JP2000285046A - Information processor, its processing method and medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To attain smooth communication by preventing message crossing or the like. SOLUTION: When a user of a personal computer(PC) 1-2 is inputted at a PC 1-1 as a destination to which a message is to be transmitted, the destination is transmitted to a chat server 4 (4-1 or 4-2). At the time of receiving the destination from the PC 1-1, the server 4 transmits a transmission notice indicating the transmission of a message from a user of the PC 1-1 to the user of the PC 1-2 to be the destination. The PC 1-2 receives the transmission notice and informs its user that the message is transmitted from the user of the PC 1-1.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and a medium. The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and a medium that enable users to communicate smoothly.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, users at remote locations have been using the services provided on the Internet (Internet), which is developing worldwide.
Communication can be easily achieved. That is, in the Internet, users at remote locations communicate with each other, for example, a mailer for exchanging electronic mail called E-mail, or an IRC
(Internet Relay Chat), a tool for chatting and more recently, ICQ provided by ICQ
Communication can be achieved using CQ (I Seek You), a messenger such as an instant messenger provided by AOL, or a Yahoo! pager provided by Yahoo Japan.

[0003]

By the way, for example, in a mailer or a messenger, it is not known that the partner who has received the e-mail intends to create and send a reply message. For this reason, when a partner who has received a message by a mailer or a messenger creates a reply message to the sender and tries to send the message, the sender may try to send a message urging a reply. .

[0004] In other words, immediately before a reply message to the sender is about to be transmitted, a reminder message from the sender may be transmitted. In this case, a reply message to the sender may be transmitted. Users will feel annoying. further,
In this case, the sender receives the reply message immediately after transmitting the reminder message, so that the sender is bad.

[0005] In addition, immediately after a user who has received a message from a sender sends a reply message addressed to the sender, a reminder message from the sender may be sent. The message of the reminder by the sender is useless.

As described above, in the related art, there is a case where smooth communication cannot be achieved between users.

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of such a situation, and is intended to enable users to smoothly communicate with each other.

[0008]

An information processing apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a notice receiving means for receiving a notice of transmission indicating that data addressed to itself is transmitted, and a notifying means for notifying the notice of transmission. It is characterized by including.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information processing method including a notice receiving step of receiving a notice of transmission indicating that data addressed to itself is transmitted, and a notifying step of notifying the notice of transmission. .

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a program for causing an information processing apparatus to execute a medium, comprising: a notice receiving step of receiving a notice of transmission indicating that data addressed to itself is transmitted; and a notifying step of notifying the notice of transmission. It is characterized by including.

According to the information processing apparatus of the present invention, destination receiving means for receiving a destination to which data is transmitted, which is transmitted from a client, and that data is transmitted to a client corresponding to the destination. And a notice transmitting means for transmitting the notice of transmission.

According to the information processing method of the present invention, there is provided a destination receiving step of receiving a destination to which data is transmitted, which is transmitted from a client, and that data is transmitted to a client corresponding to the destination. And transmitting a notice of transmission.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a program for causing an information processing apparatus to execute a medium, comprising: a destination receiving step of receiving a destination to which data is transmitted from a client; And transmitting an advance notice indicating that is to be transmitted.

In the information processing apparatus according to the first aspect, the information processing method according to the third aspect, and the medium according to the fourth aspect, a transmission notice indicating that data addressed to itself is transmitted is received. , The transmission notice is notified.

[0015] In the information processing apparatus according to the fifth aspect, the information processing method according to the eleventh aspect, and the medium according to the twelfth aspect, the information is transmitted from a client.
The destination to which the data is to be transmitted is received, and a transmission notice indicating that the data is to be transmitted is transmitted to the client corresponding to the destination.

[0016]

FIG. 1 shows a real-time chat system to which the present invention is applied (a system refers to a system in which a plurality of devices are logically aggregated, and whether each device is in the same housing or not). It does not matter whether it is or not).

This real-time chat system is based on a chat client and a chat server for performing a so-called text chat, and is capable of real-time chatting. Message is sent, or the chat client sends the contents of the chat performed by another user before logging in to the chat server when the chat client logs in. It has become so.

That is, in the embodiment of FIG. 1, three personal computers (hereinafter, appropriately referred to as personal computers) 1-1 to 1-3, one location server 3,
The two chat servers 4-1 and 4-2 are connected to each other via a network 2 such as the Internet.

The personal computers 1-1 to 1-3 (PC 1-
When there is no need to distinguish between 1 and 1-3, the personal computer 1 will be referred to as appropriate hereinafter) by executing a chat client program as described below, thereby functioning as a chat client, and as described below. Client processing and the like are performed.

The location server 3 sends a chat server 4-1 to the personal computer 1 (chat client).
And 4-2 (in the case where it is not necessary to distinguish between the chat servers 4-1 and 4-2, hereinafter referred to as the chat server 4 as appropriate), the location (domain name or the like) of the personal computer 1 is indicated. Manages whether or not is connected to the network 2. That is,
The location server 3 executes a client status management program, a client status notification program, and the like, thereby performing a client status management process, a client status notification process, and the like, also described later.

The chat server 4 functions as a chat server by executing a chat server program to be described later, thereby providing a chat environment for chatting between chat clients to a plurality of chat clients. (Therefore, the chat server 4 is a multi-user server).

In the real-time chat system configured as described above, a chat (exchange of messages) is performed between the personal computers 1-1 to 1-3 as follows.

That is, for example, when the connection to the network 2 is made in the personal computer 1-1 and the chat client program is executed, the location of the chat server 4 is requested to the location server 3. The location server 3 stores a location DB (da) in which locations of the chat server 4 on the network 2 and other chat servers (not shown) are registered.
tabase), and by referring to the location DB, for example, an IP (Internet Protocol) address as a location of a predetermined chat server and other information for accessing the chat server can be transmitted to the personal computer 1-1. Send to

The personal computer 1-1 has a location server 3
From a chat server (e.g., chat server 4) represented by the location.
-1, 4-2, etc.), whereby chatting is possible.

On the other hand, for example, when the personal computer 1-2 or 1-3 connects to the network 2 and executes the chat client program, it becomes possible to chat in the same manner as described above. .

As described above, the personal computers 1-1 to 1
-3 log in to the chat server 4,
Between them, a chat can be performed by exchanging text data via the chat server 4. That is, for example, when text data is input to the personal computer 1-1, the text data is transmitted to the chat server 4 via the network 2. The chat server 4 transmits text data from the personal computer 1-1 to the personal computers 1-2 and 1-3, and the personal computers 1-2 and 1-3 receive and display the text data. The text data transmitted by the personal computers 1-2 and 1-3 is also transmitted to another personal computer (chat client) via the chat server 4.

As described above, the personal computers 1-1 to 1
-3, a chat is performed via the chat server 4.

The chat server 4 has a log DB for storing text data transmitted from the personal computer 1 as a chat client.
The text data (contents of the chat) stored in B is
As will be described later, the message is transmitted to another chat client as needed.

Next, FIG. 2 shows an example of a hardware configuration of the personal computer 1 of FIG.

The communication I / F (Interface) 21 includes, for example, a modem, a terminal adapter, a network card, and the like, and controls communication via the network 2. CPU (Central Processing Uni
t) 22 is O stored in the HD (Hard Disk) 24
Execute the S (Operating System) program and
Under the control of S, by executing an application program such as a chat client program also stored in the HD 24, a chat client process or the like for causing the personal computer 1 to function as a chat client is performed. The memory 23 stores, for example, R
OM (Read Only Memory) and RAM (Random Access Me
mory) and the like, and stores a program to be executed by the CPU 22 and necessary data.

The HD 24 stores an OS program, an application program such as a chat client program, and the like, as described above. In addition, HD
Reference numeral 24 also stores data necessary for the operation of the CPU 22.

The input section 25 is composed of, for example, a keyboard and a mouse, and is operated when necessary commands and data are input. The output unit 26 includes, for example, a display or the like, and displays predetermined information under the control of the CPU 22.

In the personal computer 1 configured as described above,
In the CPU 22, the OS program stored in the HD 24 is expanded in the memory 23 and executed. Further, the CPU 22 executes an application program such as a chat client program stored in the HD 24 under the control of the OS program, thereby performing chat client processing and the like.

Next, FIG. 3 shows an example of a hardware configuration of the location server 3 of FIG.

As shown in FIG. 3, the location server 3
Is a communication I / F 21 to an output unit 2 which constitute the personal computer 1
6 comprises a communication I / F 31 to an output unit 36 which are the same as those in FIG. However, the HD 34 stores application programs such as a client status management program and a client status notification program for the location server 3 to perform a client status management process and a client status notification process. The HD 34 also stores the location DB described with reference to FIG. In addition, HD34
Management information, client status, and the like, which will be described later, are also stored. The memory 33 and H
D34 is a memory 23 and an HD 24 constituting the personal computer 1.
Higher capacity and higher speed are used.

In the location server 3 configured as described above, the CPU 32 executes the application program stored in the HD 34 to perform a client status management process and a client status notification process.

FIG. 4 shows an example of a hardware configuration of the chat server 4 shown in FIG.

The chat server 4 includes a communication I / F 41 to an output unit 46, which are the same as the communication I / F 31 to the output unit 36 of the location server 3, respectively. However, the HD 44 stores an application program for the chat server 4 to function as a chat server, such as a client server program. Further, the log DB shown in FIG. 1 is also stored in the HD 44. The log DB stores a chat log described later.

The chat server 3 configured as described above
Then, in the CPU 42, the client-server processing is performed by executing the application program stored in the HD 44.

Next, referring to the flowchart of FIG.
A chat client process performed by executing the chat client program in the personal computer 1 of FIG. 2 will be described. Although not shown in FIG. 1, the personal computer 1 is connected to the network 2 via a provider as needed.

When the personal computer 1 is connected to the network 2,
When the user of the personal computer 1 performs an operation to execute the chat client program, the CPU of the personal computer 1
At 22, the following chat client process is performed by executing the chat client program.

That is, in the chat client process, first, in step S1, the location server 3 is accessed via the network 2 and a login is requested.

In this case, in the location server 3, as will be described later, the personal computer 1 that has requested the login,
The personal computer 1 searches for whether or not it has already been registered, and transmits a registered / unregistered notification as a result of the search. In step S2, the personal computer 1 receives the registered / unregistered notification.

Here, the location server 3 manages the status of the client such as whether or not the client such as the personal computer 1 is connected to the network 2. This status management is performed, for example, only for clients that have registered information for managing the location server 3 (hereinafter, appropriately referred to as management information) with the location server 3. The registration notification indicates whether such registration has been performed.

When the personal computer 1 receives the registered / unregistered notification, the process proceeds to step S3, and the management information of the personal computer 1 is transmitted to the location server 3 by referring to the registered / unregistered notification. It is determined whether it is registered. In step S3, the personal computer 1
If it is determined that the management information is not registered, the process proceeds to step S4, and a registration screen for performing the registration is received and displayed.

That is, when the management information of the personal computer 1 is not registered, the location server 3 transmits a registered / unregistered notification indicating that, and also transmits a registration screen for inputting the management information. You. In step S4, the registration screen is received and displayed.

The user of the personal computer 1 inputs an e-mail address, a nickname,
By operating the input unit 25, the identification information such as the P address, ID, and password for the location server 3 to identify the (user of) the personal computer 1 is input.
Then, when the user of the personal computer 1 performs an operation for requesting information transmission, in the personal computer 1, in step S5, the information input to the registration screen is transmitted as management information, and the process proceeds to step S6. In the location server 3, this management information is received and registered as described later.

Here, in the client (here, the personal computer 1) in which the management information is registered as described above, for example, the identification information of the management information is stored, and then the location server 3 is accessed. Is performed, the stored identification information is transmitted to the location server 3, and the location server 3 recognizes the accessing client based on the identification information.

On the other hand, in step S3, the personal computer 1
If it is determined that the management information of the chat server has already been registered in the location server 3, steps S4 and S5 are skipped, and the process proceeds to step S6, where the location of the chat server to be logged in to exchange messages is determined. , To the location server 3.

In this case, since the location server 3 sends the location of the chat server to be logged in to the personal computer 1, the personal computer 1 proceeds to step S7.
In, the location is received, and a login to a chat server (here, the chat server 4) represented by the location is performed.

Then, the process proceeds to a step S8, and it is determined whether or not the chat log is transmitted from the chat server 4 which has logged in. That is, the chat server 4
As described later, when a chat client logs in (connects), and when a chat log as a message addressed to the chat client is stored,
The chat log is transmitted to the chat client that has logged in. Step S8
Then, it is determined whether the chat log has been transmitted in this way. If it is determined in step S8 that the chat log has been transmitted, the process proceeds to step S9, in which the personal computer 1 receives and displays the chat log, and proceeds to step S10.

Here, in the conventional chat system, when a certain chat client newly logs in to the chat server, the chat client knows the messages (contents of the chat) exchanged so far. Can not. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the chat server 4 stores the received message as a chat log, and when a new chat client logs in, the chat server 4 In response, the chat log is transmitted, so that the new chat client can know the message received by the chat server 4 before logging in.

When the chat client process is started, in the personal computer 1, a chat window 51 as shown in FIG.
Are a destination input area 52, a chat character / log display area 53, and a chat character / message input area 5
4. In the destination input area 52, the destination of the text data as the message (or chat character) input in the chat character / message input area 54 is input in response to the operation of the input unit 25. It has become. In the chat character / log display area 53, messages and chat logs transmitted from the chat server 4 and messages input to the chat character / message input area 54 are displayed. Further, in the chat character / message input area 54, a message to be transmitted to another chat client is input in response to the operation of the input unit 25. Therefore, in step S9, the message (chat log) transmitted from the chat server 4 is displayed in the chat character / log display area 53 of the chat window 51.

Returning to FIG. 5, when it is determined in step S8 that the chat log has not been transmitted from the chat server 4, that is, in the chat server 4,
If no message addressed to the user of the personal computer 1 is stored, the process skips step S9 and proceeds to step S10. In step S10, the chat window 51
In the destination input area 52 of FIG. 6, it is determined whether or not the destination (for example, the identification information described above) of the partner to which the message input (input) in the chat character / message input area 54 is transmitted is input. Is determined.

In step S10, when it is determined that a destination has been input, that is, when the user operates the input unit 25, the destination is input to the destination input area 52. When the enter key (return key) is operated, the process proceeds to step S11, the destination is transmitted to the chat server 4, and the process proceeds to step S12. As described above, in the personal computer 1, when the destination of the other party transmitting the message input to the chat character / log display area 53 is input to the destination input area 52, the input destination is transmitted to the chat server 4. Sent.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S10 that the destination has not been input, step S11 is skipped, and the flow advances to step S12 to determine whether or not a message has been input in chat character / message input area 54. Is determined. If it is determined in step S12 that a message has been input to the chat character / message input area 54, that is, if the user operates the input unit 25, a message is input to the chat character / message input area 54, Further, the input unit 2
5 is operated, the step S13 is performed.
To the destination input area 52 for the message.
, The time stamp representing the current date and time, and the nickname of the user of the personal computer 1 as the sender of the message are added to the message, transmitted to the chat server 4, and the process proceeds to step S14.

If no destination is entered in the destination input area 52, for example, a message requesting the input of the destination is displayed. After the user inputs the destination, the message is input as described above. Is sent.

If it is determined in step S12 that a message has not been input to chat character / message input area 54, step S13 is skipped and the process proceeds to step S14, where a message is transmitted from chat server 4. It is determined whether or not it has come. If it is determined in step S14 that a message has been transmitted from the chat server 4, step S15
The message is received, displayed in the chat character / log display area 53, and the process proceeds to step S16.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S14 that the message has not been transmitted from the chat server 4, step S15 is skipped, and the process proceeds to step S16, where a transmission notice has been transmitted from the chat server 4. It is determined whether or not.

Here, as described above, in the chat client such as the personal computer 1, when the destination of the person who is to send a message is input to the destination input area 52, the destination is transmitted to the chat server 4. You. As will be described later, when receiving a destination from a chat client, the chat server 4 recognizes whether or not the chat client corresponding to the destination is connected to the network 2, that is, recognizes the status of the chat client and connects. In this case, a transmission advance notice that another chat client is about to transmit a message is transmitted to the chat client. In step S16, the transmission notice is transmitted from the chat server 4 in this manner. It is determined whether the incoming transmission notice has been transmitted.

If it is determined in step S16 that a transmission advance notice has been transmitted from the chat server 4, the process proceeds to step S17, the transmission advance notice is received and displayed, and the process proceeds to step S18.

Therefore, for example, when the user of the personal computer 1-1 connects to the network 2 and sends a message to the user of the personal computer 1-2, and then tries to send a message urging a reply to the message. , The user of the personal computer 1-2
When the user of the personal computer 1-1 is input as an address in the address input area 52 in order to transmit a reply message to the user of the address -1, the chat server 4 sends a notice of transmission notice to the personal computer 1-1. You. As a result, the user of the personal computer 1-1 can recognize that the user of the personal computer 1-2 is about to send a reply message, and may send a message urging a reply by mistake. Can be prevented. As a result, it is possible to prevent the user from feeling annoying or from wasting a message, and thereby, it is possible to achieve smooth communication between users.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S16 that the transmission notice has not been transmitted from the chat server 4, the process skips step S17 and proceeds to step S18. It is determined whether or not an operation has been performed to disconnect the. At step S18, the input unit 25
If it is determined that the user has not been operated to disconnect the connection with the server, the process returns to step S10, and the same processing is repeated.

In step S18, the input unit 2
5 is determined to have been operated to disconnect the connection with the network 2, the processing for disconnection is performed, and the chat client processing ends.

Next, referring to the flowchart of FIG.
The client status management processing performed by executing the client status management program in the location server 3 of FIG. 3 will be described.

When a client such as the personal computer 1 is connected to the network 2 and accesses the location server 3 as described above, the location server 3 executes a client status management program and sends the client a status management program. On the other hand, the following client status management processing is performed.

That is, in step S21, a connection with the personal computer 1 is established, and the flow advances to step S22 to search for management information. Then, in step S23, a registered / unregistered notification is created based on the search result and transmitted to the personal computer 1.

That is, as described above, when the personal computer 1 accesses the location server 3, the identification information thereof is also transmitted.
At 22, the management information having the identification information is searched. Then, in step S23, if there is management information having identification information from the personal computer 1, a registered / unregistered notification that the personal computer 1 is registered is transmitted, and the personal computer 1 has the identification information. When the management information does not exist (for example, when the management information has been registered in the past but has been deleted at the request of the user)
, A registered / unregistered notification that the personal computer 1 is not registered is transmitted. If the personal computer 1 has never registered the management information in the past, since the identification information is not transmitted from the personal computer 1, the personal computer 1 is registered in step S23 in this case. A registration / non-registration notification indicating that the registration has not been performed is transmitted.

After the registered / unregistered notification is transmitted in step S23, the process proceeds to step S24, where the personal computer 1 is registered based on the registered / unregistered notification (the management information of the personal computer 1 is (Registered). In step S24, the personal computer 1
If it is determined that is already registered, step S
Steps S25 and S26 are skipped, and the process proceeds to step S27.

If it is determined in step S24 that the personal computer 1 is not registered, the process proceeds to step S25, where the location server 3 transmits the registration screen to the personal computer 1 as described above, and proceeds to step S25.
Proceed to 26. In this case, as described above, the personal computer 1 receives the registration screen and inputs the management information,
Since the management information is transmitted to the location server 3, the location server 3 receives and registers the management information in step S26.

Then, the process proceeds to a step S 27, where the status of the personal computer 1 as a client is set to “logged-in” indicating that the personal computer 1 is connected to the network 2.
That is, the location server 3 manages (stores in the HD 34) the management information of the client and the status of the client in association with each other.
The status associated with the management information of the personal computer 1 is rewritten from “logging off”, which indicates that the personal computer 1 is not connected to the network 2, to “logging in”, and the process proceeds to step S28.

In step S28, it is determined whether or not the personal computer 1 has requested the location of the chat server 4 as described above. If it is determined that the request has been made, the process proceeds to step S29.
Is transmitted to the personal computer 1 and the location of the
Go to 30. If it is determined in step S28 that the location has not been requested, the process proceeds to step S2.
Step 9 is skipped and the process proceeds to step S30.
In, it is determined whether or not the input unit 25 has been operated to disconnect the connection to the network 2. If it is determined in step S30 that the input unit 25 has not been operated to disconnect the connection, the process returns to step S28, and the same processing is repeated.

In step S30, the input unit 2
If it is determined that the connection has been operated to disconnect the connection, the process proceeds to step S31, where the status associated with the management information of the personal computer 1 is rewritten from “logging in” to “logging off”, and the client The status management processing ends.

Next, referring to the flowchart of FIG.
The client status notification process performed by executing the client status notification program in the location server 3 of FIG. 3 will be described.

In the location server 3, for example, from the personal computer 1 or the chat server 4 on the network 2,
When there is a predetermined request, the client status notification program is executed, and the following client status management notification is performed.

That is, in step S41, it is determined whether the request is an inquiry request for inquiring the status of a predetermined client. If it is determined in step S41 that the request is not an inquiry request, steps S42 and S43 are skipped, and the client status notification process ends.

In step S41, the request is
When it is determined that the inquiry request is for inquiring the status of a predetermined client, the process proceeds to step S42, and the status of the inquired client is searched. That is, the location server 3 searches the management information of the inquired client, and detects the status associated with the management information. Then, the process proceeds to step S43, where the status is transmitted to the personal computer 1, the chat server 4, or the like that has made the inquiry request, and the client status notification process ends.

The location server 3 as described above
Can be performed using, for example, a mechanism such as the ICQ described above.

Next, referring to the flowchart of FIG.
A chat server process performed by executing a chat server program in the chat server 4 of FIG. 4 will be described.

The chat client such as the personal computer 1
When the chat server 4 is connected to the network 2 and accesses the chat server 4 as described above, the chat server program is executed and the following chat server processing is performed on the chat client. Is performed.

That is, in the chat server 4, when, for example, the personal computer 1 as a chat client accesses, in step S51, the connection with the personal computer 1 is established, and the process proceeds to step S52. In step S52, it is determined whether a chat log addressed to the user of the personal computer 1 is stored.

That is, in the chat server 4, when a message is transmitted from a chat client, the message is stored in a chat log in step S59 described later. In addition, messages from chat clients, as described above,
A time stamp, a destination of the message, and a sender of the message are added (hereinafter, such information is referred to as additional information as appropriate), and the message is stored in the chat log together with the additional information. I have. In step S52, it is determined whether or not the destination of the message is a chat log as a set of the message and the additional information that is the user of the personal computer 1.

If it is determined in step S52 that a chat log in which the destination of the message is the user of the personal computer 1 is stored, the process proceeds to step S53, and the chat log is transmitted to the personal computer 1. Thus, the personal computer 1 receives and displays the chat log from the chat server 4 as described above.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S52 that the destination of the message is not stored in the chat log of the user of the personal computer 1, the process proceeds to step S52.
Skipping to 53, the process proceeds to step S54, and the personal computer 1 determines whether or not the destination is input to the destination input area 52 (FIG. 6) as described above, and the destination is transmitted. In step S54, the personal computer 1
If it is determined that the destination has not been transmitted from, steps S55 to S57 are skipped and step S5
Proceed to 8.

When it is determined in step S54 that the destination has been transmitted from the personal computer 1, the process proceeds to step S55, and the destination is received. Further, in step S55, an inquiry request for inquiring the status of the client corresponding to the destination is transmitted to the location server 3. In this case, the location server 3 performs the client status notification process (FIG. 8) as described above to search and transmit (reply) the status of the inquired client. In step S4, the status is received, and the process proceeds to step S56, where it is determined whether the status of the client corresponding to the destination transmitted from the personal computer 1 is "logged in".

If it is determined in step S56 that the status of the client corresponding to the destination transmitted from the personal computer 1 is not "logged in", that is, if the client is not connected to the network 2, the process proceeds to step S57. Skip to step S58. If it is determined in step S56 that the status of the client corresponding to the destination transmitted from the personal computer 1 is "logged-in", that is, if the client corresponding to the destination transmitted from the personal computer 1 is the network 2 If it is connected to, step S5
Go to 7 and for the client corresponding to that destination,
The transmission notice is transmitted, and the process proceeds to step S58. In this case, as described above, in the client,
The transmission notice is received and displayed, whereby it is possible to recognize that the user of the personal computer 1 is about to transmit the message.

In step S58, it is determined whether or not a message has been transmitted from the personal computer 1, and if it is determined that no message has been transmitted, the process proceeds to steps S59 to S6.
Skip to step S63 and proceed to step S63. If it is determined in step S58 that the message has been transmitted from the personal computer 1, the process proceeds to step S59,
The message and the additional information transmitted with it are received and stored in the HD 44 as a chat log. The stored message and additional information are deleted, for example, when a predetermined period of time has elapsed after storage, or when there is a deletion command from the sender.

Then, the process proceeds to a step S 60, where an inquiry request for inquiring about the status of the client corresponding to the destination in the additional information added to the message from the personal computer 1 is transmitted to the location server 3. In this case, as described above, the location server 3 retrieves and sends the status of the inquired client, so the chat server 4 receives the status and proceeds to step S61, where the personal computer 1 It is determined whether or not the status of the client corresponding to the destination added to the message is “logged in”. If it is determined in step S61 that the status of the client corresponding to the destination added to the message transmitted from the personal computer 1 is not "logged in", the process proceeds to step S6.
Skip to step S63 and proceed to step S63.

In step S61, the status of the client corresponding to the destination added to the message transmitted from the personal computer 1 is "logged in".
Is determined, that is, if the client that is the destination of the message is connected to the network 2, the process proceeds to step S57, and the message transmitted from the personal computer 1 is transmitted to the client corresponding to the destination. Is transmitted, and the process proceeds to step S63.

Therefore, in the chat server 4, when a message addressed to a certain client is transmitted from the personal computer 1 connected to the network 2, if the client is also connected to the network 2, the chat server 4 Then, a message is transmitted from the personal computer 1. That is, in this case, the client and the personal computer 1
, A real-time chat can be performed via the chat server 4.

In step S63, it is determined whether or not the input unit 25 in the personal computer 1 has been operated to disconnect the connection to the network 2. Step S63
When it is determined that the input unit 25 has not been operated to disconnect the connection to the network 2, the process returns to step S54, and the same processing is repeated.

If it is determined in step S64 that the input unit 25 of the personal computer 1 has been operated to disconnect the connection with the network 2, that is, for example, a request to disconnect the connection with the network 2 is issued. If sent from the personal computer 1, the chat server 4 disconnects the connection with the personal computer 1 and ends the chat server processing.

In the above case, the chat server 4
In the above, the status of the client is inquired to the location server 3, but the status of the client may be transmitted from the location server 3 to the chat server 4 when the status changes.

Next, by performing the above-described processing in the personal computer 1, the location server 3, and the chat server 4, the users are connected to each other as shown in FIGS.
As shown in FIG. 2, smooth communication can be achieved.

Here, FIG. 10 to FIG.
3 shows a display screen on the output unit 26. FIGS. 10 and 11 show the chat window 51 opened on the personal computer 1.
10 or FIG. 1 for personal computers 1-1 and 1-2.
Reference numeral 1 denotes a display screen on the personal computer 1-1 or 1-2. 10 or 11, a chat window 51 of the personal computer 1-1 or 1-2, a destination input area 52 constituting the chat window 51, a chat character / log display area 5
3. Codes in the chat character / message input area 54 are indicated by adding -1 or -2 to each code.

For example, the personal computer 1-1 or 1-
When sending a message addressed to user 2, the destination is
It is assumed that the user A of the personal computer 1-1 is connected to the network 2 and starts a chat client program. In this case, a chat window 51-1 is opened as shown in FIG.

Then, the user 1-1 of the personal computer 1-1
When A sends a message to the user userB of the personal computer 1-2, as shown in FIG. 10, the destination "use" is entered in the destination input area 52-1 of the chat window 51-1.
rB ". This destination “userB” is transmitted to the chat server 4 as described above. Now, assuming that the personal computer 1-2 is not connected to the network 2, the chat server 4 does not transmit the transmission notice to the personal computer 1-2 even if the destination "userB" is received.

Then, the user user of the personal computer 1-1
A sends the message to be sent to the user B of the personal computer 1-2 in the chat character / message input area 54-.
1, the message is sent to the destination input area 5
The destination “userB” input in 2-1 and the time stamp and “userA” representing the sender are added to the chat server 4 and transmitted, and the message, the sender “userA” and the time stamp are added to the sender. , Time stamp, and message, and displayed in the chat character / log display area 53-1.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 10, the user A of the personal computer 1-1 sends a message "How is the condition of a cold?" To the user B of the personal computer 1-2. Please input and send, and chat character / log display area 53-1
In, these messages are displayed with the sender “userA” and the time stamp.

[0100] As described above, the user usA sent to the chat server 4 as the sender
The message addressed to erB is
Stored as a chat log. Now, assuming that the personal computer 1-2 is not connected to the network 2,
A message addressed to user userB by user userA is stored only in chat server 4 and is not transmitted to personal computer 1-2.

Thereafter, the user user of the personal computer 1-2
Assume that B connects to the network 2 and starts the chat client program. Also in this case, a chat window 51-2 as shown in FIG. 11 is displayed on the personal computer 1-2, as in the case of the personal computer 1-1.

Further, in this case, in the chat server 4, the personal computer 1-2 is connected to the network 2 as described above.
Is recognized, and the chat log as a message addressed to the user userB is transmitted to the personal computer 1-2.
Sent to. As a result, in the personal computer 1-2, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 1, a message “How is the condition of a cold?” Input by the user “userA” of the personal computer 1-1 before the personal computer 1-2 is connected to the network 2 is displayed.
"If you're fine, please reply", but the sender "u
The message is displayed in the chat character / log display area 52-2 along with "serA" and the time stamp. as a result,
The user B of the personal computer 1-2 is connected to the network 2
The message from the user userA input until the user is connected can be viewed.

Then, the user userB of the personal computer 1-2 who saw the message from the user userA tries to send a reply message to the user userA of the personal computer 1-1, as shown in FIG.
1-2, the destination “user” is entered in the destination input area 52-2.
When "A" is input, the destination "userA" is transmitted to the chat server 4 as described above.

In this case, since the personal computer 1-1 corresponding to the destination "userA" is connected to the network 2, the chat server 4 sends the transmission notice to the personal computer 1-1 as described above. Sent. The personal computer 1-1 receives and displays the transmission notice. That is, in the personal computer 1-1, for example, as shown in FIG. 12, a notice window 61 for notifying that a message is to be transmitted is opened, and a message indicating that the user userB intends to transmit the message there. "UserB is about to send a message." Is displayed. This allows the user use
rA can recognize that a reply is sent from user userB.

Then, the user user of the personal computer 1-2
B sends a reply message to be sent to user userA of personal computer 1-1 in chat character / message input area 5.
When the message is input to 4-2, the message is transmitted to the chat server 4 with the destination “userA” input in the destination input area 52-2, and further added with the time stamp and “userB” representing the sender. The message, the sender “userB”, and the time stamp are arranged in the order of the sender, the time stamp, and the message, and displayed in the chat character / log display area 53-2.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 11, the user userB of the personal computer 1-2 sees a message from the user userA of the personal computer 1-1 and inputs a reply message "I'm fine, fine and fine." In the chat character / log display area 53-2, this message is displayed together with the sender “userB” and the time stamp.

As described above, the user usB sent to the chat server 4 as the sender
The reply message addressed to erA is stored in the chat server 4 as a chat log. Furthermore, since the personal computer 1-1 is now connected to the network 2,
This message is transmitted to the personal computer 1-1 together with the sender “userB” and the time stamp.

In the personal computer 1-1, the user u transmitted from the chat server 4 by the user
Reply message to serA and sender "userB"
And the time stamp are received and displayed in the chat character / log display area 53-1 as shown in FIG.

Then, after that, the users userA and u
In the same manner as in the related art, chat, which is the exchange of messages in real time, can be performed with serB.

Therefore, since user user A can recognize that user user B is about to send a reply message while inputting a message, user user A sends a message urging a reply by passing It is possible to prevent transmission.

Further, the user userB can see the message addressed to the user userB transmitted by the user userA before the connection to the network 2, and this is the same as the user userA.
Until rB connects to the network 2, it is equivalent to sending a message to the user userB by e-mail, so that the user userA is particularly aware of the e-mail function and the chat function. Can be used without. That is, according to the present invention, a messenger function such as e-mail is provided to the user,
A real-time chat function can be provided with the same user interface.

Next, with reference to FIG. 13, a description will be given of a medium used to install a program for executing the above-described series of processing in a computer to make it executable.

The program is, for example, as shown in FIG. 13A, a hard disk 102 (corresponding to the HDs 24, 34 and 44 shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, respectively) as a recording medium built in the computer 101. Can be provided in an installed state in advance.

The program is, for example, shown in FIG.
As shown in (B), a floppy (registered trademark) disk 111, a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory)
y) 112, MO (Magneto optical) disk 113,
Temporarily or permanently stored in a recording medium such as a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) 114, a magnetic disk 115, and a semiconductor memory 116 (corresponding to the memories 23, 33, and 43 shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, respectively); It can be provided as packaged software.

Further, the program is, for example, shown in FIG.
As shown in (C), from the download site 121,
The data is transferred to the computer 123 via the satellite 122 wirelessly, or a network 131 such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or the Internet (the network 2 in FIG. 1).
(Corresponding to the above) can be transferred to the computer 123 in a wired or wireless manner, and the computer 123 can download the data to a built-in hard disk or the like.

[0116] The medium in the present specification means a broad concept including all of these. Further, in this specification, the step of describing a program provided by a medium includes not only a process including a temporal element but also a process executed in parallel or individually (for example, a parallel process or a process by an object). Including.

The case where the present invention is applied to the chat system has been described above. However, the present invention can be applied to a mailer, a messenger, and other applications for exchanging data in addition to the chat system.

In the present embodiment, a message indicating that a message is to be transmitted is displayed when a notice of transmission is given, but the fact that a message is to be transmitted is indicated by, for example, an icon. By displaying
The user may be notified (the OS is Windows
In the case of 95 or 98 (trademark), an icon can be displayed in the task tray of the task bar or the like). Further, it is also possible to notify the user that the message is transmitted, for example, by voice or the like.

Here, according to the above-mentioned Yahoo! pager or the like, while a certain user is notified that the user has connected to the Internet, in the present invention, a certain user connects to the network 2 and receives a message. Although it is notified that the user is about to transmit, the present invention can also notify that the user has connected to the network 2 separately from the fact that the user is about to transmit the message. This can be realized, for example, when the client connects to the network 2 in the location server 3 and transmits the fact to another client.

Further, in the present embodiment, the location server 3 and the chat server 4 are provided separately, but the location server 3 and the chat server 4 can be the same server.

Furthermore, in the embodiment of FIGS. 10 to 12, the case where messages are exchanged between the user of the personal computer 1-1 and the user of the personal computer 1-2 has been described. Among three or more users,
It is also possible to exchange messages. In this case, a user may send a message to two or more people. In such a case, the destination input area 52 of the chat window 51 (FIG. 6) displays the destination of the two or more users. May be input separated by a comma or the like. Alternatively, two or more users may be grouped, a group name may be defined, and the group name may be input to the destination input area 52.

In the present invention, even while a message is being input, the message from the other party can be viewed, so that the message can be exchanged smoothly. Furthermore, instead of voice conversations,
Because conversation by text is possible, as a client, for example, when using a mobile phone,
Even in public places such as trains, communication can be achieved without disturbing others.

[0123]

According to the information processing apparatus according to the first aspect, the information processing method according to the third aspect, and the medium according to the fourth aspect, a transmission notice indicating that data addressed to itself is transmitted. Is received and a notice of the transmission is notified, so that smooth communication can be achieved.

According to the information processing apparatus according to the fifth aspect, the information processing method according to the eleventh aspect, and the medium according to the twelfth aspect, the destination for transmitting data transmitted from the client is received. A transmission notice that data is to be transmitted is transmitted to the client corresponding to the destination. Therefore, smooth communication between the clients can be achieved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of an embodiment of a real-time chat system to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of a personal computer 1 of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of a location server 3 of FIG.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the chat server 4 of FIG.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a chat client process.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a chat window 51.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a client status management process.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a client status notification process.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a chat server process.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a display example of the personal computer 1-1 in FIG.

11 is a diagram showing a display example of the personal computer 1-2 in FIG.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a notice window 61.

FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a medium to which the present invention is applied.

[Explanation of symbols]

1-1 to 1-3 personal computers, 2 networks,
3 location server, 4-1 and 4-2 chat server, 21 communication I / F, 22 CPU, 23
Memory, 24 HD, 25 input section, 26 output section, 31 communication I / F, 32 CPU, 33 memory, 34 HD, 35 input section, 36 output section, 41 communication I / F, 42 CPU, 43 memory, 44 HD , 45 input section, 46 output section,
51 chat window, 52 destination input area,
53 Chat character / log display area, 54 Chat character / message input area, 61 Notice window

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き The continuation of the front page F term (reference) 5B089 GA11 GA21 GB03 JA18 JA31 KA00 KB06 KC44 KG03 LA01 LA03 LA07 LA11 LB02 LB14 5K030 GA00 HA06 KA01 LD13

Claims (12)

[Claims] 1. A method for receiving data transmitted from a client and transmitting the data to a server that transmits the data to one or more other clients;
An information processing apparatus for receiving data from the server, comprising: a data input unit for inputting the data; a destination input unit for inputting a destination to which the data is transmitted; Transmission means for transmitting data transmitted from the server, data reception means for receiving data transmitted from the server, display means for displaying data transmitted from the server, and transmission indicating that data addressed to itself is transmitted. An information processing apparatus, comprising: a notice receiving means for receiving a notice; and a notifying means for notifying the notice of transmission. 2. The server stores data addressed to the other client transmitted from the client, and when the other client is connected, data already stored addressed to the other client. Wherein the data receiving means also receives the data transmitted from the server and which is already stored in the server, and the display means also displays the data. 2. The information processing device according to 1. 3. Receiving data transmitted from a client, transmitting the data to a server that transmits the data to one or more other clients,
An information processing method for receiving data from the server, comprising: a data inputting step of inputting the data; a destination inputting step of inputting a destination to which the data is transmitted; A data transmission step of receiving data transmitted from the server; a display step of displaying data transmitted from the server; and a transmission indicating that data addressed to itself is transmitted. An information processing method, comprising: a notice receiving step of receiving a notice; and a notifying step of notifying the notice of transmission. 4. Receiving data transmitted from a client, transmitting the data to a server that transmits the data to one or more other clients,
A medium for causing the information processing apparatus to execute a program for causing the information processing apparatus to perform a process of receiving data from the server, the data input step of inputting the data, and a destination of transmitting the data. Inputting the data and the destination, transmitting the input data and the destination to the server, receiving the data transmitted from the server, and receiving the data transmitted from the server A display step of displaying a notice of transmitting data indicating that data addressed to itself is transmitted; and a notifying step of notifying the transmission notice. Medium to be executed by the device. 5. An information processing apparatus for receiving data transmitted from a client and transmitting the data to one or more other clients, wherein: a data receiving unit for receiving data from the client; Data transmission means for transmitting data from a client to the other client; destination reception means for receiving a destination for transmitting the data transmitted from the client; and a client corresponding to the destination. An information transmission device for transmitting a transmission advance notice indicating that data is to be transmitted. 6. The information processing apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising a recognition unit configured to recognize whether a client corresponding to the destination is connected. 7. The recognizing unit makes an inquiry to a server that manages information as to whether a client corresponding to the destination is in a connected state,
7. The information processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein it is determined whether a client corresponding to the destination is connected. 8. The information processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein when the client corresponding to the destination is connected, the notification transmission unit transmits a transmission notification to the client. 9. The information processing apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising storage means for storing data from the client. 10. The data transmission means, when a client corresponding to the destination is connected, among the data stored in the storage means, the data destined for the client corresponding to the destination also corresponds to the destination. The information processing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the information is transmitted to a client that performs the processing. 11. An information processing method for receiving data transmitted from a client and transmitting the data to one or more other clients, wherein: a data receiving step of receiving data from the client; A data transmission step of transmitting data from a client to the other client; a destination reception step of receiving a destination of the data transmitted from the client; and a client corresponding to the destination, An advance notice transmitting step of transmitting an advance notice indicating that data is to be transmitted. 12. A program for causing an information processing apparatus to execute a process of receiving data transmitted from a client and transmitting the data to one or more other clients. A medium, a data receiving step of receiving data from the client; a data transmitting step of transmitting data from the client to the other client; and transmitting the data transmitted from the client. The information processing apparatus comprising: a destination receiving step of receiving a destination; and a notice transmitting step of transmitting a notice of transmission that data is transmitted to a client corresponding to the destination. Medium to be executed.