This application is based on and claims priorities under 35 USC 119 from Japanese patent applications No. 2011-229401, which was filed on Oct. 19, 2011, and No. 2012-124306, which was filed on May 31, 2012.
The technology herein relates to sharing posted information.
An information-processing device having a communication function for communicating with another user is known.
The present disclosure provides a technology for providing to a user objective materials for determining reliability of posted information.
There is provided a posted information sharing system including an information-processing system and a server. The information-processing system includes: an executing unit configured to execute an application program; a first storage unit configured to store usage information or progress information, the usage information showing a usage status of the application program and the progress information showing a progress status of the application program; a generating unit configured to generate posted information relating to the application program, based on an input by a user; a first transmitting unit configured to transmit to the server the posted information along with first information, the first information being based on the usage information or the progress information that is stored in the first storage unit and corresponding to the application program; and a requesting unit configured to transmit a request to the server to transmit posted information. The server includes: a first receiving unit configured to receive the posted information and the first information transmitted from the information-processing system; a second storage unit configured to store the posted information and information showing the usage status or the progress status relating to the posted information, based on the first information received by the first receiving unit; and a second transmitting unit configured to transmit, in response to the request transmitted from the information-processing system, the posted information along with second information, the second information being based on the usage status or the progress status relating to the posted information. The information-processing system further includes: a second receiving unit configured to receive the posted information and the second information transmitted from the server; and a display control unit configured to control a display to display the posted information and the usage status or the progress status relating to the posted information, based on the posted information and the second information received by the second receiving unit.
Exemplary embodiments will be described with reference to the following drawings, wherein:
In this example, at least one community is provided for each application program. In other words, a provider or an operator of the posted information sharing system generates on a server at least one unique community for each application program. More specifically, when a new application program is released, the provider or the operator generates on a server at least one unique community for the new application program. Thus, at least one unique community and at least one unique bulletin board is provided by a server for every commercially available application program (in other words, every application program in use). n communities (n is a natural number that satisfies n≧1) correspond to an application program. In the example shown in
A user of the posted information sharing system can establish a relationship with another user as a “friend.” The term “friends” refers to a relationship between two users who have agreed via the posted information sharing system to be friends with each other.
Progress information 943 denotes a progress status of an application program in the progress status, for example, a stage number (stage name), a save point, or accumulated playing time of a game. Posted text 944 shows a text input by a user who posted this posted information 94. Time stamp 945 denotes a time when this posted information 94 was posted. Usually, posted text 944 is a text of an opinion, an impression, a question, or a comment relating to the application program in the executing state. In other words, posted text 944 is a text relating to an application program denoted by application name 942.
Screen shot image 946 is a screen shot image of an application program in the executing state. Attached data image 947 denotes whether data relating to this item of posted information 94 is attached. The attached data is generated by the application program in the executing state and shows, for example, a virtual object such as an item in a game.
In the example of posted information 94 shown in
It is to be noted that the posted information sharing service is an example of a service for providing the posted information. The posted information may be provided by, for example, a blog or a buzz marketing site. Further, in
It is to be noted that the posted information sharing service provides a user interface image independent of the application program as well as a user interface image corresponding to a community. A page referred to as “my page” is an example of the user interface image independent of the application program. In “my page,” plural items of posted information posted by other users who are friends of the user or have association with the user, are shown in a single user interface image.
Information-processing device 10 includes a function to execute at least one application program selected from plural application programs Information-processing device 10 obtains identification information of an application program from among the plural application programs. Hereinafter, an application program that is in the executing state at the time a post instruction or a browse instruction is input, is referred to as an “application in the executing state.” In the exemplary embodiment, information-processing device 10 accesses post server 20 after the application in the executing state is paused. Therefore, the application in the executing state is an application program that was being executed immediately prior to input of an instruction to access post server 20. In this example, information-processing device 10 obtains identification information of an application program that is paused at the time of the access. However, the application program may still be being executed at the time of the access. In such a case, information-processing device 10 obtains identification information of an application program that is being executed at the time of the access. Information-processing device 10 accesses a community corresponding to an application in the executing state, and displays results of the access. Here, “at the time an instruction to access post server 20 is made” includes a timing when an indirect instruction to access post server 20 is made, for example, when an instruction to display a menu image including an item to access post server 20 is made, as well as a timing when a direct instruction to access is made. Also, the “access to post server 20” includes access to transmit information and access to browse the posted information. Only one of these two accesses may be implemented in a single device or by a single software program. Here, “when an instruction to access is made” includes at least one of when an instruction to transmit the posted information is made and when an instruction to browse the posted information is made. Further, an “application in the executing state” includes at least one of an application program that is being executed and an application program whose execution is paused (suspended).
Information-processing device 10 has a function to transmit posted information to post server 20, and a function to browse (receive) posted information on (from) post server 20. These functions will be described in the following.
Generating unit 18 generates posted information in response to an input by a user. Posted information transmitting unit 13 transmits to post server 20 the posted information generated by generating unit 18, and information (an example of first information) based on the usage information or the progress information stored in storage unit 12. Posted information is information input by a user, relating to an application program being executed by executing unit 11. It is to be noted that, if there is neither usage information nor progress information in storage unit 12, posted information transmitting unit 13 may transmit information (another example of the first information) showing there is neither usage information nor progress information in storage unit 12. Alternatively, posted information transmitting unit 13 may transmit information that is generated by processing of the usage information or the progress information stored in storage unit 12, instead of the actual usage information or progress information. For example, in a case that accumulated playing time is stored in storage unit 12 as the usage information, posted information transmitting unit 13 may transmit information (yet another example of the first information) showing whether the user has an experience of playing the game, instead of the accumulated playing time itself.
In this example, information-processing device 10 further includes application identifying unit 14. Application identifying unit 14 identifies an application program in the executing state in executing unit 11. Posted information transmitting unit 13 transmits to server 20 the posted information input by a user, relating to the application program identified by application identifying unit 14, and the corresponding usage information or progress information.
In this example, information-processing device 10 further includes access instructing unit 15. Access instructing unit 15 instructs information-processing device 10 to access post server 20. Application identifying unit 14 identifies an application program in the executing state in executing unit 11 when access is instructed by access instructing unit 15.
In this example, information-processing device 10 further includes image obtaining unit 16. Image obtaining unit 16 obtains a screen shot image of the application program in the executing state in executing unit 11 when access is instructed by access instructing unit 15. Posted information transmitting unit 13 transmits to post server 20 the screen shot image obtained by image obtaining unit 16 as well as the posted information, and the corresponding usage information or progress information stored in storage unit 12.
In this example, information-processing device 10 further includes information obtaining unit 17. Information obtaining unit 17 obtains from storage unit 12 the usage information or the progress information relating to the application program in the executing state in executing unit 11 at a predetermined timing relating to transmission of the posted information. Posted information transmitting unit 13 transmits to post server 20 the posted information and the usage information or the progress information obtained by information obtaining unit 17.
Requesting unit 31 transmits to post server 20 a request for browsing the posted information. Posted information receiving unit 32 receives the posted information and the corresponding usage information or progress information that are transmitted from post server 20 in response to the request. It is to be noted that the received information may include information that is generated by processing the usage information or the progress information. Display control unit 33 displays on display unit 150 the posted information and the corresponding usage information or progress information (or processed information thereof), with their relationship being visible.
CPU 101 is a device for controlling elements of information-processing device 10, and executes various processes or calculations. Memory 102 is a storage device for storing a program and data, such as RAM (Random Access Memory) and/or ROM (Read Only Memory), for example. External memory IF 103 is an interface for reading/writing data from/into an external storage medium (an optical disk, a magnetic disk, or a semiconductor memory, for example) that stores a program and/or data. Input module 104 includes an input device for inputting an instruction or command from a user to CPU 101, such as, for example, a keypad, buttons, a touch screen, a microphone, or a combination thereof. Display controller 105 is a device for controlling a display device to display information such as an image and/or a character string, such as an image processing circuit and an image signal output circuit. Sound module 106 includes a device for outputting a sound signal, such as a sound processing device and a sound signal output device. Communication module 107 includes a device for communicating with another device in a predetermined communication standard via a wired and/or a wireless network (for example, the Internet).
System software 51 is software for managing and/or controlling information-processing device 10. System software 51 is software necessary to execute an application program on information-processing device 10, and is software that is necessarily installed in information-processing device 10 when executing an application program. In this example, system software 51 includes OS (Operating System) 511, application identifying module 512, identification generating module 513, and access module 514. System software 51 includes a set of codes to implement the functions. OS 511 is software to manage and/or control portal software 52 and an application program such as game application 53. Application identifying module 512 identifies an application program in the executing state. More specifically, application identifying module 512 obtains identification information (hereinafter referred to as an “application ID”) of an application program in the executing state. Identification generating module 513 generates identification information of a community relating to the application program identified by application identifying module 512. The identification information is, for example, a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) showing a resource of the community. Access module 514 communicates with the resource shown by the URL.
Portal software 52 is client software of the posted information sharing system, and provides a user interface for showing information to a user and receiving input of information by a user. Portal software 52 transmits a request to post server 20 via access module 514, and controls the display device to display an image relating to the posted information sharing system, using data transmitted from post server 20 in response to the request. The image relating to the posted information sharing system includes a UI (User Interface) for inputting, transmitting and displaying the posted information, and at least one item of posted information posted by at least one user.
Game application 53 is an application program (software) for implementing a video game on information-processing device 10. Information-processing device 10 has a function to execute at least one game application selected from various game programs. A program of game application 53 is stored, for example, in the external storage medium (an external memory). A user operates information-processing device to read a program stored in a storage medium that is selected by the user from among plural storage media storing different programs. Thus, the user causes information-processing device 10 to execute the selected game application. In another example, memory 102 stores plural programs. A user may select a program to be started, and cause information-processing device 10 to execute the selected game application.
With regard to the posting function, CPU 101 executing an application program is an example of executing unit 11. Memory 102 and/or the external memory (external storage medium) is an example of storage unit 12. CPU 101 executing access module 514 is an example of posted information transmitting unit 13. CPU 101 executing application identifying module 512 is an example of application identifying unit 14. CPU 101 executing OS 511 is an example of access instructing unit 15. CPU 101 executing portal software 52 is an example of image obtaining unit 16 and information obtaining unit 17.
With regard to the browsing function, CPU 101 executing access module 514 is an example of requesting unit 31 and posted information receiving unit 32. CPU 101 executing portal software 52 is an example of display control unit 33.
User database 211 is a database for recording user configuration information used for each of plural user IDs of the posted information sharing system. The user configuration information includes configuration information unique to a user; for example, a list of identifications of communities to which the user belongs, a condition for restricting the posted information shared in a community, or a list of user IDs showing users who are friends of the user. The condition includes, for example, a condition of restriction by time (for example, sharing posted information that was posted in the previous week), a condition of restriction by user (for example, sharing posted information that was posted by friends), or a condition of no restriction (sharing all the posted information posted in the previous week).
Posted information database 212 is a database for recording plural items of posted information. Each item of plural posted information corresponds to an application program from among the plural application programs.
Community database 213 is a database for recording information (attribute information) relating to each of the plural communities. Each of the plural communities corresponds to at least one application program. In other words, community database 213 is a database for recording, for each of the plural application programs, information relating to the at least one community corresponding to the application program.
Posted information receiving unit 22 receives the posted information transmitted from posted information transmitting unit 13 and information based on the corresponding usage information or progress information. Storage unit 21 stores in posted information database 212, based on the posted information received by posted information receiving unit 22 and the corresponding information, the posted information and the information showing the corresponding usage status or progress status as well as relationships therebetween. Providing unit 23 transmits to information-processing device 10 that is a source of the request, the posted information stored in storage unit 21 and the information (an example of second information) based on information showing the corresponding usage status or progress status, in response to the request by requesting unit 31.
Post server 20 is a computer having hardware including a CPU and a memory. The CPU is a device for controlling each element of post server 20 and executes various processes. The memory is a device for storing various data and programs, and includes a RAM and a ROM. The memory stores a program (hereinafter referred to as a “post server program”) causing the computer to execute a process for post server 20. By execution of the CPU by the post server program, functions shown in
A description will be given of an operation of information-processing device 10. Situations in which information-processing device 10 accesses post server 20 include the following two examples. The first example is where post server 20 is accessed during the execution of game application 53. The second example is where post server 20 is accessed when game application 53 is not being executed. The operations of these two examples will be described below.
Here, description is given for an example in which information-processing device 10 accesses a community relating to game application 53 when game application 53 is being executed. In other words, description is given for an example in which a user who is playing the game of game application 53 accesses a community relating to game application 53. In the following description, methods for accessing post server will be described first, and next, a process of the posted information sharing system (how a user can use the posted information sharing system) will be described.
In this example, OS 511 temporally pauses the execution of game application 53 when a predetermined command is input (for example, a predetermined button from among plural buttons of input module 104 is pushed) when game application 53 is being executed. Then, OS 511 calls a menu image. The menu image is provided by a function of system software 51. The menu image includes an item for instructing portal software 52 to start. If a user selects the item, OS 511 starts portal software 52. The user accesses post server 20 via portal software 52. In this example, after the menu image is called and during the access to post server 20, game application 53 that was being executed is temporarily paused. If a predetermined command is input while game application 53 is paused, OS 511 resumes game application 53.
In step S100, OS 511 determines whether the menu image is called during the execution of game application 53. In this example, OS 511 monitors input module 104. If a predetermined command is input via input module 104, OS 511 determines whether the menu image is called. If it is determined that the menu image is called (step S100: YES), OS 511 transfers the operation to step S101. If it is determined that the menu image is not called (step S100: NO), OS 511 continues to execute game application 53.
In step S101, OS 511 pauses game application 53 that is being executed. In other words, OS 511 activates another program, with data used for game application 53 being stored in memory 102.
In step S102, OS 511 displays the menu image. The menu image includes an item for instructing portal software 52 to start. If the user selects the item, OS 511 transfers the operation to step S103.
In step S103, application identifying module 512 identifies an application program (an application program in the executing state, in this example, game application 53) that was being executed at the time of input of the instruction to call the menu image. Details are as follows. OS 511 reads from memory 102 the application ID of the application program in the executing state. Then, OS 511 calls application identifying module 512. When calling application identifying module 512, OS 511 notifies application identifying module 512 of the read application ID. It is to be noted that the application ID of the application program in the executing state is stored in memory 102, according to a process independent from the flow shown in
In step S104, identification generating module 513 generates a URL (an example of community identification information) showing a resource of the corresponding community, using the application program identified by application identifying module 512. Identification generating module 513 includes a table, a function, or a rule for exchanging an application ID for a URL. Identification generating module 513 generates the URL from the application ID with reference to the table, the function, or the rule.
In step S105, OS 511 starts portal software 52. When starting portal software 52, OS 511 notifies portal software 52 of the URL generated by identification generating module 513 as a URL showing a resource that is accessed when the portal software 52 is started.
In step S106, portal software 52 accesses the community shown by the notified URL. In other words, portal software 52 accesses, via access module 514, a resource (in this example, a directory selected from among plural directories of post server 20, in response to the application in the executing state) corresponding to an application program that was being executed at the time when portal software 52 is instructed to start.
When accessing post server 20, access module 514 transmits to post server 20 a request including the application ID and a user ID of the user of information-processing device 10. The user ID is an example of identification information of a user who is logged in to information-processing device 10 (in other words, a user who uses information-processing device 10). The user ID is identified at a predetermined timing, for example, at the time of booting information-processing device 10, by a so-called login process.
There are various examples of status information. The status information may be progress information showing the progress status of the application program. Alternatively, status information may be information usage status showing the usage status of the application program. In a case that the application program is a game application, the status information may be, for example, at least one of a number of times that the user clears the game, a number of times that the user plays the game, a number of times that the user defeats a character in the game, a type of a character in the game, a type of an event that occurs on the game, a number of wins (or losses) in the game, a number of items obtained in the game, the latest stage-number that is cleared by the user, a name of the latest save point, a score or a record (or the best score or the best record), a level of a character in the game, or an achievement (a degree of completion of tasks provided in the game).
In another example, in a case that the application program is a movie player, the status information may be a number of times that a movie is played, accumulated time of playing a movie, or a number of times an instruction to play the movie is made. In yet another example, in a case that the application program is a still image viewer, the status information may be a number of viewed pages, a type of viewed image, or a number of times an instruction to view an image is made.
Referring to
Post server 20 lists up the extracted posted information (a group of the posted information) in an order according to a predetermined rule; for example, in order of the time stamp. Post server 20 generates (in step S108) data describing the extracted posted information in a predetermined format, for example, in HTML (HyperText Markup Language). Here, the generated data includes a community ID, identifying a community to which access is requested. The community ID is, for example, a part of the URL of the community. Post server 20 transmits (in step S109) the generated data to information-processing device 10 that is a source of the request for access. More specifically, post server 20 transmits a set of posted information and status information, which are recorded in posted information database 212 with the relationship thereof, for each item of posted information included in the group of posted information, to information-processing device 10. It is to be noted that the status information as it is may be transmitted instead of the processed status information.
In step S110, portal software 52 displays an image in accordance with the data received from post server 20. More specifically, portal software 52 receives plural sets of the posted information and the status information. Then, portal software 52 displays the received posted information as well as the corresponding status information with the relationship being visible. It is to be noted that the received information as it is may be displayed instead of the processed information. By the example of step S107, an image shown in
According to the flow shown in
In the above description, an example in which portal software 52 is started from the application program via the menu image is described. However, portal software 52 may be started other than via the menu image. In such a case, OS 511 starts portal software 52 when a predetermined command is input during the execution of game application 53. In another example, when game application 53 was being executed when the menu image was called, game application 53 may be terminated instead of be paused. In another example, a device ID (identification information of information-processing device 10) may be used instead of the user ID.
3-1-1-1-2. (Path 2) Call from Game Application 53
In this example, an application program has a UI to start portal software 52. For example, an image of the game includes a button to start portal software 52. If the button is pushed (clicked) by a user, portal software 52 is started. The details of the process are similar to those of path 1.
According to the example, a user can start portal software 52 without inputting a command via the menu image provided by a program other than the game. The user can start portal software 52 by inputting a command via a UI provided by the game.
3-1-1-2. (Path 3) Access from Game Application 53
In this example, an application program has a UI to access post server 20; in other words, the application program has a client function of the posted information sharing system. For example, an image of the game includes a button to access post server 20. If the button is pushed (clicked) by a user, the game application accesses post server 20. In path 3, the application program has a function different from examples of path 1 and path 2. Therefore, a software configuration is first described.
In the example shown in
If an instruction to access post server 20 is made during the execution of game application 53, body 531 of the game program calls application identifying module 5321. When calling application identifying module 5321, body 531 notifies application identifying module 5321 of the application ID of the game program. Then, application identifying module 5321 calls identification information generating module 5322. Identification information generating module 5322 generates a URL showing a resource of the corresponding community based on the application ID identified by application identifying module 5321. Identification information generating module 5322 includes a table, a function, or a rule to change an application ID into a URL. Identification information generating module 5322 generates a URL from the application ID with reference to the table, the function, or the rule.
Identification information generating module 5322 notifies body 531, which is a source of the call, of the generated URL. Then, body 531 of the game program calls client module 533. When calling client module 533, body 531 of the game program notifies client module 533 of the URL of the community. Client module 533 accesses post server 20 by using the notified URL.
According to the example, a user can access post server 20 without inputting a command via the menu image provided by a program other than the game. Further, since a software developer can implement a client function into the application program, a UI synchronized with the image of the game can be provided.
Next, description will be given for a process in the posted information sharing system (how a user can use the posted information sharing system). The process in the posted information sharing system includes browsing the posted information, posting the posted information, and managing the community.
Browsing is a process for browsing the posted information. Information stored in post server 20 includes, for example, the posted information and direct messages. The posted information is shared by plural users. The direct message can be viewed by a single specified user. In the following descriptions, viewing this information using portal software 52 will be described.
Referring to
When post server 20 receives the request from information-processing device 10, post server 20 extracts (in step S205) posted information that satisfies the condition for restricting the posted information, from the posted information recorded in posted information database 212. Post server 20 generates (in step S206) data describing the extracted posted information in a predetermined format. Post server 20 transmits (in step S207) the generated data to information-processing device 10 that is the source of the request. Portal software 52 receives the data via access module 514. Portal software 52 displays (in step S208) an image in accordance with the data received from post server 20. Details of steps S205 to S208 are similar to those in steps S107 to S110.
When post server 20 receives the request from information-processing device 10, post server 20 extracts (in step S211) direct messages that satisfy the condition for restricting the posted information, from among the direct messages recorded in posted information database 212. It is to be noted that the condition for restricting the posted information includes a condition relating to the direct message. Post server 20 generates (in step S212) data describing the extracted direct message in a predetermined format. Post server 20 transmits (in step S213) the generated data to information-processing device 10 that is the source of the request. Portal software 52 displays (in step S214) an image in accordance with the data received from post server 20. Details of steps S211 to S214 are similar to those in steps S107 to S110.
The posting is a process for sharing information with other users. As described in relation to the browsing, information recorded in post server 20 includes the posted information and the direct message. In this example, a set of binary data can be attached to the posted information. Here, description will be given for examples with and without the set of binary data. Furthermore, description will be given for posting a direct message.
In step S221, portal software 52 obtains a screen shot image of the application program in the executing state. The application program “in the executing state” is an application program that was being executed at the time when the instruction to start portal software 52 was made, and, in this example, game application 53 is the application program in the executing state. While portal software 52 is activated, game application 53 is temporarily paused. As has already been described, while game application 53 is paused, data used for game application 53 is expanded in memory 102. Portal software 52 generates a screen shot image based on the data of game application 53 expanded in memory 102.
In step S222, portal software 52 displays an image for prompting a user to input a text to post. The image is shown in
In step S224, portal software 52 obtains attribute information used for the posted information. In this example, the attribute information includes a time stamp, a user ID, an application ID, a community ID, and usage information. The time stamp shows the current time. The application ID is identification information of the application program that is paused. The usage information is the usage information of the application program that is paused. In this example, the usage information shows accumulated playing time of the game. The time stamp, the user ID, the application ID, and the usage information are held by OS 511. Portal software 52 obtains from OS 511 the time stamp, the user ID, the application ID, and the usage information. The community ID is identification information of a community that portal software 52 is accessing. The community ID is held by portal software 52.
For example, in a case that an accumulated playing-time of the game is used as the usage information, OS 511 keeps the accumulated playing-time by a process independent from the process shown in
Referring to
According to the example, a set of posted information includes the usage information or the progress information of the corresponding application program. In other words, an image including the posted text, identification information of the application program, and the usage information or the progress information are displayed, with relationship thereof. The posted text is freely input by a user and the identification information and the progress information are automatically provided by the system. In posted information sharing system 1, the progress information showing the progress status of a game is provided as well as the posted text relating to the game, for users of information-processing devices 10. In other words, objective information for determining helpfulness (or reliability) of the posted information, for users of information-processing devices 10, is provided. For example, with regard to a game, an example is considered with two items of posted information, “this game is boring” and “this game is very diverting.” The former text is posted by a user whose accumulated playing-time is one hour. The latter text is posted by another user whose accumulated playing-time is fifty hours. A user of information-processing device 10 can determine that the latter text is more reliable than the former text.
In step S226, post server 20 records the received posted information into posted information database 212. Post server 20 extracts (in step S227) posted information that satisfies the condition for restricting the posted information from posted information database 212. Post server 20 generates (in step S228) data showing the extracted posted information in a predetermined format. Post server 20 transmits (in step S229) the generated data to information-processing device 10 that is the source of the request. Portal software 52 displays (in step S230) an image in accordance with the data received from post server 20. Details of steps S227 to S230 are similar to those of steps S107 to S110.
In step S241, game application 53 obtains a screen shot image of the application program in the executing state. In step S242, game application 53 displays the image for prompting a user to input a text. After completing an input of a text, the user instructs (in step S243) to post the text. Details of steps S241 to S243 are similar to those in steps S221 to S223.
In this example, the image for prompting a user to input a text provides a UI to select a set of binary data to be attached to the posted text. For example, in a case that binary data shows an item used in the game, the image provides a UI to select an item from among items obtained in the game by the user, to be shared in the community. In step S244, game application 53 generates a set of binary data showing an item selected via the UI.
In step S245, game application 53 obtains attribute information used for the posted information. In step S246, game application 53 transmits the posted information to post server 20. The subject posted information includes a set of binary data generated in step S244, and the attribute information generated in step S245.
In step S247, post server 20 records the received posted information into posted information database 212. Post server 20 extracts (in step S248) posted information that satisfies the condition for restricting the posted information from posted information database 212. Post server 20 generates (in step S249) data showing the extracted posted information in a predetermined format. Post server 20 transmits (in step S250) the generated data to information-processing device 10 that is the source of the request. Portal software 52 displays (in step S251) an image in accordance with the data received from post server 20. Details of steps S247 to S251 are similar to those of steps S226 to S230.
In step S261, portal software 52 displays the image for prompting a user to input a direct message. The image includes a box for inputting an ID of a user to whom the direct message is sent, and another box for inputting a message. After completing the input of the message, the user instructs (in step S262) to transmit the direct message. In step S263, portal software 52 obtains attribute information used for the direct message. In this example, the user ID of the sender (source) and the user ID of the destination, are used as the attribute information. In step S264, portal software 52 transmits the direct message to post server 20 via access module 514. The direct message includes the attribute information obtained in step S263. In step S265, the direct message is recorded in posted information database 212.
3-2. Access to Post Server when Game Application is not Executed
When game application 53 is not executed, for example, from booting information-processing device 10 to starting game application 53, a user can access post server 20. In such a case, the user instructs that portal software 52 be started.
As already described, when portal software 52 is started while game application 53 is being executed, portal software 52 accesses a community whose URL is notified by OS 511. However, in this example, OS 511 does not notify portal software of the URL. In this case, portal software 52 transmits a request for accessing post server 20 without designating a specific community. More specifically, portal software 52 transmits a request for accessing a predetermined resource; for example, the home directory.
When post server 20 receives the request without designating a community, post server 20 refers to the user configuration information. The user configuration information includes information to identify items shown in a displayed image (hereinafter referred to as “home image”) corresponding to the home directory. The home image of the posted information sharing system includes plural items of posted information in order of their time stamps. Further, the home image includes a list of all communities or a part of the communities that satisfies a predetermined condition (for example, communities to which the user belongs). Post server 20 generates data showing this information. Post server 20 transmits the generated data to information-processing device 10 that is the source of the request. The data includes URLs showing resources included in the list.
When portal software receives the data of the home image, portal software 52 displays the home image in accordance with the received data. If the user selects a community from the list in the home image, portal software 52 transmits to post server 20 a request for accessing the selected community.
When post server 20 receives the request, post server 20 extracts posted information that satisfies the condition for restricting the posted information, from posted information database 212. Post server 20 generates data showing the extracted posted information. Post server 20 transmits the generated data to information-processing device 10 that is the source of the request. The processes are similar to those of steps S107 to S109.
A displayed image in accordance with the data transmitted from post server 20 includes a text box for inputting a posted text, and a button for inputting an instruction to post the text. If the user inputs a text in the text box and pushes the button, portal software 52 obtains attribute information used for the posted information, similarly to step S224. It is to be noted that, in this case, since there is no application program whose execution is paused, portal software 52 obtains the application ID of the application program corresponding to the community that is being accessed. The application ID is notified by post server 20 and held by portal software 52.
The attribute information is similar to that described in step S224. However, in this case, the usage information of the application program corresponding to the community that is being accessed may not be stored in memory 102. In this case, portal software 52 transmits to server 20 the posted information including information showing existence/non-existence of the usage information (showing non-existence of the usage information in this example). In other words, portal software 52 transmits to server 20 the posted information without the usage information (or including null usage information).
Post server 20 records the received posted information into posted information database 212. For the posted information that does not include the usage information (or includes null usage information), post server 20 records null string as the usage information into posted information database 212.
Post server 20 again extracts posted information that satisfies the condition for restricting the posted information from posted information database 212. Post server 20 generates data showing the extracted posted information. Post server 20 transmits the generated data to information-processing device 10 that is the source of the request. These processed are similar to those of steps S107 to S109.
The posted information recorded in posted information database 212 is divided into two categories, one is the posted information including some (non-null) usage information and the other is the posted information including null usage information. In information-processing device 10, non-null usage information and null usage information are displayed so as to be visually different from each other. In other words, portal software 52 displays the posted information corresponding to the null usage information showing that the corresponding application program has not been used, and the posted information corresponding to the non-null usage information showing that the corresponding application program has been used, so as to be visually different from each other. Displaying items of information to be visually different from each other means, for example, displaying at least one of character strings, a user image, and a posted text in different colors. In another example, displaying items of information to be visually different from each other may be displaying at least one of character strings and a posted text in different fonts. In yet another example, portal software 52 may add a specific image (for example, an icon or a mark) to only one of the items of posted information including the null usage information and the posted information including the non-null usage information.
According to the example, a user can easily determine whether the posted information is posted by a user who has played the game or a user who has not played the game, compared with a case where these two items of posted information are not shown as visually different from each other.
It is to be noted that if there is no application program in the executing state, portal software 52 may transmit to post server 20 posted information without an application ID (or including a null application ID). In such a case, post server 20 records the received posted information as well as the application ID corresponding to the community that is being accessed, into posted information database 212.
The technology is not restricted to the embodiment described above. Various modifications can be applied to the exemplary embodiment. Some modifications will be described below. Two or more modifications from among the following modifications may be combined.
A timing at which the usage information or the progress information is obtained in information-processing device 10 when posting the posted information, is not restricted to the above embodiment. The timing may be any timing relating to posting the text. For example, the timing may include at least one of the following timings:
(1) the time when an instruction is made to display the UI for inputting the posted text (an example of the above embodiment);
(2) the time when an input of the text is started (in other words, the time when the first character is input);
(3) the time when an input of the text is completed (in other words, the time when the last character is input or a button for instructing completion of the input is pushed);
(4) the time when the posted text is transmitted (in other words, the time when post button 93 is pushed);
(5) the time when the application program is paused; and
(6) a periodical timing nearest to one of the timings (1) to (5).
It is to be noted that the posted text received by posted information receiving unit 32 relates to the application program in the executing state, and the application program in the executing state may be an application program that was being executed at one of the above timings (1) to (6).
The software configuration of information-processing device 10 is not restricted to the example described in the embodiment. For example, in the above embodiment, access module 514 is included in the system software. However, an access module may be included in an application program. In another example, system software 51 may include a function corresponding to portal software 52. As long as the functions shown in
A method for identifying by application identifying unit 14 the application program in the executing state, is not restricted to the example described in the above embodiment. In the above embodiment, description is given for an example in which OS 511 monitors the application program in the executing state, and application identifying module 512 identifies the application program in the executing state by the application ID notified by OS 511. However, the application program may notify its own application ID to application identifying module 512. In another example, application identifying unit 14 may transmit an inquiry of the application ID of the application program in the executing state, and may notify application identifying module 512 of the application ID that is notified by a server. In such a case, the server holds the application ID of the application program in the executing state by inquiring to the system software of information-processing device 10 or by inquiring to the application program, or by receiving notification from the system software or an application program.
At least a part of the functional elements shown in
Information-processing device 10 may have a function to execute plural application programs in parallel, a so-called multi task function. In this case, application identifying unit 14 identifies as the application program in the executing state one application program that is active (more specifically, is executed in the foreground, or is focused for inputting) at the timing when access to post server 20 is instructed, from among plural application programs parallelly executed.
Portal software 52 may be preinstalled in information-processing device 10. In other words, even in a case that portal software 52 is not the system software, portal software 52 may be installed when game application 53 is executed.
In the above embodiment, any user can access a community relating to an application program independent of experience of using the application program. However, access to the community may be restricted to a user who has used the application program. The restriction may be set for each community.
Information-processing device 10 is not restricted to a console type game device. Information-processing device 10 may be a device other than a console type game device, for example, a portable game device, a personal computer, a mobile phone, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistants), or a tablet device. Further, an application program executed in information-processing device 10 is not restricted to a game application. The application program may be other than the game application, for example, a word processing application, educational application, or any other utility software.
The hardware configuration of information-processing device 10 is not restricted to the example shown in
Sequence charts described in the above embodiment are merely examples. The order of the processes is not restricted to the examples.
Posted information is not restricted to information input by a user. A fixed phrase generated by the system or the application program may be used as the posted information.
In the above embodiment, a single information-processing device functions as the information-processing system. However, the information-processing system may include a server device as well as the information-processing device. In such a case, a functional unit of the information-processing system may be implemented a process by a processor of the information-processing device, a process by a processor of the server device, or a process by cooperation of the processor of the information-processing and the processor of the server device. The processes may be assigned to the information-processing device and the server device in any way according to common knowledge of those skilled in the art. Further, the server device may be identical to or different from post server 20.
The application program executed in information-processing device 10 is not restricted to an application program that is provided in a storage medium. The application program may be provided by download via a network such as the Internet. Further, the system software of information-processing device 10 may be provided by a storage medium or by download.
Number | Date | Country | Kind |
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2011-229401 | Oct 2011 | JP | national |
2012-124306 | May 2012 | JP | national |