatively big screen, such as PC. It is an image figure of an example of a chat screen of a client with a comparatively small screen, such as a smart device. It is an image figure of the other example of the chat screen of a client with a comparatively small screen, such as a smart device. It is explanatory drawing of an example of the display form of the balloon in which various functions were defined. It is explanatory drawing of an example of the display form of the balloon with a title. It is a flow chart of an example of message transmission processing. It is a block diagram of an example of balloon setting information. It is a sequence diagram of an example of a messaging process. It is an image figure of an example of a balloon icon addition/deletion screen. It is a flowchart of another example of a message transmission process. It is a block diagram of another example of the balloon setting information. It is an image figure of an example of a chat screen. It is a sequence diagram of another example of a message transmission process. It is a block diagram of another example of the balloon setting information. It is an image figure of the other example of a chat screen. It is a sequence diagram of another example of a message transmission process. It is a sequence diagram of another example of a message transmission process. It is an image figure of the other example of a chat screen. It is an image figure of an example of the chat screen in which the file was displayed. It is an image figure of an example of the chat screen containing the message of a examination result. It is a block diagram of an example of an examination status management table. It is a block diagram of the other example of the information processing system which concerns on this embodiment. It is an image figure of other examples of a chat screen of a client with a comparatively big screen, such as PC. It is an image figure of the other example of the chat screen of a client with a comparatively small screen, such as a smart device. It is explanatory drawing of an example of the display form of the balloon showing a post other than human. It is explanatory drawing of an example of the display form of the balloon with a title showing a post other than a human. It is a sequence diagram showing an example of a process of posting a shortage of consumables from the input/output device. It is a block diagram of another example of the balloon setting information. It is a block diagram of an example of processing setting information. It is a sequence diagram showing an example of a process in which the check server checks the spelling of a post by the user.

Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail.

[First Embodiment]
<System configuration>
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an example of an information processing system according to this embodiment. The information processing system 1 of FIG. 1 has a configuration including a relay server 11, a chat server 12, a plurality of clients 13, a file server 14, a firewall 15, and an input/output device 17.

The relay server 11 and the chat server 12 are connected to the network N1 such as the Internet. The file server 14 is connected to a network N2 such as a LAN. The client 13 and the input/output device 17 are connected to either the network N1 or N2. The network N1 and the network N2 are connected via the firewall 15.

The relay server 11 once receives a request (request) from the chat server 12 or client 13 or the input/output device 17 connected to the network N1 to the client 13 or file server 14 or the input/output device 17 connected to the network N2. Relay the request.

The chat server 12 receives a message for chatting from the client 13 or the input/output device 17, and delivers it. In addition to having a chat server function, the chat server 12 performs authentication of the client 13 or the input/output device 17, management of accounts, management of chat rooms, management of messages, and the like.

The client 13 is an example of a terminal device operated by a user. The client 13 is an information terminal that can be operated by the user, such as a mobile phone or a PC in addition to a smartphone or a tablet terminal. The input/output device 17 is an electronic device such as an image processing device such as a multifunction peripheral or a facsimile. The client 13 and the input/output device 17 can chat with each other by transmitting/receiving a message, display a file list, and display files.

The chat server 12 sends and receives a message, sends and receives a file, and the like according to a request from the client 13 or the input/output device 17. The file server 14 also functions as a storage server having a Web server function, a database function, and a file server function. The file server 14 obtains and manages information about stored files and folders, and provides a file list and files. The file server 14 also stores files shared by the users, logs of chats performed by the users via the chat server 12, and the like.

Although the information processing system 1 of FIG. 1 shows the configuration in which the chat server 12 and the file server 14 are provided, the file server 14 may be omitted by allowing the chat server 12 to have the function of the file server 14. The information processing system 1 including the chat server 12 and the file server 14 is less likely to deteriorate in performance even when the number of users who use chat increases. For example, if the file server 14 is provided with a relational database, it is advantageous for data insertion and retrieval. The file server 14 may be connected to the network N1.

In the information processing system 1 of FIG. 1, since the file server 14 is connected to the network N2, the relay server 11, the chat server 12, the client 13 or the input/output device 17 connected to the network N1 transfers to the file server 14. No direct access. The file server 14 can access the relay server 11, the chat server 12, the client 13 or the input/output device 17 connected to the network N1.

The file server 14 continuously inquires of the relay server 11 whether the request has been accepted, and if the relay server 11 has accepted the request, the request is obtained from the relay server 11 and processed. Further, the file server 14 sends the processing result of the request to the relay server 11. The requesting client 13 or the input/output device 17 can receive the request processing result from the relay server 11. In this way, a request from the client 13 or the input/output device 17 connected to the network N1 to the file server 14 connected to the network N2 can be indirectly transmitted via the relay server 11.

The relay server 11, the chat server 12, the client 13, or the input/output device 17 connected to the network N1 can communicate with each other. Also, the client 13, the file server 14, or the input/output device 17 connected to the network N2 can communicate with each other.

The information processing system 1 of FIG. 1 is an example, and it goes without saying that there are various system configuration examples according to the use and purpose. For example, the relay server 11, the chat server 12, and the file server 14 in FIG. 1 may be distributed and configured in a plurality of computers. Further, the relay server 11 and the chat server 12 in FIG. 1 may be integrated into one computer and configured. Furthermore, the relay server 11, the chat server 12, and the file server 14 shown in FIG. 1 may be integrated into one computer. Further, in FIG. 1, an example of the server client model is shown, but a P2P model may be used. In the case of the P2P model, the information processing system 1 omits the relay server 11, the chat server 12, and the file server 14, and realizes the function in the client 13 and the input/output device 17.

<Hardware configuration>
"Computer"
The relay server 11, the chat server 12, and the file server 14 are realized by a computer having a hardware configuration as shown in FIG. 2, for example. The client 13 such as a PC is also realized by a computer having hardware as shown in FIG. FIG. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram of an example of the computer according to the present embodiment.

The computer 500 of FIG. 2 includes an input device 501, a display device 502, an external I/F 503, a RAM 504, a ROM 505, a CPU 506, a communication I/F 507, an HDD 508, etc., which are interconnected by a bus B. The input device 501 and the display device 502 may be connected and used when necessary.

The input device 501 includes a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, etc., and is used by the user to input each operation signal. The display device 502 includes a display and the like, and displays the processing result by the computer 500.

The communication I/F 507 is an interface that connects the computer 500 to various networks. Thereby, the computer 500 can perform data communication via the communication I/F 507.

The HDD 508 is an example of a non-volatile storage device that stores programs and data. The stored programs and data include an OS that is basic software that controls the entire computer 500, application software that provides various functions on the OS (hereinafter, simply referred to as an application), and the like. The computer 500 may use a drive device (for example, a solid state drive: SSD) that uses a flash memory as a storage medium instead of the HDD 508.

The external I/F 503 is an interface with an external device. The external device includes a recording medium 503a and the like. Accordingly, the computer 500 can read and/or write the recording medium 503a via the external I/F 503. The recording medium 503a includes a flexible disk, CD, DVD, SD memory card, USB memory and the like.

The ROM 505 is an example of a nonvolatile semiconductor memory (storage device) that can retain programs and data even when the power is turned off. The ROM 505 stores programs and data such as a BIOS executed when the computer 500 is started, OS settings, and network settings. The RAM 504 is an example of a volatile semiconductor memory (storage device) that temporarily holds programs and data.

The CPU 506 is an arithmetic device that realizes control and functions of the entire computer 500 by reading programs and data from a storage device such as the ROM 505 and the HDD 508 onto the RAM 504 and executing processing.

The relay server 11, the chat server 12, and the file server 14 can realize various processes as described later by the hardware configuration of the computer 500 shown in FIG. 2, for example. The client 13 such as a PC can also be realized by the hardware configuration of the computer 500 shown in FIG. 2, for example.

《Information terminal》
The information terminal 600, which is an example of the client 13, is realized by the hardware configuration of FIG. 3, for example. FIG. 3 is a hardware configuration diagram of an example of the information terminal according to the present embodiment. The information terminal 600 of FIG. 3 includes, for example, a CPU 601, a ROM 602, a RAM 603, an EEPROM 604, a CMOS sensor 605, an acceleration/direction sensor 606, a position sensor 607, and a media drive 608.

The CPU 601 controls the operation of the entire information terminal 600. The ROM 602 stores basic input/output programs and the like. The RAM 603 is used as a work area for the CPU 601. The EEPROM 604 reads or writes data under the control of the CPU 601. The CMOS sensor 605 captures a subject and obtains image data under the control of the CPU 601. The acceleration/direction sensor 606 is, for example, an electronic magnetic compass that detects geomagnetism, a gyro compass, or an acceleration sensor. The position sensor 607 has, for example, a GPS (Global Positioning System) function for calculating the position on the earth.

The media drive 608 controls reading or writing (storage) of data with respect to the recording medium 620 such as a flash memory. The media drive 608 has a configuration in which a recording medium 620 from which already recorded data is read out or new data is written and stored is detachable.

The EEPROM 604 stores an OS executed by the CPU 601, association information necessary for network setting, and the like. Applications for executing various processes in the embodiment of the present invention are stored in the EEPROM 604, the recording medium 620, or the like.

The CMOS sensor 605 is a charge-coupled device that converts light into electric charges and digitizes an image of a subject. The CMOS sensor 605 may be, for example, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) sensor as long as it can image a subject.

Furthermore, the information terminal 600 includes a voice input unit 609, a voice output unit 610, an antenna 611, a communication unit 612, a wireless LAN communication unit 613, a short-range wireless communication antenna 614, a short-range wireless communication unit 615, a display 616, a touch panel 617, and A bus line 619 is provided.

The voice input unit 609 converts voice into a voice signal. The voice output unit 610 converts a voice signal into voice. The communication unit 612 uses the antenna 611 to communicate with the nearest base station device by a wireless communication signal. The wireless LAN communication unit 613 performs wireless LAN communication conforming to the IEEE 80411 standard with the access point. The near field communication unit 615 performs near field communication using the near field communication antenna 614.

The display 616 is a liquid crystal or organic EL that displays an image of a subject, various icons, and the like. The touch panel 617 is mounted on the display 616 and is configured by a pressure-sensitive or electrostatic panel, and detects a touch position on the display 616 by touching with a finger, a touch pen, or the like. The bus line 619 is an address bus, a data bus, or the like for electrically connecting the above respective units.

Further, the information terminal 600 includes a dedicated battery 618. The information terminal 600 is driven by the battery 618. The voice input unit 609 includes a microphone for inputting voice. The audio output unit 610 includes a speaker that outputs audio.

The information terminal 600 can realize various kinds of processing described later by the hardware configuration shown in FIG. 3, for example.

《I/O device》
The input/output device 17 is realized by the hardware configuration shown in FIG. 4, for example. FIG. 4 is a hardware configuration diagram of an example of the input/output device according to the present embodiment. The input/output device 17 of FIG. 4 includes a CPU 701, a RAM 702, a ROM 703, a communication I/F 704, operation keys 705, an input device 706, an output device 707, and a bus line 710.

The CPU 701 controls the operation of the input/output device 17 as a whole. The RAM 702 is used as a work area for the CPU 701. The ROM 703 stores a basic input/output program.

The communication I/F 704 performs wired or wireless data communication via the network N1 or N2. The operation keys 705 are hard keys, soft keys, etc. provided in the input/output device 17.

The input device 706 acquires (inputs) a file to be input by the input request. For example, when the input/output device 17 is an image forming device such as a multi-function peripheral, the input device 706 scans a document according to a read (scan) request and acquires image data of the document.

Further, the output device 707 outputs the output target file that has received the output request. For example, when the input/output device 17 is an image forming device, the output device 707 prints, projects, and displays an output target file in response to an output request such as printing, projection, and display.

Here, as the input/output device 17, the input device 706 and the output device 707 will be described using a specific example. When the input/output device 17 is an image forming device such as a multi-function peripheral having functions of scanning, printing, mail transmission, fax transmission, file transmission, etc., the input device 706 is a scanner unit that executes scanning. The output device 707 is an image processing unit that generates an image file used for mail transmission or the like, an engine that executes printing, a fax unit that transmits a fax, and the like.

When the input/output device 17 is a projection device such as a projector, the output device 707 is a projection unit for projecting a file. When the input/output device 17 is an electronic blackboard, the output device 707 is a screen for displaying a file, a transmission unit for transmitting a file, or the like. When the input/output device 17 is a microphone, the input device 706 is a unit that acquires voice.

In this way, depending on the input/output device 17, only the output device 707 or the input device 706 may exist.

<Software configuration>
《Chat server》
The chat server 12 according to the present embodiment is realized by the processing block shown in FIG. 5, for example. FIG. 5 is a processing block diagram of an example of the chat server according to the present embodiment. For example, the chat server 12 realizes the request receiving unit 31, the data transmitting/receiving unit 32, the chat distribution unit 33, the request processing unit 34, the file information management unit 35, and the file storage 36 by executing the program.

The request receiving unit 31 authenticates the client 13 and receives the request. The data transmitting/receiving unit 32 receives various data such as files, and transmits various data such as a file list and files. The chat distribution unit 33 sends and receives information about chat. The request processing unit 34 executes the received request. The request processing unit 34 is a main body that realizes each function.

The file information management unit 35 also holds chat data, files and folder information stored in the file storage 36. The file information management unit 35 may cache the file so that the information can be retrieved without making an inquiry to the file storage 36. The file storage 36 makes a request to the file server 14 in order to read the file from the file server 14 or store the file in the file server 14.

"client"
The client 13 according to the present embodiment is realized by the processing block shown in FIG. 6, for example. FIG. 6 is a processing block diagram of an example of the client according to the present embodiment. Since the processing block of the input/output device 17 is the same as that of the client 13, the description thereof will be omitted. The client 13 executes an application program (hereinafter referred to as an application) to operate the operation display unit 41, the data transmission/reception unit 42, the file display processing unit 43, the request transmission unit 44, the chat transmission/reception unit 45, and the setting information storage unit 46. Has been realized.

The operation display unit 41 displays various data such as a chat, a file list, and thumbnails to the user. The operation display unit 41 receives an input from a user through an interface such as a touch panel and buttons.

The data transmission/reception unit 42 transmits/receives various data such as a file list and files. The file display processing unit 43 performs processing for displaying the file contents on the operation display unit 41. The request transmission unit 44 transmits various requests such as a setting request, a request included in chat, and a file list information acquisition request. The chat transmission/reception unit 45 transmits/receives information related to chat. The setting information holding unit 46 holds setting information such as account, display order, and custom setting.

<Details of processing>
Hereinafter, an example of the client 13 will be described in detail regarding the processing of the information processing system 1 according to the first embodiment, but the same applies to the input/output device 17.

《Chat screen》
In the information processing system 1 according to the first embodiment, the chat screen as shown in FIGS. 7 to 9 is displayed on the client 13. FIG. 7 is an image diagram of an example of a chat screen of a client such as a PC having a relatively large screen. FIG. 8 is an image diagram of an example of a chat screen of a client such as a smart device having a relatively small screen. FIG. 9 is an image diagram of another example of the chat screen of a client having a relatively small screen such as a smart device.

The chat screen 1000 in FIG. 7 is a screen image when the client 13 has a relatively rich input device such as a keyboard, a mouse, a camera, and a microphone and a display device having a horizontally long screen. It is assumed that the application activated by the client 13 is operating on an operating system (OS) such as Windows (registered trademark).

A title bar 1010 is displayed at the top of the chat screen 1000, and the chat group name and time are displayed. The client 13 may accept a chat group move request from the user by selecting the chat group name on the title bar 1010.

A balloon selection field 1020 is displayed on the left side of the chat screen 1000. In the balloon selection column 1020, a plurality of balloon icons are displayed in a selectable manner. The balloon icon corresponds to a balloon in which various functions described later are defined. The user can select the balloon to be used by selecting the balloon icon from the balloon selection field 1020. Note that the balloon selection column 1020 in FIG. 7 displays balloon icons in one column, but they may be displayed in two or more columns.

The balloon selection column 1020 in FIG. 7 is provided with a scroll bar. The user can select the balloon icon while scrolling the balloon icon displayed in the balloon selection field 1020 up and down by the scroll bar provided in FIG. 7.

A message display field 1030 is displayed in the center of the chat screen 1000. A message posted by the user is arranged in the message display field 1030. For example, a message is placed below the message display field 1030 as the message is newer (the time since it was posted is shorter). In addition, the older the message is, the longer the message has been posted, the more the message is arranged on the message display field 1030, and the older messages are scrolled out upward. The message display column 1030 is a so-called timeline.

The display form of the message in the message display field 1030 is based on any of the balloon icons displayed in the balloon selection field 1020. Further, in the message display field 1030 of FIG. 7, the display position of the message is changed to left, center, or right depending on the speaker and the type of the balloon.

For example, in the message display field 1030 of FIG. 7, one's own remarks are arranged on the right side, and remarks other than oneself are arranged on the left side. Further, in the message display field 1030 of FIG. 7, a message that does not have much meaning is placed in the center to show who is the speaker of the announcement or the like.

An input field 1040 is displayed at the bottom of the chat screen 1000. The input information that the user can enter in the input field 1040 changes based on the balloon icon selected by the user from the balloon selection field 1020. Also, the input information that the user can enter in the input field 1040 changes based on the balloon selected from the message display field 1030 by the user.

The input field 1040 in FIG. 7 shows an example of accepting the input of the title and the body from the user. The input field 1040 may have a display form imitating a balloon icon selected from the balloon selection field 1020 by the user. The input field 1040 may have a display form of a balloon icon (such as an answer balloon corresponding to a question balloon) corresponding to the balloon selected by the user from the message display column 1030.

For example, by inputting the input information in the input field 1040 and pressing the post button, the user sends a message to the clients 13 participating in the same chat group. A message based on the input information input in the input field 1040 is displayed in the message display field 1030 of the clients 13 participating in the same chat group.

The input field 1040 accepts input of one or more kinds of text such as a title and body, accepts selection of files to be posted such as image files, video files, audio files, and accepts selection of examiners. , Etc. are possible.

The chat screen 1000a in FIG. 8 is a screen image when the client 13 has a smaller screen than a PC such as a smart device. A title bar 1010 similar to the chat screen 1000 in FIG. 7 is also displayed on the chat screen 1000a in FIG.

A balloon selection field 1020 is displayed at the bottom of the chat screen 1000a. In the balloon selection column 1020, a plurality of balloon icons are displayed in a selectable manner. The user can select the balloon to be used by selecting the balloon icon from the balloon selection field 1020. Note that the balloon selection column 1020 in FIG. 8 displays the balloon icon in 2 rows and 4 columns, but may display it in a row other than 2 rows and 4 columns. Further, the balloon selection column 1020 of FIG. 8 may be provided with a scroll bar.

At the center of the chat screen 1000a, a message display field 1030 similar to the chat screen 1000 of FIG. 7 is displayed. It is desirable that the appearance of the message display field 1030 on the chat screen 1000a does not change much from that of the message display field 1030 on the chat screen 1000, and the impression received by the user does not change depending on the type of the client 13.

When the user selects a balloon icon from the balloon selection field 1020 or the user selects a balloon from the message display field 1030, the balloon selection field 1020 switches to the input field 1040. The input information that the user can enter in the input field 1040 changes based on the balloon icon selected by the user from the balloon selection field 1020 or the balloon selected by the user from the message display field 1030.

The input field 1040 in FIG. 8 shows an example in which an input field 1040a that receives a title input from the user and an input field 1040b that receives a text input from the user are switched and displayed. Similar to the input field 1040 in FIG. 7, the input field 1040 in FIG. 8 is modeled as a balloon icon selected by the user from the balloon selection field 1020 or a balloon icon corresponding to the balloon selected by the user in the message display field 1030. Alternatively, the display form may be changed.

The input field 1040 in FIG. 9 shows an example of accepting input of a title, a date, and a text from a user. Note that the input field 1040 in FIG. 9 may also have a display form imitating a balloon icon selected by the user from the balloon selection field 1020 or a balloon icon corresponding to the balloon selected from the message display field 1030.

As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, on the chat screen 1000a, an input field 1040 is displayed in accordance with the balloon icon selected by the user from the balloon selection field 1020 or the balloon icon corresponding to the balloon selected from the message display field 1030. To be done.

For example, the input field 1040 in FIG. 8 shows an example in which a title and a body can be input as input information. The input field 1040 in FIG. 9 shows an example in which a title, a date, and a text can be input as input information.

As described above, in the input field 1040 of the chat screen 1000a in FIGS. 8 and 9, the input field 1040 changes based on the balloon icon selected by the user from the balloon selection field 1020 or the balloon selected from the message display field 1030. Showing. The input information that the user can input in the input field 1040 changes based on the balloon icon selected from the balloon selection field 1020 by the user or the balloon selected from the message display field 1030.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a display form of a balloon in which various functions are defined. A balloon 1100a is an example of a balloon in which a function of displaying a normal conversation is defined. A balloon 1100b is an example of a balloon in which a function of displaying a request is defined. A balloon 1100c is an example of a balloon in which a function of displaying a question is defined. A balloon 1100d is an example of a balloon in which a function of displaying an emergency notification is defined.

A balloon 1100e is an example of a balloon in which a function of posting a review is defined. A balloon 1100f is an example of a balloon in which a function for displaying an indication is defined. A balloon 1100g is an example of a balloon in which a function of displaying an answer to a question is defined. A balloon 1100h is an example of a balloon in which a function of displaying an important notice is defined. A balloon 1100i is an example of a balloon in which a function of posting an image is defined.

For example, the balloons 1100a to 1100i can display texts, figures, and images. The balloons 1100a to 1100i can be enlarged or reduced. The balloons 1100a to 1100c and the like in FIG. 10 are examples of the display form of balloons that clearly indicate the speaker.

The balloons 1100f and 1100g are examples of the display form of the balloons that clearly indicate that they are for past posts. The balloons 1100d and 1100h are examples of display forms of balloons that do not clearly indicate the speaker. A balloon 1100e is an example of a display form of a balloon for posting an examination. A balloon 1100i is an example of a display form of a balloon for posting an image.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a display form of a balloon with a title. In the balloons 1200a and 1200b, a title 1220 is displayed above the body 1210. The balloons 1200a and 1200b with the title 1220 make it easy for the user to understand the content of the text 1210. Further, by using the balloons 1200a and 1200b with the title 1220, it becomes easier for the user to distinguish the statement by a specific member or the specific topic.

For example, in the chat screen 1000 of FIG. 7, a normal conversation balloon, a timed announcement balloon, and a question balloon are displayed. Note that the timed notification balloon is an example of a balloon in which the function displayed in the message display field 1030 is defined when the time input as the input information is reached.

Further, in the chat screen 1000a of FIG. 8, a normal balloon, a balloon for pointing out the normal balloon, a balloon for emergency notification, and a balloon for question are displayed. The balloons for pointing out are comments for past posts. The reminder balloon is displayed in the center column to make it stand out so that it is not buried by other posts.

Furthermore, in the chat screen 1000a of FIG. 8, a question balloon is posted at the end. The contributor of a question bubble expects the post to be treated as a question. For example, in the chat screen 1000a in FIG. 8, the selectable balloon icons may be restricted so that the next poster selects the balloon of the answer to the balloon of the question. The restriction of the selectable balloon icons may be performed at the timing when the question balloon is displayed in the message display field 1030, or at the timing when the question balloon in the message display field 1030 is selected by the user.

Posting on the chat screens 1000 and 1000a in FIGS. 7 to 9 may be performed by, for example, setting a balloon and then dragging and dropping a file.

<Message transmission processing>
FIG. 12 is a flowchart of an example of the message transmission process. In step S11, the client 13 starts an application. In step S12, the client 13 performs initial processing. The initial process is a process for displaying the chat screen 1000 of FIG. 7, the chat screen 1000a of FIG. For example, the client 13 can synchronize the display of the message in the message display field 1030 with another client 13 by making an inquiry to the chat server 12 after the application is started.

When the chat transmission/reception unit 45 receives the message in step S13, the operation display unit 41 of the client 13 proceeds to step S14 and displays the received message in the message display field 1030. The operation display unit 41 of the client 13 skips the process of step S14 if the chat transmitting/receiving unit 45 does not receive the message in step S13.

In step S15, the operation display unit 41 determines whether or not the user has selected the balloon icon from the balloon selection field 1020. When the user selects a balloon from the balloon selection field 1020, the operation display unit 41 proceeds to step S16. The operation display unit 41 refers to the balloon setting information in FIG. 13, for example, and displays the input field 1040 corresponding to the balloon icon selected by the user.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram of an example of balloon setting information. The balloon setting information in FIG. 13 is associated with a balloon ID, a balloon image, and input information. The balloon ID is an example of identification information that uniquely identifies the balloon. The balloon image indicates the display form of the message in the message display field 1030, and is, for example, an image file.

The input information indicates information that the user can input from the input field 1040. By referring to the input information of the balloon setting information, the operation display unit 41 changes the information that can be input from the input section 1040 based on the balloon icon selected by the user from the balloon selection section 1020.

For example, in the case of the balloon setting information in FIG. 13, the user can display the input box 1040 in which the title and the text can be input by selecting the balloon icon (normal conversation) of the balloon ID “1” from the balloon selection field 1020. it can.

Further, in the case of the balloon setting information in FIG. 13, the user selects the balloon icon (time notification) of the balloon ID “7” from the balloon selection field 1020 to display the input field 1040 in which the title, the text and the date and time can be input. Can be made.

In step S17 following step S16, the operation display unit 41 receives input of input information from the user into the input field 1040. In step S18, the operation display unit 41 accepts a message transmission operation such as pressing a posting button from the user. In step S18, the chat transmitter/receiver 45 transmits a message based on the balloon icon selected from the balloon selection field 1020 and the input information input to the input field 1040.

《Messaging process》
FIG. 14 is a sequence diagram of an example of the messaging process. In addition, in FIG. 14, it is assumed that the user A and the user B are participating in the same chat group. In step S21, the user A performs a message transmission operation to the client 13A. In step S22, the client 13A sends a message to the chat server 12. The message in step S22 includes the balloon ID and the input information.

The chat server 12 delivers the message to the participating users of the chat group in which the user A who operates the client 13A is participating. In the example of FIG. 14, the message is delivered to the client 13A operated by the user A and the client 13B operated by the user B.

In step S23, the chat server 12 delivers the message to the client 13B. In step S24, the chat transmitter/receiver 45 of the client 13B receives the message from the chat server 12. The operation display unit 41 of the client 13B selects the display form of the message in the message display field 1030 from the balloon ID included in the received message, and displays the message in the message display field 1030 based on the selected display mode and input information.

In step S25, the chat server 12 delivers the message to the client 13A. In step S26, the chat transmitting/receiving unit 45 of the client 13A receives the message from the chat server 12. The operation display unit 41 of the client 13A selects the display form of the message in the message display field 1030 from the balloon ID included in the received message, and displays the message in the message display field 1030 based on the selected display mode and input information. The chat server 12 may omit the transmission of the message to the client 13A.

As described above, the message posted by the user A is displayed in the message display field 1030 of the clients 13A and 13B participating in the same chat group in the display form selected by the user A.

<< Add/Delete Callouts >>
A balloon icon selectable from the balloon selection column 1020 may be added or deleted as shown in FIG. 15, for example. FIG. 15 is an image diagram of an example of a balloon icon addition/deletion screen.

In the balloon icon addition/deletion screen 1300 of FIG. 15, a balloon candidate list 1310 is displayed in the upper row, and a balloon list 1320 is displayed in the lower row. The balloon icon displayed in the balloon list 1320 is the balloon icon displayed in the balloon selection column 1020.

For example, the user selects a balloon icon from the balloon candidate list 1310 and presses the add button to instruct addition of the selected balloon icon to the balloon list 1320. The operation display unit 41 performs a process of adding the balloon icon selected by the user to the balloon list 1320. In FIG. 15, the balloon icon added to the balloon list 1320 is grayed out so that it cannot be double-selected in the balloon candidate list 1310.

Further, the user selects a balloon icon from the balloon list 1320 and presses the delete button to instruct the deletion of the selected balloon icon from the balloon list 1320. The operation display unit 41 performs a process of deleting the balloon icon selected by the user from the balloon list 1320. In FIG. 15, the greyed-out is canceled so that the balloon icon deleted from the balloon list 1320 can be selected in the balloon candidate list 1310.

The balloon icon addition/deletion screen 1300 in FIG. 15 allows the user to set balloon icons that can be selected from the balloon selection column 1020. For example, in the case of the chat screen 1000a having a relatively small screen, by deleting the rarely used balloon icon from the balloon list 1320, it becomes easy to select a desired balloon icon.

Further, by using the gray-out of the balloon icon in the balloon candidate list 1310, the paid balloon icon can be realized in the information processing system 1 according to the first embodiment. For example, the information processing system 1 according to the first embodiment can realize billing for a speech bubble icon by graying out the speech bubble icon before purchase and canceling the graying out of the speech bubble icon after purchase.

(Summary)
According to the first embodiment, the user can display the input field 1040 in which the input information corresponding to the balloon icon can be input on the chat screen 1000 or 1000a by selecting the balloon icon. Further, according to the first embodiment, the user can display a message in the message display field 1030 in the display mode of the balloon icon selected from the balloon selection field 1020.

As described above, according to the first embodiment, the function of accepting the input information by the balloon setting information in which the display form and the input information are associated with each other and the function of displaying the message according to the input information are provided. , Can be defined as a speech bubble icon.

[Second Embodiment]
The first embodiment is a message transmission process when the user selects a balloon icon from the balloon selection field 1020. In the second embodiment, a message transmission process when the user selects a message from the message display field 1030 will be described.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart of another example of the message transmission process. The process shown in FIG. 16 is the same as the process of the flowchart of FIG. 12 except for a part. Therefore, the description of the same parts as those in the process of FIG. 12 will be appropriately omitted.

The processing of steps S51 to S54 is the same as the processing of steps S11 to S14 of FIG. In step S55, the operation display unit 41 determines whether or not the user has selected a message from the message display field 1030. When the user selects a message (balloon) from the message display field 1030, the operation display unit 41 proceeds to step S56. In step S55, when a balloon is selected, the process may proceed to step S56, or by selecting a balloon and pressing a reply button or the like (that is, performing a reply operation after selecting a balloon), the process may proceed to step S56. ..

The operation display unit 41 refers to, for example, the balloon setting information in FIG. 17, and acquires the reply balloon ID corresponding to the balloon selected by the user. Then, the operation display unit 41 reads the input information at transmission from the record of the balloon setting information having the acquired balloon ID at reply as the balloon ID, and displays the input field 1040 corresponding to the input information at transmission.

FIG. 17 is a configuration diagram of another example of the balloon setting information. The balloon information shown in FIG. 17 is associated with a balloon ID, a balloon image, input information at the time of transmission, and a balloon ID at the time of reply. The balloon ID is an example of identification information that uniquely identifies the balloon. The balloon image indicates the display form of the message in the message display field 1030, and is, for example, an image file.

It should be noted that one balloon ID may be stored in association with a plurality of reply balloon IDs. In that case, when a certain balloon is selected, a plurality of balloon IDs associated with each other are specified from the balloon IDs of the selected balloons. Then, it is preferable to select a balloon used for reply from the balloons indicated by the plurality of specified balloon IDs.

The input information at the time of transmission indicates information that the user can input from the input field 1040 at the time of transmitting the message. The reply balloon ID indicates the balloon ID of the balloon icon that the user can select when replying to the message. By referring to the reply balloon ID of the balloon setting information in FIG. 17, the operation display unit 41 changes the information that can be input from the input field 1040 when replying to the message selected from the message display field 1030.

For example, in the case of the balloon setting information of FIG. 17, the user selects the balloon icon (normal conversation) of the balloon ID “1” from the message display field 1030 to display the input field 1040 corresponding to the balloon ID “2” at the time of reply. it can. In the input field 1040 corresponding to the balloon ID “2” at the time of reply, the title and the text can be input.

In the case of the balloon setting information in FIG. 17, the user selects the balloon icon (question) with the balloon ID “3” from the message display field 1030 to display the input field 1040 corresponding to the balloon ID “4” at the time of reply. it can. In the input field 1040 corresponding to the balloon ID “4” at the time of reply, it is possible to input an answer to the question. The processing of steps S57 to S59 is the same as the processing of steps S17 to S19 of FIG.

In the first and second embodiments, the example in which the client 13 has the balloon setting information has been described, but the file server 14 may have the balloon setting information. If the client 13 has balloon information, for example, by including version information in the message, it is possible to detect a version difference between the client 13 that received the message and the client 13 that sent the message.

For example, the client 13 having received the message of the balloon ID that does not correspond to the version difference displays the message of FIG. 18 in the message display field 1030. Further, the client 13 displays a button for displaying the balloon icon addition/deletion screen 1300 of FIG. 15 in the input field 1040.

The user presses the button for displaying the speech bubble icon addition/deletion screen 1300 in FIG. 15 to display the speech bubble icon addition/deletion screen 1300, and obtain the speech bubble setting information including the speech bubble icon of the received speech bubble ID. May be.

(Summary)
According to the second embodiment, by selecting a message, the user can display an input field 1040 of information required to reply to the message on the chat screen 1000 or 1000a.

As described above, according to the second embodiment, the function of receiving the information necessary for the reply from the user is further provided with the balloon icon by the balloon setting information in which the display form, the input information at the time of transmission and the balloon ID at the time of reply are associated with each other. Can be defined as

[Third Embodiment]
The first and second embodiments relate to input of input information for displaying a message in the message display field 1030. In the third embodiment, a process performed according to a balloon icon selected by the user from the balloon selection field 1020 or a message selected from the message display field 1030 will be described. Further, in the third embodiment, a process performed according to the balloon icon designated by the file server 14 will be described.

FIG. 19 is a sequence diagram of another example of the message transmission process. In FIG. 19, the client 13A is assumed to be an information terminal. In step S101, the input/output device 17 transmits a message specifying a balloon ID for notifying the state of the device (error or the like). The message transmission process for notifying an error will be described below.

Upon receiving the message from the input/output device 17, the chat server 12 delivers the message to the participating users of the chat group in which the input/output device 17 participates. In step S102, the chat server 12 delivers the message to the client 13A, which is an information terminal. Further, in step S103, the chat server 12 delivers the message to the input/output device 17.

In step S104, the operation display unit 41 of the client 13A acquires the balloon ID included in the message distributed from the chat server 12. Then, the operation display unit 41 refers to the balloon setting information as shown in FIG. 20 and selects the record corresponding to the balloon ID included in the delivered message.

FIG. 20 is a configuration diagram of another example of the balloon setting information. The balloon setting information in FIG. 20 has a configuration in which processing information is added to the balloon setting information in FIG. In the speech bubble setting information of FIG. 20, chat message, examination processing, setting processing, error notification processing and the like can be defined in the speech bubble icon. Here, it is assumed that the distributed message includes the balloon ID “13”.

The operation display unit 41 uses the balloon image “Error_tuhouu.jpg” of the record with the balloon ID “13” and displays a message in the display form as shown in FIG. 21 in the message display field 1030. FIG. 21 is an image diagram of another example of the chat screen.

When the user selects the message displayed in the message display field 1030, the operation display unit 41 prompts the user to select either “TEL to the call center” or “Message to the call center” based on the input information of the record of the balloon ID “13”. An input field 1040 for selection is displayed. Here, it is assumed that the user performs an operation of selecting "message to call center" from the input field 1040 in step S105. In step S106, the request transmission unit 44 of the client 13A performs an error notification process to the call center 16 based on the process information of the record having the balloon ID “13”.

According to the message transmission process of FIG. 19, for example, the user can easily select the process to be performed on the message from the input field 1040 by selecting the message displayed in the message display field 1030 as shown in FIG.

Further, in the third embodiment, the setting process as shown in FIG. 22 can be performed according to the balloon icon selected by the user from the balloon selection field 1020 or the message selected from the message display field 1030.

FIG. 22 is a sequence diagram of another example of the message transmission process. In FIG. 22, it is assumed that the client 13A is an information terminal. Further, in FIG. 22, it is assumed that the file server 14 participates in the same chat group as the client 13A and the input/output device 17.

In step S151, the user operating the client 13A selects, for example, a balloon icon from the balloon selection field 1020, inputs input information corresponding to the balloon icon, and then performs a message transmission operation. Here, it is assumed that the balloon icon in which the setting process is defined is selected. The client 13A sends the message to the chat server 12. The message includes a balloon ID and input information. The chat server 12 delivers the message to the participating users of the chat group in which the client 13A is participating.

In step S152, chat server 12 transmits a message to input/output device 17. In addition, in step S153, the chat server 12 sends a message to the file server 14. Furthermore, in step S154, the chat server 12 sends a message to the client 13A. Note that the transmission of the message to the input/output device 17 is not essential. That is, the input/output device 17 does not necessarily have to participate in the chat group in which the client 13A participates. The client 13A and the input/output device 17 that have received the message may display the message in the message display field 1030 as described above.

In step S155, the file server 14 reads the balloon ID and the input information included in the received message, and selects the record corresponding to the balloon ID from the balloon setting information in FIG. 20, for example. The file server 14 identifies the setting process from the process information of the selected record. For example, the file server 14 receives the message including the balloon ID “11” and identifies the setting process.

In step S156, the file server 14 makes a setting request to the input/output device 17 based on the input information included in the received message. The input information includes, for example, information for specifying the input/output device 17 to be set as setting information, setting contents, and the like.

In step S157, the input/output device 17 performs the setting process based on the setting request from the file server 14. In this way, the user can perform the setting process of the input/output device by inputting the input information from the input field 1040 corresponding to the balloon icon by the balloon icon selected from the balloon selection field 1020.

Note that the client 13A may be provided with, for example, a setting process for adding or deleting members, a setting process for temporarily suspending speech, a background setting process, and other setting processes as functions for the administrator. The balloon icon addition/deletion screen 1300 of FIG. 15 has functions of setting processing for adding or deleting members, setting processing for suspending speech, background setting processing, and other setting processing on the balloon candidate list 1310 side. A defined balloon icon is included as an example.

Further, in the third embodiment, the examination process as shown in FIG. 23 can be performed according to the balloon icon selected by the user from the balloon selection field 1020 or the message selected from the message display field 1030.

FIG. 23 is a sequence diagram of another example of the message transmission process. In FIG. 23, the clients 13A and 13B are information terminals. Further, in FIG. 23, it is assumed that the file server 14 participates in the same chat group as the clients 13A and 13B.

In step S201, the user operating the client 13A requests the file server 14 to execute a workflow by performing an operation of storing a file in a predetermined folder (for example, a hot folder) of the file server 14. The client 13A requests the file server 14 to store the file in a predetermined folder.

Proceeding to step S202, the file server 14, which has been requested by the client 13A to store the file in the predetermined folder, proceeds to step S202 and starts the workflow set in the predetermined folder. In step S203, the file server 14 transmits to the chat server 12 a message in which the balloon ID of the balloon icon in which the examination process is defined and the input information is designated. The chat server 12 delivers the message to the participating users of the chat group in which the file server 14 participates.

In step S204, the chat server 12 sends a message to the client 13B. Further, in step S205, the chat server 12 sends a message to the file server 14. Further, in step S206, the chat server 12 sends a message to the client 13A.

In step S207, the client 13B that has received the message displays the message in the display form shown in FIG. 24 in the message display field 1030. FIG. 24 is an image diagram of another example of the chat screen. On the chat screen 1000 of FIG. 24, an input field 1040 for inputting the examination result is displayed. The display of the input field 1040 for inputting the examination result may be performed at the timing when the balloon icon in which the examination result is defined is selected from the balloon selection column 1020.

In step S208, the user operating the client 13B selects the file required for the requested examination. Further, in steps S209 and S210, the data transmission/reception unit 42 of the client 13B acquires from the file server 14 selected by the user. In step S211, the file display processing unit 43 of the client 13B displays the acquired file as shown in FIG. 25, for example. FIG. 25 is an image diagram of an example of a chat screen on which files are displayed.

In step S212, the user operating the client 13B confirms the displayed file and inputs the examination result in the input field 1040. In step S213, the client 13B transmits to the chat server 12 a message in which the balloon ID of the balloon icon defining the examination result and the input information are designated. The information of the examination result is included in the input information of the message in step S213.

In steps S214 to S216, the chat server 12 delivers the message to the clients 13A and 13B operated by the participating users of the chat group and the file server 14.

The client 13B having received the message displays the message of the examination result in the message display field 1030 as shown in FIG. 26, for example. FIG. 26 is an image diagram of an example of a chat screen including a message of the examination result. In the message display field 1030 of the chat screen 1000 of FIG. 26, a message of the examination result is displayed by a balloon 1100f in which a function of displaying the indication is defined.

Further, the file server 14 that has received the message updates the examination status in the examination status management table as shown in FIG. 27, for example, in step S217. By using the examination status management table of FIG. 27, the file server 14 can realize the process of disabling the editing of the approved file.

(Summary)
According to the third embodiment, the function of performing processing can be further defined in the balloon icon by the balloon setting information in which the display form, the input information, and the processing information are associated with each other.

[Fourth Embodiment]
In the fourth embodiment, when a message is displayed in the message display field 1030, a post intentionally made by a human and a post other than that (for example, a post from the file server 14 or the input/output device 17) are distinguished. However, it supports human behavior and judgment.

FIG. 28 is a configuration diagram of another example of the information processing system according to the present embodiment. The information processing system 1 of FIG. 28 has a configuration in which a check server 18 and a consumables ordering site server 19 are added to the configuration of the information processing system 1 of FIG. The check server 18 checks the message posted by the user, and if there is content to be pointed out, points it out by using a pointing balloon as described later. The consumable goods order site server 19 receives an order for consumable goods such as toner and paper from the input/output device 17. Details of the check server 18 and the consumable goods ordering site server 19 will be described later.

In the information processing system 1 according to the fourth embodiment, a chat screen as shown in FIGS. 29 to 30 is displayed on the client 13. FIG. 29 is an image diagram of another example of the chat screen of a client having a relatively large screen such as a PC. FIG. 30 is an image diagram of another example of the chat screen of a client such as a smart device having a relatively small screen.

In the chat screen 1000 of FIG. 29, a post by a user is displayed with a gear icon 1032 so as to be visually different from a post by a user.

Note that in the chat screen 1000 of FIG. 29, by making the shape of the balloon of a post other than the user into a shape in which the user cannot post, even if the posting by the user is visually different from the posting by other users. Good.

The chat screen 1000a in FIG. 30 is a screen image when the client 13 has a smaller screen than a PC such as a smart device. In the chat screen 1000a of FIG. 30, as with FIG. 29, the gear icon 1032 is attached to the posts by users other than the user.

The balloon at the beginning of FIG. 30 is an example of a notification balloon with a title by the input/output device 17, and informs the user that the remaining toner amount is very small. Further, the balloon following the balloon of the notification with title by the input/output device 17 is a button. By pressing the balloon that is the button, the user can order toner from the consumable goods order site server 19.

Image forming apparatuses and the like that automatically place an order when consumable items such as toner and paper are insufficient are already known. Such a known technique can be used for the process of ordering toner after the balloon serving as a button is pressed. In addition, in the information processing system 1 of FIG. 28, an order mail may be sent to the consumable goods ordering site server 19 in response to pressing a balloon that is a button, or a web page of the consumable goods ordering site server 19 You may guide.

The balloon for pointing out in FIG. 30 is a posting of pointing out by the check server 18. For example, FIG. 30 is an example in which the check server 18 performs spell check. The check server 18 checks the spelling of posts by the user. When the check server 18 finds a spelling mistake in the posting by the user, the checking server 18 uses the pointing balloon to post the pointing. By attaching the gear icon 1032 to the pointing balloon, the user can clearly distinguish between a manual pointing made by another user and an automatic pointing made by the check server 18 or the like.

FIG. 31 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a display form of balloons indicating posts other than human beings. The balloons representing non-human posts may be distinguished by their shapes, or may be distinguished by their line types such as dotted lines and thick lines. In addition, balloons representing non-human posts may be distinguished by attaching an icon such as a gear icon 1032.

FIG. 32 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a display form of a balloon with a title that represents a post other than a human. In the balloons 1200a and 1200b, a title 1220 is displayed above the body 1210. The balloons 1200a and 1200b with the title 1220 make it easy for the user to understand the content of the text 1210.

In FIG. 32, by adding the gear icon 1032 to the title 1220, it is easy to understand that the post is made by a person other than a human. Also, by using the title 1220 as a host name (machine name), an IP address, a product name, or the like, it is easy to understand that the post is made by a person other than a human.

FIG. 33 is a sequence diagram showing an example of processing for posting a consumable item shortage from the input/output device. The input/output device 17 monitors whether or not the transmission conditions (for example, toner 20% or less) shown in FIG. 34 are met. FIG. 34 is a configuration diagram of another example of the balloon setting information.

When it is detected that the transmission conditions are met, the input/output device 17 posts a consumable item shortage in step S501. The chat server 12 delivers the message to the participating users of the chat group in which the input/output device 17 participates.

In step S502, the chat server 12 sends a message to the client 13A. In step S503, the chat server 12 sends a message to the input/output device 17. The client 13A that has received the message displays the balloon at the beginning of FIG. 30, for example.

When the balloon of the button “order” that follows the balloon at the beginning of FIG. 30 is pressed, the client 13A proceeds to step S504 and returns a consumable item purchase request to the chat server 12. In step S<b>505, the chat server 12 returns the consumable item purchase request to the input/output device 17.

The input/output device 17 that has returned the purchase request for the consumable item refers to the process setting information as shown in FIG. 35, for example, and specifies the process to be executed. FIG. 35 is a block diagram of an example of the processing setting information. In the process setting information of FIG. 35, the content of the process and the content of the reply are set in association with the message ID of the message returned from the chat server 12.

The input/output device 17 identifies “order to consumables ordering site” as the process to be executed from the message ID of the message returned from the chat server 12. The input/output device 17 proceeds to step S506, and sends the consumable goods purchase application to the consumable goods order site server 19. In step S 507, the input/output device 17 receives the consumable goods purchase response from the consumable goods order site server 19 from the consumable goods order site server 19.

For example, a purchase response of a consumable item from the consumable item ordering site server 19 includes information such as inventory and delivery date and time. Since the "result notification" is set in the reply contents of FIG. 35, the input/output device 17 posts a consumable item purchase. The chat server 12 delivers the message to the participating users of the chat group in which the input/output device 17 participates.

In step S509, the chat server 12 sends a message to the client 13A. In step S510, chat server 12 transmits a message to input/output device 17. In this way, the message indicating the purchase of the consumable item is displayed on the client 13A.

The balloon of "order" shown in FIG. 30 may be updated to, for example, "purchased" at the time of receiving step S509. In addition, for the balloon of “order” in FIG. 30, the balloon of the indication may be used to indicate “purchased”.

According to the process shown in the sequence diagram of FIG. 33, the function of the input/output device 17 is used via a message without complicating the chat server 12 more than necessary, so that it can be used for business such as consumables sales. it can.

FIG. 36 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a process in which the check server checks the spelling of a post by the user. In the sequence diagram of FIG. 36, the spell check function is added by adding the check server 18 to the members. The check server 18 is an example, and may be a server that provides other functions.

In step S601, the client 13A requests the chat server 12 to add the check server 18 to the members. In step S602, the chat server 12 adds the check server 18 to the members.

In step S603, the client 13A sends a message to the chat server 12 to post. The chat server 12 delivers the message to the client 13A, the client 13B, and the check server 18, which are participating users of the chat group in which the client 13A is participating.

In step S604, the chat server 12 sends a message to the check server 18. Further, in step S605, the chat server 12 delivers the message to the client 13B. Also, in step S606, the chat server 12 delivers the message to the client 13A.

In step S607, the check server 18 performs spell check processing of the message delivered from the chat server 12. When the check server 18 finds a spelling error in the post by the user, the check server 18 determines that there is an indication in step S608. If the check server 18 does not find a spelling mistake in the user's post, it determines that there is no indication in step S608.

When the check server 18 determines that there is an indication, the check server 18 proceeds to step S609 and transmits an indication message for posting the indication to the chat server 12. If the check server 18 determines that there is no indication, the process proceeds to step S613. The chat server 12 delivers the message to the client 13A, the client 13B and the check server 18 which are the participating users of the chat group in which the check server 18 is participating.

In step S610, the chat server 12 sends a check message to the check server 18. Further, in step S611, the chat server 12 delivers the indication message to the client 13B. Further, in step S612, the chat server 12 delivers the indication message to the client 13A. The client 13B that has received the indication message can display the indication balloon in FIG. 30, for example.

According to the processing shown in the sequence diagram of FIG. 36, by accepting a post from a device other than a human such as the check server 18, it becomes possible to combine with an automatic processing or a workflow, which is not limited to simple communication. Expected to be utilized as a part.

In the fourth embodiment, the input/output device 17 or the check server 18 attaches the gear icon 1032 to indicate that the post was made by a user other than the user. However, even if the chat server 12 attaches the gear icon 1032. Good. Although the fourth embodiment changes the balloon according to whether it is posted by the user or posted by a user, it can be considered that the balloon is changed according to the posting source.

In addition, in the fourth embodiment, the file server 14, the input/output device 17, and the like change the balloon of the message automatically transmitted by itself. By doing so, the client 13 that receives the message determines whether the received message is automatically transmitted by the file server 14, the input/output device 17, or the like (that is, a message other than a human-operated terminal is a source message). It was possible to display whether or not it was possible.

However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, the file server 14, the input/output device 17, or the like may transmit a message automatically transmitted by itself including “identification information indicating automatic transmission” and the like. Good. When the received message includes the "identification information indicating that the message is automatically transmitted", the client 13 can distinguish the received message from the message automatically transmitted by the file server 14, the input/output device 17, or the like. It may be displayed. For example, the client 13 displays the message automatically transmitted by using the balloon with the gear icon 1032 added as in the fourth embodiment.

When the user operates the file server 14 or the input/output device 17 to send a message, the file server 14 or the input/output device 17 does not use the balloon in which the gear icon 1032 is added to the message to be sent. May be. That is, the file server 14, the input/output device 17, or the like changes the balloon used for the message according to the message transmitted by receiving an operation from the user or the message automatically transmitted when a predetermined condition is satisfied. You may do it. A message automatically transmitted when a predetermined condition is satisfied is a message transmitted without intervention of a user.

The present invention is not limited to the above specifically disclosed embodiments, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the claims. The chat server 12 is an example of an information processing device. The client 13 is an example of a terminal device. The file server 14 is an example of an information processing device or a terminal device. The chat transmitting/receiving unit 45 is an example of a message transmitting/receiving unit. The operation display unit 41 is an example of a display unit or an operation unit.

The present embodiment does not limit the scope of the invention of the present application, and is not limited to the configuration shown in the configuration diagrams of FIGS. 1 and 28. As long as the functions as described above can be realized, the information processing apparatus is not limited to the chat server 12 and the file server 14.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the example in which each of the clients 13 holds the image of the balloon is described. The client 13 that has received the message uses the image identified by the received balloon ID and the received message to display a screen such as the message display field 1030 in FIG. 7, for example. However, for example, each of the clients 13 sends a balloon image together with a message, and the client 13 receiving the message displays the message display field 1030 of FIG. 7 using the received image and the received message. good.

The balloon setting information (for example, the balloon setting information shown in FIG. 13) and the image file of the balloon are not stored in the client 13 but stored in the information processing device such as the file server 14 or the chat server 12. Is also good. In that case, when the client 13 receives the balloon ID along with the message, the client 13 may acquire the balloon image and the setting information from the file server 14 or the chat server 12 by the balloon ID.

1 Information Processing System 11 Relay Server 12 Chat Server 13, 13a to 13b Client 14 File Server 15 Firewall (FW)
16 Call Center 17 Input/Output Device 18 Check Server 19 Consumables Order Site Server 31 Request Reception Unit 32 Data Transmission/Reception Unit 33 Chat Distribution Unit 34 Request Processing Unit 35 File Information Management Unit 36 File Storage 41 Operation Display Unit 42 Data Transmission/Reception Unit 43 File Display Processing unit 44 Request transmission unit 45 Chat transmission/reception unit 46 Setting information holding unit 500 Computer 501 Input device 502 Display device 503 External I/F
503a recording medium 504 RAM
505 ROM
506 CPU
507 Communication I/F
508 HDD
600 information terminal 601 CPU
602 ROM
603 RAM
604 EEPROM
605 CMOS sensor 606 Acceleration/direction sensor 607 Position sensor 608 Media drive 609 Audio input unit 610 Audio output unit 611 Antenna 612 Communication unit 613 Wireless LAN communication unit 614 Short-range wireless communication antenna 615 Short-range wireless communication unit 616 Display 617 Touch panel 618 Battery 619 Bus line 620 Recording medium 701 CPU
702 RAM
703 ROM
704 Communication I/F
705 Operation keys 706 Input device 707 Output device 710 Bus line 1000, 1000a Chat screen 1010 Title bar 1020 Speech balloon selection column 1030 Message display column 1032 Gear icon 1040 Input column 1100a to 1100i, 1200a to 1200b Speech bubble 1300 Speech bubble icon addition/deletion screen 1310 Speech balloon candidate list 1320 Speech balloon list B bus N1, N2 network

Japanese Patent No. 4796606

Claims (19)

An information processing system including a plurality of terminal devices,
The first terminal device among the plurality of terminal devices,
First receiving means for receiving designation of a display form of the message,
First display means for displaying an input screen of a message according to the display form of which the designation has been accepted by the first acceptance means;
Transmitting means for transmitting information indicating the display form and a message input via the input screen displayed on the first display means to a second terminal device of the plurality of terminal devices;
Have
Said second end end device,
Receiving means for receiving the message and information indicating the display form transmitted from the first terminal device;
Second display means for displaying the message received by the receiving means in the received display form;
Based on the message and the processing information indicating the processing to be executed when the message and the display form are received by the receiving unit, the information of the display form stored in association with the display form is received. Execution means for executing processing,
An information processing system comprising: The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein
The first terminal device,
The first display unit displays the message according to the input information specifying the information to be transmitted together with the information indicating the display form stored in association with the display form accepted by the first accepting unit. An information processing system characterized by displaying an input screen. The information processing system according to claim 2, wherein
The input information is any one of date and time, file path, examiner, examination result, and setting for the device, and the input screen is a screen on which the message and the input information can be input. Processing system. The information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The second terminal device,
Second accepting means for accepting a reply instruction to the message displayed on the second display means,
Specifying means for specifying a display form used for replying to the display form stored in association with the display form of the message when the second receiving means receives the reply instruction;
Have
The second display unit displays a message input screen in accordance with input information specifying information to be transmitted together with information indicating the display form stored in association with the display form specified by the specifying unit. Information processing system characterized by. The information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 4 ,
An information processing system, wherein the process indicated by the process information is any one of a process of changing a display position of a display mode and a process of executing setting of another device connected to the second terminal device. The information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 5 ,
The information processing system further includes an input/output device,
The input/output device is
Detection means for detecting the state of the input/output device,
When the detection unit detects a change in the state of the input/output device, information indicating a display form for notifying the change in the state and a message indicating that the change in the state has been detected are output to the plurality of terminals. An information processing system characterized by transmitting to at least one terminal device among devices. The information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 6 ,
The first display means displays a list of different icons for each of a plurality of display forms,
The information processing system, wherein the first accepting unit accepts designation of the display form by accepting selection of an icon of one display device from a list of icons different for each of the plurality of display forms. The information processing system according to claim 7 , wherein
The first receiving means receives an instruction to add an icon to a list of different icons for each of the plurality of display forms and to delete an icon from the list of different icons for each of the plurality of display forms. Information processing system. The first display means, the information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that to display an input screen of a message that mimic the specified the display form. The information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 9 ,
If the sender of the message is other than the terminal device operated by a human, the second display means displays the message in a display form indicating that the message is from a device other than the terminal device. Information processing system. The information processing system according to claim 10 , wherein
If the transmission source of the message is other than the terminal device operated by a human, the second display means uses a display form that cannot be specified by the terminal device, so that the second display means is a message from a device other than the terminal device. An information processing system characterized by representing. The information processing system according to claim 10 or 11 , wherein
The information processing system further includes an input/output device and an information processing device that provides a function to the terminal device,
An information processing system, wherein when the input/output device or the information processing device is a sender of the message, the sender of the message is determined to be other than the terminal device operated by a human. The information processing system according to claim 12 ,
An information processing system, wherein the information processing apparatus starts providing the function of the information processing apparatus by adding the message to a group representing a delivery destination. A system including a plurality of terminal devices,
The first terminal device among the plurality of terminal devices,
Accepting means for accepting designation of a message display mode and accepting input of the message;
First transmitting means for transmitting the message and the display form received by the receiving means to a second terminal device among the plurality of terminal devices;
Have
The second terminal device,
Receiving means for receiving the message and the display form transmitted from the first terminal device;
Display means for displaying the message received by the receiving means in the received display form;
When the message and the display form are received by the receiving unit, the process information indicating the process to be executed when the information of the display form stored in association with the display form is received, and the process based on the message. Execution means to execute ,
An information processing system comprising: A terminal device connected to another terminal device,
Accepting means for accepting designation of message display form,
First display means for displaying an input screen of a message in accordance with the display form of which designation has been accepted by the acceptance means;
Transmitting means for transmitting the information indicating the display form and the message input via the input screen displayed on the first display means to the other terminal device;
Receiving means for receiving a message transmitted from the other terminal device and information indicating a display form,
Second display means for displaying the message received by the receiving means in the received display form;
When the message and the display form are received by the receiving unit, the process information indicating the process to be executed when the information of the display form stored in association with the display form is received, and the process based on the message. Execution means to execute,
A terminal device comprising: A terminal device connected to another terminal device,
Receiving means for receiving designation of message display form,
First display means for displaying an input screen of a message in accordance with the display form of which designation has been accepted by the acceptance means,
Transmitting means for transmitting the information indicating the display form and the message input via the input screen displayed on the first display means to the other terminal device;
Receiving means for receiving a message transmitted from the other terminal device and information indicating a display form,
Second display means for displaying the message received by the receiving means in the received display form,
When the message and the display form are received by the receiving unit, the process information indicating the process to be executed when the information of the display form stored in association with the display form is received, and the process based on the message. Execution means to execute,
Program to function as. A terminal device connected to another terminal device,
Receiving means for receiving a message transmitted from the other terminal device and information indicating a display form of the message,
Display means for displaying the message received by the receiving means in the received display form;
When the message and the display form are received by the receiving unit, the process information indicating the process to be executed when the information of the display form stored in association with the display form is received, and the process based on the message. Execution means to execute ,
A terminal device comprising: A terminal device connected to another terminal device,
Receiving means for receiving a message transmitted from the other terminal device and information indicating a display form of the message,
Display means for displaying the message received by the receiving means in the received display form;
When the message and the display form are received by the receiving unit, the process information indicating the process to be executed when the information of the display form stored in association with the display form is received, and the process based on the message. Execution means to execute ,
Program to function as. The plurality of terminal devices include one or more information processing devices and a plurality of terminal devices, and the plurality of terminal devices display a message transmitted from any of the terminal devices included in the plurality of terminal devices via the information processing device. An information processing system that
The first terminal device among the plurality of terminal devices,
First receiving means for receiving designation of a display form of the message,
First display means for displaying an input screen of a message according to the display form of which the designation has been accepted by the first acceptance means;
Transmitting means for transmitting information indicating the display form and a message input via the input screen displayed on the first display means to a second terminal device of the plurality of terminal devices;
Have
Said second end end device,
Receiving means for receiving the message and information indicating the display form transmitted from the first terminal device;
Second display means for displaying the message received by the receiving means in the received display form;
Based on the message and the processing information indicating the processing to be executed when the message and the display form are received by the receiving unit, the information of the display form stored in association with the display form is received. Execution means for executing processing,
An information processing system comprising:

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