Chat terminal device, chat system, chat input method, and recording medium

A chat terminal device includes: a communication unit that receives game situation data indicating a situation of a game and chat data indicating a content of a chat corresponding to the game from a server that manages the game situation data and the chat data, and transmits chat data to the server; a storage unit that stores therein the game situation data and the chat data received through the communication unit; an input unit through which chat data is input; a display that displays the chat data; and a control unit that causes the display to display, as candidate data, chat data having a content corresponding to game situation data at an input point in time, for inputting of the chat data through the input unit.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority from Japanese Application No. 2019-160036, filed on Sep. 3, 2019, and Japanese Application No. 2019-160652, filed on Sep. 3, 2019, the contents of both of which are incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a chat terminal device, a chat system, a chat input method, and a recording medium.

2. Description of the Related Art

When a game such as a sports competition or a game competition is held, for example, a user informs a game situation or the like by using a chat, such that even a person who cannot participate in the game or cannot directly watch the game can grasp the game situation. For example, a system that displays game score information and a chat between users on the same screen has been known (see JP 2015-71076 A, for example).

In the above-described system, the user needs to input a chat frequently, and thus it may be difficult to concentrate on the game. Therefore, there has been a demand to reduce a time and effort required for the user to input a chat.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a chat terminal device includes a communication unit, a storage unit, an input unit, a display, and a control unit. The communication unit is configured to receive game situation data indicating a situation of a game and chat data indicating a content of a chat corresponding to the game from a server that manages the game situation data and the chat data, and is configured to transmit the chat data to the server. The storage unit stores therein the game situation data and the chat data received through the communication unit. Through the input unit, the chat data is input. The display is configured to display the chat data. The control unit causes the display to display, as candidate data, the chat data having a content corresponding to the game situation data at an input point in time, for inputting of the chat data through the input unit.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a chat input method includes: receiving pieces of game situation data each indicating a situation of a game and pieces of chat data each indicating a content of a chat corresponding to the game from a server that manages the pieces of game situation data and the pieces of chat data; storing, in a storage unit, the received pieces of game situation data and chat data; causing a display to display, as pieces of candidate data, the pieces of chat data each having a content corresponding to the game situation data at an input point in time, for inputting of the chat data; and transmitting, in response to selection of one piece of the pieces of candidate data displayed on the display, the selected candidate data as the chat data to the server.

According to still another aspect of the present disclosure, a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium containing a chat input program causes a computer to perform: receiving pieces of game situation data each indicating a situation of a game and pieces of chat data each indicating a content of a chat corresponding to the game from the server that manages the pieces of game situation data and the pieces of chat data; storing, in a storage unit, the received pieces of game situation data and chat data; causing a display to display, as pieces of candidate data, the pieces of chat data each having a content corresponding to the game situation data at an input point in time, for inputting of the chat data; and transmitting, in response to selection of one piece of the pieces of candidate data displayed on the display, the selected candidate data as the chat data to the server.

Additional aspects, objects, embodiments and advantages of the present teachings will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description in view of the appended drawings and claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. Further, components in the following embodiments include those that can be easily replaced by those skilled in the art, or those that are substantially the same.

First Embodiment

FIG. 1is a block diagram illustrating an example of a chat system100according to a first embodiment. The chat system100illustrated inFIG. 1is used when chatting about a content of a game in a sports competition such as a baseball game, for example. By using the chat system100, it is possible to report a game situation and the like by using a chat so that even a person who cannot participate in the game or directly watch the game can grasp the game situation. In the following, a baseball game will be described as an example of the sports competition, but the present invention is not limited thereto and the same description can be applied to other sports competitions such as a soccer game, a volleyball game, a tennis game, and a badminton game. Further, the chat system100is also adaptable to competitions such as a dance contest (dancing competition), a piano contest (performance competition), a karuta competition (card game competition or table game competition), a karaoke contest (singing competition), and a game contest, other than the sports competitions.

As illustrated inFIG. 1, the chat system100includes a score input unit20, a server30, and chat terminal devices40and40A. Note that the chat system100may include a camera (not illustrated). In this case, the camera captures a content of the game in a game site, for example. Video data captured by the camera is transmitted to, for example, the server30and managed by the server30. The number of cameras is plural, for example. Further, the camera may be any camera as long as it can capture video data. The camera may be, for example, a camera embedded in a mobile phone, a smartphone, or the like. When the camera captures video data, the camera includes data indicating a capturing time in the video data.

The score input unit20inputs game situation data indicating a situation of the game to the server30. In the present embodiment, examples of game situation data indicating a situation of a baseball game can include score data. The score data is data that constitutes a score described in a baseball score book, and is an individual event that constitutes a series of events starting from a pitch of a pitcher. The score is a set of score data. Therefore, each time the pitcher throws one ball, a plurality of pieces of score data are created, such that one score is created. For example, in a case where a result of batting in a state in which a runner is on first base is a fly out to right and the first base runner is also tagged out, score data indicating that the batter is out, score data indicating a fly to right, and score data indicating that the first base runner is out are created, and one score is constituted by these pieces of score data.

In addition to the score data described above, score data such as an action of the batter, an action of a fielder, determination of a count, a state of an advancement of a runner when there is already a runner on base, and other play of batters or fielders can be included in the score. Specifically, the score can include score data such as a strike, a ball, a foul, a batting result, a type of batted ball, a catching fielder, or an advancement result. The batting result is information such as out, a single, a double, a triple, or a home run. The type of batted ball is information such as a ground ball, a line drive, a fly ball, or a bunt, and may be categorized into more types. The catching fielder is information for specifying a fielder who actually caught the batted ball or a defensive position of the fielder. The advancement result is information regarding an advancement of a runner on base, such as “from first base to second base”, and can include other play of batters and fielders.

Examples of the score input unit20can include an application for inputting the above score data into the server30as electronic data. In this case, the score input unit20may be provided in a processing device such as a personal computer installed outside the server30. Alternatively, the score input unit20may be provided in the server30. Note that, in the present embodiment, the score input unit20need not necessarily be provided.

The server30comprehensively manages the chat system100. The server30includes various applications, data, programs, and the like for managing the chat system100. As the server30, for example, a personal computer, a workstation or the like is used, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

A plurality of chat groups are set in the server30. Each of the chat groups is individually set for each competition, each game, or each team, for example. The server30performs various processing to be described below for each chat group.

Chat data indicating a content of a chat corresponding to a game is input to the server30. The server30stores the input chat data. As the server30stores the chat data, the chat data can be received from the server30. When the chat data is stored, the server30includes, in the chat data, data indicating a time (hereinafter, referred to as upload time) when the chat data is stored. That is, the chat data stored in the server30includes the data indicating the upload time. The server30includes a management application that manages the video data and the chat data.

Further, score data may be input from the score input unit20to the server30. In this case, the server30may generate chat data based on the input score data and store the chat data. For example, the server30can generate chat data that expresses a content of the score data with characters each time new score data is input. Accordingly, when the score data is updated, the updated score data can be checked as chat information. Further, video data captured by the camera may be input to the server30.

The chat terminal devices40and40A each include an input unit41, a display42, a communication unit43, a storage unit44, and a control unit45. The input unit41, the display42, the communication unit43, the storage unit44, and the control unit45are connected via, for example, a bus line. Examples of the chat terminal device40include a mobile information terminal such as a mobile phone, a smartphone, a tablet PC, or a laptop personal computer.

Through the input unit41, a predetermined input operation for inputting information such as chat data can be performed. The input unit41outputs an instruction signal for the control unit45according to an input operation. An input device such as a touch panel is used as the input unit41. Note that, as the input unit41, a button, a lever, a dial, a switch, or another input device may be used, in addition to or instead of the touch panel. The input unit41outputs an instruction signal according to a predetermined input operation. The display42displays various information including a character and an image. The display42includes a display panel such as a liquid crystal panel.

FIG. 2is a diagram illustrating an example of the input unit41and the display42of the chat terminal device40according to the present embodiment. As illustrated inFIG. 2, the chat terminal device40includes, for example, the touch panel type input unit41and the display42. That is, a touch panel as the input unit41is arranged so as to overlap with a display panel as the display42.

Chat data is displayed in the chat display region42b. For example, in the chat display region42b, a server message88which is chat data generated by the server30, other's message89which is chat data input through another chat terminal device40A different from the chat terminal device40, a user's message90which is chat data input through the chat terminal device40, or the like is displayed. The server message88indicates a content of score data input to the server30, for example, in a form of characters. A server message88aon the upper side ofFIG. 2has a content indicating that, for example, the batter 007 hits a ball to center field in the bottom of the eighth inning. Further, a server message88bon the lower side ofFIG. 2has a content indicating that the batter 008 is struck out in the bottom of the eighth inning.

Note that the server message88and the other's message89are displayed in an area on the left side of the chat display region42b, for example. Further, the user's message90is displayed in an area on the right side of the chat display region42b, for example. Further, the server message88and the other's message89may be displayed in a distinguishable form. For example, the type of a frame in which each message is displayed may be different for each message. As a result, the server message88and the other's message89can be distinguished. Information on a group to which an operator of the chat terminal device40belongs is displayed in the group display region42g. Note that the user's message90may be a message composed of text data.

In a case where a touch operation, a scroll operation, or the like is performed on a predetermined region in a surface of the touch panel, the input unit41outputs a predetermined instruction signal including position information of the region on which the operation is performed, and an operation content. The position information is set so as to correspond to a position in the display42, for example. Note that the configurations of the input unit41and the display42are not limited to the above-described configurations.

The communication unit43communicates information with an external device is a wired or wireless manner. The communication unit43transmits/receives video data, chat data, score data, and the like to/from the external server30, for example.

The storage unit44includes a storage such as a hard disk drive or a solid state drive. Note that an external storage medium such as a removable disk may be used as the storage unit44. The storage unit44stores an operating system of the chat terminal device40, various programs for controlling operations of the input unit41, the display42, and the communication unit43, a chat application for chatting, various programs, data, and the like. For example, the storage unit44may store frame data such as the score display region42a, the chat display region42b, or the group display region42gto be displayed on the display42.

In addition, the storage unit44stores therein a chat input program that causes a computer to perform: receiving pieces of game situation data each indicating a situation of a game and pieces of chat data each indicating a content of a chat corresponding to the game from the server that manages the pieces of game situation data and the pieces of chat data; storing the received pieces of game situation data and chat data; displaying, for inputting of the chat data, pieces of chat data each having a content corresponding to the game situation data at an input point in time, as pieces of candidate data on the display; and transmitting, in response to selection of one piece of the pieces of candidate data displayed on the display, the selected candidate data as the chat data to the server.

The storage unit44includes a score data storage unit51, a chat data storage unit52, a synchronization data storage unit53, a candidate data storage unit54, and a registration data storage unit55.

The score data storage unit51stores the score data received through the communication unit43. Examples of the score data stored in the score data storage unit51include information such as batter score data, runner score data, and tag information. Note that the score data may include other information such as a fielder's action.

The chat data storage unit52stores the chat data received through the communication unit43.FIG. 3is a diagram illustrating an example of the chat data stored in the chat data storage unit52. As illustrated inFIG. 3, the chat data includes an input ID75, an inputter ID76, an input content77, and tag information78.

One input ID75is created each time the chat data is input to or generated in the server30. The inputter ID76is information for identifying an inputter of one piece of chat data. For example, in a case of the chat data generated by the server30, the inputter ID76may be a predetermined value (for example, “999” or the like). The input content77is information indicating a content of a message displayed in the chat display region42b. The input content77includes, for example, character data or predetermined illustration data. The tag information78is information for identifying chat data created for each input ID75. One piece of tag information78is created each time the input ID75is created. Tag numbers (TC0054, TC0055, . . . ) are given to the tag information78in ascending order as indexes. Note that an ID number of the input ID75may be used as the tag information.

The synchronization data storage unit53stores therein synchronization data that associates score data with chat data.FIG. 4is a diagram illustrating an example of the synchronization data stored in the synchronization data storage unit53. As illustrated inFIG. 4, the synchronization data includes tag information79and upload time information80. The tag information79is information corresponding to the tag information78of the chat data described above. The tag information79is arranged in the order according to the upload time information80. For example, the same tag number (TC0054, TC0055, . . . ) as the corresponding tag information78is given to the tag information79, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, a series of tag numbers independent of the tag information78may be added to the tag information79. The upload time information80indicates a time when the score data and the chat data associated with the tag information79are uploaded to the server30. With the tag information79and the upload time information80, the score data and the chat data are stored in association with each other based on the upload time.

The candidate data storage unit54stores a plurality of pieces of candidate data. The candidate data is chat data having a content corresponding to game situation data at the time of inputting the chat data through the input unit41.FIG. 5is a diagram illustrating an example of the pieces of candidate data stored in the candidate data storage unit54. As illustrated inFIG. 5, examples of the pieces of candidate data include phrases for expressing pleasure, celebration, and the like when the score is favorable, such as “yeah!”, “congratulations”, and “that's great”, and phrases for expressing disappointment and the like when the score is unfavorable, such as “it's unfortunate” and “it's screwed up”. In the candidate data, a priority is set for each of a case where the score is favorable and a case where the score is unfavorable. The pieces of candidate data are displayed in descending order of priority when inputting chat data. As for the phrases exemplified above as the candidate data, phrases registered in a text input tool or the like mounted on the chat terminal device40may be used, or phrases input as chat data may be used.

The registration data storage unit55stores registration data registered by a user who uses the chat terminal device40.FIG. 6is a diagram illustrating an example of the registration data stored in the registration data storage unit55. As illustrated inFIG. 6, examples of the registration data include a team to which the user belongs, a game participant (player) designated by the user, and score data designated by the user. The registration data is used when displaying the candidate data and will be described in detail later.

The control unit45controls each of the input unit41, the display42, the communication unit43, and the storage unit44. Further, the control unit45performs arithmetic operation, processing, and the like according to the instruction signal from the input unit41. The control unit45includes a processing device such as a central processing unit (CPU), and a storage device such as a random access memory (RAM) and a read only memory (ROM). The control unit45includes a communication control unit61, a storage control unit62, a display control unit63, and a candidate data setting unit64.

The communication control unit61accesses the server30via the communication unit43to receive score data, chat data, and the like stored in the server30. In addition, the communication control unit61transmits chat data input or selected by the input unit41to the server30via the communication unit43.

The storage control unit62stores, in the storage unit44, the score data, the chat data, and the like acquired from the server30in association with the upload time.

The display control unit63controls a display content to be displayed on the display42. The display control unit63controls a display content in the score display region42abased on the score data acquired via the communication unit43.

Further, the display control unit63controls a display content in the chat display region42bbased on the chat data acquired via the communication unit43. When displaying the chat data in the chat display region42b, the display control unit63displays a displayable number of pieces of chat data in the chat display region42bside by side in one direction in time series based on the upload time. In the present embodiment, for example, as illustrated inFIG. 2, the pieces of chat data are displayed side by side in time series from the upper side to the lower side of the chat display region42bin the drawing.

In addition, in a case where new chat data is stored in the server30, the display control unit63acquires the latest chat data stored in the server30via the communication unit43, and updates the display content in the chat display region42b. In this case, the display control unit63determines whether a space for displaying new chat data exits below chat data displayed most recently in time series in the chat display region42b. In a case where the space for displaying new chat data exits, the display control unit63displays new chat data in the space. Further, in a case where no space for displaying new chat data exists, the display control unit63scrolls the entire chat display region42bin a direction to push, toward the upper side of the chat display region42b, the oldest chat data displayed in the chat display region42bin time series, that is the uppermost chat data displayed in the chat display region42b. Then, the display control unit63displays new chat data in a space on the lower side of the chat display region42bthat is vacated by scrolling. As a result, the display control unit63can update the chat data displayed in the chat display region42bin real time each time new chat data is uploaded to the server30and stored in the storage unit44.

Further, the display control unit63can control the display content in the chat display region42bbased on past chat data stored in the storage unit44. For example, when the operator slides a touch position upward or downward in a state of touching the chat display region42bof the input unit (touch panel)41, that is, when the operator performs an operation of manually scrolling the chat display region42b, the display control unit63changes the chat data displayed in the chat display region42baccording to a scroll direction and a scroll amount. For example, when the operator slides the touch position upward, chat data uploaded later than the chat data that is currently displayed is displayed in the chat display region42b. Further, when the operator slides the touch position downward, chat data uploaded earlier than the chat data that is currently displayed is displayed in the chat display region42b. Note that a method of changing the chat data displayed in the chat display region42bis not limited thereto, and another method such as a button, a keyboard, or a mouse may be used.

Further, in the present embodiment, the display control unit63displays a screen for inputting chat data when a predetermined operation for inputting new chat data is performed by the input unit41.FIG. 7is a diagram illustrating an example of the input screen for inputting chat data. As illustrated inFIG. 7, the display control unit63displays a chat data input section91, a candidate data display section92, and an input tool display section93on the display42.

The candidate data setting unit64selects candidate data to be displayed on the candidate data display section92from pieces of candidate data stored in the candidate data storage unit54based on score data. For example, the candidate data setting unit64selects or sets candidate data based on the latest score data from a time when the screen for inputting chat data is displayed. In this case, as the candidate data, a phrase related to the latest score data can be selected or set.

Further, the candidate data setting unit64can select the candidate data based on the registration data stored in the registration data storage unit55. For example, in a case where a team is registered as the registration data, when score data that is advantageous for the registered team is acquired, the candidate data setting unit64selects a phrase for a case where the score is favorable. On the other hand, when score data that is disadvantageous for the registered team is acquired, the candidate data setting unit64selects a phrase for a case where the score is unfavorable.

Further, for example, in a case where a player is registered as the registration data, when score data that is advantageous for the registered player is acquired, the candidate data setting unit64can select a phrase for a case where the score is favorable, and when score data that is disadvantageous for the registered player is acquired, the candidate data setting unit64can select a phrase for a case where the score is unfavorable, similarly to the above. Further, the candidate data setting unit64can set, as candidate data, a phrase including a name of the registered player.

Further, for example, in a case where predetermined score data is registered as the registration data, when the registered score data is acquired, the candidate data setting unit64selects a phrase corresponding to the registered score data. For example, when a home run is registered as the registration data and home run score data is acquired, the candidate data setting unit64can select, as candidate data, a phrase corresponding to the score data, such as “home run!”. Moreover, in a case where both a team and a player are registered as the registration data, when a player of the registered team or the registered player hit a home run, the candidate data setting unit64can select or set candidate data in which a phrase for a case where the score is favorable, such as “nice home run” or “yeah, home run” and a phrase including the score data are combined with each other. On the other hand, in a case where a player of an opposing team, not the registered team, hit a home run, the candidate data setting unit64can select or set candidate data in which a phrase for a case where the score is unfavorable, such as “they got a home run” or “oh, no! it's a home run”, and a phrase including the score data are combined with each other.

Next, an operation of the chat system100configured as described above will be described.FIG. 8is a flowchart illustrating an example of a chat input method. In the chat system100according to the present embodiment, in the server30, score data is input through the score input unit20as the game progresses, and chat data is input through each of the chat terminal devices40and40A and the like. The server30generates chat data based on the score data. The server30stores the score data and the chat data so that the chat terminal devices40and40A and the like can receive the score data and the chat data.

In this state, the chat application is started in the chat terminal device40. By starting the chat application, in the chat terminal device40, the communication control unit61acquires the score data and the chat data from the server30(Step S10). When the score data and the chat data are acquired from the server30, the storage control unit62stores the acquired score data and the chat data in the storage unit44in association with each other based on an upload time (Step S20). The display control unit63displays the score data and the chat data stored in the storage unit44on the display42(Step S30).

The control unit45determines whether a predetermined operation for inputting new chat data is performed (Step S40). In a case where it is determined that the operation is not performed (No in Step S40), the control unit45repeatedly performs the processing from Step S10.

In Step S40, in a case where it is determined that the predetermined operation is performed (Yes in Step S40), the display control unit63displays the input screen for inputting chat data (Step S50), and displays candidate data in the candidate data display section92of the input screen (Step S60). In Step S60, the candidate data setting unit64selects or sets the candidate data based on the latest score data from a time when the screen for inputting chat data is displayed.

As described above, the chat terminal device40according to the present embodiment includes: the communication unit43that can receive score data indicating a situation of a game and chat data indicating a content of a chat corresponding to the game from the server30that manages the score data and the chat data, and can transmit chat data to the server30; the storage unit44that stores the score data and the chat data acquired through the communication unit43; the input unit41through which chat data can be input; the display42that can display the chat data; and the control unit45that causes the display42to display, as candidate data, chat data having a content corresponding to score data at an input point in time, for inputting of the chat data through the input unit41.

Further, the chat system100according to the present embodiment includes: the server30that manages score data indicating a situation of a game and chat data indicating a content of a chat corresponding to the game; and the chat terminal device that includes the communication unit43that can receive the score data and the chat data from the server30, and can transmit chat data to the server30, the storage unit44that stores the score data and the chat data acquired through the communication unit43, the input unit41through which chat data can be input, the display42that can display the chat data, and the control unit45that causes the display42to display, as candidate data, chat data having a content corresponding to score data at an input point in time, for inputting of the chat data through the input unit41.

In addition, the chat input method according to the present embodiment includes: receiving pieces of score data each indicating a situation of a game and pieces of chat data each indicating a content of a chat corresponding to the game from the server30that manages the pieces of score data and the pieces of chat data; storing, in the storage unit44, the acquired score data and chat data; displaying, in a case of inputting the chat data, pieces of chat data each having a content corresponding to the score data at an input point in time, as pieces of candidate data on the display42; and transmitting, in response to selection of one piece of the pieces of candidate data displayed on the display42, the selected candidate data as the chat data to the server.

In addition, the chat input program according to the present embodiment causes a computer to perform: receiving pieces of score data each indicating a situation of a game and pieces of chat data each indicating a content of a chat corresponding to the game from the server30that manages the pieces of score data and the pieces of chat data; storing the acquired score data and chat data; displaying, for inputting of the chat data, pieces of chat data each having a content corresponding to the score data at an input point in time, as pieces of candidate data on the display42; and transmitting, in response to selection of one piece of the pieces of candidate data displayed on the display42, the selected candidate data as the chat data to the server.

With this configuration, chat data can be input in response to selection of one piece of candidate data displayed on the display42. Therefore, the user can easily input chat data in a short time. As a result, it is possible to reduce a time and effort required for the user to input a chat.

In the chat terminal device40according to the present embodiment, the control unit45sets, as candidate data, chat data having a content based on score data and registration data registered in advance. Therefore, candidate data according to a situation of the user can be displayed.

In the chat terminal device40according to the present embodiment, the registration data includes data regarding a team participating in a game or a participant participating in the game. As a result, it is possible to display candidate data according to a participant such as a team to which the user belongs or a player designated by the user.

In the chat terminal device40according to the present embodiment, the registration data includes predetermined score data in the game. Therefore, candidate data according to score data can be displayed.

Second Embodiment

FIG. 9is a block diagram illustrating an example of a chat system200according to a second embodiment. The chat system200illustrated inFIG. 9is used when chatting about a content of a game in a sports competition such as a baseball game, for example. By using the chat system200, it is possible to report a game situation and the like by using a chat so that even a person who cannot participate in the game or directly watch the game can grasp the game situation. In the following, a baseball game will be described as an example of the sports competition, but the present invention is not limited thereto and the same description can be applied to other sports competitions such as a soccer game, a volleyball game, a tennis game, and a badminton game. Further, the chat system200is also adaptable to competitions such as a dance contest (dancing competition), a piano contest (performance competition), a karuta competition (card game competition or table game competition), a karaoke contest (singing competition), and a game contest, other than the sports competitions.

As illustrated inFIG. 9, the chat system200includes a score input unit20, a server30, and chat terminal devices140and40A. Note that the chat system200may include a camera (not illustrated). In this case, the camera captures a content of the game in a game site, for example. Video data captured by the camera is transmitted to, for example, the server30and managed by the server30. The number of cameras is plural, for example. Further, the camera may be any camera as long as it can capture video data. The camera may be, for example, a camera embedded in a mobile phone, a smartphone, or the like. When the camera captures video data, the camera includes data indicating a capturing time in the video data.

The score input unit20inputs game situation data indicating a situation of the game to the server30. In the present embodiment, examples of game situation data indicating a situation of a baseball game can include score data. The score data is data that constitutes a score described in a baseball score book, and is an individual event that constitutes a series of events starting from a pitch of a pitcher. The score is a set of score data. Therefore, each time the pitcher throws one ball, a plurality of pieces of score data are created, such that one score is created. For example, in a case where a result of batting in a state in which a runner is on first base is a fly out to right and the first base runner is also tagged out, score data indicating that the batter is out, score data indicating a fly to right, and score data indicating that the first base runner is out are created, and one score is constituted by these pieces of score data.

In addition to the score data described above, score data such as an action of the batter, an action of a fielder, determination of a count, a state of an advancement of a runner when there is already a runner on base, and other play of batters or fielders can be included in the score. Specifically, the score can include score data such as a strike, a ball, a foul, a batting result, a type of batted ball, a catching fielder, or an advancement result. The batting result is information such as out, a single, a double, a triple, or a home run. The type of batted ball is information such as a ground ball, a line drive, a fly ball, or a bunt, and may be categorized into more types. The catching fielder is information for specifying a fielder who actually caught the batted ball or a defensive position of the fielder. The advancement result is information regarding an advancement of a runner on base, such as “from first base to second base”, and can include other play of batters and fielders.

Examples of the score input unit20can include an application for inputting the above score data into the server30as electronic data. In this case, the score input unit20may be provided in a processing device such as a personal computer installed outside the server30. Alternatively, the score input unit20may be provided in the server30. Note that, in the present embodiment, the score input unit20need not necessarily be provided.

The server30comprehensively manages the chat system200. The server30includes various applications, data, programs, and the like for managing the chat system200. As the server30, for example, a personal computer, a workstation or the like is used, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

A plurality of chat groups are set in the server30. Each of the chat groups is individually set for each competition, each game, or each team, for example. The server30performs various processing to be described below for each chat group.

Chat data indicating a content of a chat corresponding to a game is input to the server30. The server30stores the input chat data. As the server30stores the chat data, the chat data can be received from the server30. When the chat data is stored, the server30includes, in the chat data, data indicating a time (hereinafter, referred to as upload time) when the chat data is stored. That is, the chat data stored in the server30includes the data indicating the upload time. The server30includes a management application that manages the video data and the chat data.

Further, score data may be input from the score input unit20to the server30. In this case, the server30may generate chat data based on the input score data and store the chat data. For example, the server30can generate chat data that expresses a content of the score data with characters each time new score data is input. Accordingly, when the score data is updated, the updated score data can be checked as chat information. Further, video data captured by the camera may be input to the server30.

The chat terminal devices140and40A each include an input unit41, a display42, a communication unit43, a storage unit144, and a control unit45. The input unit41, the display42, the communication unit43, the storage unit144, and the control unit45are connected via, for example, a bus line. Examples of the chat terminal device140include a mobile information terminal such as a mobile phone, a smartphone, a tablet PC, or a laptop personal computer.

Through the input unit41, a predetermined input operation for inputting information such as chat data can be performed. The input unit41outputs an instruction signal for the control unit45according to an input operation. An input device such as a touch panel is used as the input unit41. Note that, as the input unit41, a button, a lever, a dial, a switch, or another input device may be used, in addition to or instead of the touch panel. The input unit41outputs an instruction signal according to a predetermined input operation. The display42displays various information including a character and an image. The display42includes a display panel such as a liquid crystal panel.

FIG. 10is a diagram illustrating an example of the input unit41and the display42of the chat terminal device140according to the present embodiment. As illustrated inFIG. 10, the chat terminal device140includes the touch panel type input unit41and the display42. That is, a touch panel as the input unit41is arranged so as to overlap with a display panel as the display42.

Chat data is displayed in the chat display region42b. For example, in the chat display region42b, a server message88which is chat data generated by the server30, other's message89which is chat data input through another chat terminal device40A different from the chat terminal device140, a user's message90which is chat data input through the chat terminal device140, or the like is displayed. The server message88indicates a content of score data input to the server30, for example, in a form of characters. A server message88aon the upper side ofFIG. 10has a content indicating that, for example, the batter 007 hits a ball to center field in the bottom of the eighth inning. Further, a server message88bon the lower side ofFIG. 10has a content indicating that the batter 008 is struck out in the bottom of the eighth inning.

Note that the server message88and the other's message89are displayed in an area on the left side of the chat display region42b, for example. Further, the user's message90is displayed in an area on the right side of the chat display region42b, for example. Further, the server message88and the other's message89may be displayed in a distinguishable form. For example, the type of a frame in which each message is displayed may be different for each message. As a result, the server message88and the other's message89can be distinguished. Information on a group to which an operator of the chat terminal device140belongs is displayed in the group display region42g. Note that the user's message90may be a message composed of text data.

In a case where a touch operation, a scroll operation, or the like is performed on a predetermined region in a surface of the touch panel, the input unit41outputs a predetermined instruction signal including position information of the region on which the operation is performed, and an operation content. The position information is set so as to correspond to a position on the display42, for example. Note that the configurations of the input unit41and the display42are not limited to the above-described configurations.

The communication unit43communicates information with an external device is a wired or wireless manner. The communication unit43transmits/receives video data, chat data, score data, and the like to/from the external server30, for example.

The storage unit144includes a storage such as a hard disk drive or a solid state drive. Note that an external storage medium such as a removable disk may be used as the storage unit144. The storage unit144stores an operating system of the chat terminal device140, various programs for controlling operations of the input unit41, the display42, and the communication unit43, a chat application for chatting, various programs, data, and the like. For example, the storage unit144may store frame data such as the score display region42a, the chat display region42b, or the group display region42gto be displayed on the display42.

In addition, the storage unit144stores therein a chat input program that causes a computer to perform: receiving pieces of game situation data each indicating a situation of a game and pieces of chat data each indicating a content of a chat corresponding to the game from the server that manages the pieces of game situation data and the pieces of chat data; storing the received game situation data and chat data in association with a time; displaying, in response to inputting the chat data, pieces of chat data each having a content corresponding to the game situation data at an input point in time, as pieces of candidate data on the display; and transmitting, in response to selection of one piece of the pieces of candidate data displayed on the display, the selected candidate data as the chat data to the server.

The storage unit144includes a score data storage unit51, a chat data storage unit52, a synchronization data storage unit53, and a candidate data storage unit54.

The score data storage unit51stores the score data received through the communication unit43. Examples of the score data stored in the score data storage unit51include information such as batter score data, runner score data, and tag information. Note that the score data may include other information such as a fielder's action.

The chat data storage unit52stores the chat data received through the communication unit43.FIG. 11is a diagram illustrating an example of the chat data stored in the chat data storage unit52. As illustrated inFIG. 11, the chat data includes an input ID75, an inputter ID76, an input content77, and tag information78.

One input ID75is created each time the chat data is input to or generated in the server30. The inputter ID76is information for identifying an inputter of one piece of chat data. For example, in a case of the chat data generated by the server30, the inputter ID76may be a predetermined value (for example, “999” or the like). The input content77is information indicating a content of a message displayed in the chat display region42b. The input content77includes, for example, character data or predetermined illustration data. The tag information78is information for identifying chat data created for each input ID75. One piece of tag information78is created each time the input ID75is created. Tag numbers (TC0054, TC0055, . . . ) are given to the tag information78in ascending order as indexes. Note that an ID number of the input ID75may be used as the tag information.

The synchronization data storage unit53stores synchronization data that associates score data with chat data.FIG. 12is a diagram illustrating an example of the synchronization data stored in the synchronization data storage unit53. As illustrated inFIG. 12, the synchronization data includes tag information79and upload time information80. The tag information79is information corresponding to the tag information78of the chat data described above. The tag information79is arranged in the order according to the upload time information80. For example, the same tag number (TC0054, TC0055, . . . ) as the corresponding tag information78is given to the tag information79, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, a series of tag numbers independent of the tag information78may be added to the tag information79. The upload time information80indicates a time when the score data and the chat data associated with the tag information79are uploaded to the server30. With the tag information79and the upload time information80, the score data and the chat data are stored in association with each other based on the upload time.

The candidate data storage unit54stores a plurality of pieces of candidate data. The candidate data is chat data having a content corresponding to game situation data at the time of inputting the chat data through the input unit41.FIG. 13is a diagram illustrating an example of the pieces of candidate data stored in the candidate data storage unit54. As illustrated inFIG. 13, examples of the pieces of candidate data include phrases for expressing pleasure, celebration, and the like when the score is favorable, such as “yeah!”, “congratulations”, and “that's great”, and phrases for expressing disappointment and the like when the score is unfavorable, such as “it's unfortunate” and “it's screwed up”. In the candidate data, a priority is set for each of a case where the score is favorable and a case where the score is unfavorable. The pieces of candidate data are displayed in descending order of priority when inputting chat data.

The control unit45controls each of the input unit41, the display42, the communication unit43, and the storage unit144. Further, the control unit45performs arithmetic operation, processing, and the like according to the instruction signal from the input unit41. The control unit45includes a processing device such as a central processing unit (CPU), and a storage device such as a random access memory (RAM) and a read only memory (ROM). The control unit45includes a communication control unit61, a storage control unit62, a display control unit63, and a candidate data setting unit64.

The communication control unit61accesses the server30via the communication unit43to receive score data, chat data, and the like stored in the server30. In addition, the communication control unit61transmits chat data input or selected by the input unit41to the server30via the communication unit43.

The storage control unit62stores, in the storage unit144, the score data, the chat data, and the like acquired from the server30in association with the upload time.

The display control unit63controls a display content to be displayed on the display42. The display control unit63controls a display content in the score display region42abased on the score data acquired via the communication unit43.

Further, the display control unit63controls a display content in the chat display region42bbased on the chat data acquired via the communication unit43. When displaying the chat data in the chat display region42b, the display control unit63displays a displayable number of pieces of chat data in the chat display region42bside by side in one direction in time series based on the upload time. In the present embodiment, for example, as illustrated inFIG. 10, the pieces of chat data are displayed side by side in time series from the upper side to the lower side of the chat display region42bin the drawing.

In addition, in a case where new chat data is stored in the server30, the display control unit63acquires the latest chat data stored in the server30via the communication unit43, and updates the display content in the chat display region42b. In this case, the display control unit63determines whether a space for displaying new chat data exits below chat data displayed most recently in time series in the chat display region42b. In a case where the space for displaying new chat data exits, the display control unit63displays new chat data in the space. Further, in a case where no space for displaying new chat data exists, the display control unit63scrolls the entire chat display region42bin a direction to push, toward the upper side of the chat display region42b, the oldest chat data displayed in the chat display region42bin time series, that is the uppermost chat data displayed in the chat display region42b. Then, the display control unit63displays new chat data in a space on the lower side of the chat display region42bthat is vacated by scrolling. As a result, the display control unit63can update the chat data displayed in the chat display region42bin real time each time new chat data is uploaded to the server30and stored in the storage unit144.

Further, the display control unit63can control the display content in the chat display region42bbased on past chat data stored in the storage unit144. For example, when the operator slides a touch position upward or downward in a state of touching the chat display region42bof the input unit (touch panel)41, that is, when the operator performs an operation of manually scrolling the chat display region42b, the display control unit63changes the chat data displayed in the chat display region42baccording to a scroll direction and a scroll amount. For example, when the operator slides the touch position upward, chat data uploaded later than the chat data that is currently displayed is displayed in the chat display region42b. Further, when the operator slides the touch position downward, chat data uploaded earlier than the chat data that is currently displayed is displayed in the chat display region42b. Note that a method of changing the chat data displayed in the chat display region42bis not limited thereto, and another method such as a button, a keyboard, or a mouse may be used.

Further, in the present embodiment, the display control unit63displays a screen for inputting chat data when a predetermined operation for inputting new chat data is performed by the input unit41.FIG. 15is a diagram illustrating an example of the input screen for inputting chat data. As illustrated inFIG. 15, the display control unit63displays a chat data input section91, a candidate data display section92, and an input tool display section93on the display42.

The candidate data setting unit64selects candidate data to be displayed in the candidate data display section92among pieces of candidate data stored in the candidate data storage unit54in response to the predetermined operation performed on a target region41ain the input unit41. The target region41acorresponds to a region in the display42in which the chat data is displayed. In the present embodiment, the target region41ais a region in the input unit41that overlaps with, for example, the server message88, the other's message89, and the user's message90.

Examples of the predetermined operation include a so-called flick operation which is an operation of moving a touch point TP from inside to outside of the target region41a. Note that, inFIG. 14, a black dot-shaped touch point TP is illustrated for convenience of explanation, but the touch point TP is not displayed in an actual implementation. In the flick operation, the candidate data setting unit64sets the candidate data based on a direction in which the touch point TP is moved. For example, the candidate data setting unit64selects phrases having a positive meaning, such as “yeah!”, “congratulations”, and “that's great”, when the touch point TP is moved upward. In addition, the candidate data setting unit64can select phrases having a negative meaning such as “it's unfortunate” or “it's screwed up” when the touch point TP is moved downward. In addition, the candidate data setting unit64can select phrases having other meanings when the touch point TP is moved leftward or rightward.

Moreover, the candidate data setting unit64can set the candidate data based on a speed at which the touch point TP is moved. The candidate data setting unit64can select a stronger phrase in a case where the moving speed of the touch point TP in each direction described above is higher than a first threshold value, and can select a weaker phrase in a case where the moving speed of the touch point TP is lower than a second threshold value. The first threshold value and the second threshold value may be the same value or different values.

For example, in a case where the touch point TP is moved upward at a speed higher than the first threshold value, the candidate data setting unit64can select a stronger phrase having a positive meaning, such as “it's the best!” or “wonderful!”. In addition, in a case where the touch point TP is moved downward at a speed higher than the first threshold, the candidate data setting unit64can select a stronger phrase having a negative meaning, such as “there's no hope” or “what are you doing?”.

Further, for example, in a case where the touch point TP is moved upward at a speed lower than the second threshold value, the candidate data setting unit64can select a slightly weaker phrase having a positive meaning, such as “it's not bad”. In addition, in a case where the touch point TP is moved downward at a speed lower than the second threshold, the candidate data setting unit64can select a slightly weaker phrase having a negative meaning, such as “that was close”.

In order to distinguish the above-described flick operation from a scroll operation performed on the chat display region42b, for example, an operation for preventing the scroll operation from being performed may be performed before performing the flick operation. Examples of such an operation include an operation of touching the target region41ato be subjected to the flick operation one or more times, or a long press of the target region41a.

Further, the candidate data setting unit64can select candidate data based on a content of score data. The candidate data setting unit64selects or sets candidate data based on the latest score data from a time when the screen for inputting chat data is displayed. In this case, as the candidate data, a phrase related to the latest score data can be selected or set.

Further, the candidate data setting unit64can select the candidate data based on registration data that can be registered in the storage unit144in advance. Examples of the registration data include a team to which the user belongs, a game participant (player) designated by the user, and score data designated by the user. For example, in a case where a team is registered as the registration data, when score data that is advantageous for the registered team is acquired, the candidate data setting unit64selects a phrase for a case where the score is favorable. On the other hand, when score data that is advantageous for the registered team is acquired, the candidate data setting unit64selects a phrase for a case where the score is unfavorable.

Further, for example, in a case where a player is registered as the registration data, when score data that is advantageous for the registered player is acquired, the candidate data setting unit64can select a phrase for a case where the score is favorable, and when score data that is advantageous for the registered player is acquired, the candidate data setting unit64can select a phrase for a case where the score is unfavorable, similarly to the above. Further, the candidate data setting unit64can set, as candidate data, a phrase including a name of the registered player.

Further, for example, in a case where predetermined score data is registered as the registration data, when the registered score data is acquired, the candidate data setting unit64selects a phrase corresponding to the registered score data. For example, when a home run is registered as the registration data and home run score data is acquired, the candidate data setting unit64can select, as candidate data, a phrase corresponding to the score data, such as “home run!”. Moreover, in a case where both a team and a player are registered as the registration data, when a player of the registered team or the registered player hit a home run, the candidate data setting unit64can select or set candidate data in which a phrase for a case where the score is favorable, such as “nice home run” or “yeah, home run” and a phrase including the score data are combined with each other. On the other hand, in a case where a player of an opposing team, not the registered team, hit a home run, the candidate data setting unit64can select or set candidate data in which a phrase for a case where the score is unfavorable, such as “they got a home run” or “oh, no! it's a home run”, and a phrase including the score data are combined with each other. As for the phrases exemplified above as the candidate data, phrases registered in a text input tool or the like mounted on the chat terminal device140may be used, or phrases input as chat data may be used.

Next, an operation of the chat system200configured as described above will be described.FIG. 15is a flowchart illustrating an example of a chat input method. In the chat system200according to the present embodiment, in the server30, score data is input through the score input unit20as the game progresses, and chat data is input through each of the chat terminal devices140and40A and the like. The server30generates chat data based on the score data. The server30stores the score data and the chat data so that the chat terminal devices140and40A and the like can receive the score data and the chat data.

In this state, the chat application is started in the chat terminal device140. By starting the chat application, in the chat terminal device140, the communication control unit61acquires the score data and the chat data from the server30(Step S110). When the score data and the chat data are acquired from the server30, the storage control unit62stores the acquired score data and the chat data in the storage unit144in association with each other based on an upload time (Step S120). The display control unit63displays the score data and the chat data stored in the storage unit144on the display42(Step S130).

The control unit45determines whether the predetermined operation is performed on the target region in the input unit41(Step S140). In a case where it is determined that the operation is not performed (No in Step S140), the control unit45repeatedly performs the processing from Step S110. In Step S140, in a case where it is determined that the predetermined operation is performed (Yes in Step S140), the display control unit63displays the input screen for inputting chat data (Step S150), and displays candidate data in the candidate data display section92of the input screen (Step S160). In Step S160, the candidate data setting unit64selects or sets the candidate data based on the latest score data from a time when the screen for inputting chat data is displayed.

As described above, the chat terminal device140according to the present embodiment includes: the communication unit43that can receive chat data indicating a content of a chat from the server30that manages the chat data, and can transmit chat data to the server; the storage unit144that stores therein the chat data acquired through the communication unit43; the display42that can display the chat data; the input unit41that includes the touch panel provided in the display42; and the control unit45that causes the display42to display, as candidate data, chat data having a content corresponding to a predetermined operation in response to the predetermined operation performed on a target region in the touch panel corresponding to a region in the display42in which the chat data is displayed.

Further, the chat system200according to the present embodiment includes: the server30that manages chat data indicating a content of a chat; and the chat terminal device140that includes the communication unit43that can receive the chat data from the server30, and can transmit chat data to the server, the storage unit144that stores the chat data acquired through the communication unit43, the display42that can display the chat data, the input unit41that includes the touch panel provided in the display42, and the control unit45that causes the display42to display, as candidate data, chat data having a content corresponding to a predetermined operation in a response to the predetermined operation performed on a target region in the touch panel corresponding to a region in the display42in which the chat data is displayed.

In addition, the chat input method according to the present embodiment includes: receiving pieces of chat data each indicating a content of a chat from the server30that manages the pieces of chat data; storing, in the storage unit144, the received pieces of chat data; displaying, on the display42configured to display the chat data, in response to the predetermined operation performed on a target region in the touch panel provided in the display42corresponding to a region in the display42in which the pieces of chat data are displayed, pieces of chat data each having a content corresponding to the predetermined operation as pieces of candidate data; and transmitting, in response to selection of one piece of the pieces of candidate data displayed on the display42, the selected candidate data as chat data to the server30.

In addition, the chat input program according to the present embodiment causes a computer to perform: receiving pieces of chat data each indicating a content of a chat from the server30that manages the pieces of chat data; storing, in the storage unit144, the received pieces of chat data; displaying, on the display42configured to display the chat data, in response to the predetermined operation performed on a target region in the touch panel provided in the display42corresponding to a region in the display42in which the pieces of chat data are displayed, pieces of chat data each having a content corresponding to the predetermined operation as pieces of candidate data; and transmitting, in response to selection of one piece of the pieces of candidate data displayed on the display42, the selected candidate data as chat data to the server30.

With this configuration, as the predetermined operation is performed, candidate data having a content corresponding to the predetermined operation is displayed on the display42, and chat data can be input in response to selection of one piece of the candidate data. Therefore, the user can easily input chat data in a short time. As a result, it is possible to reduce a time and effort required for the user to input a chat.

In the chat terminal device140according to the present embodiment, the predetermined operation is an operation of moving the touch point TP from inside to outside of the target region41a. Therefore, the candidate data can be displayed with a simple operation.

In the chat terminal device140according to the present embodiment, the control unit45sets candidate data based on a direction in which the touch point TP is moved. Therefore, different candidate data can be displayed by changing the moving direction of the touch point TP.

In the chat terminal device140according to the present embodiment, the control unit45sets candidate data based on a speed at which the touch point TP is moved. Therefore, different candidate data can be displayed by changing the moving speed of the touch point TP.

Third Embodiment

FIGS. 16 and 17are diagrams illustrating an example of an input unit41and a display42of a chat terminal device140according to a third embodiment. In the present embodiment, a configuration of a chat system200including the chat terminal device140is similar to that of the second embodiment. In the present embodiment, a form in which a chat display region42bis displayed is different from that of the second embodiment, and thus the difference will be mainly described.

As illustrated inFIG. 16, when subordinate chat data94which is chat data having a content related to one piece of chat data (for example, a server message88, other's message89, or a user's message90) is received via a communication unit43, a display control unit63can display the subordinate chat data94on a display42. Hereinafter, the server message88and the other's message89will be described as an example of the one piece of chat data, but the chat data is not limited thereto, and the same description can be applied to the user's message90.

Examples of the subordinate chat data94include chat data (a comment and the like) as a reply to one piece of chat data88or89. The display control unit63can display the subordinate chat data94below the chat data88or89, for example. In a case where a plurality of pieces of subordinate chat data94exist for one piece of chat data88or89, the display control unit63can display the pieces of subordinate chat data94so that subordinate chat data94that is uploaded earliest to a server30is displayed at the uppermost position, for example. In the example illustrated inFIG. 16, three pieces of subordinate chat data94a,94b, and94cexist for one piece of chat data88or89. These pieces of subordinate chat data94a,94b, and94care displayed below one piece of chat data88or89, and are also displayed so that subordinate chat data that is uploaded earliest is displayed at the uppermost position.

As illustrated inFIG. 16, the display control unit63can display a switching button42cfor performing switching between displaying and hiding of the pieces of subordinate chat data94for the chat data88or89for which the pieces of subordinate chat data94exist. The switching between the displaying and hiding of the pieces of subordinate chat data94can be performed by touching a region in the input unit41that overlaps with the switching button42c. In the example illustrated inFIG. 16, the switching button42cis in a display mode in which the pieces of subordinate chat data94are displayed. On the other hand, in the example illustrated inFIG. 17, the switching button42cis in a non-display mode in which the pieces of subordinate chat data94are hidden. In the non-display mode, the display control unit63does not display the subordinate chat data94for one piece of chat data88or89.

FIG. 18is a diagram illustrating another example of the input unit41and the display42of the chat terminal device140. As illustrated inFIG. 18, the display control unit63can perform time-limited displaying for pieces of subordinate chat data95such that the pieces of subordinate chat data95are displayed around chat data88or89, to which the pieces of subordinate chat data95is subordinate, for a predetermined time and then are hidden in the display42. The display control unit63can perform the time-limited displaying in response to a predetermined operation that is input through the input unit41.

In a case of performing the time-limited displaying, the display control unit63can set the predetermined time based on a length of a chat content of each subordinate chat data95. Alternatively, the display control unit63may set the same predetermined time for all pieces of subordinate chat data95.

In a case where a plurality of pieces of subordinate chat data95exist for one piece of chat data88or89, the display control unit63can display each of the pieces of subordinate chat data95for the predetermined time in a sequence based on an upload time. When displaying the plurality of pieces of subordinate chat data95, the display control unit63may display the next subordinate chat data95after one piece of subordinate chat data95is hidden, or may display the next subordinate chat data95before one piece of subordinate chat data95is hidden. Further, the display control unit63displays, for example, as illustrated inFIG. 18, the pieces of subordinate chat data95(95ato95f) subordinate to one piece of chat data88or89in an overlapping form so that subordinate chat data95that is displayed latest is positioned on top (displayed side) of the others. In this case, after all pieces of subordinate chat data95are displayed, the display control unit63may hide all pieces of subordinate chat data95at the same timing or from subordinate chat data95that is displayed earliest.

Further, for example, in the non-display mode illustrated inFIG. 17, when new subordinate chat data94for one piece of chat data88or89is received, the display control unit63may perform the timed displaying for the new subordinate chat data94. In this case, the display control unit63can display the subordinate chat data94near the chat data88or89to which the subordinate chat data94is subordinate.

Note that, in the present embodiment, a storage unit144stores a chat display program that causes a computer to perform: receiving pieces of chat data from the server that manages the pieces of chat data each indicating a content of a chat; storing, in the storage unit144, the received pieces of chat data in association with a time; displaying the pieces of chat data on the display42; and performing the time-limited displaying for subordinate chat data that is subordinate to a certain piece of chat data among the pieces of chat data such that the subordinate chat data is displayed around the certain piece of chat data on the display42for a predetermined time and then is hidden.

Next, an operation of the chat terminal device140according to the third embodiment will be described.FIG. 19is a flowchart illustrating an example of a chat display method. First, in the chat terminal device140, a chat application is started. By starting the chat application, in the chat terminal device140, the communication control unit61acquires the score data and the chat data from the server30(Step S210). When the score data and the chat data are acquired from the server30, the storage control unit62stores the acquired score data and the chat data in the storage unit144in association with each other based on an upload time (Step S220). The display control unit63displays the score data and the chat data stored in the storage unit144on the display42(Step S230).

The control unit45determines whether a predetermined operation for performing the time-limited displaying for subordinate chat data94(or95, the same applies hereinafter) is performed (Step S240). In a case where it is determined that the predetermined operation is not performed (No in Step S240), the control unit45repeatedly performs the processing from Step S210. In a case where it is determined in Step S240that the predetermined operation is performed (Yes in Step S240), the display control unit63performs the time-limited displaying for the subordinate chat data94(Step S250).

As described above, the chat terminal device140according to the present embodiment includes: the communication unit43configured to receive pieces of chat data each indicating a content of a chat from the server that manages the pieces of chat data and to transmit pieces of chat data to the server; the storage unit144configured to store therein the pieces of chat data received through the communication unit43in association with a time; the display42configured to display the pieces of chat data; and the control unit45configured to cause the display42to display the pieces of chat data received through the communication unit43and to perform the time-limited displaying for subordinate chat data that is subordinate to a certain piece of chat data among the pieces of chat data such that such that the subordinate chat data is displayed around the certain piece of chat data on the display42for a predetermined time and then is hidden.

In addition, the chat system according to the present embodiment includes: the server that manages pieces of chat data each indicating a content of a chat; and the chat terminal40described above.

Further, a chat display method according to the present embodiment includes: receiving pieces of chat data each indicating a content of a chat from the server that manages the pieces of chat data; storing, in the storage unit144, the received pieces of chat data in association with a time; displaying the pieces of chat data on the display42; and performing the time-limited displaying for subordinate chat data that is subordinate to a certain piece of chat data among the pieces of chat data such that the subordinate chat data is displayed around the certain piece of chat data on the display42for a predetermined time and then is hidden.

Further, a chat input program according to the present embodiment causes a computer to perform: receiving pieces of chat data each indicating a content of a chat from the server that manages the pieces of chat data; storing, in the storage unit344, the received pieces of chat data in association with a time; displaying the pieces of chat data on the display42; and performing the time-limited displaying for subordinate chat data that is subordinate to a certain piece of chat data among the pieces of chat data such that the subordinate chat data is displayed around the certain piece of chat data on the display42for a predetermined time and then is hidden.

With this configuration, subordinate chat data and chat data to which the subordinate chat data is subordinate can be displayed in a distinguishable form. Further, displaying on the display is organized by hiding the subordinate chat data. As a result, the user can easily understand a relationship between the chat data to which the subordinate chat data is subordinate and the subordinate chat data, and easy-to-view displaying can be achieved. In addition, when the user inputs new chat data, independent chat data and subordinate chat data can be separately input.

The chat terminal device140according to the present embodiment further includes the input unit41through which an operation is input, and the control unit45performs the time-limited displaying in response to a predetermined operation that is input through the input unit41. As a result, subordinate chat data can be displayed at a timing desired by the user.

In the chat terminal device140according to the present embodiment, in a case where a plurality of pieces of subordinate chat data exist for a piece of chat data, the control unit45displays each of the pieces of subordinate chat data for the predetermined time in a sequence based on a time when each of the pieces of subordinate chat data is stored in the storage unit144. Accordingly, for example, by displaying the pieces of subordinate chat data94in time series, the user can easily understand a time-series relationship among the plurality of pieces of subordinate chat data.

In the chat terminal device140according to the present embodiment, the control unit45sets the predetermined time based on a length of a chat content of the subordinate chat data. As a result, it is possible to prevent subordinate chat data having a short chat content from being displayed for an excessively long time and shorten a waiting time of the user. In addition, it is possible to prevent a display time of subordinate chat data having a long chat content from being excessively short, and to allow the user to fully understand the chat content.

In the chat terminal device140according to the present embodiment, the control unit45performs the time-limited displaying in response to reception of the subordinate chat data. As a result, the received subordinate chat data can be displayed in a form that catches the eye of the user.

According to the embodiments, it is possible to provide the chat terminal device, the chat system, the chat input method, and the chat input program, which can reduce a time and effort required for the user to input a chat.

Additional aspects of the present disclosure include, but are not limited to:

1. A chat terminal device comprising:

a communication unit that is configured to receive chat data indicating a content of a chat from a server that manages the chat data, and is configured to transmit the chat data to the server;

a storage unit that stores therein the chat data received through the communication unit;

a display that is configured to display the chat data;

an input unit that includes a touch panel provided in the display; and

a control unit that causes the display to display, in response to a predetermined operation performed on a target region in the touch panel corresponding to a region in the display in which the chat data is displayed, the chat data having a content corresponding to the predetermined operation as candidate data.

2. The chat terminal device according to the above aspect 1, wherein

the predetermined operation is an operation of moving a touch point from inside to outside of the target region.

3. The chat terminal device according to the above aspect 2, wherein

the control unit sets the candidate data based on a direction in which the touch point is moved.

4. The chat terminal device according to the above aspect 3, wherein

the control unit sets the candidate data based on a speed at which the touch point is moved.

5. A chat system comprising:

a server that manages chat data indicating a content of a chat; and

the chat terminal device according to the above aspect 1.

6. A chat input method comprising:

receiving pieces of chat data each indicating a content of a chat from a server that manages the pieces of chat data;

storing the received pieces of chat data;

displaying, on a display configured to display the chat data, in response to a predetermined operation performed on a target region in a touch panel provided in the display corresponding to a region in the display in which the pieces of chat data are displayed, the pieces of chat data each having a content corresponding to the predetermined operation as pieces of candidate data; and

transmitting, in response to selection of one piece of the pieces of candidate data displayed on the display, the selected candidate data as the chat data to the server.

7. A recording medium recording a chat input program that causes a computer to perform:

receiving pieces of chat data each indicating a content of a chat from a server that manages the pieces of chat data;

storing the received pieces of chat data;

displaying, on a display configured to display the chat data, in response to a predetermined operation performed on a target region in a touch panel provided in the display corresponding to a region in the display in which the pieces of chat data are displayed, the pieces of chat data each having a content corresponding to the predetermined operation as pieces of candidate data; and

transmitting, in response to selection of one piece of the pieces of candidate data displayed on the display, the selected candidate data as the chat data to the server.