Program, avatar messenger service provider device, and method for providing an avatar messenger service using location information

Abstract

This invention provides a program for user terminals that performs message forwarding and calls using avatars on an instant messaging application, a device that provides an avatar messenger service using location information, and a method for providing an avatar messenger service using location information. [Solution] The program causes at least one processor in the user terminal to perform the following actions: transmit location information of the user terminal 120 to an external system; receive information from the external system about users located around the user terminal; acquire at least one image from the image sensor of the user terminal; and superimpose a first set of avatars associated with users located in the vicinity onto at least one image and display them on the extended screen 122 of the user terminal.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a program for user terminals, an avatar messenger service providing apparatus using location information, and an avatar messenger service providing method using location information, and more specifically, to a program capable of implementing message transmission and calling using avatars on an instant messaging application, an avatar messenger service providing apparatus using location information, and an avatar messenger service providing method using location information. [Background Art]

[0002] The penetration of terminals such as camera-equipped smartphones, tablet PCs (Personal Computers), laptop computers, and desktop computers is expanding. In such an environment, cases of utilizing cameras installed in terminals are increasing. As a representative example, various Augmented Reality services using cameras installed in terminals are provided.

[0003] Such augmented reality services are mainly provided in the mobile game field, and recently have been expanded to fields closely related to real life, such as a service that allows virtual arrangement of home appliances, furniture, and the like in a house. On the other hand, online messenger services are services based on acquaintance relationships, and in reality, augmented reality technology has not been actively introduced in online messenger services. [Prior Art Literature] [Patent Literature]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Korean Registered Patent Publication No. 10-2202843 Specification [Summary of the Invention] [Problem to be Solved by the Invention]

[0005] This disclosure provides a program for a user terminal, a device for providing an avatar messenger service using location information, and a method for providing an avatar messenger service using location information to solve the aforementioned problem.

[0006] A program is provided that grasps the location information of nearby user terminals, overlays and displays the avatars of nearby users onto a real-world image, and provides message forwarding and calling functions using the displayed avatars; a device for providing an avatar messenger service using location information is also provided; and a method for providing an avatar messenger service using location information is also provided. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] This disclosure can be implemented in a variety of ways, including methods, apparatus, or computer programs stored on a readable storage medium.

[0008] A program according to one embodiment of the present disclosure causes at least one processor of the user terminal to perform the following actions: transmit location information of the user terminal to an external system; receive information from the external system about users located around the user terminal; acquire at least one image from the image sensor of the user terminal; and superimpose a first set of avatars associated with users located around the user onto the at least one image and display them on the display of the user terminal.

[0009] An avatar messenger service provider device utilizing location information as an embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a communication module, a memory, an image sensor, a display, and at least one processor connected to the memory and configured to execute at least one computer-readable program contained in the memory, wherein the processor transmits location information of a user terminal to an external system, receives information from the external system about users located around the user terminal, acquires at least one image from the image sensor of the user terminal, and displays on the display of the user terminal a first set of avatars associated with users located around the user superimposed on the at least one image.

[0010] One embodiment of the present disclosure provides a location-based avatar messenger service, in which at least one processor of the user terminal performs the following actions: transmitting the location information of the user terminal to an external system; receiving information from the external system about users located around the user terminal; acquiring at least one image from the image sensor of the user terminal; and superimposing a first set of avatars associated with the users located around the user onto the at least one image and displaying them on the display of the user terminal. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, a user can search for other users in the real world without moving their position by adjusting the shooting direction and zoom level of the image sensor. Furthermore, by observing the avatars that are added or removed depending on the shooting direction and zoom level of the image sensor, the approximate location of the avatar and the corresponding other user in real space can be grasped.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, users can more easily identify the avatars of other users with high rating scores on the extended screen.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a user can identify the person who has shown interest in their avatar and attempt to communicate with that person even if that person is not located near the user at the time.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a user can easily find information about other users who share many commonalities with them and who have a favorable opinion of them, without any additional effort.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a user using a location-based avatar messenger service can make video calls using an avatar image without revealing their own face.

[0016] The effects of this disclosure are not limited thereto, and any other effects not mentioned herein should be clearly understood by a person with ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains ("person skilled in the art") from the wording of the claims. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0017] [Figure 1] This figure shows an example of a user using a location-based avatar messenger service with a user terminal, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] This is a schematic diagram showing a configuration in which an information processing system is linked to communicate with multiple user terminals in order to provide an avatar messenger service and instant messaging service using location information according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] This is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of a user terminal and information processing system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of a user setting up an avatar and profile for use in a location-based avatar messenger service according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example in which a user selects an avatar and profile according to one embodiment of the present disclosure and starts an avatar messenger service that utilizes location information. [Figure 6] It is a diagram showing an example where a user according to an embodiment of the present disclosure changes the zoom level of an image sensor to change an avatar displayed on a display. [Figure 7] It is a diagram showing an example where a user according to an embodiment of the present disclosure selects one avatar and checks profile information of a user of interest. [Figure 8] It is a diagram showing an example where a graphic object is added around an avatar according to an evaluation score assigned to the avatar according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] It is a diagram showing an example where a user according to an embodiment of the present disclosure checks their own evaluation score determined based on feedback from other users. [Figure 10] It is a diagram showing an example where a user blocks the display of other users on a user terminal, or notifies a provider of an avatar messenger service using location information of inappropriate behavior of another user. [Figure 11] It is a diagram showing an example where a user and another user according to an embodiment of the present disclosure perform a voice call using avatars. [Figure 12] It is a flowchart showing a method for providing an avatar messenger service using location information according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] <SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION> According to one embodiment, a program for a user terminal may cause at least one processor of the user terminal to execute: receiving a selection of one avatar from a first set of avatars displayed on a display; and displaying profile information of a user associated with the selected avatar on the display.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the program can cause at least one processor in the user terminal to perform the following actions: accept a selection of one avatar from a first set of avatars displayed on the screen, and send a request to an external system to generate a chat room on an instant messaging application with the user associated with the selected avatar.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the chat room may be an open chat room that minimizes the exposure of personal information.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the program can further cause at least one processor in the user terminal to perform the following actions: accept a selection of one avatar from a first set of avatars displayed on the display, and send a request to an external system to perform a voice call on an instant messaging application with the user associated with the selected avatar.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the program can further cause at least one processor in the user terminal to display a selected avatar on the display while a voice call is being performed, and can control the motion of the selected avatar displayed on the display based on the voice data of the other party in the voice call.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the avatars in the first set may be avatars associated with users who are located within a predetermined distance from the image sensor in the direction in which the image sensor captures images, among the users associated with the avatars included in the first set.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the size of each of the multiple avatars included in a first set displayed on the display can be determined based on the distance between the user and the user terminal associated with the avatars included in the first set.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the position of each of the multiple avatars included in a first set displayed on the display can be determined based on the distance between the user and the user terminal corresponding to the avatar included in the first set.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the size of each face of a group of avatars included in a first set displayed on a screen can be determined based on an evaluation score associated with the user corresponding to the avatar included in the first set.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the size of each of the multiple avatars included in a first set displayed on the screen can be determined based on the evaluation score associated with the user corresponding to the avatar included in the first set.

[0028] According to one embodiment, a first set of avatars displayed on the screen can be determined based on the evaluation score associated with the user corresponding to the avatars included in the first set.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the program can further cause at least one processor of a user terminal to display a first graphic object on avatars associated with users who have an evaluation score equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold among the users corresponding to avatars included in the first set.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the program can cause at least one processor in the user terminal to superimpose a second set of avatars, associated with the user and corresponding to an avatar included in a first set, onto at least one image in response to a change in the direction in which the image sensor is capturing images, and display them on the user terminal's display.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the program can further cause at least one processor of the user terminal to superimpose a third set of avatars, each associated with a user and corresponding to an avatar included in a first set, onto at least one image in response to a change in the zoom level of the image sensor, and display them on the user terminal's display.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the program can, in response to receiving filtering conditions, cause at least one processor of the user terminal to superimpose and display on the user terminal's display avatars a fourth set of avatars associated with users who satisfy the filtering conditions among the users included in the first set of avatars.

[0033] According to one embodiment, the program may further include the steps of receiving input to isolate one avatar from a first set of avatars displayed on a display, and hiding the isolated avatar from the display.

[0034] According to one embodiment, when the program receives a message from another user on an instant messaging application, it can further cause at least one processor in the user terminal to superimpose a second graphic object relating to the other user's location onto at least one image and display it on the display.

[0035] <Detailed description of the invention> The specific details for implementing this disclosure will be described below in detail based on the attached drawings. However, in the following explanation, specific descriptions of publicly known functions and configurations will be omitted if there is a risk of unnecessarily obscuring the essence of this disclosure.

[0036] In the attached drawings, identical or corresponding components are assigned the same reference numerals. Furthermore, in the following descriptions of embodiments, redundant descriptions of identical or corresponding components may be omitted. However, the omission of a description of a component does not mean that such a component is not included in the embodiment.

[0037] The advantages and features of the embodiments disclosed, and the methods for achieving them, will become clear with reference to the embodiments described below, based on the accompanying drawings. However, this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below and can be realized in a variety of different forms. These embodiments are provided only to complete the disclosure and to enable those skilled in the art to accurately understand the invention.

[0038] This specification provides a brief explanation of the terminology used herein and a detailed description of the embodiments of the disclosure. The terminology used herein has been selected to the greatest extent possible from commonly used terms, taking into account the function of this disclosure; however, this may change due to the intent of the articulates in the relevant field, case law, the emergence of new technologies, etc. In certain cases, the applicant may have arbitrarily selected terms, the meanings of which will be described in detail in the section describing the invention. Therefore, the terminology used in this disclosure should be defined not merely as a simple term name, but based on the meaning of the term and its context throughout this disclosure.

[0039] In this specification, unless explicitly specified in the context, a singular expression may include a plural expression, and a plural expression may include a singular expression. Throughout the specification, when a part "includes" a component, this means, unless otherwise stated, that it does not exclude other components, but may further include other components.

[0040] Furthermore, the terms “module” or “part” as used in this specification refer to software or hardware components, and a “module” or “part” performs a certain role. However, the meaning of “module” or “part” is not limited to software or hardware. A “module” or “part” may be configured to reside on an addressable storage medium, or to regenerate one or more processors. Thus, as an example, a “module” or “part” may include components such as software components, object-oriented software components, class components, task components, as well as at least one of processes, functions, attributes, procedures, subroutines, segments of program code, drivers, firmware, microcode, circuits, data, databases, data structures, tables, arrays, or variables. Components and “modules” or “parts” may be combined with a smaller number of components and “modules” or “parts” to provide internal functionality, or further separated into additional components and “modules” or “parts.”

[0041] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, a “module” or “part” may be implemented by a processor and memory. “Processor” should be broadly interpreted to include general-purpose processors, central processing units (CPUs), microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs), controllers, microcontrollers, state machines, etc. In some environments, “processor” refers to an application-specific integrated semiconductor. Circuit (ASIC), Programmable Logic Device "Logic Device (PLD)", "Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA)", etc. may be used as references. "Processor" may be used as 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 coupled with a DSP core, or any other combination of such configurations. "Memory" should be broadly interpreted to include any electronic component capable of storing electronic information. "Memory" includes RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), NVRAM (Non-Volatile Memory). Random Access Memory), PROM (Programmable Read-Only Memory), EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), EEPROM (Electrically Erasable It may also be referred to by various types of processor-readable media, such as programmable read-only memory, flash memory, magnetic or optical data storage devices, and registers. When the processor reads information from memory and when the processor stores information in memory, the memory is in electronic communication with the processor. Memory integrated into a processor is in electronic communication with the processor.

[0042] In this disclosure, “chat room” can refer to a virtual space or group that can be created by an instant messaging application installed on a computer device, and in which one or more users (or user accounts) can participate. For example, one or more user accounts can participate in or be included in a chat room and exchange various forms of messages, files, etc. with each other. In addition, the chat room may be provided with VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) voice call functionality, VoIP video call functionality, and live streaming functionality (VoIP real-time video streaming functionality), enabling voice calls, video calls, video streaming, etc. between user accounts.

[0043] In this disclosure, "Open Chat Room" can refer to a chat room in which a user (or user account) can optionally enter new profile information (e.g., profile information to be used in the Open Chat Room, profile information to be used in a location-based avatar messenger service, etc.) before entering the chat room, and in which anonymity is guaranteed. In one embodiment, the Open Chat Room does not require participating users to be friends with each other on an instant messaging application. Also, the basic profile information set by the user on the instant messaging application (profile picture, name, birthday, status message, etc.) is not made public to other users in the Open Chat Room. The Open Chat Room can be distinguished from a general chat room in which the basic profile information set by the user on the instant messaging application is made public to the other party. Also, two or more users can participate in the Open Chat Room.

[0044] In this disclosure, “user account” may refer to an account or associated data that a user creates and uses within an instant messaging application. Similarly, a user account within an instant messaging application may refer to a user who uses the instant messaging application. Likewise, a user may refer to a user account within an instant messaging application.

[0045] Figure 1 shows an example of a user using a location-based avatar messenger service with a user terminal according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in the figure, user 110 can capture images of the real world using the image sensor of the user terminal 120 (e.g., a smartphone camera, a tablet camera, etc.). In this case, user 110 can see other users located around them through the extended screen 122 displayed on the display of the user terminal 120.

[0046] In one embodiment, the extended screen 122 may include an image of the real world captured using the image sensor of the user terminal 120, and avatars 124_1, 124_2, 124_3, and 124_4 of other users superimposed on the image of the real world. Here, the avatars of other users displayed on the extended screen 122 may be avatars of other users located within a predetermined distance (e.g., 200m) from the image sensor in the direction captured by the image sensor of the user terminal 120. Here, the user 110 can check the number of avatars displayed on the screen and freely change the predetermined distance from the image sensor.

[0047] In one embodiment, the position in which avatars 124_1, 124_2, 124_3, and 124_4 are displayed on the extended screen 122 can be determined based on the distance between other users and the user terminal 120. For example, if the other user associated with the second avatar (avatar 124_2) is located closer to the user terminal 120 than the other user associated with the third avatar (avatar 124_3), the second avatar can be displayed lower on the extended screen 122 than the third avatar. Similarly, if the other user associated with the first avatar (avatar 124_1) is located to the left of the direction captured by the image sensor of the user terminal 120 than the other user associated with the fourth avatar (avatar 124_4), the first avatar can be displayed to the left of the fourth avatar on the extended screen 122.

[0048] In one embodiment, if user 110 changes the direction or magnification of the image sensor of user terminal 120, the avatar displayed on the extended screen 122 may change. For example, if user 110 rotates user terminal 120 to the left of user 110 to change the direction of the image sensor, the avatars of other users located within a predetermined distance from the image sensor in the changed shooting direction can be superimposed and displayed on the image of the real world captured by the image sensor. As another example, if user 110 changes the zoom level (e.g., optical zoom, digital zoom, etc.) of the image sensor of user terminal 120, the avatars of users located closer or further away can be superimposed and displayed on the image of the real world according to the changed zoom level.

[0049] In one embodiment, user 110 can configure the system to display only the avatars of users who meet predetermined conditions on the extended screen 122. For example, user 110 can input filtering conditions (age, gender, hobbies, occupation group, rating score, etc.) into the user terminal 120 to display only the avatars of users who meet the filtering conditions from among multiple users in the user's vicinity on the extended screen 122. Additionally, user 110 can also choose not to display, or hide, the avatars of other users with a rating below a predetermined level and / or other users that user 110 has blocked on the extended screen 122. Blocking refers to hiding the avatars of specific other users on the user terminal of a user using a location-based avatar messenger service.

[0050] In one embodiment, user 110 can configure the extended screen 122 to display only the avatars of other users located around user 110 that are recommended by the server (e.g., the information processing system in Figure 2). The list of other users recommended by the server can be determined based on the other users' profile information (e.g., gender, region, age, hobbies, occupation, interests, etc.) and their activity history (history of past "likes", history of star ratings, chat history, etc.). For example, among other users located around user 110, only the avatars of users with a high degree of similarity to the user's profile information can be displayed on the extended screen 122. Additionally or alternatively, among other users located around user 110, only the avatars of users with similar activity patterns to the user can be displayed on the extended screen 122. In this case, the avatars of the top n users (10, 20, 50, etc.) with the highest matching scores for the user can be displayed on the extended screen 122.

[0051] In one embodiment, user 110 can select one of the avatars 124_1, 124_2, 124_3, or 124_4 displayed on the extended screen 122 by touch input on the user terminal 120, and view the profile information of the user associated with that avatar. Here, the profile information of other users may include information such as the name (e.g., anonymous nickname), gender, occupation, hobbies, and interests entered by that user. Furthermore, once a chat room is created on the instant messaging application with the user associated with the selected avatar, user 110 can perform actions such as chatting, making voice calls, or video calls with the other party. Here, the chat room on the instant messaging application may be an open chat room that minimizes the exposure of personal information. Additionally or alternatively, user 110 can perform online games or other online activities with the other party within the created chat room.

[0052] This configuration allows user 110 to initiate a conversation with a more familiar, visualized entity using an avatar that reflects their personality. In this case, the information disclosed to the other party is the virtual profile information set for the avatar (not user 110's actual personal information), thus guaranteeing anonymity for the user. Furthermore, user 110 can, if desired, switch from a conversation using virtual profile information (e.g., chat in an open chat room) to a conversation using their actual personal account (e.g., chat in a general chat room). In this respect, a messenger service with a wide range of choices regarding the disclosure of personal information can be provided to the user.

[0053] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration in which an information processing system is connected to communicate with multiple user terminals in order to provide a location-based avatar messenger service and an instant messaging service according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The information processing system 230 can provide a location-based avatar messenger service and / or an instant messaging service via the network 220. In one embodiment, the information processing system 230 may include computer-executable programs (e.g., downloadable applications) related to the location-based avatar messenger service or instant messaging service, one or more server devices and / or databases capable of storing, providing, and executing data, and one or more distributed computer devices and / or distributed databases for a cloud computing service infrastructure. For example, the information processing system 230 may include another system (e.g., a server) for providing the location-based avatar messenger service or instant messaging service.

[0054] The location-based avatar messenger service or instant messaging service provided by the information processing system 230 may be provided to users via location-based avatar messenger or instant messaging applications or web browser applications installed on each of the multiple user terminals 210_1, 210_2, and 210_3. In one embodiment, the location-based avatar messenger service may be provided as part of the instant messaging service. The location-based avatar messenger service or instant messaging service provided by the information processing system 230 may be provided to users via location-based avatar messenger / instant messaging applications or web browser applications installed on each of the multiple user terminals 210_1, 210_2, and 210_3. Hereinafter, when user terminals 210_1, 210_2, and 210_3 are not distinguished, they may be referred to as user terminal 210.

[0055] Multiple user terminals 210_1, 210_2, and 210_3 can communicate with the information processing system 230 via the network 220. The network 220 is configured to enable communication between the multiple user terminals 210_1, 210_2, and 210_3 and the information processing system 230. Depending on the installation environment, the network 220 may consist of a wired network such as Ethernet (registered trademark), PLC (Power Line Communication), telephone line communication equipment, and RS-serial communication, a mobile communication network, a wireless network such as WLAN (Wireless LAN), Wi-Fi, Bluetooth (registered trademark), and ZigBee (registered trademark), or a combination thereof. The communication method is not limited and includes not only communication methods that utilize communication networks that can include the network 220 (e.g., mobile communication networks, wired internet, wireless internet, broadcasting networks, satellite networks, etc.), but also short-range wireless communication between user terminals 210_1, 210_2, and 210_3.

[0056] In Figure 2, a mobile phone terminal (e.g., user terminal 210_1), a tablet terminal (e.g., user terminal 210_2), and a PC terminal (e.g., user terminal 210_3) are shown as examples of user terminals, but are not limited to these. User terminals 210_1, 210_2, and 210_3 can be any computer device capable of wired and / or wireless communication and equipped with an image sensor. For example, user terminals can include smartphones, mobile phones, navigation systems, desktop computers, laptop computers, digital broadcasting terminals, PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants), PMPs (Portable Multimedia Players), tablet PCs, game consoles, wearable devices, IoT (Internet of Things) devices, VR (Virtual Reality) devices, and AR (Augmented Reality) devices. Furthermore, while Figure 2 shows three user terminals 210_1, 210_2, and 210_3 communicating with the information processing system 230 via the network 220, the system is not limited to this configuration, and a different number of user terminals can be configured to communicate with the information processing system 230 via the network 220. The multiple user terminals 210_1, 210_2, and 210_3 could be user terminals of users utilizing a location-based avatar messenger service / instant messaging service.

[0057] In one embodiment, the information processing system 230 can receive media data (e.g., photos, videos, text, etc.) transmitted from the user terminal 210 via an application for a location-based avatar messenger or instant messenger operating on the user terminal 210. Subsequently, the information processing system 230 can store the received media data and transfer it to other user terminals connected to the network 220. Furthermore, the information processing system 230 can control a location-based avatar messenger service or instant messaging service based on user input (multitouch input, pinch gesture, etc.) received from the user terminal 210, that is, based on user input received by the user terminal 210.

[0058] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of a user terminal and an information processing system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The user terminal 210 is any computer device capable of running applications for location-based avatar messengers or instant messengers, web browser applications, etc., and capable of wired / wireless communication. For example, it can include the mobile phone terminal 210_1, tablet terminal 210_2, and PC terminal 210_3 shown in Figure 2. As shown in Figure 3, the user terminal 210 can include a memory 312, a processor 314, a communication module 316, and an input / output interface 318. Similarly, the information processing system 230 can include a memory 332, a processor 334, a communication module 336, and an input / output interface 338. As shown in Figure 3, the user terminal 210 and the information processing system 230 can be configured to communicate information and / or data via the network 220 using their respective communication modules 316 and 336. Furthermore, the input / output device 320 can be configured to input information and / or data to the user terminal 210 or output information and / or data generated from the user terminal 210 via the input / output interface 318.

[0059] The memories 312 and 332 may include any non-temporary computer-readable storage medium. According to one embodiment, the memories 312 and 332 may include permanent mass storage devices such as RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), disk drives, SSDs (Solid State Drives), and flash memory. As another example, a permanent mass storage device such as ROM, SSD, flash memory, or disk drive may be included in the user terminal 210 or information processing system 230 as a separate permanent storage device distinct from the memory. The memories 312 and 332 may also store an operating system and at least one program code (for example, code for a location-based avatar messenger, instant messenger application, etc., installed and executed on the user terminal 210).

[0060] Such software components can be loaded from a computer-readable storage medium separate from memories 312 and 332. Such a separate computer-readable storage medium may include a storage medium directly connectable to the user terminal 210 and the information processing system 230, but may also include computer-readable storage media such as floppy drives, disks, tapes, DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) / CD-ROM (Compact Disc-Read Only Memory) drives, and memory cards. As another example, software components may also be loaded into memories 312 and 332 via a communication module, rather than from a computer-readable storage medium. For example, at least one program can be loaded into memories 312 and 332 based on a computer program (e.g., an application for a location-based avatar messenger or instant messenger) installed via a file provided over the network 220 by a developer or a file distribution system that distributes application installation files.

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

[0062] Communication modules 316 and 336 can provide configurations and functions for the user terminal 210 and the information processing system 230 to communicate with each other via the network 220, and can also provide configurations and functions 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, instructions and data generated by program code stored in a storage device such as memory 312 by the processor 314 of the user terminal 210 (e.g., instructions for creating an open chat room, voice data, etc.) can be transmitted to the information processing system 230 via the network 220 under the control of the communication module 316. Conversely, control signals and commands provided under the control of the processor 334 of the information processing system 230 can be received by the user terminal 210 via the communication module 336 and the network 220, through the communication module 316 of the user terminal 210. For example, the user terminal 210 can receive information about surrounding users (location information, profile information, avatar information, etc. of surrounding users) 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 include devices such as a camera including an audio sensor and / or image sensor, a keyboard, a microphone, or a mouse, and the output device may include devices such as a display, a speaker, or a haptic feedback device. In another example, the input / output interface 318 may be a means for interfacing with a device in which the configuration and functions for performing input and output are integrated into one, such as a touchscreen.

[0064] In Figure 3, the input / output device 320 is shown not to be included in the user terminal 210, but this is not limited to this configuration, and the input / output device 320 can also be configured as an integral part of the user terminal 210. Furthermore, the input / output interface 338 of the information processing system 230 may be connected to the information processing system 230, or it may be a means for interface with input and output devices (not shown) that the information processing system 230 may include. In Figure 3, the input / output interfaces 318 and 338 are shown as elements configured separately from the processors 314 and 334, but this is not limited to this configuration, and the input / output interfaces 318 and 338 can also be configured to be included in the processors 314 and 334.

[0065] The user terminal 210 and the information processing system 230 may include more components than those shown in Figure 3. However, it is not necessary to explicitly show most of the components of the prior art. According to one embodiment, the user terminal 210 can be implemented to include at least some of the input / output device 320 described above. The user terminal 210 may also further include other components such as a transceiver, a GPS (Global Positioning System) module, a camera, various sensors, and a database. For example, if the user terminal 210 is a smartphone, it may include components that are generally found in smartphones, and the user terminal 210 may further include a variety of components such as an accelerometer, a gyroscope, a camera module, various physical buttons, buttons using a touch panel, input / output ports, and a vibrator for vibration.

[0066] In one embodiment, the processor 314 of the user terminal 210 can be configured to run applications for location-based avatar messengers or instant messengers, or web browser applications. In this case, program code associated with the application can be loaded into the memory 312 of the user terminal 210. When the application is running, the processor 314 of the user terminal 210 can receive information and / or data provided by the input / output device 320 via the input / output interface 318, or receive information and / or data from the information processing system 230 via the communication module 316, process the received information and / or data, and store it in the memory 312. In addition, such information and / or data can be provided to the information processing system 230 via the communication module 316.

[0067] When operating applications for location-based avatar messengers or instant messengers, or web browser applications, the processor 314 can receive input or selected text, images, videos, etc., from input devices such as a touchscreen, keyboard, camera including audio sensors and / or image sensors, and microphone, which are connected to the input / output interface 318. The received text, images, and / or videos can be stored in the memory 312 or provided to the information processing system 230 via the communication module 316 and the network 220.

[0068] The processor 334 of the information processing system 230 can be configured to manage, process, and / or store information and / or data transmitted from multiple user terminals and / or multiple external systems. In one embodiment, the processor 334 can store, process, and transfer location information, profile information, avatar information, etc., transmitted from the user terminal 210. Additionally or alternatively, the processor 334 can control an avatar messenger service or instant messaging service that utilizes location information in response to user input received from the user terminal 210.

[0069] Figure 4 shows an example of a user setting an avatar and profile for use in a location-based avatar messenger service according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4 shows the first operation step 410, the second operation step 420, and the third operation step 430 of the user terminal 210. In the first operation step 410, the user selects an avatar to be used in the location-based avatar messenger service using the user terminal 120. As shown in Figure 4, the user can select one from the existing avatars that have been generated. For example, the user can select one from the existing avatars they have generated by selecting the first icon 412 displayed on the display via touch input or the like. At this time, the avatar selected by the user may be displayed as the user's avatar on the terminals of other nearby users who are using the same service.

[0070] In one embodiment, a user can create a new avatar for use in a location-based avatar messenger service. The user can then determine the face, body, and items (clothing, accessories, etc.) of the newly created avatar. Furthermore, users can use paid items to decorate their avatar, making it stand out from other users' avatars. For example, a user can use speech bubble items to add speech bubbles containing specific text around their avatar, or add various visual objects or effects (e.g., an avatar glowing effect).

[0071] In the second operation step 420, one of the existing profiles generated by the user is selected. As shown in Figure 4, the user can select one of the generated existing profiles (Loki, Jo, Aims, Lesile, Jim) (Loki) and then select the second icon 422 to edit it. The profile may include information such as name, gender, and age. In other embodiments, the user can generate a new profile.

[0072] In the third operation step 430, the user edits their profile. As shown in Figure 4, the user can input / modify information such as their name (e.g., an anonymous nickname), gender, age, occupation, hobbies, and interests using touch input or other methods. Since the user can arbitrarily input profile information, they can use the location-based avatar messenger service while maintaining anonymity. Here, the profile that the user uses for the location-based avatar messenger service may be different from the profile that the user uses for the instant messaging application.

[0073] In one embodiment, a user can authenticate some of their profile information (e.g., gender, age, etc.). In this case, authenticated information from the user's profile, i.e., information that matches the user's actual information, can be displayed in a way that makes it distinguishable from other information. For example, an authentication icon may be displayed around authenticated information in the user's profile, or authenticated information may be displayed in a different hue, font, or size. In one embodiment, a user can authenticate some of their profile information through other services other than the avatar messenger service (e.g., instant messaging service, mobile phone character authentication service, etc.). Alternatively or additionally, a user can link some or all of the personal information authenticated by other services other than the avatar messenger service to be automatically entered into their avatar messenger service profile. With such a configuration, other users can easily verify the information from a user's profile that matches the user's actual information.

[0074] Additionally, or alternatively, users can choose to make some or all of their profile information public or private to other users. For example, a user can choose to make only their name, gender, and interests public from their profile information. Another example is a user choosing to make their profile information public only to other users who share the same interests or who are of the opposite sex.

[0075] Figure 5 shows an example in which a user selects an avatar and profile and starts a location-based avatar messenger service according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 5 shows the first operation step 510, the second operation step 520, and the third operation step 530 of the user terminal 210. In the first operation step 510, the user selects an avatar to be used in the location-based avatar messenger service. As shown in Figure 5, the user can select one of their existing avatars by selecting an icon 512 displayed on the display via touch input or the like.

[0076] In the second operation step 520, the user selects one of the existing profiles they have generated. As shown in Figure 5, the user can select one of the five existing profiles they have generated (Loki, Jo, Aims, Lesile, Jim) (Loki) by touching area 522 or by other means. In one embodiment, the profile the user has most recently used may be displayed at the top of the profile list.

[0077] In the third operation step 530, the user selects area 552, which initiates the location-based avatar messenger service. When the avatar messenger service is initiated, the image sensor of the user terminal 210 is activated, and the image captured by the image sensor may be displayed on the screen. In addition, the avatars of other users located around the user may be superimposed on the image of the real space captured by the image sensor.

[0078] Specifically, when the avatar messenger service is activated, the user terminal 210 can transfer its location information to an external system (for example, the information processing system 230 in Figure 2). The avatar and profile information set by the user may also be transferred to the external system. In this case, the external system can use the location information of the user terminal 210 and the location information of other user terminals to transfer information about other users located around the user (for example, other users' location information, profile information, avatar images, etc.) to the user terminal. This allows the user terminal 210 to display the avatars of other users located around it on its display.

[0079] Figure 6 shows an example in which a user changes the zoom level of the image sensor to change the avatar displayed on the display according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 6 shows the first operation step 610 and the second operation step 620 of the user terminal 210. In the first operation step 610, the user terminal 210 displays a first extended screen on which a first set of avatars 612_1, 612_2, 612_3, and 612_4 are superimposed. As shown in Figure 5, the user terminal 210 receives user input from the user to increase the FOV (Field of View) of the image sensor. By increasing the FOV, the image on the display can be zoomed out.

[0080] In one embodiment, the size of each of the first set of avatars 612_1, 612_2, 612_3, and 612_4 displayed on the first extended screen can be determined based on the distance between the avatar and the other user associated with it and the user terminal 210. For example, the size of an avatar associated with another user located 150m away from the user terminal 210 may be displayed larger than that of an avatar associated with another user located 200m away from the user terminal 210. With this configuration, the user can roughly estimate the relative position of other users based on the size of their avatars.

[0081] In the second operation step 620, the user terminal 210, having received user input to increase the FOV (Field of View) of the image sensor, displays a second extended screen on which a second set of avatars 612_1, 612_2, 612_3, 612_4, 622_1, and 622_2 are superimposed. As shown in Figure 6, the real-world image of the second extended screen includes an image of the real-world obtained by capturing the same direction of real-world space as the shooting direction of the user terminal 210 displaying the first extended screen, but with a wider field of view. Furthermore, due to the increase in the FOV of the image sensor, the second extended screen can include new avatars 622_1 and 622_2. Here, the new avatars 622_1 and 622_2 may be user avatars that are not included in the FOV of the first extended screen but are included in the FOV of the second extended screen.

[0082] Additionally, or alternatively, by increasing the FOV of the image sensor, it is possible to prevent the display of avatars of users located beyond a certain distance from the user terminal 210 among the first set of avatars 612_1, 612_2, 612_3, and 612_4, i.e., to hide the avatars. For example, the first extended screen can display avatars of other users located within 200m of the user terminal 210, while the second extended screen can display avatars of other users located within 150m of the user terminal 210. In other words, by increasing the FOV of the image sensor, the number of avatars displayed on the display can be reduced.

[0083] Figure 6 shows an example where the user increases (zooms out) the FOV of the image sensor, but the user can also decrease (zooms in) the FOV of the image sensor. In this case, a third extended screen may be displayed on the display, obtained by capturing the real space in the same direction as the shooting direction of the user terminal 210 displaying the first extended screen, but with a narrower field of view. By decreasing the FOV, the third extended screen may include a third set of avatars from which some of the first set of avatars 612_1, 612_2, 612_3, and 612_4 have been removed. The avatars that are removed when the third extended screen is displayed may be the user's avatars that are included in the FOV of the first extended screen but not in the FOV of the third extended screen.

[0084] Additionally, or alternatively, by reducing the FOV of the image sensor, avatars that are located at a distance greater than a certain distance from the user terminal and are therefore not included in the first extended screen can be included in the third extended screen. For example, while the first extended screen can display avatars of other users located within 200m of the user terminal 210, the third extended screen can display avatars of other users located within 250m of the user terminal 210. In other words, by reducing the FOV of the image sensor, the number of avatars displayed on the display can be increased.

[0085] In this disclosure, user input for changing the zoom level of the image sensor may mean, but is not limited to, touch input on the display. For example, the user can change the zoom level of the image sensor using a physical button on the user terminal 210. Another example is that the zoom level of the image sensor on the user terminal 210 can be changed by the user's gestures detected by the image sensor.

[0086] Additionally, or alternatively, by changing the shooting direction of the image sensor, the user terminal 210 can display a fourth extended screen on its display, which represents the case where the image sensor, oriented in a direction different from the shooting direction when the first extended screen is displayed, captures real space. In this case, the fourth extended screen may include a second set of avatars different from the first set of avatars. The second set of avatars may be avatars of other users located within a predetermined distance from the image sensor in the changed shooting direction of the image sensor.

[0087] This configuration allows users to search for other users in the real world without having to move, by adjusting the image sensor's shooting direction, zoom level, etc. Furthermore, by observing the avatars added or removed as the image sensor's shooting direction and zoom level are changed, users can grasp the approximate real-world location of the avatars and the corresponding other users.

[0088] Figure 7 shows an example in which a user selects an avatar according to one embodiment of the present disclosure and checks the profile information of a user of interest. Figure 7 shows the first operation step 710, the second operation step 720, and the third operation step 730 of the user terminal 210. In the first operation step 710, one avatar 712 is selected from among a plurality of avatars displayed on the display by the user's touch input or the like.

[0089] In the second operation step 720, the user's profile information associated with the avatar 712 selected by the user is displayed. In one embodiment, the user's profile information 722 associated with the avatar 712 may be displayed on the screen in the form of a speech bubble icon. For example, the profile information 722 may include the avatar's face image, name (e.g., nickname), rating (e.g., star rating or number of likes), age, gender, occupation, etc. The user can move to the detailed profile page of the user associated with the avatar 712 by selecting the profile information 722 displayed on the screen using touch input or the like.

[0090] In the third operation step 730, the user selects profile information 722, and the detailed profile page of the user associated with the avatar 712 selected in the first operation step 710 is displayed on the user terminal 120's display. The detailed profile page may include profile information, icons 732 and 734 for assigning rating points, and icons 736 and 738 for communicating with the user associated with the avatar. In one embodiment, the user can select a first icon (icon 732) by touch input or the like to assign a star rating (e.g., manners points) to the user associated with the avatar 712, or to check the item-specific star ratings (e.g., response speed, chat manners, call manners, etc.) of the user associated with the avatar 712. Additionally or alternatively, the user can select a second icon (icon 734) by touch input or the like to assign a "like" to the user associated with the avatar 712.

[0091] In one embodiment, a user can forward a message to a user associated with avatar 712 by selecting a third icon (icon 736). In this case, to ensure the anonymity of users using a location-based avatar messenger service, an open chat room may be created on the instant messaging application between the user and the user associated with avatar 712. In another embodiment, a user can initiate a voice or video call with a user associated with avatar 712 by selecting a fourth icon 738. In this case, to ensure the anonymity of users using a location-based avatar messenger service, the user may perform a video call using an avatar.

[0092] Figure 8 shows an example in which graphic objects are added around an avatar according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, depending on the rating score assigned to the avatar. As shown in Figure 8, graphic objects 812 may be displayed on avatars associated with other users located around the user who have a rating score above a predetermined threshold. For example, if the rating score assigned to the user associated with the avatar is within a first range (e.g., a star rating of 3 to 4, or a number of "likes" of 500 to 1,000), one heart-shaped icon can be displayed on the avatar's face. Similarly, if the rating score assigned to the user associated with the avatar is within a second range (e.g., a star rating of 4 to 4.5, or a number of "likes" of 1,000 to 2,000), and within a third range (e.g., a star rating of 4.5 to 5, or a number of "likes" exceeding 2,000), two heart-shaped icons and three heart-shaped icons can be displayed, respectively. This configuration allows users to easily check the ratings of other users around them by referring to the graphic objects surrounding their avatar displayed on the screen.

[0093] In one embodiment, the size of an avatar is determined based on the rating score assigned to the user associated with the avatar. For example, an avatar of a user with a high rating score may be displayed larger than an avatar of a user with a low rating score. Alternatively, or additionally, the face size of an avatar of a user with a high rating score may be displayed larger than the face size of an avatar of a user with a low rating score. In this case, the body size of both avatars may be the same, and only the face size may differ. With this configuration, users can more easily identify the avatars of other users with high rating scores through the extended screen 122 (see Figure 1).

[0094] Furthermore, when the user terminal 210 receives a message on an instant messaging application, a voice call request, or the like from another user, it can display a graphic object related to the location of that other user. For example, when the user terminal 210 receives a message from another user, it can display a graphic object (e.g., an envelope icon) around the other user's avatar 810. As another example, if the user terminal 210 receives a message from another user whose avatar is not displayed on the user terminal 210's display, the user terminal 210 can overlay a graphic object (e.g., an arrow icon) indicating the direction of the other user located in real space onto the display. With this configuration, the user can grasp the approximate location in real space of the other user who forwarded the message to them through the extended screen 122 (see Figure 1).

[0095] Figure 9 shows an example in which a user according to one embodiment of the present disclosure checks their own rating score determined by feedback from other users. Figure 9 shows the first operation step 910, the second operation step 920, and the third operation step 930 of the user terminal 210. In the first operation step 910, a first area 912 is selected for the user to check the rating score assigned to one of the generated profiles (Loki, Jo, Aims, Lesile, Jim).

[0096] In the second operation step 920, the user selects a first area 912, and the star rating of the user's profile (Loki) related to the selected first area 912 is displayed on the screen. In one embodiment, the itemized star ratings assigned to the selected profile can be displayed on the screen. For example, the itemized star ratings may include responsiveness (Quick Response), chat manners (Good chat manner), and phone manners (Good Phone manner). Furthermore, the average star rating calculated based on the itemized star ratings can also be displayed on the screen. By checking the itemized star ratings and average star rating assigned to the user, the user can check how other users rate them on the location-based avatar messenger service.

[0097] In the third operation step 930, the user selects a second area 922, and the "likes" related information assigned to the user's profile in the selected second area 922 is displayed on the screen. In one embodiment, the user can see the number of "likes" assigned to their profile (e.g., 1,300 likes). Additionally or alternatively, the user can see a list of other users' profiles that have "liked" their profile in the third area 932. Here, the list of other users' profiles may include information such as each user's representative avatar image and name (e.g., nickname).

[0098] Furthermore, users can select a profile from the list of other users' profiles shown in the third area 932 using touch input or other means, view the detailed information of that profile (e.g., name, age, gender, hobbies, occupation, and interests), and initiate a chat or voice / video call with that other user. This configuration allows users to see who (other users) have shown interest in their avatar, and to attempt to communicate with them even if that person is not currently located near the user.

[0099] Furthermore, the user terminal 120 can receive a list of profiles of other users who have given a certain rating or "like" to the user's avatar within a certain period of time. For example, within a week, the user terminal 120 can receive a list of profiles of other users with a high similarity to the profile information of the user being rated, based on the profile information (e.g., gender, region, age, hobbies, occupation, and interests, etc.) of other users who have given the user a certain rating or higher (e.g., 4 stars or more). Additionally or alternatively, within a week, the user terminal 120 can receive a list of profiles of other users with a high similarity to the profile information of the user being rated, based on the profile information (e.g., gender, region, age, hobbies, occupation, and interests, etc.) of other users who have given the user a "like". In one embodiment, information about other users who have given a certain rating may be provided in list form or in avatar form on the extended screen 122 (see Figure 1). This configuration allows the user of user terminal 120 to easily view information about other users who share many commonalities with them and who have a positive opinion of them, without requiring any additional effort. In other words, the user can easily view information about other users who share many commonalities with them without having to go through the trouble of searching for users who share many commonalities with them from among other users who have given them a certain level of evaluation.

[0100] Figure 10 shows an example in which a user according to one embodiment of the present disclosure blocks the display of other users to the user terminal 210, or notifies the provider of a location-based avatar messenger service of inappropriate behavior by other users. Figure 10 shows the first operation step 1010, the second operation step 1020, and the third operation step 1030 of the user terminal 210. In the first operation step 1010, a first area 1012 is selected in order for the user to block other users or notify the provider of a location-based avatar messenger service of inappropriate behavior by other users.

[0101] In the second operation step 1020, a second area 1022 for notifying the user of inappropriate behavior by other users and a third area 1024 for blocking other users are displayed on the screen. The user can notify the provider of the location-based avatar messenger service of inappropriate behavior by other users by touching the second area 1022, etc. Inappropriate behavior includes sending offensive messages to the user and making unwanted video calls. Alternatively or additionally, the user can block the display of other users on the user terminal 120 by selecting the third area 1024.

[0102] In the third operation step 1030, the user selects the second area 1022 or the third area 1024 by touch input or the like, thereby hiding the avatar of the blocked or notified other user from the user terminal 210. At this time, even if the blocked or notified user is located within a predetermined distance (e.g., 200m) from the user terminal 210 in the direction that the user terminal 210 is shooting, the user's avatar can be prevented from being displayed on the user terminal 210, i.e., hidden. Additionally or alternatively, the user's avatar can also be prevented from being displayed on the terminal of the blocked or notified other user. Additionally or alternatively, the use of avatar messenger services that utilize the location information of the blocked or notified other user can be partially or completely restricted. Additionally or alternatively, the forwarding of messages or calls to the user can be prohibited for the blocked or notified other user.

[0103] In one embodiment, a user can view a list of other users they have blocked or notified, and unblock or unnotify some or all of the other users on that list. At this time, the avatars of the other users who have been unblocked or unnotified can be displayed again on the user's device. Furthermore, the user's avatar can be displayed again on the devices of the other users who have been unblocked or unnotified.

[0104] Figure 11 shows an example of a voice call between a user and another user using avatars according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In one embodiment, the user can select one of the avatars of nearby users displayed on the extended screen 122 (see Figure 1) and conduct a voice call with the user associated with that avatar. During the voice call, the other party's avatar 1110 and the user's avatar 1120 may be displayed on the display.

[0105] In one embodiment, the motion of the other party's avatar 1110 can be controlled based on the other party's voice data. For example, the user terminal 120 can control the mouth shape, facial expressions, etc., of the other party's avatar 1110 based on the other party's voice data. Similarly, the user terminal 120 can control the motion of the user's avatar 1120 based on the user's voice data. With this configuration, users using a location-based avatar messenger service can conduct video calls using an avatar image without revealing their own face.

[0106] Figure 12 is a flowchart showing a method for providing a location-based avatar messenger service according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In one embodiment, the method 1200 for providing a location-based avatar messenger service can be executed by a user terminal 210 (for example, at least one processor of the user terminal 210). The processing procedure of method 1200 can be started by the user terminal 210 transmitting the location information of the user terminal 12 to an external system (S1210).

[0107] Subsequently, the user terminal 210 receives information from an external system regarding users located in its vicinity (S1220). This information regarding users located in its vicinity may include the user's location information, profile information, and avatar information. The user terminal 210 also acquires at least one image from its image sensor (S1230).

[0108] By acquiring at least one image, the user terminal 210 displays on its display an avatar associated with a user located on at least one image (S1240). For example, the user terminal 210 can display on its display a first set of avatars associated with a user located on at least one image. Here, the first set of avatars may be avatars associated with users located around the user terminal 210 that are within a predetermined distance from the image sensor in the direction the image sensor captures. Additionally or alternatively, the first set of avatars displayed on the display may be determined based on evaluation scores associated with users located around the user terminal 210.

[0109] In one embodiment, the size of each of the first set of avatars displayed on the display may be determined based on the distance between the user and the user terminal 210 located around the user terminal 210. Additionally or alternatively, the position of each of the first set of avatars displayed on the display may be determined based on the distance between the user and the user terminal 210 located around the user terminal 210. Additionally or alternatively, the size of each of the faces of the first set of avatars displayed on the display may be determined based on the rating score associated with the user located around the user terminal 210. Additionally or alternatively, the size of each of the first set of avatars displayed on the display may be determined based on the rating score associated with the user located around the user terminal 210.

[0110] Subsequently, the user terminal 120 accepts an operation to select one avatar from among the avatars displayed on the screen (S1250). At this time, the user terminal 210 displays the user's profile information associated with the selected avatar on the screen (S1260). The user terminal 210 also sends an instruction to an external system to create a chat room on the instant messaging application with the user associated with the selected avatar (S1270). Here, the chat room may be an open chat room that minimizes the exposure of personal information.

[0111] Additionally, or alternatively, the user terminal 210 sends a request to an external system to perform a voice call on an instant messaging application with the user associated with the selected avatar. During the voice call, the user terminal 210 displays the selected avatar on its screen and controls the motion of the selected avatar displayed on the screen based on the voice data of the other party in the voice call.

[0112] The methods, operations, or techniques described herein can be implemented by a variety of means. For example, such techniques can be implemented in hardware, firmware, software, or a combination thereof. Those skilled in the art will understand that the various exemplary logical blocks, modules, circuits, and algorithmic steps described herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, computer software, or a combination of both. To clearly illustrate such mutual substitutability between hardware and software, various exemplary components, blocks, modules, circuits, and steps have been generally described in terms of their functional aspects. Whether such functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the design requirements added to the specific application and the overall system. Those skilled in the art may implement the functions described in a variety of ways for their respective specific applications, but such implementation should not be construed as departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0113] In hardware implementation, the processing units used to implement the technique may be implemented in one or more ASICs, DSPs, Digital Signal Processing Devices (DSPDs), Programmable Logic Devices (PLDs), Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), processors, controllers, microcontrollers, microprocessors, electronic devices, other electronic units designed to perform the functions described herein, computers, or combinations thereof.

[0114] Accordingly, the diverse exemplary logic blocks, modules, and circuits described herein can also be implemented or run by any combination of general-purpose processors, DSPs, ASICs, FPGAs or other programmable logic devices, discrete gates and transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any other devices designed to perform the functions described herein. A general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but instead, the processor may be any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. The processor may also be implemented by a combination of computing devices, such as a DSP and a microprocessor, multiple microprocessors, a DSP core and one or more associated microprocessors, or any other combination of configurations.

[0115] In the implementation of firmware and / or software, techniques include RAM (Random Access Memory) and ROM (Read-Only Memory). This can be implemented by instructions stored on a computer-readable medium such as Memory, NVRAM (Non-Volatile Random Access Memory), PROM (Programmable Read-Only Memory), EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), EEPROM (Electrically Erasable PROM), flash memory, CD (Compact Disc), or magnetic or optical data storage devices. The instructions may be executable by one or more processors, which can perform specific modes of the functions described herein.

[0116] While the embodiments described above utilize aspects of the currently disclosed subject matter in one or more standalone computer systems, the disclosure is not limited to such embodiments and can be implemented in any computing environment, such as networks or distributed computing environments. Furthermore, aspects of the subject matter in this disclosure can be implemented in multiple processing chips or devices, and storage can be similarly affected across multiple devices. Such devices may include PCs, network servers, and portable devices.

[0117] While this disclosure has been illustrated by some examples, various modifications and alterations are possible without departing from the disclosure, as can be understood by those skilled in the art in which the inventions of this disclosure pertain. Such modifications and alterations should be understood to fall within the scope of the claims appended to this specification. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0118] 110 users 120 user terminals 122 Extended screen

Claims

1. Sending the user terminal's location information to an external system, Receiving information about users located around the user terminal from the external system, Acquire at least one image from the image sensor of the user terminal, The process involves superimposing a first set of avatars associated with users located in the vicinity onto at least one of the aforementioned images and displaying them on the user terminal's display. The system accepts a selection of one avatar from the first set of avatars displayed on the aforementioned display, Sending a request to the external system to create an open chat room on an instant messaging application with the user associated with the selected avatar, In response to receiving user input, a request is sent to the external system to convert the open chat room into a general chat room. In response to the conversion of the open chat room into the general chat room, the virtual profile information of the users included in the chat room is converted into the actual personal account profile information and displayed. Linking the verified first personal information from the actual personal account profile information with the virtual profile information, A program that causes at least one processor of a user terminal to execute, The aforementioned virtual profile information is the profile information set for an avatar in the avatar messenger service. The profile information of the actual personal account is the profile information used in the instant messaging application. The aforementioned virtual profile information and the aforementioned actual personal account profile information differ in at least part, The aforementioned virtual profile information includes the authenticated first personal information and the unauthenticated second personal information, A program in which, in the open chat room, the authenticated first personal information and the unauthenticated second personal information among the virtual profile information are displayed in a visually distinct manner from one another.

2. The virtual profile information of the user associated with the selected avatar is displayed on the display, The program according to claim 1, further causing the processor to execute the following.

3. Sending a request to the external system to perform a voice call on an instant messaging application with the user associated with the selected avatar, The program according to claim 1, further causing the processor to execute the following.

4. While the voice call is being performed, the processor is further instructed to display the selected avatar on the display. The program according to claim 3, wherein the motion of the selected avatar displayed on the display is controlled based on the voice data of the other party in a voice call.

5. The program according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first set of avatars is an avatar associated with a user located within a predetermined distance in the direction captured by the image sensor, among the users located in the vicinity.

6. The program according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the size of each of the first set of avatars displayed on the display is determined based on the distance between the user and the user terminal located in the vicinity.

7. The program according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the position of each of the first set of avatars displayed on the display is determined based on the distance between the user and the user terminal located in the vicinity.

8. The program according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the size of each face of the first set of avatars displayed on the display is determined based on evaluation scores associated with users located in the vicinity.

9. The program according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the size of each of the first set of avatars displayed on the display is determined based on an evaluation score associated with a user located in the vicinity.

10. The program according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the first set of avatars displayed on the display is determined based on evaluation scores associated with users located in the vicinity.

11. To display a first graphic object on the avatar associated with a user located in the vicinity who has an evaluation score above a predetermined threshold, The program according to any one of claims 1 to 10, further causing the processor to execute the program.

12. In response to a change in the direction in which the image sensor captures images, a second set of avatars associated with users located in the vicinity are superimposed onto at least one image and displayed on the user terminal's display. The program according to any one of claims 1 to 11, further causing the processor to execute the program.

13. In response to a change in the zoom level of the image sensor, a third set of avatars associated with the user located in the vicinity are superimposed onto at least one image and displayed on the user terminal's display. The program according to any one of claims 1 to 12, further causing the processor to execute the program.

14. In response to receiving the filtering conditions from the user, the first set of avatars associated with users located in the vicinity who satisfy the filtering conditions are superimposed and displayed on the user terminal's display. A program according to any one of claims 1 to 13, which causes the processor to execute the following.

15. The system accepts input to isolate one avatar from the first set of avatars displayed on the aforementioned display, The blocked avatar is hidden from the display, The program according to any one of claims 1 to 14, further causing the processor to execute the program.

16. When receiving a message from another user on an instant messaging application, a second graphic object relating to the other user's location is superimposed on at least one image and displayed on the display. The program according to any one of claims 1 to 15, further causing the processor to execute the program.

17. Communication module and Memory and Image sensor and The display and A processor connected to the memory and configured to execute at least one computer-readable program contained in the memory, Equipped with, The aforementioned processor, The user terminal's location information is transmitted to an external system. The system receives information about users located around the user terminal from the external system. At least one image is acquired from the image sensor of the user terminal, A first set of avatars associated with users located in the vicinity is superimposed onto at least one of the aforementioned images and displayed on the user terminal's display. The system accepts a selection of one avatar from the first set of avatars displayed on the aforementioned display. A request is sent to the external system to generate an open chat room on the instant messaging application with the user associated with the selected avatar. Upon receiving user input, a request is sent to the external system to convert the open chat room into a general chat room. When the aforementioned open chat room is converted to the aforementioned general chat room, the virtual profile information of the users included in the chat room is converted to the actual personal account profile information and displayed. The verified first personal information from the actual personal account profile information is linked with the virtual profile information. The aforementioned virtual profile information is the profile information set for an avatar in the avatar messenger service. The profile information of the actual personal account is the profile information used in the instant messaging application. The aforementioned virtual profile information and the aforementioned actual personal account profile information differ in at least part, The aforementioned virtual profile information includes the authenticated first personal information and the unauthenticated second personal information, In the aforementioned open chat room, the verified first personal information and the unverified second personal information among the virtual profile information are displayed in a visually distinct manner from each other. Avatar messenger service provider device.

18. Sending the user terminal's location information to an external system, Receiving information about users located around the user terminal from the external system, Acquire at least one image from the image sensor of the user terminal, The process involves superimposing a first set of avatars associated with users located in the vicinity onto at least one of the aforementioned images and displaying them on the user terminal's display. The system accepts a selection of one avatar from the first set of avatars displayed on the aforementioned display, Sending a request to the external system to create an open chat room on an instant messaging application with the user associated with the selected avatar, In response to receiving user input, a request is sent to the external system to convert the open chat room into a general chat room. In response to the conversion of the open chat room into the general chat room, the virtual profile information of the users included in the chat room is converted into the actual personal account profile information and displayed. Linking the verified first personal information from the actual personal account profile information with the virtual profile information, This is executed by at least one processor in the user terminal, The aforementioned virtual profile information is the profile information set for an avatar in the avatar messenger service. The profile information of the actual personal account is the profile information used in the instant messaging application. The aforementioned virtual profile information and the aforementioned actual personal account profile information differ in at least part, The aforementioned virtual profile information includes the authenticated first personal information and the unauthenticated second personal information, In the aforementioned open chat room, the verified first personal information and the unverified second personal information among the virtual profile information are displayed in a visually distinct manner from each other. A method for providing an avatar messenger service using location information.

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