JP2018156608A - Information processing system, information processing device and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an information processing system for easily changing and customizing a function to be provided from a system in an environment for providing an interactive UI.SOLUTION: An information processing system configured by connecting a plurality of terminal devices and an information processing device in a communicable manner to provide the terminal devices with an interactive user interface includes: management means for managing actual users and virtual users; reception means for receiving selections of actual users and virtual users to be allowed to participate in a group from the actual users and the virtual users managed by the management means; function means for providing a function associated with the selected virtual users with a function of the group; and distribution means for distributing a message to the terminal devices of actual users participating in the group and the function means for providing the function associated with the virtual users.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

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

  It has already been possible to provide conversations with virtual users as interactive UIs in areas such as chat, instant messaging, electronic conferences (Web conferences) and online games, contact center response systems, telephone response systems, artificial intelligence and pseudo AI. Are known.

  For example, for the purpose of accessing a contact center on an online game, a technique is disclosed in which a preset character is operated to access a contact center agent provided on the game (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  However, the conventional information processing system that provides a conversation with a virtual user as an interactive UI has a problem that it is difficult for general users to change or customize the functions provided by the system.

  An object of one embodiment of the present invention is to provide an information processing system that can easily change and customize functions provided by a system in an environment that provides an interactive UI.

  In order to achieve the above object, claim 1 of the present application is an information processing system in which a plurality of terminal devices and an information processing device are communicably connected, and provides an interactive user interface to the terminal device. Management means for managing users and virtual users; reception means for accepting selection of the real users and virtual users to join a group from the real users and virtual users managed by the management means; and the selected virtual users The function means for providing the function associated with the function as the function of the group, and the function means for providing the function associated with the terminal device and the virtual user of the real user participating in the group And a delivery means for delivering the message.

  According to an embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to provide an information processing system that can easily change or customize functions provided by the system in an environment that provides an interactive UI.

It is a lineblock diagram of an example of an information processing system concerning a 1st embodiment. It is a hardware block diagram of an example of the computer which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a hardware block diagram of an example of the information terminal which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a hardware block diagram of an example of the input / output device which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a processing block diagram of an example of the chat server which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a processing block diagram of an example of a client concerning a 1st embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the classification | category of a virtual user. It is a figure which shows an example of address book registration of a virtual user. It is a flowchart of an example of the process which registers a virtual user into a group. It is an example of a correspondence diagram associating virtual users with functions. It is a flowchart of an example of the process which adds a virtual user to a group or deletes it from a group. It is a sequence diagram of an example of processing of an extended function by a virtual user. It is a sequence diagram of an example of the process of the translation function by a virtual user. It is a screen transition diagram of an example which registers a translation function. It is a block diagram of an example of group information. It is a block diagram of an example of user language setting information. It is a sequence diagram of an example of processing of an automatic ordering function by a virtual user. It is a sequence diagram of an example of processing of an automatic log saving function by a virtual user. It is a figure explaining the message display in the group in which the translation function was registered as a virtual user. It is a figure explaining the message display in the group in which the content which analyzes the content of a message and performed the posting relevant to the message was registered as a virtual user.

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

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

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

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

  The chat server 12 receives and distributes a message for performing a chat from the client 13 or the input / output device 17. The chat server 12 has a chat server function, and performs authentication of the client 13 or the input / output device 17, account management, chat room (group) management, message management, and the like.

  The client 13 is an example of a terminal device operated by a user. The client 13 is an information terminal that can be operated by the user, such as a mobile phone and a PC, in addition to a smartphone and a tablet terminal. The input / output device 17 is an electronic device such as an image processing device such as a multifunction peripheral or a facsimile. The client 13 and the input / output device 17 can chat by sending and receiving messages, display a file list, and display files. The message includes characters, images, sounds, various files and data, and the like.

  The chat server 12 performs transmission / reception of messages, transmission / reception of files, and the like in response to requests from the client 13 or the input / output device 17. The file server 14 functions as a storage server having a Web server function, a database function, and a file server function. The file server 14 acquires and manages information about stored files and folders, and provides a file list and files. The file server 14 stores a file shared by each user, a log of chat performed by each user via the chat server 12, and the like.

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

  In the information processing system 1 in FIG. 1, since the file server 14 is connected to the network N2, the relay server 11, the chat server 12, the client 13, or the input / output device 17 connected to the network N1 transfers the file server 14 to the file server 14. Direct access is not possible. Access from the file server 14 to the relay server 11, the chat server 12, the client 13, or the input / output device 17 connected to the network N1 is possible.

  The file server 14 continuously inquires of the relay server 11 whether the request has been received. If the relay server 11 receives the request, the file server 14 acquires the request from the relay server 11 and processes it. In addition, the file server 14 transmits the processing result of the request to the relay server 11. The client 13 or the input / output device 17 that has made the request can receive the processing result of the request from the relay server 11. As described above, a request from the client 13 or the input / output device 17 connected to the network N1 to the file server 14 connected to the network N2 can be indirectly transmitted through the relay server 11.

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

  Note that the information processing system 1 in FIG. 1 is merely an example, and it goes without saying that there are various system configuration examples depending on applications and purposes. For example, the relay server 11, the chat server 12, and the file server 14 in FIG. 1 may be distributed over a plurality of computers. Further, the relay server 11 and the chat server 12 in FIG. 1 may be configured to be integrated into one computer. Furthermore, the relay server 11, the chat server 12, and the file server 14 of FIG. 1 may be integrated into a single computer.

  Although the information processing system 1 in FIG. 1 shows an example of a server client model, application to a P2P model is also possible. In this case, the client 13 and the input / output device 17 have the function of the chat server 12 and communicate with each other.

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

  A computer 500 in FIG. 2 includes an input device 501, a display device 502, an external I / F 503, a RAM 504, a ROM 505, a CPU 506, a communication I / F 507, an HDD 508, and the like. Note that the input device 501 and the display device 502 may be connected and used when necessary.

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

  A communication I / F 507 is an interface for connecting the computer 500 to various networks. Thereby, the computer 500 can perform data communication via the communication I / F 507.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  The media drive 608 controls reading or writing (storage) of data with respect to a recording medium 620 such as a flash memory. The media drive 608 is configured to be detachable from a recording medium 620 on which data that has already been recorded is read or data is newly written and stored.

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

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

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

  The voice input unit 609 converts voice into a voice signal. The audio output unit 610 converts the audio signal into audio. The communication unit 612 communicates with the nearest base station apparatus using a wireless communication signal using the antenna 611. The wireless LAN communication unit 613 performs wireless LAN communication with the access point. The near field communication unit 615 performs near field communication using the near field communication antenna 614.

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

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

  For example, the information terminal 600 can implement various processes as will be described later with the hardware configuration illustrated in FIG. 3.

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

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

  The communication I / F 704 performs wired or wireless data communication via the network N1 or N2. The operation key 705 is a hard key or a soft key provided in the input / output device 17.

  The input device 706 acquires (inputs) an input target file in response to an input request. For example, when the input / output device 17 is an image forming apparatus such as a multifunction peripheral, the input device 706 scans a document in response to a reading (scanning) request and acquires image data of the document.

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

  Here, the input device 706 and the output device 707 will be described as specific examples of the input / output device 17. When the input / output device 17 is an image forming apparatus such as a multifunction peripheral having functions such as scanning, printing, mail transmission, fax transmission, and file transmission, the input device 706 is a scanner unit that executes scanning, and an output device Reference numeral 707 denotes an image processing unit that generates an image file used for mail transmission or the like, an engine that executes printing, a fax unit for transmitting a fax, or the like.

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

  As described above, only the output device 707 or the input device 706 may exist depending on the input / output device 17.

<Software configuration>
《Chat server》
The chat server 12 according to the first embodiment is realized by a processing block shown in FIG. 5, for example. FIG. 5 is a processing block diagram of an example of the chat server according to the first embodiment. For example, the chat server 12 executes a program, thereby allowing a request reception unit 31, a data transmission / reception unit 32, a chat distribution unit 33, a request processing unit 34, a file information management unit 35, a file storage 36, an address book management unit 37, an accounting management. A unit 38, an extension management unit 39, and an extension function unit 40 are realized.

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

  The file information management unit 35 holds chat data, file and folder information stored in the file storage 36. The file information management unit 35 may cache the file so that the information can be retrieved without inquiring of the file storage 36. The file storage 36 reads a file from the file server 14 or makes a request to the file server 14 in order to save the file in the file server 14.

  The address book management unit 37 manages users and conversation partners. Note that the address book management unit 37 may store the data itself in the file server 14 or the like depending on the number of users and the data held. When there is a service to be charged, the charge management unit 38 has a charge table for each service, and totals the charge information for each account. Further, the charge management unit 38 can provide the collected charge information and profit information to the outside.

  The extended management unit 39 manages the extended function in association with the virtual user, and registers the virtual user in the address book or deletes it from the address book. Further, the extension management unit 39 selects one to be used from a plurality of extension functions. The extension function unit 40 provides an actual extension function. A plurality of extended function units 40 can exist. Actually, since the extended function unit 40 exists as many as the number of virtual users registered for each type of the extended function, it is desirable that reentrant (reentrant) saves memory.

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

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

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

  The operation display unit 41, the data transmission / reception unit 42, and the file display processing unit 43 are not essential as long as they are machine terminals without a UI and are limited to automatic functions. Further, the request transmission unit 44, the chat transmission / reception unit 45, and the setting information holding unit 46 may be configured to be downloaded from the chat server 12 each time using a browser or the like.

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

《Classification of virtual users》
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of classification of virtual users. In FIG. 7, the virtual user type is classified into an interactive response (sequential) type, an interactive response (delayed) type, a periodic action type, and a continuous action type.

  The dialog response (sequential) type is a dialog that responds to an input, and a typical example is an application such as general conversation, shiritori or quiz. The dialogue response (delay) type processes in response to input, but input / output is not limited to dialogue, and typical applications include manual translation, dictionary, search, and examination approval. Periodic operation type does not depend on input, information on time such as timer and time, position and movement of terminal, movement speed, temperature and biological information, other device status (abnormality, malfunction, status change, etc.) and other It is triggered by events such as information on devices such as the status of consumables of the device or information sensed by a device different from the terminal, information on the environment such as weather, temperature, stock price, etc. Theme (UI) change, time signal, Typical examples are weather forecasting, schedules, and ordering applications. The continuous operation type always operates during registration, and the processing result can be obtained externally, and applications such as log recording, archiving, and analysis are typical examples.

《Register virtual user address book》
FIG. 8 shows an example of virtual user address book registration. FIG. 8 describes information necessary when a virtual user is registered. Based on the information shown in FIG. 8, the virtual user is registered in the address book and searched by the user. The information in FIG. 8 includes not only the virtual user name but also a virtual user type, a visible attribute, a transparent attribute, billing information, and an explanatory text as attributes.

  The visibility attribute represents whether or not the user can see existence as a dialog person. For example, “Explicit” is designated as the visual attribute of a virtual user whose presence may be known to other users. The transparent attribute indicates whether the speech is detected by another application. For example, “Yes” is designated as the transparency attribute of a virtual user who may be uttered by another virtual user. A general user (real user) may not want to reply to or manage a virtual user, and these attributes are necessary for the real user.

  When a plurality of virtual users are registered, the virtual users may not end interactive processing (for example, shiritori) for the first time. By providing a transparent attribute for a post, a post by a virtual user can be prevented from being automatically processed by another virtual user. Also, by providing a transparent attribute for a post, it is possible to prevent a real user's post from being automatically processed by a virtual user.

  The billing information indicates whether it is free or paid. The billing information is necessary when the user wants to pay for the use of the virtual user, not a free or flat-rate service. Applicable methods such as the number of characters to be processed and the number of times to be processed, the regular system such as monthly and daily fees, the hourly system, donations, and one-time purchases can be applied. The information in FIG. 8 may be fixed for each virtual user, but if there is no problem, the management user who adds the virtual user may decide.

<< Registering a virtual user to a group >>
In the information processing system 1 according to the first embodiment, an extended function associated with a virtual user can be used by allowing a virtual user to participate as a conversation partner in the group according to the procedure of FIG. The virtual user can register with the group by making the extended function public and registering in the address book managed by the address book management unit 37. FIG. 9 is a flowchart of an example of processing for registering a virtual user in a group.

  Here, the group indicates a group of a plurality of users including virtual users and general users. Messages, chats, file transmission / reception and sharing, voice calls, and the like can be performed among a plurality of users included in this group. Note that a group is an example of expression, and any group that can manage a group of a plurality of users, such as a room, a team, a talk, a unit, a department, and an affiliation, may be used.

  In step S11, for example, the chat delivery unit 33 of the chat server 12 creates a group based on a request from the client 13 operated by the user, and searches for and registers a user and a virtual user to participate in the group from the address book. A user who creates a group can search for and register a virtual user to join the group from the address book in the same manner as a general user.

  When the group creation in step S11 is completed, the extension management unit 39 checks whether or not a virtual user is participating in the group. If there is a virtual user participating in the group, the extension management unit 39 adds a function corresponding to the virtual user to the group in step S13. The virtual user and the function are managed in association with each other as shown in FIG. FIG. 10 is a correspondence diagram of an example associating virtual users with functions. The correspondence diagram of FIG. 10 associates virtual users and functions with virtual user names and function names.

  Further, in the information processing system 1 according to the first embodiment, a virtual user who participates as a conversation partner in a group is added or deleted according to the procedure of FIG. FIG. 11 is a flowchart of an example of processing for adding or deleting a virtual user from a group.

  In step S <b> 21, for example, the chat distribution unit 33 of the chat server 12 edits a group based on a request from the client 13 operated by the user, and searches and registers a user and a virtual user to be added to the group from the address book. Moreover, the chat delivery part 33 deletes a user and a virtual user from a group based on the request | requirement from the client 13 which a user operates, for example.

  When the group editing in step S21 ends, the extension management unit 39 checks whether or not a virtual user has been added to the group. If there is a virtual user added to the group, the extension management unit 39 adds a function corresponding to the virtual user to the group in step S23. If there is no virtual user added to the group, the extension management unit 39 skips the process of step S23.

  In step S24, the extension management unit 39 checks whether or not the virtual user has been deleted from the group. If there is a virtual user deleted from the group, the extension management unit 39 deletes the function corresponding to the virtual user from the group in step S25. If there is no virtual user deleted from the group, the extension management unit 39 skips the process of step S25 and ends the process of the flowchart of FIG.

  As described above, in the information processing system 1 according to the first embodiment, in the chat environment that is an example of the environment that provides the dialog-side UI, in the same procedure as that for registering or deleting a general user as a conversation partner in the group, Virtual users can be registered or deleted. A function (extended function) associated with the virtual user is added to the group in which the virtual user participates. In the information processing system 1 according to the first embodiment, it is possible to easily add or delete functions used in groups in a chat environment in a consistent and natural manner.

<Processing of extended functions by virtual users>
FIG. 12 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of extended function processing by a virtual user. In the sequence diagram of FIG. 12, the operation of the extended function that can be used by registering a virtual user is shown for each virtual user type.

  In step S31, the extended function unit 40 requests the address book management unit 37 to register the published virtual user in the address book, and registers the virtual user in the address book, thereby expanding the extended function associated with the virtual user. Make it available. In step S32, the client 13 operated by the user searches the address book managed by the address book management unit 37 of the chat server 12 to find a virtual user.

  The user performs an operation for adding a virtual user corresponding to an extended function to be used to a chat member, which is an example of a group, on the client 13 in the same manner as adding a general user to a chat member. In step S33, the client 13 requests the chat distribution unit 33 to add a virtual member to the chat member.

  In step S <b> 34, the chat distribution unit 33 confirms participation of the chat member with the extended function unit 40. The extended function unit 40 confirms the use permission of the user who has performed the operation of adding the virtual member to the chat member. In step S <b> 35, the extended function unit 40 responds to the chat distribution unit 33 and the address book management unit 37 with the confirmed use permission of the virtual user.

  If the use permission of the virtual user is lowered, the chat distribution unit 33 adds the virtual user as a chat member, and then notifies the client 13 of the fact in step S36. If the use permission of the virtual user does not go down, the chat delivery unit 33 notifies the client 13 to that effect without adding the virtual user as a chat member.

  The subsequent processing will be described for each virtual user type shown in FIG. The processes in steps S41 to S44 correspond to the interactive response (sequential) type and the interactive response (delayed) type. The processes in steps S51 to S56 correspond to the periodic operation type and the continuous operation type.

  In step S41, the client 13 operated by the user posts. In step S42, the chat distribution unit 33 of the chat server 12 distributes the post in step S41 to the general user client 13 and the virtual user extended function unit 40 registered in the chat member.

  The extended function unit 40 to which the post in step S41 has been distributed performs some unique processing using the distribution as a trigger. When the unique process is completed, the extended function unit 40 responds with a notification and a result to that effect in step S43.

  In step S44, the chat distribution unit 33 distributes the response in step S43 to the general user client 13 and the virtual user extended function unit 40 registered in the chat member.

  Therefore, the interactive response (sequential) type and interactive response (delayed) type extended function unit 40 distributes the result of the original processing performed using the posting from the user as a trigger and notifies the general user registered in the chat member. it can. In addition, the chat delivery part 33 can also change the content of the posting delivered to a general user according to the general user of a delivery destination in cooperation with the added extended function, as will be described later.

  On the other hand, in the case of the periodic operation type and the continuous operation type, the extended function unit 40 performs an independent process by some event rather than a post from a general user. If necessary, the extended function unit 40 notifies the chat distribution unit 33 of the result of the unique processing in step S51. In step S <b> 52, the chat distribution unit 33 returns a response to the extended function unit 40.

  Moreover, the extended function part 40 performs an original process by some event instead of the posting from a general user. If necessary, the extended function unit 40 notifies the chat distribution unit 33 of the result of the unique processing in step S53. In step S54, the chat distribution unit 33 returns a response to the extended function unit 40. In step S55, the extended function unit 40 posts the result of the unique process. In step S56, the chat distribution unit 33 distributes the post in step S55 to the general user client 13 registered as a chat member.

  Therefore, the extended function unit 40 of the periodic operation type and the continuous operation type can deliver the result of the unique process performed by some event instead of the posting from the general user and notify the general user registered in the chat member.

<Processing of translation function by virtual user>
FIG. 13 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a translation function process performed by a virtual user. The registration of the translation function by the virtual user is performed using, for example, a screen as shown in FIG. FIG. 14 is a screen transition diagram of an example for registering a translation function. When the user presses a button 1001 on the group creation screen 1000, a chat member selection screen 1010 for adding a general user and a virtual user to a chat member is displayed on the client 13.

  The chat member selection screen 1010 is an example in which a general user and a virtual user are switched and displayed by switching tabs 1011 and 1012. The chat member selection screen 1010 in FIG. 14 is an example in which a virtual user is displayed. The user selects a translation function to be used on the chat member selection screen 1010 as a virtual user. In the chat member selection screen 1010 of FIG. 14, a translation function can be selected by checking a check box 1013. The chat member selection screen 1010 in FIG. 14 shows an example in which translation (Japanese-English) is selected as a virtual user. When the OK button 1014 is pressed, the chat member selection screen 1010 transitions to the group creation screen 1020.

  In the group creation screen 1020, the user A, the user B, and the translation (Japanese-English), which is a virtual user, are displayed as chat members, which are selected as conversation partners on the chat member selection screen 1010. The user can create a group in which the translation function is registered as a virtual user by pressing a creation button 1021 on the group creation screen 1020. As described above, in the information processing system 1 according to the first embodiment, a virtual user associated with the translation function can be registered as a chat member by the same procedure as that for registering a general user as a chat member.

  The chat distribution unit 33 of the chat server 12 creates, for example, the group information of FIG. 15 according to an example screen transition diagram for registering the translation function of FIG. FIG. 15 is a configuration diagram of an example of group information. The group information in FIG. 15 stores a group name, a user name, and a virtual user in association with each other.

  Returning to FIG. 13, the description will be continued. The sequence diagram of FIG. 13 shows an example in which the user A who operates the client 13J is a Japanese user, and the user B who operates the client 13E is an English user. The chat server 12 manages the user's language setting as shown in FIG. 16, for example. FIG. 16 is a configuration diagram of an example of user language setting information.

  In step S101, the client 13J operated by a Japanese user makes a Japanese sentence posting. Proceeding to step S102, the chat distribution unit 33 of the chat server 12 has a translation (Japanese-English) as a virtual user registered as a chat member. Requested to the function unit 40.

  The translation (Japanese-English) extended function unit 40 translates the Japanese text post in step S101, and returns the English text post to the chat distribution unit 33 in step S103. In step S104, the chat distribution unit 33 refers to the user language setting information shown in FIG. 16 and distributes a Japanese sentence to the client 13J of the Japanese user, and distributes an English sentence to the client 13E of the English user.

  In step S105, the client 13E operated by the English user posts an English sentence. Proceeding to step S106, the chat distribution unit 33 of the chat server 12 has a translation (Japanese-English) as a virtual user registered as a chat member. Request to section 40.

  The translation (Japanese-English) extended function unit 40 translates the English post in step S105, and returns the Japanese post to the chat distribution unit 33 in step S107. In step S108, the chat distribution unit 33 can distribute the Japanese sentence post to the Japanese user client 13J and the English user client 13E by referring to the user language setting information of FIG.

  The messages displayed on the clients 13J and 13E by the processes of steps S101 to S108 are as shown in FIG. 19, for example. FIG. 19 is a diagram for explaining message display in a group in which the translation function is registered as a virtual user. FIG. 19 shows an example in which a translation (Japanese-English) as a virtual user is registered in a chat member.

  In FIG. 19A, when the Japanese sentence “Good morning” is posted from the client 13J, the Japanese sentence “Good morning” is displayed on the client 13J of the Japanese user, and the English sentence “Good morning” is displayed on the client 13E of the English user. Represents that

  In the case of FIG. 19 (B) is the English "Hello" from the client 13E posted, the Japanese user of client 13J Japan statement "Hello" is displayed, in English, "Hello" is displayed on the client 13E of English user , Represents that.

  As described above, in a group in which a translation (Japanese-English) which is a virtual user is registered as a chat member, a message of Japanese text posted or Japanese text translated from the posted English text is sent to the client 13j of the Japanese user. Can be displayed. Further, in a group in which a translation (Japanese-English) which is a virtual user is registered as a chat member, a message of an English sentence posted or an English sentence translated from a posted Japanese sentence can be displayed on the client 13E of the English user.

  Also, in a group in which a virtual user who analyzes the content of a message and makes a posting related to the message is registered as a chat member, the virtual user makes a posting as shown in FIG. FIG. 20 is a diagram for explaining message display in a group in which the function of analyzing a message content and posting related to the message is registered as a virtual user.

  FIG. 20 shows an example in which the virtual user analyzes the contents of the message “Where to go today” and the message “Shibuya” posted by the user, and the virtual user posts the weather in Shibuya related to the message.

  The extended function by the virtual user may be a chargeable service. For example, the information processing system 1 according to the first embodiment displays a charge amount for each extended function on the chat member selection screen 1010 shown in FIG. 14 and creates a group when a virtual user to be charged is selected. You may charge the user. In addition, the information processing system 1 according to the first embodiment may inquire whether or not charging is possible at a timing when a general user registered as a chat member joins the chat, and may perform the charging.

<Processing of automatic ordering function by virtual user>
FIG. 17 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of processing of an automatic ordering function by a virtual user. Also in the process of the automatic ordering function by the virtual user in FIG. 17, the automatic ordering function is registered using the screen as shown in FIG. The sequence diagram of FIG. 17 illustrates an example in which the automatic ordering expansion function unit 40 performs automatic ordering when the consumables of the input / output device 17 are insufficient.

  In step S <b> 201, the automatic ordering extension function unit 40 detects a shortage of consumables in the input / output device 17 and posts a consumable shortage detection. In step S202, the chat distribution unit 33 of the chat server 12 distributes the post in step S201 to the general user client 13 registered in the chat member and the extended function unit 40 for automatic ordering, and notifies the consumable shortage detection.

  In step S <b> 203, the automatic ordering extension function unit 40 performs an automatic ordering process (purchase application) for the consumables upon detecting the shortage of consumables, to the consumables order service server 18. In step S <b> 204, the extended function unit 40 for automatic ordering receives the result (purchase response) of the consumables automatic ordering process from the consumables order service server 18.

  In step S205, the automatic ordering expansion function unit 40 posts a consumable purchase based on the result of the consumable automatic ordering process. In step S206, the chat distribution unit 33 of the chat server 12 distributes the post in step S205 to the general user client 13 registered in the chat member and the automatic ordering extension function unit 40, and informs the chat member of the purchase of the consumables. To do.

  Note that, by utilizing the processing illustrated in FIG. 17, for example, it can be utilized for a maintenance system. Here, it is assumed that the extended function unit 40 has a function of making an automatic maintenance request and can access a maintenance service server that arranges and manages maintenance personnel.

  In step S201, the extended function unit 40 detects a change in the state of the input / output device 17 (detects an abnormality or failure state, or detects that a sign indicating an abnormality or failure state has been detected or predicted), and changes the state. Make a post. Note that the content of this posting may be changed according to the state change. For example, if there is a failure, notification of failure (may include failure location / failure cause).

  In step S202, the chat distribution unit 33 of the chat server 12 distributes the post in step S201 to the general user client 13 registered in the chat member and the extended function unit 40 of the automatic maintenance request, thereby notifying state change detection.

  In step S <b> 203, the automatic maintenance request extended function unit 40 performs maintenance request processing (maintenance notification application) for the input / output device 17 that has detected a change in state on the maintenance service server. In step S204, the extended function unit 40 for automatic maintenance request receives the result of the maintenance request (contents of maintenance service such as arrangement of maintenance staff, call center correspondence) from the maintenance service server.

  In step S205, the automatic maintenance request extended function unit 40 posts a maintenance request result based on the result of the maintenance request process. In step S206, the chat distribution unit 33 of the chat server 12 distributes the post in step S205 to the general user client 13 registered in the chat member and the extended function unit 40 of the maintenance request, and the contents of the maintenance service are made to the chat member. Make it known.

  In other words, processing (for example, dispatching maintenance personnel or ordering consumables) according to the state of the apparatus can be performed in accordance with the state of the apparatus to be monitored (abnormal state, shortage of consumables, etc.).

<< Process of automatic log saving function by virtual user >>
FIG. 18 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of processing of the automatic log saving function by the virtual user. Also in the process of the automatic log saving function by the virtual user in FIG. 18, the registration of the automatic log saving function is performed using the screen as shown in FIG. The sequence diagram of FIG. 18 illustrates an example in which the automatic log saving extended function unit 40 saves the content of the posting as a log in the storage service server 19.

  In step S301, the automatic log saving extended function unit 40 requests the storage service server 19 to secure storage for saving the log. The storage service server 19 secures a log storage space according to the contract or the like, and returns the result to the automatic log storage extended function unit 40 in step S302.

  Thereafter, the processes in steps S303 to S305 are repeatedly performed while the chat is being performed. In step S303, the client 13 operated by a general user makes a posting. In step S304, the chat distribution unit 33 of the chat server 12 distributes the post in step S303 to the general user client 13 and the automatic log storage extended function unit 40 registered in the chat member.

  In step S305, the extended function unit 40 for automatic log storage stores the distributed post in the storage service server 19 as a log. The post log stored in the storage service server 19 can be browsed on the web or archived for long-term storage.

  Hereinafter, an example will be described in which a user operating the client 13 deletes a virtual user corresponding to the automatic log saving extended function unit 40 from a chat member. In step S <b> 306, the client 13 obtains a list of current chat members from the chat distribution unit 33 and displays the list to allow the user to confirm.

  The user performs an operation on the client 13 to delete the virtual user corresponding to the automatic log saving extended function unit 40 from the list of current chat members. In step S <b> 307, the chat distribution unit 33 confirms deletion from the chat member with respect to the automatic log storage extended function unit 40, and confirms the automatic log storage extended function unit 40. Upon receiving confirmation of deletion from the chat member, the automatic log saving extended function unit 40 proceeds to step S309 and requests the storage service server 19 to delete the storage secured in step S301.

  The storage service server 19 releases the log storage space secured in step S301 and returns the result to the extended function unit 40 for automatic log storage in step S310. Upon confirming that the log storage space secured in step S301 is released, the automatic log storage expansion function unit 40 responds to the chat distribution unit 33 with permission to confirm the deletion from the chat member.

  The chat delivery unit 33 deletes the virtual user corresponding to the automatic log saving extended function unit 40 from the chat members, thereby stopping the processing of the automatic log saving extended function unit 40, and notifies the client 13 in step S312. To deliver.

(Summary)
According to the first embodiment, it is possible to provide an information processing system 1 that can easily change or customize functions provided by the system in an environment that provides an interactive UI.

  The present invention is not limited to the specifically disclosed embodiments, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the claims. Chat server 12 is an example of an information processing apparatus. The client 13 is an example of a terminal device. The address book management unit 37 is an example of a management unit. The chat distribution unit 33 is an example of a reception unit and a distribution unit. The extended function unit 40 is an example of a function unit.

  Note that this embodiment does not limit the scope of the present invention, and is not limited to the configuration shown in the configuration diagram of FIG. As long as the functions described above can be realized, the present invention is not limited to the classification of information processing apparatuses such as the chat server 12 and the file server 14.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Information processing system 11 Relay server 12 Chat server 13, 13J, 13E Client 14 File server 15 Firewall (FW)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 17 Input / output device 18 Consumables order service server 19 Storage service server 31 Request reception part 32 Data transmission / reception part 33 Chat delivery part 34 Request processing part 35 File information management part 36 File storage 37 Address book management part 38 Charge management part 39 Extended management Unit 40 extended function unit 41 operation display unit 42 data transmission / reception unit 43 file display processing unit 44 request transmission unit 45 chat transmission / reception unit 46 setting information holding unit 500 computer 501 input device 502 display device 503 external I / F
503a Recording medium 504 RAM
505 ROM
506 CPU
507 Communication I / F
508 HDD
600 Information terminal 601 CPU
602 ROM
603 RAM
604 EEPROM
605 CMOS sensor 606 Acceleration / azimuth sensor 607 Position sensor 608 Media drive 609 Audio input unit 610 Audio output unit 611 Antenna 612 Communication unit 613 Wireless LAN communication unit 614 Short-range wireless communication antenna 615 Short-range wireless communication unit 616 Display 617 Touch panel 618 Battery 619 Bus line 620 Recording medium 701 CPU
702 RAM
703 ROM
704 Communication I / F
705 Operation key 706 Input device 707 Output device 710 Bus line 1000, 1020 Group creation screen 1001 Button 1010 Chat member selection screen 1011, 1012 Tab 1013 Check box 1014 OK button 1021 Create button B Bus N1, N2 Network

Special table 2010-511451 gazette

Claims (11)

A plurality of terminal devices and an information processing device are communicably connected, and an information processing system for providing an interactive user interface to the terminal device,
Management means for managing real users and virtual users;
Accepting means for accepting selection of the real user and virtual user to join a group from the real user and virtual user managed by the management means;
A function unit that provides a function associated with the selected virtual user as a function of the group;
A delivery means for delivering a message to the function means for providing a function associated with the terminal device and the virtual user of the real user participating in the group;
An information processing system. When the accepting unit accepts deletion of the virtual user that has joined the group from the group, the functional unit provides a function associated with the deleted virtual user as a function of the group. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the information processing system is terminated. 3. The information processing according to claim 1, wherein the functional unit performs processing based on the function in accordance with a message distributed in the group, and transmits a response based on the processing as a message of the group. system. The function means performs processing based on the function in response to an event different from a message distributed in the group, and transmits a response based on the processing as a message of the group. The information processing system described. The functional means performs processing for translating a message distributed in the group from a first language to a second language, or translating from the second language to the first language,
The distribution means distributes the message in the first language to the terminal device of the real user for which the first language is set based on the language setting of the real user, and the second language is set The information processing system according to claim 3, wherein the message in the second language is distributed to the terminal device of the real user. The function means transmits the delivery of the message for notifying the status of the monitored device according to the status of the monitored device as a message of the participating group, and according to the detected status of the device. 5. The information processing system according to claim 4, wherein the information processing is performed. The information processing system according to claim 4, wherein the functional unit stores a message distributed in the participating group as a log in a storage device. An information processing system in which an application mounted on a plurality of terminal devices and an information processing device are connected to be communicable, and provides an interactive user interface to the application,
Management means for managing real users and virtual users;
Accepting means for accepting selection of the real user and virtual user to join a group from the real user and virtual user managed by the management means;
A function unit that provides a function associated with the selected virtual user as a function of the group;
A delivery means for delivering a message to the function means for providing a function associated with the terminal device and the virtual user of the real user participating in the group;
An information processing system. An application installed in a plurality of terminal devices and a program installed in an information processing device are communicably connected, and an information processing system that provides an interactive user interface to the application,
Management means for managing real users and virtual users;
Accepting means for accepting selection of the real user and virtual user to join a group from the real user and virtual user managed by the management means;
A function unit that provides a function associated with the selected virtual user as a function of the group;
A delivery means for delivering a message to the function means for providing a function associated with the terminal device and the virtual user of the real user participating in the group;
An information processing system. An information processing apparatus that is communicably connected to a plurality of terminal devices and provides an interactive user interface to the terminal device,
Management means for managing real users and virtual users;
Accepting means for accepting selection of the real user and virtual user to join a group from the real user and virtual user managed by the management means;
A function unit that provides a function associated with the selected virtual user as a function of the group;
A delivery means for delivering a message to the function means for providing a function associated with the terminal device and the virtual user of the real user participating in the group;
An information processing apparatus. An information processing apparatus that is communicably connected to a plurality of terminal devices and provides an interactive user interface to the terminal device,
Management means for managing real users and virtual users;
Accepting means for accepting selection of the real user and virtual user to join a group from the real user and virtual user managed by the management means;
Functional means for providing a function associated with the selected virtual user as a function of the group;
Distribution means for distributing a message to the function means for providing a function associated with the terminal device and the virtual user of the real user participating in the group;
Program to function as.

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