Method and system for displaying information of other users

Abstract

The present invention provides a method for displaying information of other users on a GraphicalUserInterface (GUI) of a user terminal executed by at least one processor.SOLUTION: The method includes receiving, from a user, a first user input for entering a chat room list screen on a graphical user interface (GUI) of an instant messaging application, displaying, in response to receiving the first user input, update information of a friend user in a first area of the chat room list screen on the GUI, and displaying a chat room list including a plurality of chat rooms in a second area of the chat room list screen on the GUI.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a method and system for displaying information about other users, and more particularly, to a method and system for displaying updated information about users who are friends with a user in a first area of ​​a chat room list screen in response to receiving a user input to enter the chat room list screen on a GUI of an instant messaging application. [Background technology]

[0002] With the widespread use of mobile devices such as smartphones and the development of the Internet, instant messaging applications using mobile devices are widely used. Users of instant messaging applications via mobile devices can exchange various messages and content with other users through chat rooms.

[0003] An instant messaging application may provide various functions for users of the application to communicate with their friends. These functions may include not only interactive functions for sending and receiving messages, but also functions for sending and receiving gifts, creating shared albums, etc. However, as the number of friends in the instant messaging application or the number of chat rooms with them increases, a situation may arise in which it is not possible to fully utilize the various functions with the friends. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2024-0140640 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The present disclosure provides a method for displaying information about other users within an instant messaging application, a recording medium having a computer program recorded thereon, and an apparatus (system) for solving the above-mentioned problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present disclosure may be embodied in various forms, such as a method, an apparatus (system), or a computer program recorded on a readable storage medium.

[0007] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for displaying information of other users on a GUI (Graphical User Interface) of a user terminal executed by at least one processor may include the steps of receiving a first user input from a user to enter a chat room list screen on the GUI of an instant messaging application, displaying update information of users who are friends with the user in a first area of ​​the chat room list screen on the GUI in response to receiving the first user input, and displaying a chat room list including a plurality of chat rooms in a second area of ​​the chat room list screen on the GUI.

[0008] A computer readable program may be provided for executing a method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure on a computer.

[0009] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a user terminal including: a communication module, a display, a memory, and at least one processor coupled to the memory and configured to execute at least one computer-readable program contained in the memory, wherein the at least one program may include commands to receive a first user input from a user to enter a chat room list screen on a GUI of an instant messaging application, and to display, in response to receiving the first user input, update information of users who are friends with the user on the GUI in a first area of ​​the chat room list screen and to display a chat room list including a plurality of chat rooms on the GUI in a second area of ​​the chat room list screen.

[0010] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the update information may include a first type of update information of a first user who is a friend and a second type of update information of a second user who is a friend, and displaying the update information may include alternately displaying the first type of update information and the second type of update information in the first area. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, update information of users who are friends with each other is provided at the top of a chat room list displayed on a chat room list screen, allowing users to receive update information of users who are friends with each other in real time on the chat room list screen. As a result, communication between users can be activated within the instant messaging application, including forming conversation topics, exchanging birthday presents, sharing memories, sharing schedules, etc. Furthermore, activated communication between users can increase the number of users using the instant messaging application.

[0012] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, a first type of update information and a second type of update information are alternately displayed in a first area of ​​a chat room list screen of an instant messaging application, thereby enabling a user of the instant messaging application to effectively receive update information from users with whom they are friends, even within the limited space of the chat room list screen.

[0013] The effects of the present disclosure are not limited to the effects described above, and other effects not described will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains from the description of the claims. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, as described below, in which like reference numerals indicate like elements, but without limitation.

[0015] [Figure 1] 10 illustrates an example of entering a chat room list screen on the GUI of an instant messaging application according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration in which an information processing system is communicably connected to a plurality of user terminals in order to execute an information display service for other users according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] 1 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of a user terminal and an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 illustrates an example of updated information about users in a friendship relationship provided on a chat room list screen in an instant messaging application according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of displaying an update information list in an expanded first area of ​​a chat room list screen according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 illustrates an example of hiding update information according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of entering a screen for checking a detailed list of update information according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8a] 10A-10C illustrate examples of detailed lists of update information according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 8b] FIG. 10 illustrates an example process for updating safety status information according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 illustrates an example of a step of hiding update information according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a method for displaying information of other users on a GUI (Graphical User Interface) of a user terminal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] <Summary of the Invention> According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the update information may include a first type of update information of a first user who is a friend and a second type of update information of a second user who is a friend, and the step of displaying the update information may include a step of alternately displaying the first type of update information and the second type of update information in the first area.

[0017] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the step of displaying the update information further includes receiving a second user input for checking the update information list, expanding and displaying the first area in response to receiving the second user input, and displaying the update information list in the expanded first area, wherein the second area may be reduced in size corresponding to the expanded first area, and the update information list may include first type update information and second type update information.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the step of displaying the update information may further include the steps of receiving a third user input to close the update information list, reducing and displaying the first area in response to receiving the third user input, and alternately displaying the first type of update information and the second type of update information in the reduced first area.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the method may further include receiving a fourth user input for hiding at least one of the first type of update information or the second type of update information, and removing at least one of the first type of update information or the second type of update information from the expanded first area in response to receiving the fourth user input.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the method may further include receiving a fifth user input for viewing a detailed list of the first type of update information, and entering a screen for viewing the detailed list of the first type of update information in response to receiving the fifth user input.

[0021] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the method may further include, after entering a screen for checking the detailed list of the first type of update information, displaying a visual effect for a certain period of time to highlight an area where the detailed list of the first type of update information is displayed.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the update information may include at least one of birthday information, updated profile information, updated album information, updated safety status information, or updated schedule information.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the alternating displaying step may include displaying a first type of update information together with a first visual object in a first area for a first time period and displaying a second type of update information together with a second visual object in the first area for a second time period.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the method may further include receiving a sixth user input for viewing a detailed list of update information, and entering a screen for viewing a detailed list of update information in response to receiving the sixth user input.

[0025] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the method may further include a step of displaying a message guiding the user to the detailed list of update information after entering a screen for checking the detailed list of update information.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the method may further include receiving a seventh user input to return to the chat room list screen, and displaying a message on the chat room list screen suggesting hiding the update information in response to receiving the seventh user input.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the method may further include receiving an eighth user input for hiding the update information, and displaying a pop-up window in response to receiving the eighth user input for reconfirming whether or not to perform the process of hiding the update information.

[0028] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the method may further include receiving a ninth user input accepting reconfirmation, and in response to receiving the ninth user input, shrinking the first area and expanding and displaying a second area in which a chat room list is displayed corresponding to the reduced first area.

[0029] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the method may further include the step of re-displaying the update information in the first area after a certain time period from when the ninth user input is received.

[0030] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the method may further include receiving a tenth user input selecting a specific user after entering a screen for viewing a detailed list of update information, and displaying detailed update information related to the specific user in response to receiving the tenth user input.

[0031] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the method may further include receiving an eleventh user input to return to the chat room list screen, and in response to receiving the eleventh user input, hiding information associated with the specific user from the update information.

[0032] <Detailed Description of the Invention> Hereinafter, specific implementations of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, in the following description, specific descriptions of well-known functions and configurations will be omitted if they may unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present disclosure.

[0033] In the accompanying drawings, identical or corresponding components are denoted by the same reference numerals. In addition, in the following description of the embodiments, duplicated descriptions of identical or corresponding components may be omitted. However, omission of a description of a component does not mean that the component is not included in a certain embodiment.

[0034] The advantages and features of the disclosed embodiments, and methods for achieving them, will become apparent from the following examples, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, and may be embodied in various different forms. The present examples are provided solely to complete the disclosure and fully inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the present disclosure.

[0035] The terms used in this specification will be briefly explained, followed by a detailed description of the disclosed embodiments. The terms used herein are selected to be as general and widely used as possible while taking into consideration the functions of the present disclosure, but these may change depending on the intentions of engineers in the field, precedents, the emergence of new technologies, etc. In addition, in certain cases, the applicant may arbitrarily select terms, and in such cases, the meanings of these terms will be described in detail in the description of the embodiments. Therefore, the terms used in this disclosure should be defined not simply by their names, but based on the meanings of the terms and the content throughout this disclosure.

[0036] In this specification, the singular includes the plural unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Furthermore, the plural includes the singular unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Throughout the specification, when a part is said to include a certain element, it does not mean that it excludes other elements, but that it may further include other elements, unless specifically stated to the contrary.

[0037] Additionally, the terms "module" and "unit" as used herein refer to software or hardware components, each performing a specific function. However, the terms "module" and "unit" are not limited to software or hardware. A "module" or "unit" may reside on an addressable storage medium and execute one or more processors. As an example, a "module" or "unit" may include components such as software components, object-oriented software components, class components, and task components, as well as at least one of processes, functions, attributes, procedures, subroutines, program code segments, drivers, firmware, microcode, circuits, data, databases, data structures, tables, arrays, and variables. The functionality provided by a component and a "module" or "unit" may be combined into fewer components and "modules" or "units," or may be further divided by additional components and "modules" or "units."

[0038] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a "module" or a "unit" may be implemented with a processor and memory. "Processor" should be broadly interpreted to include a general-purpose processor, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a microprocessor, a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), a controller, a microcontroller, a state machine, etc. In some environments, "processor" may refer to an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), a PLD (Programmable Logic Device), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), etc. "Processor" may also refer to a combination of processing devices, such as a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a combination of multiple microprocessors, a combination of one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other combination configuration. Furthermore, "memory" should be broadly interpreted to include any electronic component capable of storing electronic information. "Memory" may refer to various types of processor-readable media, such as RAM, ROM, NVRAM, PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, flash memory, magnetic or optical data storage devices, registers, etc. Memory is said to be in electronic communication with a processor if the processor can read information from or write information to the memory. Memory integrated into a processor is in electronic communication with the processor.

[0039] In the present disclosure, a "system" may include, but is not limited to, at least one of a server device and a cloud device. For example, a system may be configured with one or more server devices. As another example, a system may be configured with one or more cloud devices. As yet another example, a system may be configured and operated by both a server device and a cloud device.

[0040] In this disclosure, "display" may refer to any display device associated with a computing device, such as any display device capable of displaying information / data controlled by or provided by a computing device.

[0041] In the present disclosure, "each of a plurality of A's" or "each of a plurality of A's" may refer to both all of the components included in the plurality of A's and some of the components included in the plurality of A's.

[0042] In this disclosure, a "user" may refer to a user who uses an instant messaging application or a user account for that application, where a user account may refer to an account or data associated therewith that a user creates and uses with the instant messaging application.

[0043] In this disclosure, a "chat room" may refer to a virtual space or group that can be created in an instant messaging application installed on a computing device and that can include one or more users (or user accounts). For example, one or more user accounts can participate in or be included in a chat room and send and receive various types of messages, files, etc. to and from each other. A chat room may also support VoIP calls or VoIP group call functions, allowing voice and / or video calls between user accounts. Not only one or more user accounts, but also one or more bot accounts may be associated with or included in a chat room, and the bot accounts may perform functions equivalent to or similar to those of user accounts within the chat room. A bot account or a user account may be associated with or included in one or more chat rooms. A chat room may also include a group chat room that multiple users can join, or an open chat room that anyone can join via a chat room search, link, etc.

[0044] In this disclosure, "friended users" may refer to other users or their user accounts who are friends with the user in the instant messaging application, unless otherwise specified.

[0045] In the present disclosure, a "profile picture" is an image that represents a user account within an instant messaging application and may be displayed as a picture introducing the user account in a list of user accounts within the instant messaging application. A user of an instant messaging application may register an image that introduces the user as a profile picture for the user account.

[0046] Various embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The sizes and positions of display screens, images, buttons, etc. shown and described in the drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not limiting. For example, some buttons may be added or omitted, or configured with sizes and positions different from those shown. In addition, the flowcharts shown in the drawings and the accompanying description are merely examples, and some embodiments may be implemented in different forms. For example, one or more steps may be omitted, the order of steps may be changed, one or more steps may be performed redundantly, or one or more steps may be performed repeatedly.

[0047] 1 illustrates an example of entering a chat room list screen on the GUI of an instant messaging application according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated, a user can enter the chat room list screen through a process shown in a first operation (110) and a second operation (120).

[0048] A first operation (110) illustrates an example in which a first user input (112) for entering a chat room list screen is received on a graphical user interface (GUI) of an instant messaging application. The screen illustrated in the first operation (110) may be an example of a main screen of the instant messaging application. As illustrated, a button (or icon) for entering the chat room list screen may be provided at the bottom of the main screen. When a user selects the button for entering the chat room list screen by touch input or the like, the processor can receive the first user input (112) for entering the chat room list screen. Here, the button for entering the chat room list screen is not limited to being provided only on the main screen. Therefore, the button may also be provided on other screens (e.g., a shopping screen, a news screen, a wallet screen, etc.) that the instant messaging application may provide, and the user can also enter the chat room list screen via a button provided on another screen.

[0049] A second operation 120 illustrates an example in which a chat room listing screen is provided in response to receiving a first user input 112 to enter the chat room listing screen. As shown, in response to receiving the first user input 112, a chat room listing screen may be provided on the GUI of an instant messaging application.

[0050] In one embodiment, the first area 122 of the chat room list screen displays update information of users who are friends with the user, and the second area 124 of the chat room list screen displays a chat room list including multiple chat rooms. Here, the size of the first area 122 may be the same as or similar to the size of an area in the chat room list screen where one chat room is displayed. The first area 122 may also be located above the second area 124 where the chat room list is displayed. Therefore, even if the number of chat rooms included in the chat room list increases, the chat room located at the bottom of the multiple chat rooms simply disappears from the chat room list screen, and update information of users who are friends with the user displayed in the first area 122 can still be provided on the chat room list screen. For example, as shown in the second operation 120, it can be seen that only half of the chat room with "User M" included in the chat room list is displayed on the chat room list screen. This allows the user to check update information of users who are friends with the user provided in the first area 122 without missing any updates, even if the number of chat rooms increases.

[0051] In one embodiment, the update information of the friend users displayed in the first area 122 may include at least one of birthday information, updated profile information, updated album information, updated safety status information, or updated schedule information. Additionally, the update information of the friend users may further include information on newly added friends. Details of each update information will be described later with reference to FIG. 4.

[0052] Updates from users who are friends with the user are displayed at the top of the chat room list screen, allowing the user to check updates from users who are friends with the user in real time on the chat room list screen. As a result, communication between users within the instant messaging application can be activated, including forming conversation topics, sharing birthday presents, memories, schedules, etc. Furthermore, activated communication between users can increase the influx of users into the instant messaging application.

[0053] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration in which an information processing system 230 is communicatively connected to multiple user terminals 210_1, 210_2, and 210_3 to execute an information display service for other users according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The information processing system 230 may include systems capable of providing instant messaging services and / or systems capable of executing the information display service for other users. In one embodiment, the information processing system 230 may include one or more server devices and / or databases, or one or more distributed computing devices and / or distributed databases based on cloud computing services, that may store, provide, and execute computer-executable programs (e.g., downloadable applications) and data related to the instant messaging service and / or the information display service for other users. For example, the information processing system 230 may include separate systems (e.g., servers) for the instant messaging service and / or the information display service for other users.

[0054] The instant messaging service, information display service of other users, etc. provided by the information processing system 230 may be provided to users via instant messaging applications, etc. installed on the multiple user terminals 210_1, 210_2, 210_3. For example, the instant messaging service may include a text messaging service, a voice messaging service, a video call service, a voice call service, a video streaming service, a social network service, an information display service of other users, etc. between users of the instant messaging application.

[0055] A plurality of user terminals (210_1, 210_2, 210_3) can communicate with an information processing system (230) via a network (220). The network (220) can be configured to enable communication between the plurality of user terminals (210_1, 210_2, 210_3) and the information processing system (230). Depending on the installation environment, the network (220) can be configured as a wired network such as Ethernet, a wired home network (Power Line Communication), a telephone line communication device, or RS-serial communication, a mobile communication network, a wireless network such as WLAN, Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), or ZigBee, or a combination thereof. The communication method is not limited and can include not only a communication method utilizing a communication network that the network (220) may include (e.g., a mobile communication network, a wired Internet, a wireless Internet, a broadcast network, a satellite network, etc.), but also short-range wireless communication between the user terminals (210_1, 210_2, 210_3).

[0056] In FIG. 2 , a mobile phone terminal 210_1, a tablet terminal 210_2, and a PC terminal 210_3 are shown as examples of user terminals, but are not limited thereto. The user terminals 210_1, 210_2, and 210_3 may be any computing devices capable of wired and / or wireless communication and capable of installing and executing an instant messaging application or the like. For example, the user terminals may include smartphones, mobile phones, navigation systems, computers, notebooks, digital broadcasting terminals, PDAs, PMPs, tablet PCs, game consoles, wearable devices, IoT devices, VR devices, AR devices, and the like. In addition, in FIG. 2 , three user terminals 210_1, 210_2, and 210_3 are shown communicating with the information processing system 230 via the network 220, but are not limited thereto. A different number of user terminals may be configured to be able to communicate with the information processing system 230 via the network 220.

[0057] In one embodiment, each of the user terminals (210_1, 210_2, 210_3) can receive information or data from or transmit information or data to other user terminals via the network (220).

[0058] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating the internal configuration of a user terminal 210 and an information processing system 230 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The user terminal 210 may refer to any computing device capable of executing applications, a web browser, and the like, and capable of wired or wireless communication. For example, the user terminal 210 may include the mobile phone terminal 210_1, tablet terminal 210_2, or PC terminal 210_3 of FIG. 2. As illustrated, the user terminal 210 may include a memory 312, a processor 314, a communication module 316, and an input / output interface 318. Similarly, the information processing system 230 may include a memory 332, a processor 334, a communication module 336, and an input / output interface 338. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the user terminal 210 and the information processing system 230 may be configured to communicate information and / or data over the network 220 using their respective communication modules 316 and 336. Additionally, the input / output device 320 may be configured to input information and / or data to the user terminal 210 or output information and / or data generated by the user terminal 210 via the input / output interface 318.

[0059] The memory 312, 332 may include any non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. According to one embodiment, the memory 312, 332 may include a non-volatile mass storage device such as a ROM, disk drive, SSD, or flash memory. As another example, a non-volatile mass storage device such as a ROM, SSD, flash memory, or disk drive may be included in the user terminal 210 or the information processing system 230 as a separate permanent storage device distinct from the memory. The memory 312, 332 may also store an operating system and at least one program code.

[0060] These software components may be loaded from a computer-readable storage medium separate from the memory 312, 332. The separate computer-readable storage medium may include a storage medium directly connectable to the user terminal 210 and the information processing system 230. For example, the separate computer-readable storage medium may include a floppy drive, a disk, a tape, a DVD / CD-ROM drive, a memory card, or other computer-readable storage medium. Alternatively, the software components may be loaded into the memory 312, 332 via the communication module 316, 336 rather than from a computer-readable storage medium. For example, at least one program may be loaded into the memory 312, 332 based on a computer program installed from a file provided over the network 220 by a developer or a file distribution system that distributes application installation files.

[0061] The processors 314, 334 may be configured to process computer program instructions by performing basic arithmetic, logic, and input / output operations. The instructions may be provided to the processors 314, 334 by the memory 312, 332 or the communication modules 316, 336. For example, the processors 314, 334 may be configured to execute instructions received from a program code stored in a storage device, such as the memory 312, 332.

[0062] The communications modules 316, 336 provide the functionality or structure for the user terminal 210 and the information processing system 230 to communicate with each other via the network 220, and may also provide the functionality or structure for the user terminal 210 and / or the information processing system 230 to communicate with other user terminals or other systems (e.g., another cloud system). For example, requests or data generated by the processor 314 of the user terminal 210 in accordance with program code stored in a storage device such as memory 312 may be transmitted to the information processing system 230 via the network 220 under the control of the communications module 316. Conversely, control signals or commands provided by the processor 334 of the information processing system 230 may be transmitted to the communications module 316 of the user terminal 210 via the communications module 336 and the network 220, and received by the user terminal 210. For example, the user terminal (210) can receive update information about users who are friends with the user from the information processing system (230).

[0063] The input / output interface 318 may be a means for interfacing with the input / output device 320. For example, the input device may be a camera including an audio sensor and / or an image sensor, a keyboard, a microphone, a mouse, or the like, while the output device may be a display, a speaker, a haptic feedback device, or the like. For example, the input / output interface 318 may be a means for interfacing with a device that has an integrated configuration or function for simultaneous input and output, such as a touchscreen. For example, when the processor 314 of the user terminal 210 processes instructions from a computer program loaded into the memory 312, a service screen or the like, configured with information and / or data provided by the information processing system 230 or another user terminal, may be displayed on the display via the input / output interface 318. While FIG. 3 illustrates the input / output device 320 as being separate from the user terminal 210, this is not limiting and the input / output device 320 may be configured as a single device. Additionally, the input / output interface 338 of the information processing system 230 may be a means for interfacing with an input or output device (not shown) that may be connected to or included in the information processing system 230. While the input / output interfaces 318, 338 are shown in Figure 3 as elements configured separately from the processors 314, 334, this is not limiting, and the input / output interfaces 318, 338 may be configured to be included in the processors 314, 334.

[0064] The user terminal 210 and the information processing system 230 may include many other components in addition to those shown in FIG. 3 . However, it is not necessary to clearly illustrate the majority of conventional components. In one embodiment, the user terminal 210 may be implemented to include at least some of the above-described input / output devices 320. The user terminal 210 may also include other components such as a transceiver, a GPS module, a camera, various sensors, a database, etc. For example, if the user terminal 210 is a smartphone, the user terminal 210 may also be implemented to include various components typically included in a smartphone, such as an acceleration sensor, a gyro sensor, a microphone module, a camera module, various physical buttons, buttons using a touch panel, an input / output port, a vibrator, etc.

[0065] While a program such as an instant messaging application including a service for displaying information of other users is running, the processor 314 may receive input or selected text, images, videos, sounds, and / or actions, etc., via input devices such as a touch screen, keyboard, camera including an audio sensor and / or image sensor, microphone, etc. connected to the input / output interface 318, and may store the received text, images, videos, sounds, and / or actions, etc. in the memory 312 or provide them to the information processing system 230 via the communication module 316 and the network 220.

[0066] The processor 314 of the user terminal 210 may be configured to manage, process, and / or store information and / or data received from the input / output device 320, other user terminals, the information processing system 230, and / or multiple external systems. The information and / or data processed by the processor 314 may be provided to the information processing system 230 via the communication module 316 and the network 220. The processor 314 of the user terminal 210 may transmit information and / or data to the input / output device 320 for output via the input / output interface 318. For example, the processor 314 may display the received information and / or data on a screen of the user terminal 210.

[0067] The processor 334 of the information processing system 230 may be configured to manage, process, and / or store information and / or data received from the user terminals 210 and / or the external systems. The information and / or data processed by the processor 334 may be provided to the user terminals 210 via the communication module 336 and the network 220.

[0068] 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of update information of users who are friends with a user provided on a chat room list screen in an instant messaging application according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in the first act (410) through the fourth act (440), a user can receive update information of users who are friends with a user via the chat room list screen in the instant messaging application. The first act (410) through the fourth act (440) may be an example of a chat room list screen provided in response to receiving a first user input (112) to enter the chat room list screen of FIG. 1.

[0069] In one embodiment, the update information of the friend users may include at least one of birthday information, updated profile information, updated album information, updated safety status information, or updated schedule information. Additionally, the update information of the friend users may further include information of newly added friends.

[0070] A first operation (410) illustrates an example in which birthday information of users who are friends with each other is provided via a chat room list screen in an instant messaging application. As illustrated, the birthday information of users who are friends with each other is provided in a first area (412) in the chat room list screen, and a chat room list including multiple chat rooms may be provided in a second area (414) located below the first area (412).

[0071] Here, the birthday information of the friend user may include, but is not limited to, first image information, first title information, first detailed information, and a first visual object (416). The first image information may include information regarding the user's profile picture included in the first detailed information. For example, in the first operation (410), if the friend user whose birthday is today is "User A," the first image information may display the profile picture of "User A" in an instant messaging application. The first title information may be a phrase indicating the type of update information. For example, if the update information provided in the first operation (410) is birthday information of a friend user, the phrase "Today's birthday friends" may be displayed as the first title information. This allows the user to recognize that the update information provided in the first operation (410) is birthday information of a friend user. The first detailed information may include a list of friends associated with the update information. For example, in the first operation (410), if the friend user whose birthday is today is "User A," "User A" may be displayed in the first detailed information. The first visual object 416 may be a visual object that indicates the type of update information. For example, if the update information provided in the first operation 410 is birthday information of a friend user, an image of a party hat may be displayed as the first visual object 416. This allows the user to recognize that the update information provided in the first operation 410 is birthday information of a friend user. While FIG. 2 shows one birthday user, this is not limiting. If there are multiple birthday users, information (e.g., image information, detailed information, etc.) about the multiple birthday users may be displayed together in the first area 412.

[0072] A second operation (420) illustrates an example in which updated profile information of a user who is a friend is provided via a chat room list screen in an instant messaging application. As illustrated, the updated profile information of a user who is a friend is provided in a first area (e.g., the first area (412) in the first operation (410)) in the chat room list screen, and a chat room list including multiple chat rooms may be provided in a second area (e.g., the second area (414) in the first operation (410)) located below the first area (412).

[0073] Here, the updated profile information of the friend users may include, but is not limited to, second image information, second title information, second detailed information, and a second visual object (422). The second image information may include information regarding the profile photos of the users included in the second detailed information. For example, in the second operation (420), if the friend users who updated their profile information are "User C, User D, User E, and User F," the second image information may display profile photos in the instant messaging application of "User C, User D, User E, and User F." In this case, as shown in the figure, if there are multiple users included in the second detailed information, the multiple profile photos may be displayed separately as a single image. The second title information may be a phrase indicating the type of update information. For example, if the update information provided in the second operation (420) is updated profile information of a friend user, the phrase "Recently updated profiles" may be displayed as the second title information. This allows the user to recognize that the update information provided in the second operation (420) is updated profile information of a friend user. The second detailed information may include a list of users who are friends and who are associated with the update information. For example, if the users who updated their profile information in the second operation (420) are "User C, User D, User E, and User F," the second detailed information may display "User C, User D, User E, and User F." The second visual object (422) may be a visual object indicating the type of update information. For example, if the update information provided in the second operation (420) is updated profile information of a friend, a green circle image may be displayed as the second visual object (422). Here, the green circle image may be a visual object (e.g., an icon, image, etc.) that symbolizes a profile update in an instant messaging application.This allows the user to recognize that the updated information provided in the second operation (420) is the updated profile information of a user with whom the user is a friend.

[0074] A third operation (430) illustrates an example in which updated album information of users who are friends is provided via a chat room list screen in an instant messaging application. As illustrated, updated album information of users who are friends is provided in a first area (e.g., the first area (412) of the first operation (410)) in the chat room list screen, and a chat room list including multiple chat rooms may be provided in a second area (e.g., the second area (414) of the first operation (410)) located below the first area (412).

[0075] Here, the updated album information of a friend user may include, but is not limited to, third image information, third title information, and third detailed information. The third image information may include information about an album photo included in the third detailed information. For example, if a new album to be shared with a friend user is created in the third operation (430), a representative photo of the newly created album may be displayed in the third image information. The third title information may be a statement indicating the type of update information. For example, if the update information provided in the third operation (430) is updated album information of a friend user, the third title information may display the statement "The album made with friends." This allows the user to recognize that the update information provided in the third operation (430) is updated album information of a friend user. The third detailed information may include a list of albums related to the update information. For example, if a new album to be shared with a friend user is created in the third operation (430) and the created album name is "Family Trip," the third detailed information may display the statement "'Family Trip' album created."

[0076] A fourth operation (440) illustrates an example in which updated safety status information of users who are friends with each other is provided via a chat room list screen within an instant messaging application. As illustrated, the updated safety status information of users who are friends with each other may be provided in a first area (e.g., first area (412) of first operation (410)) within the chat room list screen, and a chat room list including multiple chat rooms may be provided in a second area (e.g., second area (414) of first operation (410)) located below the first area (412).

[0077] Here, the updated safety status information of the friend users may include, but is not limited to, fourth image information, fourth title information, and fourth detailed information. The fourth image information may include an image showing disaster information. For example, if an earthquake occurs in the fourth operation (440), an image related to the earthquake may be displayed in the fourth image information. The fourth title information may be text indicating the type of update information. For example, if the update information provided in the fourth operation (440) is updated safety status information of a friend user, the fourth title information may display the text "Confirmation of safety." This allows the user to recognize that the update information provided in the fourth operation (440) is updated safety status information of a friend user. The fourth detailed information may include a list of friends who are associated with the update information. For example, if the friends who are located within the earthquake's affected zone are "User N, User O, User P, User Q, User S, and User T" in the fourth operation (440), the fourth detailed information may include "User N, User O, User P, User Q, User S, and User T." In this case, only "User N" to "User P" are displayed, and the remaining users are displayed as "...".

[0078] In one embodiment, the update information of the friends may include a first type of update information of a first friend and a second type of update information of a second friend. Here, each of the first type of update information and the second type of update information may include at least one of birthday information, updated profile information, updated album information, updated safety status information, or updated schedule information. A processor (e.g., processor 314 of FIG. 3 ) may receive the update information of the friends from an information processing system (e.g., information processing system 230 of FIG. 3 ). As the number of types of update information received by the processor increases, the update information of the friends may include not only the first type of update information and the second type of update information but also an Nth type of update information of an Nth friend (where N is a natural number greater than or equal to 3).

[0079] In one embodiment, the processor may alternately display update information of a first type, a second type, etc., in a first area of ​​a chat room list screen of an instant messaging application. For example, if the processor receives update information of the first type as birthday information and update information of the second type as updated profile information, the processor may alternately display the first action (410) and the second action (420). As another example, if the processor receives update information of the first type as birthday information, update information of the second type as updated profile information, update information of a third type as updated album information, and update information of a fourth type as updated safety status information, the processor may alternately display the first action (410) through the fourth action (440). That is, the first action (410) through the fourth action (440) may be sequentially displayed at regular intervals, and then the first action (410) through the fourth action (440) may be sequentially displayed at regular intervals.

[0080] In one embodiment, the processor's alternating display of the first type of update information and the second type of update information in the first area may include repeatedly executing the following: the first type of update information disappearing while descending to the bottom of the first area, while the second type of update information appears descending from the top of the first area; and the second type of update information disappearing while descending to the bottom of the first area, while the first type of update information appears descending from the top of the first area. For example, if the processor receives the first type of update information for birthday information and the second type of update information for updated profile information, update information related to birthday information displayed in the first area (412) of the screen provided in the first operation (410) disappears while descending to the bottom of the first area (412), while update information related to updating the profile information appears descending from the top of the first area (412), resulting in the screen provided in the second operation (420). In the first area 412 of the screen provided in the second operation 420, updated profile information disappears as it descends to the bottom of the first area 412, while updated birthday information appears as it descends from the top of the first area 412, resulting in the screen being the same as that provided in the first operation 410. This operation can be repeated, even if the number of types of update information received by the processor increases.

[0081] In one embodiment, the processor's alternating display of the first type of update information and the second type of update information in the first area may include displaying the first type of update information with a first visual object in the first area for a first time period and displaying the second type of update information with a second visual object in the first area for a second time period. For example, if the processor receives birthday information of the first type and updated profile information of the second type, the processor may display the birthday information (e.g., the birthday information provided in the first operation (410)) with a first visual object (416) in the first area (412) for a first time period and display the updated profile information (e.g., the updated profile information provided in the second operation (420)) with a second visual object (422) in the first area (412) for a second time period. Here, the first and second times may be the same or different and may be determined based on a predetermined weighting associated with the importance of the update information.

[0082] In one embodiment, the processor may receive a first user input 418 for viewing a detailed list of update information, and may provide a screen for viewing the detailed list of update information in response to receiving the first user input 418. For example, the processor may receive the first user input 418 for viewing the detailed list of update information when the user selects a first area 412 of the chat room list screen provided in the first operation 410 by touch or the like. This may also be performed in the second operation 420 through the fourth operation 440, and the screens for viewing the detailed list of update information provided in response to receiving the first user input 418 in each operation will be described below with reference to FIG. 8a.

[0083] By alternately displaying a first type of update information, a second type of update information, etc. in a first area of ​​a chat room list screen of an instant messaging application, users of the application can effectively receive update information from users with whom they are friends, even within the limited space of the chat room list screen.

[0084] 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of displaying an update information list in an expanded first area of ​​a chat room list screen according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in the figure, a user can expand the first area through the processes shown in a first operation (510) and a second operation (520) and check the update information list through the expanded first area.

[0085] A first operation 510 illustrates an example in which an expand button 516 for expanding a first region 512 in a chat room list screen is provided on the GUI of an instant messaging application. As illustrated, the expand button 516 for expanding the first region 512 may be provided to the right of the first region 512 in the chat room list screen. When a user selects the expand button 516 by touch input or the like, a processor (e.g., processor 314 of FIG. 3 ) may receive a first user input for viewing an update information list. In response to receiving the first user input, the processor may expand and display the first region 512 and display the update information list in the expanded first region 522. Additionally, the second region 514 may be reduced in size to correspond to the expanded first region 522.

[0086] In one embodiment, if the processor receives two or more types of update information about friends from an information processing system (e.g., information processing system 230 of FIG. 3), an expand button 516 for expanding the first area 512 may be provided in the first area 512 within the chat room list screen. Therefore, if the processor receives one or less types of update information about friends from the information processing system, the expand button 516 for expanding the first area 512 may not be provided in the first area 512 within the chat room list screen. For example, if the processor receives three types of update information about friends from the information processing system in the first operation 510: birthday information, updated profile information, and updated album information, the expand button 516 may be provided in the first area 512, and the three types of update information may be displayed alternately. Alternatively, if the update information of a friend user received by the processor from the information processing system in the first operation 510 is birthday information, the expand button 516 may not be provided in the first area 512. In this case, instead of the expand button 516, a separate visual object (e.g., a right-pointing arrow) may be displayed to distinguish the first area 512 from the second area 514.

[0087] A second operation (520) illustrates an example in which a first area (512) in a chat room list screen is expanded on the GUI of an instant messaging application, and an update information list is provided in the expanded first area (522). As shown, in response to receiving a first user input to confirm the update information list, the first area (512) in the chat room list screen may be expanded, and the update information list may be provided in the expanded first area (522). Additionally, the second area (514) may be reduced in size to correspond to the expanded first area (522).

[0088] In one embodiment, an update information list may be displayed in the expanded first area (522). Here, the update information list may display update information of friends received by the processor from the information processing system. For example, if the update information of friends received by the processor from the information processing system includes birthday information, updated profile information, and updated album information, the birthday information, updated profile information, and updated album information may be arranged vertically in the expanded first area (522). Here, the order of the update information in the update information list may be determined based on a predetermined weighting associated with the importance of the update information. Alternatively, the update information may be sorted in a recommendation order determined by an AI-based learning model and displayed in the expanded first area (522). Furthermore, the reduced number of chat rooms corresponding to the expanded first area (522) may be displayed in the reduced second area (524).

[0089] In one embodiment, a first visual object 528 may be displayed between the expanded first area 522 and the contracted second area 524 to distinguish them from each other, allowing the user to clearly distinguish between the list of updates and the list of chat rooms provided in the expanded first area 522.

[0090] In one embodiment, as shown in a second operation (520), a shrink button (526) for closing the update information list may be provided to the right of the expanded first area (522) in the chat room list screen. When a user selects the shrink button (526) by touch input or the like, the processor may receive a second user input for closing the update information list. In response to receiving the second user input, the processor may shrink and display the expanded first area (522) and alternately display the first type of update information, the second type of update information, etc. in the shrunken first area. In this case, the shrunken first area may be the same as the first area (512) in the first operation (510). Furthermore, the shrunken second area (524) may be expanded to correspond to the shrunken first area. Therefore, the operation provided by the processor in response to receiving the second user input in the second operation (520) may be the same as that in the first operation (510).

[0091] 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of hiding update information according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in the figure, a user can hide update information so that it is not displayed in a first area through a process shown in a first operation (610) and a second operation (620).

[0092] A first operation (610) illustrates an example in which a first user input (616) for hiding update information included in an update information list is received on the GUI of an instant messaging application. The first operation (610) may be an operation performed consecutively from the second operation (520) of FIG. 5. As illustrated, an update information list including multiple update information may be provided in a first area (612) within a chat room list screen of the instant messaging application. Also, a chat room list including multiple chat rooms may be provided in a second area (614) within the chat room list screen of the instant messaging application.

[0093] In one embodiment, a processor (e.g., processor 314 of FIG. 3 ) may receive a first user input 616 for hiding at least one of the update information items included in the update information list. For example, the first user input 616 may be sent to the processor by a user swiping from right to left on the update information item to be hidden. As another example, the user may touch the update information item to be hidden for a certain period of time or select a hide option from a pop-up menu that appears when the user touches the update information item to be hidden for a certain period of time or more. In response to receiving the first user input 616, the processor may remove the update information item that the user wants to hide from the first area 612. In this case, the removed update information item may be displayed again in the first area 612 after a certain period of time (e.g., 24 hours) from the time the processor receives the first user input.

[0094] A second operation (620) illustrates an example in which the first area (612) is reduced and the second area (614) is expanded as update information that the user wants to hide is removed from the first area. As illustrated, update information excluding the removed update information among multiple update information included in the update information list may be displayed in the reduced first area (622). For example, if the update information list includes birthday information, updated profile information, and updated album information and a first user input (616) to hide the birthday information is received, the updated profile information and updated album information excluding the removed birthday information may be displayed in the reduced first area (622). Furthermore, a chat room list including multiple chat rooms may be displayed in the expanded second area (624) corresponding to the reduced first area (622).

[0095] 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of entering a screen for checking a detailed list of update information according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in the figure, a user can check a detailed list of update information through the processes shown in a first operation (710) and a second operation (720).

[0096] A first operation (710) illustrates an example in which a first user input (716) to view a detailed list of update information is received on the GUI of an instant messaging application. The first operation (710) may be an operation performed consecutively from the second operation (620) of FIG. 6. As illustrated, a list of update information including multiple update information may be provided in a first area (712) within a chat room list screen of the instant messaging application. Also, a chat room list including multiple chat rooms may be provided in a second area (714) within the chat room list screen of the instant messaging application.

[0097] In one embodiment, a processor (e.g., processor 314 of FIG. 3 ) may receive a first user input 716 for viewing a detailed list of update information. For example, the processor may receive the first user input 716 when the user selects one type of update information from among multiple types of update information included in the update information list, for example, by touch input. In response to receiving the first user input 716, the processor may provide a screen for the user to view a detailed list of the update information of the selected type. For example, if in the first operation 710 the user selects updated profile information from among updated profile information and updated album information included in the update information list, a screen for viewing a detailed list of the updated profile information may be provided.

[0098] A second operation (720) illustrates an example in which a screen for viewing a detailed list of update information is provided. As illustrated, a detailed list of selected update information may be displayed in a third area (722). Here, the detailed list of update information may display a detailed list of users associated with the selected update information. For example, if the update information selected in the second operation (720) is updated profile information and the users associated with the updated profile information are "User C, User D, User E, and User F," selecting the updated profile information in the first user input (716) may display a list of users in the third area (722) along with their profile photos.

[0099] In one embodiment, after a screen for viewing the detailed list of update information is provided, a first visual effect (726) for highlighting the area where the detailed list of update information is displayed may be displayed for a certain period of time. Here, as shown in the figure, in the second operation (720), the first visual effect (726) may be displayed by changing the background color of the area where the detailed list of update information is displayed (e.g., the third area (722) of the second operation (720)) for a certain period of time. Note that examples of the first visual effect (726) are various and are not limited to the above.

[0100] In one embodiment, the third area 722 may display a profile picture of the user included in the detailed list of update information, along with a first visual object 729 indicating the type of update information. For example, if the update information provided in the second operation 720 is updated profile information of a friend user, a green circle image may be displayed as the first visual object 729. Here, the green circle image may be an image symbolizing a profile update.

[0101] In one embodiment, after a screen for reviewing the detailed list of update information is provided, the processor may receive a second user input (728) selecting a specific user. For example, when a user selects a specific user from among multiple users included in the detailed list of update information, for example, by touch input, the processor may receive the second user input (728). In response to receiving the second user input (728), the processor may display detailed update information related to the specific user. For example, if a user input selecting "User C" is received in the second operation (720), the processor may display an enlarged screen displaying updated profile information for "User C." In this case, after the user is provided with the enlarged screen displaying updated profile information for "User C," the first visual object (729) displayed along with the profile photo of "User C" may be hidden. In addition, the order of "User C" in the detailed list of update information may be rearranged. For example, the order of the detailed list of update information may be rearranged to "User D, User E, User F, User C" from the left.

[0102] In one embodiment, the processor may receive a third user input to return to the chat room list screen. For example, if the user selects the "Chats" button located in the upper left corner of the screen provided in the second operation (720) by touch input, the processor may receive the third user input to return to the chat room list screen. In response to receiving the third user input, the processor may hide information related to a specific user from the update information provided on the chat room list screen. Here, the specific user may correspond to a user who has completed checking the detailed update information via the screen provided in the second operation (720). For example, if the processor receives a third user input from the user to return to the chat room list screen after completing checking the detailed update information related to "User C" via the screen provided in the second operation (720), the processor may hide information related to "User C" from the update information on the chat room list screen (e.g., the screen provided in the second operation (420) of FIG. 4 or the second operation (620) of FIG. 6) in response to receiving the third user input.

[0103] 8a is a diagram illustrating an example of a detailed list of update information according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. The screens shown in the first operation (810) to the fourth operation (840) may be screens showing a detailed list of update information according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0104] The screen shown in the first operation (810) may be a screen showing a detailed list of update information related to birthday information. The screen shown in the first operation (810) may be a screen showing a detailed list of update information related to birthday information, which is provided in response to the processor receiving a user input for confirming the detailed list of update information (e.g., which may correspond to the first user input (418) of FIG. 4) on the screen shown in the first operation (410) of FIG. 4. As shown, the first area (812) may display a detailed list of update information related to updated profile information, and the second area (814) may display a detailed list of update information related to birthday information. Here, the detailed list of update information related to birthday information may display a list of first users who are friends with the user and whose birthdays are their birthdays. In addition, the user may enter a screen for sending a birthday gift to the first user by selecting, for example, a "Gift" button provided to the right of the detailed list of update information related to birthday information using a touch input.

[0105] In one embodiment, after a screen for viewing the detailed list of update information is provided, a first message (816) guiding the user to the detailed list of update information may be displayed. Here, the first message (816) may be changed depending on the type of update information selected by the user's input for viewing the detailed list of update information. For example, as shown in the first operation (810), if the type of update information selected by the user's input is birthday information, the first message (816) may display the words "Check friend's birthdays."

[0106] In one embodiment, after a screen for viewing the detailed list of update information is provided, a first visual effect 818 may be displayed for a certain period of time to highlight the area where the detailed list of update information is displayed. Here, as shown in the first operation 810, the first visual effect 818 may be displayed by changing the background color of the area where the detailed list of update information is displayed (e.g., the second area 814 of the first operation 810) for a certain period of time. However, examples of the first visual effect 818 are various and are not limited to this.

[0107] The screen shown in the second operation (820) may be a screen showing a detailed list of update information related to the updated profile information. The screen shown in the second operation (820) may be a screen showing a detailed list of update information related to the updated profile information, which is provided in response to the processor receiving a user input for confirming the detailed list of update information (e.g., which may correspond to the first user input (418) in FIG. 4) on the screen shown in the second operation (420) in FIG. 4. As shown, the detailed list of update information related to the updated profile information may be displayed in the first area (812), and the detailed list of update information related to birthday information may be displayed in the second area (814). Here, the detailed list of update information related to the updated profile information may display a list of second users who have updated their profile information among users who are friends with the user. In addition, when the user selects, by touch input or the like, the profile photo of the second user provided in the detailed list of update information related to the updated profile information, an enlarged screen of the second user's updated profile information may be provided.

[0108] In one embodiment, after the screen for viewing the detailed list of update information is provided, a second message (822) guiding the user to the detailed list of update information may be displayed. Here, the second message (822) may be changed depending on the type of update information selected by the user input for viewing the detailed list of update information. For example, as shown in the second operation (820), if the type of update information selected by the user input is updated profile information, the second message (822) may display the phrase "Check friend's updated profiles."

[0109] In one embodiment, after a screen for viewing the detailed list of update information is provided, a second visual effect 824 may be displayed for a certain period of time to highlight the area where the detailed list of update information is displayed. Here, as shown in the second operation 820, the second visual effect 824 may be displayed by changing the background color of the area where the detailed list of update information is displayed (e.g., the first area 812 in the first operation 810) for a certain period of time. However, examples of the second visual effect 824 are various and are not limited to this.

[0110] The screen shown in the third operation (830) may be a screen showing a detailed list of update information related to the updated album information. The screen shown in the third operation (830) may be a screen showing a detailed list of update information related to the updated album information, which is provided in response to the processor receiving a user input for confirming the detailed list of update information (e.g., which may correspond to the first user input (418) in FIG. 4) on the screen shown in the third operation (430) in FIG. 4. As shown, the detailed list of update information related to the updated album information may be displayed in the third area (832), and the detailed list of update information related to birthday information may be displayed in the fourth area (834). Here, the detailed list of update information related to the updated album information may display a list of newly created first albums shared with users who are friends. In addition, a detailed screen of photos included in the first album may be provided when the user selects, by touch input or the like, a representative photo of the first album provided in the detailed list of update information related to the updated album information. Alternatively, the third area (832) may display a list of friends including a detailed list of update information related to birthday information, and the fourth area (834) may display a detailed list of update information related to updated album information, in the reverse order of the third operation (830) shown in the figure.

[0111] In one embodiment, after the screen for viewing the detailed list of update information is provided, a third message 836 may be displayed to guide the user to the detailed list of update information. Here, the third message 836 may change depending on the type of update information selected by the user's input for viewing the detailed list of update information. For example, as shown in the third operation 830, if the type of update information selected by the user's input is updated album information, the third message 836 may display the words "Check new album updates."

[0112] In one embodiment, after a screen for viewing the detailed list of update information is provided, a third visual effect 838 may be displayed for a certain period of time to highlight the area where the detailed list of update information is displayed. Here, as shown in the third operation 830, the third visual effect 838 may be displayed by changing the background color of the area where the detailed list of update information is displayed (e.g., the third area 832 of the third operation 830) for a certain period of time. However, various examples of the third visual effect 838 are possible and are not limited to this.

[0113] The screen shown in the fourth operation (840) may be a screen showing a detailed list of update information related to the updated safety status information. The screen shown in the fourth operation (840) may be a screen showing a detailed list of update information related to the updated safety status information, which is provided in response to the processor receiving a user input for confirming the detailed list of update information (e.g., which may correspond to the first user input (418) in FIG. 4) on the screen shown in the fourth operation (440) in FIG. 4 . As shown, the detailed list of update information related to the safety status information may be displayed in the fifth area (842). Here, the detailed list of update information related to the updated safety status information may display natural disaster information and a list of third users who are friends and are located within the scope of the natural disaster. Furthermore, if a user using an instant messaging application is located within the scope of the natural disaster, a button for updating the user's own safety status (e.g., an “Edit status” button in the fourth operation (840)) may be provided. The user can update their own safety status information to their friends by selecting the button, for example, by touch input.

[0114] In one embodiment, after the screen for reviewing the detailed list of update information is provided, a fourth message (844) guiding the user to the detailed list of update information may be displayed. Here, the fourth message (844) may change depending on the type of update information selected by the user input for reviewing the detailed list of update information. For example, as shown in the fourth operation (840), if the type of update information selected by the user input is updated safety status information, the fourth message (844) may display the following phrase: "Update your status message to let your friends know exactly how you're doing."

[0115] In one embodiment, after a screen for viewing the detailed list of update information is provided, a fourth visual effect 846 may be displayed for a certain period of time to highlight the area where the detailed list of update information is displayed. Here, as shown in the fourth operation 840, the fourth visual effect 846 may be displayed by changing the background color of the area where the detailed list of update information is displayed (e.g., the fifth area 842 of the fourth operation 840) for a certain period of time. However, various examples of the fourth visual effect 846 are possible and are not limited to this.

[0116] 8b is a diagram illustrating an example of a process for updating safety status information according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, a user can update their safety status information through a process illustrated by a first operation (850) through a third operation (870).

[0117] A first operation (850) illustrates an example in which an interface for entering a screen for updating safety status information is provided via a chat room list screen within an instant messaging application. As illustrated, a first area (852) within the chat room list screen provides an interface for entering a screen for updating safety status information, and a chat room list including multiple chat rooms may be provided in a second area (854) located below the first area (852). Here, a message guiding a user to update the safety status information may be displayed on the interface for entering the screen for updating safety status information. For example, a message reading "Update your safety status" may be displayed on the interface for entering the screen for updating safety status information. The first operation (850) may be another example of a screen (e.g., the fourth operation (440) in FIG. 4) in which updated safety status information of friends is provided via the chat room list screen within the instant messaging application shown in FIG. 4.

[0118] In one embodiment, a processor (e.g., processor 314 of FIG. 3 ) may receive a first user input 856 for entering a screen for updating safety status information. For example, the user may select, by touch or otherwise, a first area 852 of the chat room list screen provided in first operation 850, causing the processor to receive the first user input 856 for entering a screen for updating safety status information. In response to receiving the first user input 856, the processor may display the screen for updating safety status information.

[0119] A second operation (860) illustrates an example of a screen for updating a user's safety status information. As shown, the screen for updating a user's safety status information may be provided in response to receiving a first user input (856) for entering the screen for updating a user's safety status information. Here, the screen for updating a user's safety status information may be provided in the form of a separate pop-up screen separate from the chat room list screen of the first operation (850).

[0120] In one embodiment, natural disaster information 862 may be provided at the top of the screen updating the user's safety status information. The natural disaster information 862 may include the type of natural disaster, the location of the disaster, the time of the disaster, etc., and the user may click a detailed information button (e.g., a button labeled "Learn more") to view more details about the disaster.

[0121] In one embodiment, when a user selects, by touch input or the like, a safe button (or icon) or a danger button (or icon) provided on a screen for updating safety status information, the processor may receive a second user input (864). Here, the safe button may be provided in green, symbolizing safety, with a message saying "I'm safe." The danger button may be provided in red, symbolizing danger, with a message saying "I'm affected." In response to receiving the second user input (864), the processor may update and display the user's safety status information. The user's updated safety status information may be provided to users who are friends in the instant messaging application.

[0122] In one embodiment, a detailed list of update information related to the safety status information (866) may be displayed at the bottom of the screen for updating safety status information. The detailed list of update information related to the safety status information (866) may include a list of friends who have updated their safety status information, a visual object (868) indicating the safety status, and the like. The visual object (868) may be provided below the profile picture of the friends and may indicate the safety status of the friends. Similar to a safe button or a risk button, if a friends updates their status to "safe," the visual object (868) may be displayed in green, symbolizing safety, with the message "safe." If a friends updates their status to "affected," the visual object (868) may be displayed in red, symbolizing danger, with the message "affected." Through the visual object (868), the user can easily identify friends who have updated their safety status information and are in a risky state.

[0123] A third operation (870) illustrates an example in which updated safety status information for a user is displayed. As shown, in response to receiving a second user input (864) that updates the safety status information, updated safety status information for a user (872) may be displayed. For example, a visual object indicating a safety status, a message indicating a safety status, etc., may be displayed. Here, the visual object indicating a safety status may be the visual object (868) of the second operation (860).

[0124] In one embodiment, the processor may receive a third user input 874 for editing the user's safety status. For example, a screen for updating the user's safety status information may provide a button (e.g., the "Edit status" button in the third operation 830) that allows the user to edit the user's own safety status. In this case, the user can edit the user's own safety status by selecting the button, for example, by touch input.

[0125] 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of steps for hiding update information according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in the figure, a user can perform a process of hiding update information through a process shown in the first operation (910) to the third operation (930).

[0126] A first operation 910 illustrates an example in which a first user input 912 is received on the GUI of an instant messaging application to return to a chat room list screen. The screen illustrated in the first operation 910 may be a screen provided in response to receiving a user input to view a detailed list of updates on the chat room list screen (e.g., the first user input 716 of FIG. 7).

[0127] In one embodiment, a processor (e.g., processor 314 in FIG. 3) may receive a first user input 912 to return to the chat room list screen. For example, the user may select a "Chats" button located in the upper left corner of the screen by touch input or the like, causing the processor to receive the first user input 912 to return to the chat room list screen. In response to receiving the first user input 912, the processor may display the chat room list screen.

[0128] In addition, in response to receiving the first user input 912, the processor may display a message 922 suggesting hiding the update information on the chat room list screen. For example, as shown in a second operation 920, the message 922 suggesting hiding the update information may be displayed at the bottom of the first area where the update information is displayed. The wording displayed in the message 922 suggesting hiding the update information may be changed depending on the type of second user input 924 for hiding the update information. For example, if the second user input 924 is a swipe from right to left, the message 922 suggesting hiding the update information may display the words "Hide by swiping left." As another example, if the second user input 924 is a touch for a certain period of time or more, the message 922 suggesting hiding the update information may display the words "Hide with a long tab."

[0129] Additionally or alternatively, in response to receiving the first user input 912, the processor may display, on the chat room list screen, a message 922 suggesting hiding the update information, along with an exemplary motion corresponding to the second user input 924. For example, if the second user input 924 for hiding the update information is a swipe from right to left, an example of the update information arranged in the first region of the chat room list screen being swiped from right to left may be displayed one or more times.

[0130] In one embodiment, the processor may receive a second user input 924 to hide the update information. For example, if the user swipes from right to left on the update information to be hidden, the processor may receive the second user input 924. As another example, if the user touches the update information to be hidden for a certain period of time or longer, the processor may receive the second user input 924. In response to receiving the second user input 924, the processor may display a pop-up window 932 to reconfirm whether or not to perform the update information hiding process.

[0131] A third operation 930 illustrates an example in which a pop-up window 932 is displayed to reconfirm whether or not to perform the process of hiding the update information. As shown, in response to the processor receiving the second user input 924, a pop-up window 932 may be displayed to reconfirm whether or not to perform the process of hiding the update information.

[0132] In one embodiment, a "Cancel" button and a "Hide" button may be provided at the bottom of the pop-up window 932. The user can cancel the process of hiding the update information by selecting the "Cancel" button with a touch input, etc. Alternatively, the user can accept a procedure to reconfirm whether or not to perform the process of hiding the update information by selecting the "Hide" button with a touch input, etc.

[0133] In one embodiment, in response to receiving a third user input (934) accepting the reconfirmation, the processor may reduce the first area in which the update information is displayed and expand and display the second area in which the chat room list is displayed to correspond to the reduced first area. For example, in response to receiving the third user input (934), the processor may remove the update information from the first area on the screen shown in the third operation (930) and reduce the first area in response to the removal of the update information. In addition, in response to reducing the first area, the processor may expand and display the second area in which the chat room list is displayed. Thus, multiple chat rooms included in the chat room list may be arranged one level up on the chat room list screen.

[0134] In one embodiment, the processor may re-display the update information in the first region after a period of time, such as, but not limited to, 24 hours, from the time the processor receives the third user input (934) accepting the reconfirmation.

[0135] By allowing users to selectively hide update information, it is possible to reduce the fatigue of instant messaging application users associated with exposure to update information provided in real time within the chat room list screen.

[0136] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a method 1000 for displaying information of other users on a graphical user interface (GUI) of a user terminal according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The method 1000 may be performed by at least one processor of the user terminal.

[0137] The method (1000) may begin with a processor receiving (S1010) a first user input from a user to enter a chat room list screen on a GUI of an instant messaging application.

[0138] In response to receiving the first user input, the processor may display updated information of the friend users in a first region of the chat room list screen on the GUI (S1020), where the updated information may include at least one of birthday information, updated profile information, updated album information, updated safety status information, or updated schedule information.

[0139] The processor may display a chat room list including a plurality of chat rooms in a second area of ​​the chat room list screen on the GUI (S1030).

[0140] In one embodiment, the update information may include a first type of update information from a first user who is a friend and a second type of update information from a second user who is a friend, in which case displaying the update information may include alternately displaying the first type of update information and the second type of update information in the first area.

[0141] In one embodiment, displaying the update information may include receiving a second user input for viewing the update information list, expanding and displaying the first area in response to receiving the second user input, and displaying the update information list in the expanded first area, where the update information list may include update information of a first type and update information of a second type, and the second area may be reduced to correspond to the expanded first area.

[0142] In one embodiment, displaying the update information may further include receiving a third user input to close the update information list, shrinking and displaying the first area in response to receiving the third user input, and alternately displaying the first type of update information and the second type of update information in the first area.

[0143] In one embodiment, the processor may receive a fourth user input to hide at least one of the first type of update information or the second type of update information, and in response to receiving the fourth user input, remove at least one of the first type of update information or the second type of update information from the expanded first region.

[0144] In one embodiment, the processor may receive a fifth user input for reviewing a detailed list of update information of the first type, and in response to receiving the fifth user input, enter a screen for reviewing a detailed list of update information of the first type.

[0145] In one embodiment, after entering a screen for viewing a detailed list of the first type of update information, the processor may display a visual effect for a certain period of time to highlight the area where the detailed list of the first type of update information is displayed.

[0146] In one embodiment, the alternating display may include displaying a first type of update information with a first visual object in a first region for a first time period, and displaying a second type of update information with a second visual object in the first region for a second time period.

[0147] In one embodiment, the processor may receive a sixth user input to review a detailed list of update information, and in response to receiving the sixth user input, enter a screen to review the detailed list of update information.

[0148] In one embodiment, the processor may display a message informing the user of the detailed list of update information after entering a screen for confirming the detailed list of update information.

[0149] In one embodiment, the processor may receive a seventh user input to return to the chat room list screen, and in response to receiving the seventh user input, display a message on the chat room list screen suggesting hiding the update information.

[0150] In one embodiment, the processor may receive an eighth user input to hide the update information, and in response to receiving the eighth user input, may display a pop-up window to reconfirm execution of the update information hiding process.

[0151] In one embodiment, the processor may receive a ninth user input accepting reconfirmation, and in response to receiving the ninth user input, may shrink the first area and expand and display the second area in which the chat room list is displayed corresponding to the reduced first area.

[0152] In one embodiment, the processor may re-display the updated information in the first area a predetermined time after receiving the ninth user input.

[0153] In one embodiment, the processor may receive a tenth user input selecting a specific user after entering a screen for reviewing a detailed list of update information, and may display detailed update information about the specific user in response to receiving the tenth user input.

[0154] In one embodiment, the processor may receive an eleventh user input to return to the chat room list screen, and in response to receiving the eleventh user input, may hide information associated with the specific user from the update information.

[0155] 10 and the above description are merely examples, and may be implemented in different forms in other embodiments. For example, the order of some steps may be changed, some steps may be omitted, other configurations may be added, and some steps described as being performed sequentially may be performed simultaneously.

[0156] The above-described method may be provided as a computer program stored on a computer-readable recording medium for execution by a computer. The medium may permanently store the computer-executable program or temporarily store it for execution or download. The medium may also be various recording or storage means in the form of a single or multiple hardware components, and may not be limited to media directly connected to a specific computer system but may also be distributed over a network. Examples of media include magnetic media such as hard disks, floppy disks, and magnetic tapes; optical media such as CD-ROMs and DVDs; magneto-optical media such as floptical disks; and media configured to store program instructions in ROM, RAM, flash memory, etc. Other examples of media include recording media or storage media managed by app stores that distribute applications, or by websites, servers, etc. that provide or distribute various types of software.

[0157] The methods, operations, or techniques of the present disclosure may be implemented in various means. For example, these techniques may be implemented in hardware, firmware, software, or a combination thereof. Those skilled in the art will understand that the various exemplary logic blocks, modules, circuits, and algorithm steps described in connection with the disclosure herein may be implemented by electronic hardware, computer software, or a combination of both. To clearly illustrate these interchanges between hardware and software, various exemplary components, blocks, modules, circuits, and steps have been described above generally in terms of their functionality. Whether such functionality is implemented in hardware or software depends on the particular application and design requirements imposed on the overall system. Those skilled in the art may implement the described functions in various ways for each particular application, but these implementations should not be interpreted as departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0158] In hardware embodiments, the processing units used to perform the techniques may be implemented within one or more ASICs, DSPs, digital signal processing devices (DSPDs), PLDs, FPGAs, processors, controllers, microcontrollers, microprocessors, electronic devices, other electronic units designed to perform the functions described herein, computers, or combinations thereof.

[0159] Accordingly, the various illustrative logic blocks, modules, and circuits described in connection with this disclosure may be implemented or performed with a general-purpose processor, a DSP, an ASIC, an FPGA or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination designed to perform the functions described herein. A general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but alternatively, the processor may be any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. A processor may also be implemented as a combination of multiple computing devices, e.g., a DSP and a microprocessor, multiple microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in combination with a DSP core, or any other configuration.

[0160] In firmware and / or software embodiments, the techniques may be implemented as instructions stored on a computer-readable medium such as RAM, ROM, NVRAM, PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, flash memory, a compact disc (CD), a magnetic or optical data storage device, or the like.

[0161] If implemented in software, the techniques described above may be stored on or transmitted over as one or more instructions or code on a computer-readable medium. Computer-readable media includes both computer storage media and communication media, including any medium that facilitates transfer of a computer program from one place to another. Storage media may be any available medium that can be accessed by a computer. By way of non-limiting example, such computer-readable media may include RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to transfer or store desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and that can be accessed by a computer. Additionally, any connection may be properly termed a computer-readable medium.

[0162] For example, if the software is transmitted from a website, server, or other remote source using coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, DSL, or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, microwave, etc., then the coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, DSL, or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, microwave, etc. are included within the definition of media. As used herein, "disk" and "disc" include CDs, laser discs, optical discs, DVDs, floppy disks, and Blu-ray discs, where disks typically reproduce data magnetically, while discs reproduce data optically using lasers. Combinations of the above are also included within the scope of computer-readable media.

[0163] A software module may reside in RAM memory, flash memory, ROM memory, EPROM memory, EEPROM memory, registers, hard disk, a removable disk, a CD-ROM, or any other form of storage medium known in the art. An exemplary storage medium may be coupled to the processor such that the processor can read information from, and write information to, the storage medium. Alternatively, the storage medium may be integral to the processor. The processor and the storage medium may reside in an ASIC. The ASIC may reside in a user terminal. Alternatively, the processor and the storage medium may reside as discrete components in a user terminal.

[0164] Although the above-described embodiments have been described as utilizing aspects of the disclosed subject matter on one or more stand-alone computer systems, the disclosure is not limited thereto and may be implemented in connection with any computing environment, such as a network or distributed computing environment. Furthermore, aspects of the disclosed subject matter may be implemented across multiple processing chips or devices, and storage may be affected equally across multiple devices.

[0165] Although the present disclosure has been described in connection with some embodiments herein, those skilled in the art will recognize that various modifications and variations may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, and such modifications and variations are also to be considered to be included within the scope of the claims appended hereto. [Explanation of symbols]

[0166] 110: 1st action 112: First user input 120: Second operation 122: First area 124: Second area

Claims

1. 1. A method for displaying information of other users on a GUI (Graphical User Interface) of a user terminal, the method being executed by at least one processor, comprising: receiving a first user input from a user to enter a chat room list screen on a GUI of the instant messaging application; In response to receiving the first user input, displaying updated information of users who are friends with the user in a first area of ​​the chat room list screen on the GUI; displaying a chat room list including a plurality of chat rooms in a second area of ​​the chat room list screen on the GUI; How to view other users' information, including:

2. the update information includes a first type of update information of a first user who is a friend of the user and a second type of update information of a second user who is a friend of the user; 2. The method for displaying information of other users according to claim 1, wherein the step of displaying the update information includes a step of alternately displaying the first type of update information and the second type of update information in the first area.

3. The step of displaying the update information includes: receiving a second user input to confirm an update information list, the update information list including the first type of update information and the second type of update information; In response to receiving the second user input, expanding and displaying the first region; displaying the update information list in the expanded first area; The method for displaying information of other users according to claim 2 , further comprising: a step of: selecting a first area from the list of users; and selecting a second area from the list of users;

4. The step of displaying the update information includes: receiving a third user input to close the update information list; In response to receiving the third user input, reducing and displaying the first region; alternately displaying the first type of update information and the second type of update information in the first area; The method of claim 3 further comprising:

5. receiving a fourth user input to hide at least one of the first type of update information or the second type of update information; removing at least one of the first type of update information or the second type of update information from the expanded first region in response to receiving the fourth user input; The method of claim 3 further comprising:

6. receiving a fifth user input to confirm a detailed list of the first type of update information; in response to receiving the fifth user input, entering a screen for confirming a detailed list of the first type of update information; The method of claim 3 further comprising:

7. 7. The method of claim 6, further comprising the step of displaying a visual effect for a certain period of time to highlight an area where the detailed list of the first type of update information is displayed after entering a screen for checking the detailed list of the first type of update information.

8. The method of claim 1 , wherein the update information includes at least one of birthday information, updated profile information, updated album information, updated safety status information, or updated schedule information.

9. The step of alternately displaying includes: displaying the first type of update information along with a first visual object in the first area for a first time period; displaying the second type of update information along with a second visual object in the first area for a second time period; The method for displaying information of other users according to claim 2 , comprising:

10. receiving a sixth user input to confirm the detailed list of update information; In response to receiving the sixth user input, entering a screen for confirming a detailed list of the update information; The method of claim 1 further comprising:

11. The method of claim 10, further comprising the step of displaying a message informing the user of the detailed list of update information after entering a screen for checking the detailed list of update information.

12. receiving a seventh user input to return to the chat room list screen; In response to receiving the seventh user input, displaying a message on the chat room list screen suggesting a process of hiding the update information; The method of claim 10 further comprising:

13. receiving an eighth user input to hide the update information; In response to receiving the eighth user input, displaying a pop-up window for reconfirming whether or not to execute the process of hiding the update information; The method for displaying information of other users of claim 12, further comprising:

14. receiving a ninth user input accepting said reconfirmation; In response to receiving the ninth user input, reducing the first area and expanding the second area in which the chat room list is displayed in correspondence with the reduced first area; The method for displaying information of other users of claim 13, further comprising:

15. The method of claim 14 , further comprising the step of re-displaying the updated information in the first area after a predetermined time has elapsed since the ninth user input was received.

16. receiving a tenth user input for selecting a specific user after entering a screen for checking a detailed list of the update information; displaying detailed updated information about the particular user in response to receiving the tenth user input; The method of claim 10 further comprising:

17. receiving an eleventh user input to return to the chat room list screen; In response to receiving the eleventh user input, hiding information associated with the specific user from the update information; The method of claim 16 further comprising:

18. A computer-readable computer program for executing the method for displaying information about other users according to any one of claims 1 to 17 on a computer.

19. A user terminal, a communication module; The display and Memory and at least one processor configured to execute at least one computer-readable program contained in said memory; Including, The at least one program receiving a first user input from a user to enter a chat room list screen on a GUI of the instant messaging application; In response to receiving the first user input, displaying updated information of users who are friends with the user in a first area of ​​the chat room list screen on the GUI; The user terminal includes instructions for displaying a chat room list including a plurality of chat rooms in a second area of ​​the chat room list screen on the GUI.

20. the update information includes a first type of update information of a first user who is a friend of the user and a second type of update information of a second user who is a friend of the user; The user terminal of claim 19 , wherein displaying the update information includes alternately displaying the first type of update information and the second type of update information in the first area.

Images