JP7081245B2 - Message providing device, program, and display control method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a message providing device, a program, and a display control method.

Patent Document 1 describes a message notification device that clearly notifies the destination of a message reporting the result of an operation instruction from a user. The operation instruction detection unit detects the operation instruction from the message, identifies the member who wrote the message as the instructor, and the report message display unit sends a message about the result of the operation according to the operation instruction to the instructor. Display it on the family message board with the address clearly stated.

Message services that exchange messages between users, such as chat and SNS (social networking services), were designed for the purpose of simulating dialogue with humans via voice and text that operates on this message service (). Anthropomorphic) software robot programs (hereinafter referred to as "chatbots") have been proposed. The chatbot operates to detect a specific word or phrase from a message input by the user and output a prepared response corresponding to the specific word or phrase. Some chatbots are operated by messenger service accounts assigned for advertising or commercial use, such as companies and stores, and users can enjoy conversations with chatbots through natural message exchanges. In addition to exchanging messages between two users, you can also exchange messages within a group by forming a group with three or more users (group chat), and chat while enjoying conversation with multiple people. Various services can be performed on the bot.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2014-164522

Aside from the case where one user exchanges messages with the software robot program, when multiple users and the software robot program form a group to exchange messages, chat for exchanging messages between multiple users. It is not desirable for the bot to respond automatically and provide services without the user's will.

The present invention is convenient because the software robot program automatically responds to the exchange of messages between a plurality of users even after the user gives an instruction to execute a specific service in a group including a plurality of users and the software robot. The purpose is to suppress the decline.

The invention according to claim 1 is an entry means for entering a software robot application for exchanging a message with a user into a message service for exchanging messages between users, and a specific process by the software robot application according to a message from the user. The execution means for executing the above and the effect of leaving the software robot application from the message service after executing the specific processing are displayed on the screen, and the first specific message or the specific stamp from the user is received within a certain period of time. If not, an exit means for displaying the fact that the user has left the screen, and a second specific message or a specific stamp different from the first specific message or the specific stamp from the user after the exit is received. In this case, it is a message service providing device provided with a means for displaying on the screen that the room has been entered .

The invention according to claim 2 is the message providing device according to claim 1, wherein the exit means notifies the user of information for re-entering the software robot application when exiting.

The invention according to claim 3 is the message providing device according to claim 1, wherein the exiting means maintains the setting information regarding the usage authority or operation of the user for the software robot application even after exiting.

The invention according to claim 4 is the message providing device according to claim 1, further comprising a storage means for storing a message or a stamp from the user after the exit means exits the software robot application .

The invention according to claim 5 stores a message or stamp from the user between the time when the entrance means enters the room and the time when the software robot application is exited, and the exit means exits the software robot application . A claim comprising a storage means for storing a relatively new message or stamp within a certain time with respect to the exit timing from the user and not storing a relatively old message or stamp other than a certain time. The message providing device according to 1.

The invention according to claim 6 is a first software robot application in which the software robot application receives a message or a stamp and executes a specific process, and a second software robot application in which the specific process is not executed even if the message or the stamp is received. The message providing device according to claim 1, wherein the software robot application is provided, the first software robot application operates in the room entry state, and the second software robot application operates in the exit state.

The invention according to claim 7 is the message providing device according to any one of claims 1 to 6 , wherein the specific process is a print process.

The invention according to claim 8 comprises a step of causing a computer to enter a software robot application for exchanging messages with a user into a message service for exchanging messages between users, and the software robot application in response to a message from the user. A step to execute the specific process and a screen indicating that the software robot application is to be exited from the message service after the specific process is executed are displayed on the screen, and the first specific message or the specific stamp from the user is displayed within a certain period of time. When not accepted, a step of displaying the fact that the user has left the screen, and a second specific message or a specific stamp different from the first specific message or the specific stamp from the user after the exit is received. In this case, it is a program to execute a step of displaying on the screen that the room has been entered .

The invention according to claim 9 includes a step of entering a software robot application for exchanging a message with a user into a message service for exchanging messages between users, a step of accepting a message or a stamp from the user, and the above-mentioned acceptance. A step of executing the specific process according to the message or the stamp and a screen indicating that the software robot application is to be exited from the message service after the specific process is executed are displayed on the screen, and the first user from the user within a certain period of time. A step of displaying on the screen that the user has exited when the specific message or specific stamp of the specific message is not accepted, and a second identification from the user after the exit, which is different from the first specific message or the specific stamp. It is a display control method including a step of displaying on the screen that the room has been entered when a message or a specific stamp is received.

According to the inventions of claims 1 to 9 , in a group including a plurality of users and a software robot, a software robot program can exchange messages between the plurality of users even after the user gives an instruction to execute a specific process. The decrease in convenience due to continuous automatic response is suppressed.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the user is further notified of the information for re-entering the software robot application when leaving the room.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the setting information regarding the usage authority or operation of the user for the software robot application is further maintained.

According to the invention of claim 4 , a message or a stamp from the user after leaving is further stored.

According to the invention of claim 5, further, a message or a stamp from the user between entering the room and leaving the software robot application is stored, and after the software robot application is exited, the user However, a relatively new message or stamp within a certain period of time is stored with respect to the exit timing, and a relatively old message or stamp other than a certain time is not stored.

It is a system block diagram of Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a functional block diagram of Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a block diagram of the block of Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a setting information registration explanatory diagram of Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a setting information table explanatory diagram. It is a user terminal screen explanatory drawing (the 1) of Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of a user terminal screen according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of a user terminal screen according to the first embodiment. It is a user terminal screen explanatory drawing (the 1) of Embodiment 2. FIG. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of a user terminal screen according to the second embodiment. It is a processing flowchart of Embodiment 2. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of a user terminal screen according to the third embodiment. It is explanatory drawing of the user terminal screen of Embodiment 4. It is a processing flowchart of Embodiment 4. It is a system configuration diagram of a modification.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings, taking as an example a chatbot that provides a print service as a specific process in response to a message from a user.

<Embodiment 1>
FIG. 1 shows an overall configuration diagram of a message service system according to an embodiment. The message service system includes user terminal A (10A) to user terminal C (10C), chat service server 14, bot server A (16A) to bot server B (16B), and printer A (18A) to printer B (18B). To prepare for.

The user terminal A (10A) to the user terminal C (10C) are terminals used by users of the message service, and are information terminals such as smartphones, tablet terminals, and PCs (personal computers). In the figure, three user terminals A (10A), user terminal B (10B), and user terminal C (10C) are shown, but the number thereof is arbitrary. The user operates the user terminal A (10A) to the user terminal C (10C) to access the chat service server 14 on the cloud 12 and exchange messages with other users and chatbots. In the following, it is assumed that the user A operates the user terminal A, the user B operates the user terminal B, and the user C operates the user terminal C. The user terminal A (10A) to the user terminal C (10C) and the chat service server 14 are connected to each other via a wired or wireless communication network so that data can be transmitted and received. An example of a communication network is a public line such as the Internet, but a dedicated line may also be used.

The chat service server 14 is a cloud server arranged on the cloud 12 and is a server that provides a chat service. The chat service server 14 is composed of one or a plurality of server computers. The chat service server 14 executes all processes related to message exchange, such as message transmission / reception processing to user terminals A to C, and message transmission / reception display screen display. In addition to processing the exchange of messages between two users, the chat service server 14 can form a group of three or more users and process the exchange of messages within the group (group chat). Further, the chat service server 14 cooperates with the bot server A (16A) and the bot server B (16B) to process the exchange of messages for the chat bot provided by the bot servers 16A and 16B. The exchange of messages between a user and a chatbot includes the exchange of messages between one user and a chatbot, and the exchange of messages between a plurality of users and a chatbot.

The bot server A (16A) and the bot server B (16B) function as the message providing device in the present embodiment. The bot server A (16A) and the bot server B (16B) are installed with a chatbot software robot program for exchanging messages with the user, and execute the program. These bot server A (16A) and bot server B (16B) may be operated by messenger service accounts assigned for advertising or commercial use, such as companies and stores. The bot server A (16A) and the bot server B (16B) cooperate with the chat service server 14 via a specific API (Application Programming Interface), exchange messages with the user, and send messages from the user. Automatically respond to and reply to the message. The specific API is an API for using the chat service server 14. The API format is arbitrary, but for example, it is an API in JSON (Javascript Object Notation) format, and JSON data in the specified format is transmitted by POST or GET to a specific URL of the chat service server 14. , The result is returned as JSON format data.

When the message from the user includes an operation instruction, the bot server A (16A) and the bot server B (16B) execute the specific service content as the specific process in response to the operation instruction. In the present embodiment, when the message from the user includes a print instruction, the bot server A (16A) operates the printer A (18A) or the printer B (18B) in response to the print instruction to print. Functions as a "print bot" to process. On the other hand, the bot server 16B may provide an arbitrary service in response to an operation instruction from the user. In the figure, two bot servers A (16A) and bot server B (18B) are shown, but the number thereof is arbitrary. Further, one bot server may configure a plurality of chatbots, and a plurality of bot servers may configure one chatbot.

The bot server A as a chatbot (or printer bot) drives the printer A or the printer B according to the setting information regarding the operation of the software robot program registered in advance for each user to execute the print process. These setting information can also be said to be operating conditions for operating the printer A or the printer B. User A inputs and registers the setting information for operating the user terminal A to operate the printer A, and user B inputs and registers the setting information for operating the user terminal B to operate the printer B. do.

The printer A (18A) and the printer B (18B) execute the image printing process according to the command from the bot server A.

FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the bot server A (16A). The bot server A has a communication unit 160, a message reception unit 161, a content analysis unit 162, an operation control unit 163, a response message creation unit 164, a user information storage unit 165, a setting information storage unit 166, and a message storage unit 167 as functional blocks. , And an API gateway 168.

The communication unit 160 communicates with the chat service server 14 and the printers A and B. The communication unit 160 communicates with the chat service server 14 via the API gateway 168 and exchanges messages. The communication unit 160 outputs a message received from the chat service server 14 via the API gateway 168, that is, a message from the user terminal A to the user terminal C to the message reception unit 161. Further, the communication unit 160 transmits the response message created by the response message creation unit 164 to the chat service server 14 via the API gateway 168 (that is, transmitted to the user terminal A to the user terminal C). Further, the communication unit 160 outputs a print command to the printer A and the printer B in accordance with the command from the operation control unit 163 to drive the printers A and B.

The message receiving unit 161 functions as a receiving means, receives a message from the communication unit 160, and outputs the message to the content analysis unit 162. The message includes a message regarding registration of setting information. The message receiving unit 161 sequentially stores the received messages in the message storage unit 167.

The content analysis unit 162 analyzes the content of the received message and outputs it to the operation control unit 163. Specifically, the user identifier (user ID) included in the received message is recognized, and the text portion included in the message is extracted and its syntax analysis is executed. The method of parsing is arbitrary. For example, after decomposing an input message into morpheme units, nouns, adjectives, verbs, and interrogative pronouns are extracted as keywords. When the text portion of the message includes an operation instruction, the content analysis unit 162 analyzes the content of the operation instruction and outputs it to the operation control unit 163. The operation instruction in the present embodiment includes a print instruction to the printers A and B and an instruction about the setting information of the printers A and B.

The operation control unit 163 functions as a control means, and based on the analysis result obtained by the content analysis unit 162, the setting information regarding the operation of the printers A and B is registered in the setting information storage unit 166. Further, the operation control unit 163 outputs a print command to the printers A and B in response to a message from the user. Further, the motion control unit 163 controls the motion mode of the chatbot. Specifically, in the default state, the operation mode is set to execute the print service, and after the print service is executed, the operation mode is changed to the operation mode in which the print service is not executed.

The response message creation unit 164 creates a response message according to the analysis result in the content analysis unit 162, and transmits the response message to the chat service server 14 via the communication unit 160.

The user information storage unit 165 stores information on the user who uses the chat service server 14, particularly information on the user who uses the chatbot realized by the bot server A as a user information table. In the chatbot, a specific account is assigned on the chat service realized by the chat service server 14, and the user can perform a specific operation by designating this account and make it available or have usage authority (hereinafter,). , This is called "friend registration") to confirm the use of the chatbot. The user information is, for example, a user ID. Information about the privileges of each user may be stored.

The setting information storage unit 166 stores the setting information for each user who uses the chatbot realized by the bot server A as a table. The items of setting information are, for example, identification information of the printer to be used, color mode, paper size, number of copies, and the like, but are not limited thereto. As will be described later, the setting information may be determined according to the content of the service provided by the bot server A. In the case of a print service, it is information about printing, and in the case of a search service, it is information about search conditions. The setting information is information that defines the content of the service, and may include a plurality of items.

The message storage unit 167 stores the message from the user received by the message reception unit 161 as a history.

FIG. 3 shows a block diagram of the bot server A. The bot server A is composed of one or a plurality of server computers, and includes one or a plurality of CPUs 16b, ROM 16c, RAM 16d, a communication interface (I / F) 16e, input / output I / F 16f, and a storage device 16g.

The one or a plurality of CPUs 16b reads out the bot application stored in the ROM 16c or the storage device 16g, and realizes the function of the chatbot by using the RAM 16d as the working memory. That is, the printers A and B are automatically responded to the message from the user, and when the message from the user includes an operation instruction, the printers A and B are driven in response to the operation instruction. By executing the bot application, the CPU 16b realizes the message receiving unit 161 in FIG. 2, the content analysis unit 162, the operation control unit 163, the response message creating unit 164, and the API gateway 168.

The communication I / F 16e exchanges messages with the chat service server 14, and outputs print commands to the printers A and B.

The input / output I / F 16f transmits / receives data to / from an input device such as a keyboard / mouse and an output device such as a display device.

The storage device 16g is composed of a non-volatile memory such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or SSD (Solid State Drive), and in addition to storing a bot application, a user information table, a setting information table, and the like. And store the message management table. The storage device 16g realizes the user information storage unit 165, the setting information storage unit 166, and the message storage unit 167 in FIG. 2.

In the present embodiment, the software robot program for realizing the chat bot is executed by the CPU, but a part of the chat bot may be realized by hardware processing instead of processing by executing the program. The hardware processing may be performed by using a circuit such as ASIC or FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

Next, the registration of the setting information will be described by taking the user A and the user B as an example.

FIG. 4 schematically shows the setting registration process by the user A and the user B.

When the user A and the user B register as a friend for the chat bot to which a specific account is assigned on the chat service, the bot server A (16A) assigns the user identifier (user ID) to the user A and the user B, respectively. Is assigned, and a printer identifier (printer ID) for uniquely identifying the printer A and the printer B is also assigned. As the user ID, the accounts on the chat service of user A and user B may be used as they are.

Next, the user A sends a message to the bot server A (16A) via the chat service server 14, identifies the printer A or the printer B, and then registers the setting information. For example, the user A identifies the printer A, and then uses the color mode: color paper size: A4 as setting information.
Number of copies: Send a message specifying 1 copy. When the bot server A receives these messages, it analyzes the message contents, and when it interprets it as setting information, it associates the user A with the printer A and records the above setting information in the setting information table.

The same applies to the user B, and a message is transmitted to the bot server A (16A) via the chat service server 14, the printer A or the printer B is specified, and then the setting information is registered. For example, the user B identifies the printer B, and then uses the color mode: black-and-white paper size: letter as setting information.
Number of copies: Send a message specifying 2 copies. When the bot server A receives these messages, it analyzes the contents of the messages, associates the user B with the printer B when interpreting them as setting information, and records the above setting information in the setting information table.

FIG. 5 shows an example of a setting information table stored in the setting information storage unit 166. The printer, color (color mode), size (paper size), and number of copies (number of copies) are recorded in association with each user. More specifically, the printer identification information, the color (color mode), the size (paper size), and the number of copies (number of copies) are recorded in association with each user's identification information.

In this way, the user A or the user B registers the printer and the setting information by registering the chatbot as a friend, and sends a message such as "print" to the chatbot with the desired printer and desired printing conditions. You can run the print service.

On the other hand, when user A and user B form the same group and perform group chat, a chatbot registered as a friend by user A may be allowed to enter (participate in) the group chat. User A and User B can give a print instruction to the chat bot and execute the print service as appropriate while enjoying the chat, but if the chat bot is still participating in the group chat even after executing the print service, In some cases, the chat bot automatically responds to the chat between the user A and the user B, and the print service is executed without the intention of the user A or the user B.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, after the print service is executed while the chatbot is in the group chat, the chatbot automatically exits from the group chat, which is unnecessary according to the intention of the user A or the user B. Suppress the execution of print services. When the chatbot leaves, the message receiving unit 161 does not receive the message from the user, and therefore does not analyze the message content and provide the print service. Further, the message is not stored in the message storage unit 167.

FIG. 6 shows an example of a screen displayed on the display unit of the user terminal A when only the user A exchanges a message with the chatbot. On the screen of the user terminal A, the chat service server 14 displays a representation figure (icon) 100 indicating the user A and an icon 104 indicating the chatbot. Then, the message 200 of the user A and the chatbot is displayed in chronological order from top to bottom.

The user A operates the user terminal A to operate the user terminal A.
"Print"
Send a message to the chatbot. In addition, the image data to be printed is attached together with this message. Instead of the message, only the image data may be transmitted.

Upon receiving this message, the chatbot analyzes the content of the message and interprets it as a print instruction.
"Print"
Is created and automatically responded to, and the printer A or the printer B is driven according to the setting information of the user A to execute the print service. When printing is complete,
"Printing is complete"
And automatically respond.

It is assumed that the chatbot still participates in the group chat even after executing the print service.

After that, the user A operates the user terminal A, and the user A operates the user terminal A.
"Like that photo"
And send a message. This message is sent to all users (including chatbots) participating in group chat. Then, the user B who visually recognizes this message operates the user terminal B to operate the user terminal B.
"I saw it, I like it."
And send a message. This message is also sent to all users (including chatbots) participating in group chat. Then, the user A who visually recognizes this message
"By the way, let's print the photo at that time."
Etc. and send a message. This message is also sent to all users (including chatbots) participating in the group chat, so the chatbot will extract the keyword "print" contained in this message.
"Do you want to print?"
Can be created and automatically responded to. It is not preferable for the user A to automatically respond to the chatbot and try to execute the print service even though the message is to the user B and the user has no intention of printing.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, the chatbot automatically exits when the print service is executed, thereby suppressing an unnecessary response to a message from the user.

FIG. 7 shows an example of a screen displayed on the display unit of the user terminal A in the present embodiment.

The user A operates the user terminal A to operate the user terminal A.
"Print"
Send a message to the chatbot. In addition, the image data to be printed is attached together with this message. Instead of the message, only the image data may be transmitted.

Upon receiving this message, the chatbot analyzes the content of the message and interprets it as a print instruction.
"Print"
Is created and automatically responded to, and the printer A or the printer B is driven according to the setting information of the user A to execute the print service. When printing is completed, after confirming the completion notification from printer A or printer B,
"Printing is complete"
And automatically respond.

Then, the chatbot leaves the group chat immediately after executing the print service. In the exited state, the message receiving unit 161, the content analysis unit 162, the operation control unit 163, and the response message creating unit 164 stop the operation. In the exit state, the message receiving unit 161, the content analysis unit 162, and the operation control unit 163 maintain the operation state, the operation control unit 163 stops driving the printers A and B, and the response message creation unit 164 is not used. It may be controlled to the operating state. Therefore, the "entry" state of the chatbot in the present embodiment is a state in which a message from the user can be responded to, more specifically, a message receiving unit 161, a content analysis unit 162, an operation control unit 163, and a response message creation. The unit 164 means that the unit 164 is in the operating state, and the "exit" state means that the user does not respond to the message, more specifically, at least the operation control unit 163 and the response message creating unit 164 are not in the operating state. Means.

After that, the user A operates the user terminal A, and the user A operates the user terminal A.
"Like that photo"
And send a message. This message is sent to all users participating in the group chat. Then, the user B who visually recognizes this message operates the user terminal B to operate the user terminal B.
"I saw it, I like it."
And send a message. This message is also sent to all users participating in the group chat. Then, the user A who visually recognizes this message
"By the way, let's print the photo at that time."
Etc. and send a message. This message is also sent to all users participating in the group chat, but since the chatbot has already left and is inactive, we extracted the keyword "print" included in this message. ,
"Do you want to print?"
Will not be automatically answered by composing a message with. In the figure, a cross indicates that such an autoresponder message is not transmitted.

User B who visually recognizes the message from User A
"That's right, let's print."
Etc. can be transmitted, and a smooth chat between the user A and the user B can be maintained.

In FIG. 7, the chatbot has left immediately after executing the print service, but may send a message to the effect that the chatbot has left when leaving.

FIG. 8 shows an example of a screen in this case.

The user A operates the user terminal A to operate the user terminal A.
"Print"
Send a message to the chatbot. In addition, the image data to be printed is attached together with this message. Instead of the message, only the image data may be transmitted.
Upon receiving this message, the chatbot analyzes the content of the message and interprets it as a print instruction.
"Print"
Is created and automatically responded to, and the printer A or the printer B is driven according to the setting information of the user A to execute the print service. When printing is completed, "Printing is completed" after confirming the completion notification from Printer A or Printer B.
And automatically respond.

Then, the chatbot exits the group chat immediately after executing the print service and shifts from the first operation mode to the second operation mode. At this time,
"I left the chatbot"
Message 202 is created and sent.

The user A and the user B who have visually recognized this message can recognize that the chatbot has left.

Further, in FIGS. 7 and 8, the chatbot exits immediately after the print service is executed, but a certain time after the print service is executed is set as an exit waiting period, and a specific message from the user is sent within this fixed time. You may leave if you do not have one.

FIG. 9 shows an example of a screen in this case.

The user A operates the user terminal A to operate the user terminal A.
"Print"
Send a message to the chatbot. In addition, the image data to be printed is attached together with this message. Instead of the message, only the image data may be transmitted.

Upon receiving this message, the chatbot analyzes the content of the message and interprets it as a print instruction.
"Print"
Is created and automatically responded to, and the printer A or the printer B is driven according to the setting information of the user A to execute the print service. When printing is completed, "Printing is completed" after confirming the completion notification from Printer A or Printer B.
And automatically respond.

And the chatbot will "leave if there is nothing else" after running the print service.
By creating and responding to the message, the exit schedule is notified, and the system shifts to the standby state for a certain period of time. The fixed time can be set to, for example, 3 minutes, but is not limited to this.

If there is no specific message from the user within a certain period of time, the chatbot will leave after a certain period of time, and
"I left the chatbot"
Message 202 is sent.

On the other hand, FIG. 10 shows an example of a screen in which a specific message is transmitted from the user within a certain period of time.

The user A operates the user terminal A to operate the user terminal A.
"Print"
Send a message to the chatbot. In addition, the image data to be printed is attached together with this message. Instead of the message, only the image data may be transmitted.

Upon receiving this message, the chatbot analyzes the content of the message and interprets it as a print instruction.
"Print"
Is created and automatically responded to, and the printer A or the printer B is driven according to the setting information of the user A to execute the print service. When printing is completed and the completion notification from printer A or printer B is confirmed,
"Printing is complete"
And automatically respond.

And the chatbot will "leave if there is nothing else" after running the print service.
By creating and responding to the message 204, the exit schedule is notified, and the system shifts to the standby state for a certain period of time.

User A who sees this message will say "@ Chatbot wait!" Within a certain period of time.
Message 206 is sent. Here, "@chatbot" indicates that the message is directed to a specific member (here, a chatbot) in a group chat.

Upon receiving this message 206, the chatbot analyzes the message content, cancels the exit waiting state as matching a specific message, and cancels the exit waiting state.
"yes"
And respond by composing a message with.

Even if a specific stamp is sent within a certain period of time instead of a specific message from the user, the chatbot can cancel the exit waiting state and maintain the entry state.

FIG. 11 shows a processing flowchart of the chatbot.

In response to an invitation operation from a member participating in the group chat, for example, user A, the chatbot enters (participates in) the group chat (S101). In the room entry state, the message receiving unit 161 receives the message and sequentially stores it in the message storage unit 167, and the content analysis unit 162 analyzes the message content and outputs it to the operation control unit 163. If the message content is a print instruction, the operation control unit 163 drives the printers A and B to execute the print service. Further, the response message creation unit 164 creates and sends a message having the content corresponding to the message from the user. In addition, when entering (participating in) a group chat, user A and user B shall register the chatbot as a friend and have the right to use it.

Upon participating in the group chat, the chatbot receives a message from the user and determines whether or not it is a print instruction, that is, whether or not a manuscript as image data to be printed is included (S102).

When the manuscript is received (YES in S102), the chatbot executes the print service in response to the print instruction (S103). and,
"If there is nothing else, I will leave."
By sending the message "S104", the exit schedule is notified (S104), and the state shifts to the standby state for a certain period of time. The fixed time is, for example, 3 minutes.

Then, it is determined whether or not the manuscript or the specific message has been received within a certain period of time (S105). After a certain period of time has passed without receiving the manuscript or the specific message (NO in S105), the chatbot automatically exits the group chat.

On the other hand, when the manuscript is received within a certain period of time, the standby state is released, the room entry state is maintained as it is, the process proceeds to S103, and the print service of the manuscript is executed. Also, a specific message within a certain period of time, for example, "@ Chatbot Wait!"
Even when the message "" is received, the standby state is canceled and the room entry state is maintained as it is, and the process proceeds to S102 to determine whether or not the document has been received.

<Embodiment 3>
In the first or second embodiment, when the chatbot leaves the group chat, not only the message to the effect of leaving is sent, but also the user is notified of the information for re-entering (participating) the chatbot after leaving. You may.

FIG. 12 shows an example of a screen in this case.

The user A operates the user terminal A to operate the user terminal A.
"Print"
Send a message to the chatbot. In addition, the image data to be printed is attached together with this message. Instead of the message, only the image data may be transmitted.

Upon receiving this message, the chatbot analyzes the content of the message and interprets it as a print instruction.
"Print"
Is created and automatically responded to, and the printer A or the printer B is driven according to the setting information of the user A to execute the print service. When printing is complete,
"Printing is complete"
And automatically respond.

And the chatbot will "leave if there is nothing else" after running the print service.
Message 204 is created and responded to, and the state shifts to the standby state for a certain period of time. The fixed time can be set to, for example, 3 minutes, but is not limited to this.

If there is no specific message from the user within a certain period of time, the chatbot will leave after a certain period of time, and
"Leave"
"Leave your contact information"
Message 208 is sent. The contact information may be a URL, or may be data in which the chatbot account name and contact information are collectively described. In the chat service, a tool (note) for sharing documents, photos, etc. among participating members is known, and a chatbot may leave his / her account name and contact information in the sharing tool, for example.

After notifying their contact information, the chatbot will
"I left the chatbot"
Message 202 is sent.

<Embodiment 4>
In the first to third embodiments, the chatbot exits the group chat immediately after executing the print service or after a certain period of time, but when the user wants to use the chatbot again, the chatbot is used. It's a hassle because you need to invite them to the group chat again to participate.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, as chatbots, a first chatbot that executes the print service and a second chatbot that does not execute the print service are prepared, and immediately after the first chatbot executes the print service, or for a certain period of time. The second chatbot will continue to participate even after automatically leaving after the lapse of time. The second chatbot that does not execute the print service functions as a chatbot that receives messages from the user, sequentially stores them in the message storage unit 167, and analyzes the message contents, and group chats the first chatbot when necessary. It has a function to invite and participate in. Both the first chatbot and the second chatbot are realized by the bot server A. The first chatbot and the second chatbot are different program modules from each other. When the first chatbot enters (participates in) the group chat in response to an invitation operation from a participating member of the group chat, for example, user A, the second chatbot also participates with the first chatbot. However, the second chatbot does not accept or analyze messages, drive printers A and B, and create and send response messages when the first chatbot participates and is in an operating state.

FIG. 13 is an example of a screen displayed on the display unit of the user terminal A in the present embodiment.

The user A operates the user terminal A to operate the user terminal A.
"Print"
Send a message to the chatbot. In addition, the image data to be printed is attached together with this message. Instead of the message, only the image data may be transmitted.

Upon receiving this message, the chatbot analyzes the content of the message and interprets it as a print instruction.
"Print"
Is created and automatically responded to, and the printer A or the printer B is driven according to the setting information of the user A to execute the print service. When printing is completed, "Printing is completed" after confirming the completion notification from Printer A or Printer B.
And automatically respond.

And the chatbot will "leave if there is nothing else" after running the print service.
By creating and responding to the message 204, the exit schedule is notified, and the system shifts to the standby state for a certain period of time. The fixed time can be set to, for example, 3 minutes, but is not limited to this.

If there is no specific message from the user within a certain period of time, the first chatbot will leave after a certain period of time.
"I left the first chatbot"
Message 202 is sent.

When the first chatbot leaves, the second chatbot goes into operation accordingly, receives a message from the user, and analyzes its contents. Then, from User A, "Please print!"
Upon receiving the stamp, the second chatbot analyzes the contents of this stamp and automatically selects the first chatbot using the pre-stored account of the first chatbot as matching the specific stamp. Invite and
"The second chatbot has invited the first chatbot."
Message 210 is sent. Also, when the first chatbot shifts to the entry (participation) state,
"I participated in the first chatbot"
Message 212 is sent.

FIG. 14 shows a processing flowchart of the chatbot in the present embodiment.

In response to an invitation operation from a member participating in the group chat, for example, user A, the first chatbot and the second chatbot participate in the group chat, and the first chatbot shifts to the operating state (S201). Although the second chatbot is participating, it shifts to the non-operating state. In the operating state, the message receiving unit 161 receives the message and sequentially stores it in the message storage unit 167, and the content analysis unit 162 analyzes the message content and outputs it to the operation control unit 163. If the message content is a print instruction, the operation control unit 163 drives the printers A and B to execute the print service. Further, the response message creation unit 164 creates and sends a message having the content corresponding to the message from the user. In participating in the group chat, user A and user B shall register the first chatbot as a friend and have the right to use it. When the first chatbot is registered as a friend, the second chatbot is also automatically registered as a friend and has the right to use it.

Upon participating in the group chat, the first chatbot receives a message from the user and determines whether or not it is a print instruction, that is, whether or not a manuscript as image data to be printed is included (S202). ..

When the manuscript is received (YES in S202), the first chatbot executes the print service in response to the print instruction (S203). and,
"If there is nothing else, I will leave."
By sending the message "S204", the exit schedule is notified (S204), and the state shifts to the standby state for a certain period of time. The fixed time is, for example, 3 minutes.

Then, it is determined whether or not the manuscript or the specific message has been received within a certain period of time (S205). When a certain period of time elapses without receiving the manuscript or the specific message (NO in S205), the first chatbot automatically exits the group chat and shifts to the non-operating state. At this time, the second chatbot maintains the participating state, and the first chatbot shifts from the non-operating state to the operating state due to the transition to the non-operating state, and the message receiving unit 161 receives a message. The message storage unit 167 sequentially stores the message content, the content analysis unit 162 analyzes the message content, and the response message creation unit 164 creates and transmits a message with the content corresponding to the message from the user. However, the operation control unit 163 of the second chatbot does not execute the print service.

On the other hand, when the manuscript is received within a certain period of time, the first chatbot releases the standby state, maintains the operating state as it is, shifts to the processing of S203, and executes the print service of the manuscript. Further, even when a specific message is received within a certain period of time, the standby state is released and the operating state is maintained as it is, and the process proceeds to S202 to determine whether or not the document has been received.

After the first chatbot leaves, a specific message or stamp from the user, such as "Please print!"
Upon receiving the stamp, the operating second chatbot analyzes the contents of this stamp and automatically invites you to group chat using the first chatbot's account stored in advance as matching a specific stamp. That is, the first chatbot is invited from the non-operating state to the operating state again without an explicit instruction from the user.

In this way, the first chat bot is manually invited by the second chat bot after the second chat bot participates together with the first chat bot and the first chat bot leaves. Eliminates the hassle of rejoining chatbots. The second chatbot does not have a function of executing a print service, and can be said to be a software robot program that operates in the background of the first chatbot.

Since the second chatbot shifts to the operating state after the first chatbot leaves, receives messages from the user, and sequentially stores them in the message storage unit 167 as a history, the first chatbot re-enters the room (re-entry). After (participating) and shifting to the first operation mode, it is possible to retroactively print messages and image data during the period accepted by the second chatbot.

Further, the second chat bot shifts to the operating state after the first chat bot exits, receives a message from the user, and sequentially stores it as a history in the message storage unit 167. Instead of memorizing all messages, only specific messages, for example, relatively new messages or image data within a certain period of time from the exit timing may be memorized, and the first chat bot rejoins and operates. Even after the transition to, it may be configured so that only relatively new messages and image data can be printed. By not storing relatively old messages and image data for a certain period of time or more from the exit timing, security can be ensured or privacy can be protected. Only one newest message may be used as a relatively new message within a certain period of time from the exit timing.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications are possible. Hereinafter, a modified example will be described.

<Modification 1>
In the first embodiment, the chatbot exits from the group chat after executing the print service, but the friend registration information stored in the user information storage unit 165 may be maintained as it is even after exiting. This saves the trouble of performing the friend registration operation again after the chatbot rejoins the group chat. Similarly, the chatbot may maintain the setting information for each user stored in the setting information storage unit 166 as it is even after leaving. This saves the trouble of registering the setting information again after the chatbot rejoins the group chat.

<Modification 2>
In the embodiment, as a chatbot, a chatbot that provides a print service in response to a message from a user is described as an example, but the chatbot may provide any service other than this. Examples of these services are as follows.
・ Search service for music, news articles, accommodations, books, cooking recipes, etc. ・ Ticket reservation service ・ Listing / search / transaction contact service in free market ・ Translation service in other languages

FIG. 15 shows a system configuration diagram when the translation service is executed. Unlike FIG. 1, a translation engine A (19A) and a translation engine (19B) are provided in place of the printer A (18A) and the printer B (18B). The translation engine A is a software robot program that translates Japanese into English, and the translation engine B is a software robot program that translates Japanese into Chinese.

User A selects the translation engine A, sets and registers a format that displays the original Japanese after the English translation as setting information. As a result, User A asks the chatbot, "Are you free today?"
And the chatbot drives the translation engine A to say "Are you free today?"
"Are you free today?"
Automatically responds to the message.

The chatbot exits the group chat after running the translation service.

10A user terminal A, 10B user terminal B, 10C user terminal C, 12 cloud, 14 chat service server, 16A bot server A, 16B bot server B, 18A printer A, 18B printer B.

Claims (9)

A means of entering a room that allows a software robot application that exchanges messages with users to enter a message service that exchanges messages between users.
An execution means that executes a specific process by the software robot application in response to a message from the user, and
After executing the specific process, the screen indicates that the software robot application will be withdrawn from the message service, and if the first specific message or the specific stamp from the user is not received within a certain period of time, the software robot application is withdrawn. The exit means to display the effect on the screen and
When a second specific message or a specific stamp different from the first specific message or the specific stamp is received from the user after leaving the room, a means for displaying on the screen that the room has been entered.
Message service providing device. The message providing device according to claim 1, wherein the exit means notifies the user of information for re-entering the room of the software robot application when the software robot application is exited. The message providing device according to claim 1, wherein the exiting means maintains setting information regarding the usage authority or operation of the user for the software robot application even after the exit. The message providing device according to claim 1, further comprising a storage means for storing a message or a stamp from the user after the exit means exits the software robot application . The entry means stores a message or stamp from the user between the time when the software robot application is entered and the time when the software robot application is exited, and after the exit means exits the software robot application , the user from the user. The message providing device according to claim 1, further comprising a storage means for storing a relatively new message or stamp within a certain period of time with respect to the exit timing and not storing a relatively old message or stamp other than a certain time. The software robot application includes a first software robot application that receives a message or a stamp and executes a specific process, and a second software robot application that receives the message or the stamp but does not execute the specific process. The message providing device according to claim 1, wherein the first software robot application operates and the second software robot application operates in the exit state. The message providing device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the specific process is a print process. On the computer
A step to enter a software robot application that exchanges messages with users into a message service that exchanges messages between users,
A step of executing a specific process by the software robot application in response to a message from the user,
After executing the specific process, the screen indicates that the software robot application will be withdrawn from the message service, and if the first specific message or the specific stamp from the user is not received within a certain period of time, the software robot application is withdrawn. The step to display the effect on the screen and
A step of displaying on the screen that the room has been entered when a second specific message or a specific stamp different from the first specific message or the specific stamp is received from the user after leaving the room.
A program to execute. A step to enter a software robot application that exchanges messages with users into a message service that exchanges messages between users,
The step of accepting a message or stamp from the user,
A step of executing a specific process according to the received message or stamp, and
After executing the specific process, the screen indicates that the software robot application will be withdrawn from the message service, and if the first specific message or the specific stamp from the user is not received within a certain period of time, the software robot application is withdrawn. The step to display the effect on the screen and
A step of displaying on the screen that the room has been entered when a second specific message or a specific stamp different from the first specific message or the specific stamp is received from the user after leaving the room.
Display control method.

Images