JP3434209B2 - Communication tool use status transmission method, server device, client terminal device, and program recording medium thereof - Google Patents

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention is intended to assist a user having a plurality of communication tools or communication tools including a plurality of media to appropriately select a communication tool by transmitting the usage status of his or her communication tool to each other. Method, its server device and client terminal device, and a recording medium storing a program for implementing the method.

The communication tool is a client program for communication between people. Such client programs can be classified into four. The elements for classification are whether to support multi-users and whether to use multiple media.

Multi-user correspondence means that one-to-many communication can be performed by using a client program. The medium is an information medium such as text, voice, and video.

[0004]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, ICQ (http://www.mirabilis.com/) has been used to convey the status of whether or not a communication tool is activated on the Internet.
There is one described in. Further, as a means for transmitting the status of "active" or "in use", there is a telephone directory service (Watanabe et al. "A telephone directory system for internet telephones" information 54 full size B8. -9
1, March 1997) and the like.

Here, "starting up" means that the client program is running and the other party's character utterance, voice utterance, or video can be received. "In use" means that when the client program is compatible with multiple users, a message by a person is transmitted to the server. On the other hand, in the case of one-to-one communication in which the client program does not support multi-users, “in use” means transmission or reception of conversational speech to the other party.

[0006]

However, in the above-mentioned prior art, when the communication partner uses a plurality of communication tools or a communication tool including a plurality of media together, which tool or which media is currently activated. Is it
Or because I don't know which one I am currently using, for example, when I try to communicate by sending a text message with a text chat tool that supports multi-user,
There was a problem that no communication could be obtained because the communication partner was activating the text chat tool but was not using it.

It is an object of the present invention to provide means for transmitting the usage status of a communication tool for supporting the selection of an appropriate communication tool by knowing the usage status of the communication partner in advance.

[0008]

According to the present invention, in order to solve the above problems, a user selectively registers a plurality of communication tools or a communication tool including a plurality of media in a server to selectively use the usage status. The main feature is to send and receive.

Specifically, in the present invention, in a system in which each user who has a terminal that can be connected to a network uses a plurality of communication tools, a usable communication tool associated with a user name, and E-mail address required to use, I
Register the communication tool usage status including the ID for identifying the client such as P address in the server,
The server notifies the usage status of the communication tool in response to the inquiry from the client terminal. This allows the client to know in advance the usage status of the person with whom he wants to communicate.

The communication tool usage status managed by the server is at least the type of communication tool or the type of media handled by the communication tool, information on whether or not the communication tool is activated, and whether the communication tool is in use. And information about whether or not This allows the client to select the appropriate communication tool or media.

When the usage status of the communication tool possessed by the user is transmitted from the client terminal to the server, the type of communication tool,
The client terminal automatically identifies and sends the usage status such as whether the tool is activated or not, and the user can operate it on the server without operating the user each time. It becomes possible to manage the usage status of the latest communication tools.

Further, when the usage status of the communication tool possessed by the user is transmitted from the client terminal to the server, the type of communication tool, whether or not the tool is activated, and whether or not the tool is in use A means for selecting the contents of the usage status to be transmitted based on the setting information is provided. This allows the user to keep the information private when there is information such as the presence or absence of a specific communication tool or whether or not a specific communication tool is currently used, which the user does not want to be notified to other users. it can.

In addition, when the client terminal receives the usage status of the communication tool possessed by the user from the server, the type of communication tool, whether the tool is activated, and whether the tool is in use A means for selecting the contents of the received usage status such as, based on the setting information is provided. This can prevent the reception of unnecessary information in advance.

Further, when the client terminal receives from the server the use status of the communication tool of the other party with whom it is trying to communicate, the type of communication tool, whether the tool is activated, and whether the tool is in use A means is provided for the client terminal to automatically receive the usage status such as whether or not from the server every predetermined time. As a result, the client terminal can hold the usage status of the communication tool in almost real time even when the user does not operate it.

A program for realizing each of the above processing means by a computer of a server device or a client terminal device may be stored in an appropriate storage medium such as a computer-readable portable medium memory, a semiconductor memory or a hard disk. it can.

[0016]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows the configuration of the entire system of the present invention. In the figure, 1 is a communication tool utilization status transmission server (hereinafter referred to as server), 2, 2 '.
Is a client terminal, and 3 is a network.

The server 1 registers and manages a communication tool associated with each user's user name, and a mail address, IP address, etc. necessary to use the communication tool. A client program for transmitting the usage status of the communication tool is installed in the terminals 2 and 2 '. Terminal 2, 2 '
Sends the usage status of the communication tool to the server 1 and registers it whenever the status changes or at predetermined time intervals. The server 1 manages the usage status of the communication tool received from each terminal 2, 2 ',
The usage status of the requested communication tool is notified to the usage status inquiry from the terminals 2 and 2 '.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the communication tool utilization status transmission server 1. The device control unit 10 is a unit that controls the entire device by an operating system or the like. The network interface unit 11 is a connection interface with the network 3 shown in FIG. The communication control unit 12 is a unit that controls transmission and reception of data with other devices via the network 3. The command analysis unit 13 is a unit that analyzes a command described in the received data and decodes a request from another device.

The communication tool utilization status transmitting means 14 is means for managing the communication tool utilization status and transmitting the communication tool utilization status in response to a request from the client terminal, and has the following means.

The control means 15 is a part for performing control for transmitting the communication tool usage status. The transmission packet creation / transmission means 16 is a means for packetizing the communication tool usage status data and transmitting it to the requesting terminal through the communication control unit 12. The usage status data creation means 17 is data for notifying the corresponding communication tool usage status read from the communication tool usage status management file 19 via the communication tool usage status management means 18 in response to an inquiry about the communication tool usage status. Is a means of creating. The communication tool usage status management means 18 is a means for storing and managing the communication tool usage status notified from the terminal of each client in the communication tool usage status management file 19.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the terminal 2 shown in FIG. The same applies to the other terminals 2'and the like. The device control unit 20 is a part that controls the entire device by an operating system or the like. The network interface unit 21 is a connection interface with the network 3 shown in FIG. The communication control unit 22 is a part that controls transmission and reception of data with other devices via the network 3.

Transmission of communication tool usage status
The inquiry means 23 is a means for notifying the server 1 of the usage status of the communication tool in its own terminal and for inquiring the server 1 of the usage status of the communication tools of other users, and has the following means.

The control means 24 is a part for performing control for notifying the use status of the communication tool and inquiring about the use status of the communication tool. The communication tool usage status data creating means 25 is a means for automatically identifying the usage status of the communication tool possessed by the own terminal as needed or periodically and creating the data. Packet creation / transmission / packet reception means 2
6 packetizes the data created by the communication tool usage status data creating means 25, and the communication control unit 2
It is a means for transmitting to the server 1 via 2 and for receiving a packet arriving at its own device from the outside. The communication tool usage status inquiry means 27 is a means for executing processing for inquiring the usage status of the communication tool of another user to the server 1 at the request of the user or periodically. Further, the communication tool usage status inquiry means 27 displays the usage status of the communication tool stored in the user information management file 28 on the display 29 according to a request from the user. The user information management file 28 is a file for holding the received user information of the communication tool usage status.

The terminal 2 has a display 29 and a mouse 3
0, a general input / output device such as a keyboard 31 is connected. In addition, a camera for videophone may be connected.

FIG. 4 shows an example of the user list registered in the terminal 2 of the client. As preparation for receiving the communication tool usage status, it is necessary to register user information in the server 1 and a user name to be a communication partner in the terminal 2 of the client. For example, as a result of registering the user name in the terminal 2, the registered user list is displayed on the client as shown in FIG.

FIG. 5 shows an example of a communication tool usage status list of communication partners. The client terminal 2 receives the communication tool usage status information by inquiring of the server 1 about the communication tool usage status. This is displayed in a list format as shown in FIG. 5, for example.

In the example of FIG. 5, communication tools such as "Internet phone", "e-mail receiving tool", "Internet TV phone", and "text chat tool" are being activated on the terminal of the other party with whom communication is desired. It is displayed that the "Character chat tool" is in use.

For example, when sending a certain document and wanting to discuss the document with a partner who is abroad, by knowing the usage status of the partner as shown in FIG. 5, the character chat tool is in use, that is, the message of the communication partner. Since you can see that is being sent, you can call with a text chat tool and convey the choice of communication method such as "Let's send documents by e-mail and discuss it with an Internet phone that does not cost money."

FIG. 6 shows an example of the media usage status list included in the communication tool of the communication partner. The client terminal 2 inquires of the server 1 about the usage status of the communication tool, and when the communication tool includes a plurality of media (text, voice, video), the communication tool usage information including the type of the media is received. The usage status regarding this type of media is displayed in a list format as shown in FIG. 6, for example.

For example, when the communication tool is compatible with multiple users, but the user who is unfamiliar with the character chat tool wants to have a voice conversation with another user,
By knowing the usage status of the other party as shown in FIG. 6, it can be understood that the voice medium is being activated, that is, the voice utterance can be received. This allows you to speak by voice.

FIG. 7 is a processing flow chart when the communication tool usage status data is transmitted from the client terminal 2 to the server 1. In FIG. 7, the process is started (step S1), the client program of the communication tool utilization status sending / inquiring means 23 is started (step S2), and the server 1 is connected (step S3). After that, based on the setting information preset by the transmission content selection menu or the like, the transmission information regarding the usage status of the communication tool to be transmitted is selected (step S4), and the communication tool usage status data creating means 25 causes the communication tool to communicate. The usage status is automatically identified, its data is created (step S5), and the created communication tool usage status data is transmitted to the server 1 (step S6). After that, n for a predetermined time
It is determined whether or not the second has elapsed (step S7). When the second has elapsed, the process returns to immediately before step S4, and similarly, the similarly selected usage status is identified and the transmission to the server 1 is periodically repeated. If not, wait for n seconds to elapse.
With the above processing procedure, the latest usage status can be notified to the server 1 even if the usage status of the communication tool changes.

FIG. 8 is a processing flowchart relating to the usage status identification of the communication tool in step S5 of FIG. In FIG. 8, when the process is started (step S11), first, the tool execution file name in the own device is searched to identify the communication tool possessed by the client (step S12). next,
Whether or not the communication tool is being activated is identified based on whether or not the execution file of the communication tool is currently being executed (step S13).

It is judged whether or not the communication tool is compatible with multi-user (step S1).
4) If the communication tool is multi-user compatible, whether the communication tool is in use is identified by whether the communication tool is transmitting character, voice, or image data to the server 1 (step S1).
5). On the other hand, when the communication tool is not multi-user compatible, it is determined whether the communication tool is in use by whether or not the communication tool transmits or receives character, voice, or image data to or from the communication partner. (Step S16).

With respect to the above identification result, based on the selection of the transmission information by the preset setting information, the data of the communication tool utilization status is created, and the packet for notifying the server 1 is created based on the data ( In step S17), the process ends (step S18).

FIG. 9 is a processing flowchart when the communication tool usage status data is received from the server 1 to the client terminal 2. In FIG. 9, the process is started (step S21), the client program of the communication tool use status sending / inquiring means 23 is started (step S22), and the server 1 is connected (step S23). Thereafter, the reception information regarding the communication tool usage status to be received is selected based on the setting information using the reception content selection menu or the like (step S24), and the communication tool usage status is received from the server 1 (step S25). In selecting the reception information, it is possible to select the communication tool usage status for a specific user and the reception content such as the type of media in advance. After that, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time of m seconds has elapsed (step S26), and if it has elapsed, the process returns to immediately before step S24, and similarly, reception information selection and communication tool utilization status reception are performed. Repeat regularly. If not, wait for m seconds to elapse.

By the above processing, even when the user does not operate, the client terminal 2 can automatically receive the communication tool usage status and hold the latest usage status. Note that the server 1 does not receive it periodically, but only when requested by the user.
You may make an inquiry to and receive the necessary communication tool usage status.

FIG. 10 is a processing flowchart from the selection of any other user with whom communication is desired to the selection of the communication tool or media.

In FIG. 10, the process is started (step S31), an arbitrary other user who wants to communicate is selected from the user list shown in FIG. 4 (step S32), and the arbitrary other user registers in the server 1. Then, the communication tool usage status list as shown in FIG. 5 is displayed (step S33). After that, a communication tool that seems to be suitable for communication is selected (step S34), it is determined whether or not this tool includes a plurality of media (step S35), and if it includes a plurality of media, the communication tool is selected. Is selected to display a media usage status list as shown in FIG. 6 (step S36). After that, a communication medium that is considered to be suitable for communication is selected (step S37), and the process is terminated (step S38).

If the selected communication tool does not include a plurality of media in step S35, the process ends here (step S38).

[0040]

As described above, according to the present invention,
By knowing the usage status of the communication tool of the person you want to communicate with, you can select the most suitable communication tool for conversation.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an entire communication tool use status transmission system.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a communication tool usage status transmission server.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a terminal.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a user list registered in a client terminal.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a communication tool usage status list of communication partners.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a media usage status list included in a communication tool of a communication partner.

FIG. 7 is a processing flowchart when transmitting communication tool usage status data from a client terminal to a server.

FIG. 8 is a processing flowchart relating to usage status identification of a communication tool.

FIG. 9 is a processing flowchart when receiving communication tool usage status data from a server to a client terminal.

FIG. 10 is a processing flowchart from selecting an arbitrary other user with whom communication is desired to selecting a communication tool or a medium.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Communication tool usage status transmission server 2,2 'terminal 3 network

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (56) Reference JP-A-10-155007 (JP, A) JP-A-5-94387 (JP, A) JP-A-10-98487 (JP, A) JP-A-7- 175547 (JP, A) (58) Fields investigated (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) H04L 29/06 G06F 13/00 353 H04L 12/24 H04L 12/26

Claims (8)

(57) [Claims] 1. A communication tool usage status communication method for communicating the status of each user having a terminal that can be connected to a network using a plurality of communication tools used on the terminal, the method being associated with a user name. In addition to the available communication tools and the IDs for identifying the clients such as e-mail addresses and IP addresses necessary for using the communication tools, at least the communication tools
Type or type of media handled by the communication
Class and whether the communication tool is running
Information on whether or not the communication tool is in use
Communication tool usage status including information on whether or not the communication tool usage status is registered in the server, and communication tool usage status managed by the server is notified in response to an inquiry from a client terminal. How to communicate the situation. 2. When the usage status of the communication tool possessed by the user is transmitted from the client terminal to the server, the type of communication tool, whether or not the tool is activated, and whether or not the tool is in use 2. The communication tool usage status transmitting method according to claim 1, wherein the terminal of the client automatically identifies and transmits the usage status such as "ka". 3. The type of communication tool, whether or not the usage status of the communication tool possessed by the user is transmitted from the client terminal to the server or received by the client terminal from the server 2. The communication tool use status transmission according to claim 1, wherein the content of the use status to be transmitted or the content of the use status to be received, such as whether or not the tool is in use, is selected based on the setting information. Method. 4. When the client terminal receives from the server the usage status of the communication tool of the other party with whom it is trying to communicate, the type of communication tool, whether the tool is running, and whether the tool is in use 2. The communication tool usage status transmitting method according to claim 1, wherein the usage status such as whether or not the client terminal automatically receives from the server every predetermined time. 5. A server device for transmitting a situation in which each user who has a terminal that can connect to a network uses a plurality of communication tools used on the terminal, and is usable in association with a user name. Communication tool and an ID for identifying a client such as an email address and an IP address necessary for using the communication tool, and at least the communication tool
Type or type of media handled by the communication
Class and whether the communication tool is running
Information on whether or not the communication tool is in use
Communication tool use , comprising means for managing the use status of the communication tool including information on whether the communication tool is used or not, and means for notifying the use status of the communication tool in response to an inquiry from a client terminal. Situation transmission server device. 6. A client terminal device that receives from a server device a situation in which each user who has a terminal that can be connected to a network uses a plurality of communication tools that are used on the terminal, and the communication that the own terminal has The type of tool or the type of media that the communication tool handles,
A means for creating communication tool usage status data including information indicating whether the communication tool is activated and information indicating whether the communication tool is in use, and the created communication tool usage status data,
A client terminal comprising means for transmitting to the server device at any time or at predetermined time intervals, and means for receiving communication tool usage status data from the server device at a user's request or at predetermined time intervals. apparatus. 7. A recording medium recording a program used by a server device for transmitting a situation in which each user who has a terminal connectable to a network uses a plurality of communication tools used on the terminal, It includes an available communication tool associated with a user name and an ID for identifying a client such as an email address and an IP address necessary to use the user name, and at least the communication tool
Type or type of media handled by the communication
Class and whether the communication tool is running
Information on whether or not the communication tool is in use
A program is recorded that causes the computer to execute the processing for managing the communication tool usage status including information on whether the communication tool is used or not, and the processing for notifying the communication tool usage status in response to an inquiry from the client terminal. A program recording medium for a communication tool utilization status transmission server, which is characterized in that 8. A recording medium in which a program used by a client terminal device for receiving from a server device a situation in which each user who has a terminal connectable to a network uses a plurality of communication tools used on the terminal is recorded. The type of communication tool that the terminal owns or the type of media that the communication tool handles,
A process of creating communication tool usage status data including information on whether or not the communication tool is activated and information on whether or not the communication tool is in use, and the created communication tool usage status data,
Record a program that causes a computer to execute a process of transmitting to the server device at any time or at a predetermined time and a process of receiving communication tool usage data from the server device at a user's request or at a predetermined time A program recording medium for a client terminal characterized by the above.