Method for providing an emoticon input interface, server and user terminal

Abstract

To provide a method for providing an emoticon input interface for inputting an emoticon in an easy manner.SOLUTION: A method for providing an emoticon input interface comprises the steps of: 205 displaying a first input interface for inputting an emoticon to be posted on a profile page of a user; 207 receiving a selection interaction input for selecting a first emoticon to be posted on the profile page of the user through the first input interface; and 211 displaying the selected first emoticon on the profile page of the user. The first input interface includes user custom information associated with history information of an emoticon of the user, and the user custom information includes the same information as the user custom information of a second input interface for inputting an emoticon to be displayed in a chat message.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for providing an emoticon input interface for inputting emoticons into chat messages and profile pages in a messenger application that provides a chat function. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art With the recent development of mobile communication technology and improvements in the performance of portable smart devices, messenger services that enable users to send and receive instant messages have become widespread.

[0003] Recent messenger services provide a function that allows users to display various information on their profile pages. As a result, many users post information on their profile pages according to their interests and preferences. Such profile pages are widely used as a way for messenger service users to express their individuality.

[0004] Recently, messenger services have been supporting the sending and receiving of messages that contain images, videos, voices, and emoticons (pictograms) in addition to text. In particular, many messenger service users use emoticons in instant messages to effectively express their feelings.

[0005] In displaying various information on a user's profile page, there are an increasing number of cases where emoticons are used to effectively express emotions. As the use of emoticons on the profile pages of messenger services increases, there is an increased demand for a method for allowing users to input emoticons in a more effective and user-friendly manner. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Republic of Korea Registered Patent No. 10-1982081 (2019.08.28) Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT EMOTICON ENTERING INTERFACE The present invention aims to provide a method for providing an emoticon input interface for inputting emoticons in an easy manner in order to post the emoticons on a user's profile page of a messenger service.

[0008] The present invention aims to provide an emoticon input interface that reflects a user's history information regarding emoticons in an emoticon input interface provided for posting emoticons on a user's profile page of a messenger service. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] A method for a user terminal providing an emoticon input interface of the present invention includes the steps of: displaying a first input interface for inputting an emoticon to be posted on a profile page of a user; receiving an input of a selection interaction for selecting a first emoticon to be posted on the profile page of the user through the first input interface; and displaying the selected first emoticon on the profile page of the user, wherein the first input interface includes user custom information associated with history information for the user's emoticons, and the user custom information includes at least a portion of the user custom information of a second input interface for inputting an emoticon to be displayed in a chat message.

[0010] In one embodiment of the present invention, the history information may be related to at least one of a recent use history, a favorite designation history, a purchase history, a download history, and an ownership history of the user's emoticons.

[0011] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first and second input interfaces include a tab area including at least one tab associated with the history information, and a selection area displaying thumbnails of emoticons that can input the selection interaction, and the user custom information can be displayed in the tab area.

[0012] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first and second input interfaces may include the tab regions having the same configuration and order of the tabs.

[0013] In one embodiment of the present invention, the user's profile page includes a profile background and a profile image, and the first emoticon may be posted and displayed on at least one of the profile background and the profile image.

[0014] In one embodiment of the present invention, when the first emoticon is included in and displayed in the profile background, the method may further include a step of displaying an editing interface for inputting information regarding a form in which the first emoticon is displayed in the profile background, the step being performed between the step of receiving an input of the selection interaction and the step of displaying the profile page.

[0015] In one embodiment of the present invention, when the first emoticon is included in and displayed in the profile image background, the first emoticon may be displayed in association with the profile image.

[0016] In one embodiment of the present invention, the method further includes a step of receiving input of text information to be posted together with the first emoticon on the user's profile page, and in the step of displaying the first emoticon, the text information inputted on the user's profile page is displayed together with the first emoticon. If the step of receiving input of the text information is performed before the step of receiving input of the selection interaction, in the step of displaying the first input interface, the first input interface may include information on at least one recommended emoticon associated with the text information.

[0017] In one embodiment of the present invention, the method further includes the steps of receiving input of text information to be posted together with the first emoticon on the user's profile page, displaying the first emoticon, and displaying the text information inputted on the user's profile page together with the first emoticon. If the step of receiving input of the selection interaction is performed before the step of receiving input of the text information, in the step of receiving input of the text information, a text input interface for inputting the text information may include at least one recommended text information associated with the first emoticon.

[0018] In one embodiment of the present invention, in the step of displaying the profile page, the first emoticon may be displayed in a modified display manner different from a manner in which the first emoticon is displayed in the chat message.

[0019] In one embodiment of the present invention, when the manner in which the first emoticon is displayed in the chat message includes a moving image, the changed display manner may be at least one of a manner in which the moving image is displayed repeatedly and a manner in which a still image associated with the moving image is displayed.

[0020] In one embodiment of the present invention, the method further includes a step of displaying an editing interface for changing information regarding a manner in which the first emoticon is displayed on the profile page, which is performed after the step of displaying the first emoticon, and in the step of displaying the editing interface, if the user's authority to use the first emoticon expires, an editing interface with more limited functions than when the authority to use is maintained can be displayed.

[0021] In one embodiment of the present invention, displaying the first emoticon may include providing an interface connected to an emoticon set in which the first emoticon is included.

[0022] In one embodiment of the present invention, the method includes the steps of: displaying a second emoticon posted on a profile page of another user; displaying a third input interface for inputting the emoticon to be posted on the profile page of the other user; receiving a selection interaction input for selecting the third emoticon to be posted on the profile page of the other user through the third input interface; and displaying the selected third emoticon on the profile page of the other user together with the second emoticon, wherein the third input interface may include custom information that is the same as at least a portion of the custom information of the first input interface.

[0023] In one embodiment of the present invention, in the step of displaying the third input interface, the third input interface may include information on at least one recommended emoticon associated with the second emoticon.

[0024] In one embodiment of the present invention, the method may further include a step of displaying the fourth emoticon posted on the user's profile page together with the first emoticon, which is performed after the step of displaying the first emoticon (wherein the fourth emoticon is an emoticon that another user has requested to be posted on the user's profile page in association with the first emoticon).

[0025] The user terminal providing an emoticon input interface of the present invention includes a memory and a processor coupled to the memory and configured to execute instructions contained in the memory, the processor being configured to execute the steps of: displaying a first input interface for inputting an emoticon to be posted on a user's profile page; receiving an input of a selection interaction for selecting a first emoticon to be posted on the user's profile page through the first input interface; and displaying the selected first emoticon on the user's profile page, wherein the first input interface includes user custom information associated with history information for the user's emoticons, and the user custom information includes at least a portion of the user custom information of a second input interface for inputting an emoticon to be displayed in a chat message.

[0026] In one embodiment of the present invention, the method includes the steps of receiving a request to post an emoticon on a user's profile page from a user terminal; providing a first input interface for inputting an emoticon to be posted on the user's profile page to the user terminal; receiving selection information from the user terminal selecting a first emoticon to be posted on the user's profile page through the first input interface; and providing the selected first emoticon to the user's profile page to the user terminal, wherein the first input interface includes user custom information associated with history information on the user's emoticons, and the user custom information may include at least a portion of user custom information of a second input interface for inputting an emoticon to be displayed in a chat message.

[0027] In one embodiment of the present invention, the method further includes a step of providing an editing interface for changing information regarding a manner in which the first emoticon is displayed on the profile page, which is executed after the step of providing the first emoticon, and in the step of providing the editing interface, if the user's usage authority for the first emoticon is terminated, an editing interface with more limited functions than when the usage authority is maintained can be provided.

[0028] A method for a server of the present invention for providing an emoticon input interface includes the steps of: receiving a request to post an emoticon on a user's profile page from a user terminal; providing a first input interface for inputting an emoticon to be posted on the user's profile page to the user terminal; receiving selection information from the user terminal selecting a first emoticon to be posted on the user's profile page through the first input interface; and providing the selected first emoticon to the user's profile page to the user terminal, wherein the first input interface includes history information for the user's emoticons and associated user custom information, and the history information may be related to at least one of a recent use history, favorite designation history, purchase history, download history, and ownership history for the user's emoticons.

[0029] The server for providing an emoticon input interface of the present invention includes a memory; and a processor coupled to the memory and configured to execute instructions included in the memory, the processor being configured to execute the following steps: receiving a request to post an emoticon on a user's profile page from a user terminal; providing a first input interface to the user terminal for inputting an emoticon to be posted on the user's profile page; receiving selection information from the user terminal through the first input interface for selecting a first emoticon to be posted on the user's profile page; and providing the selected first emoticon to the user's profile page to the user terminal, the first input interface including user custom information associated with history information for the user's emoticons, and the user custom information including at least a part of the user custom information of a second input interface for inputting an emoticon to be displayed in a chat message. Effect of the Invention

[0030] The present invention has an advantage that it provides a method for providing an emoticon input interface for inputting emoticons in an easy manner in order to post the emoticons on a user's profile page of a messenger service.

[0031] In addition, the present invention has an advantage that the user's emoticon history information can be reflected in an emoticon input interface provided for posting emoticons on the user's profile page of a messenger service. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0032] [Figure 1] 1 illustrates an example of a network environment according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 4 is a flowchart illustrating a method for providing an emoticon input interface in a user terminal according to the present invention. [Diagram 3] 1 is a diagram illustrating exemplary screens in a process of performing a method for providing an emoticon input interface in a user terminal or other user terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 1 is a diagram illustrating exemplary screens in a process of performing a method for providing an emoticon input interface in a user terminal or other user terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 5] 1 is a diagram illustrating exemplary screens in a process of performing a method for providing an emoticon input interface in a user terminal or other user terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 1 is a diagram illustrating exemplary screens in a process of performing a method for providing an emoticon input interface in a user terminal or other user terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7]1 is a diagram illustrating exemplary screens in a process of performing a method for providing an emoticon input interface in a user terminal or other user terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] 1 is a diagram illustrating exemplary screens in a process of performing a method for providing an emoticon input interface in a user terminal or other user terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] 1 illustrates a table for explaining a type of displaying emoticons in a profile background or profile image on a profile page of a user terminal. [Figure 10] 4 is a flowchart illustrating a method for providing an emoticon input interface in a user terminal according to the present invention. [Figure 11] 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen in a process of performing a method for providing an emoticon input interface in a user terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] 4 is a flowchart illustrating a method for providing an emoticon input interface in a user terminal according to the present invention. [Figure 13] 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen in a process of performing a method for providing an emoticon input interface in a user terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] 4 is a flowchart illustrating a method for providing an emoticon input interface in a user terminal according to the present invention. [Figure 15] 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen in a process of performing a method for providing an emoticon input interface in a user terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] 4 is a flowchart illustrating a method for providing an emoticon input interface in a user terminal according to the present invention. [Figure 17] 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen in a process of performing a method for providing an emoticon input interface in a user terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18]4 is a flowchart illustrating a method for providing an emoticon input interface by a server according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0033] Hereinafter, the embodiments disclosed herein will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, and the same or similar components will be given the same reference numerals regardless of the drawing numerals, and duplicated descriptions thereof will be omitted. In addition, in describing the embodiments disclosed herein, if a detailed description of related known technology is determined to make the gist of the embodiments disclosed herein unclear, the detailed description will be omitted.

[0034] Terms including ordinal numbers such as first, second, etc. may be used to describe various components, but the components are not limited by the terms. The terms are used only to distinguish one component from another.

[0035] A singular expression includes a plural expression unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0036] In this application, the steps described may be performed in any order relative to the order listed, unless a specific causal relationship dictates that the steps be performed in the order listed.

[0037] In this application, the terms "comprise" or "have" and the like are intended to specify the presence of features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof set forth in the specification, but should be understood as not precluding the presence or additional possibility of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0038] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a network environment according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] The network environment according to an embodiment of the present invention shown in Fig. 1 may include user terminals 10 and 20 and a server 30. The user terminals 10 and 20 may correspond to at least one user terminal 10 connected to the server 30 via a network. In Fig. 1, a first user terminal 10 and a second user terminal 20 are illustrated as user terminals by way of example.

[0040] The first user terminal 10 is a terminal used by a first user to log in with a first user account registered on the server 30, and the second user terminal 20 is a terminal used by a second user to log in with a second user account registered on the server 30.

[0041] The user terminals 10 and 20 may be terminals that a user logs in to and uses with a user account registered in a messenger service, social media service, or social network provided by the server 30. For example, the user terminals 10 and 20 may correspond to a PC or a smartphone. If the user terminals 10 and 20 are PCs, they may operate on an operating system such as Windows, macOS, or Linux (registered trademark).

[0042] The network is not limited in the communication method, and may include not only communication methods that utilize communication networks (e.g., mobile communication networks, wired Internet, wireless Internet, and broadcasting networks) that the network may include, but also short-range wireless communication.

[0043] The user terminals 10,20 may include a communication unit 11,21, an input unit 12,22, an output unit 13,23, a memory 14,24, and a processor 15,25.

[0044] The communication units 11 and 21 can communicate with the server 30 or with other terminals in a wired or wireless manner.

[0045] The input units 12 and 22 can receive various information through user operations and input actions, and can include a touch screen module, a keyboard, a mouse, a button, a camera, a stylus, and a microphone.

[0046] The user terminals 10 and 20 can receive user interaction inputs through the input units 12 and 22. An interaction means that a user operates an input unit to input information reflecting the user's selection or intention, etc., to the user terminal 10. For example, interactions can include touching a touch screen, clicking a mouse, typing on a keyboard, inputting sound into a microphone, taking an image with a camera, and recognizing motions of a motion sensor.

[0047] The output units 13 and 23 may output various information. The output units 13 and 23 may be a display device, a speaker, a vibration generating device, a tactile generating device, etc. In some cases, the output units 13 and 23 may be a device (e.g., a Bluetooth earphone) that is connected to the user terminals 10 and 20 in a wired or wireless manner (e.g., short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth) and receives and outputs a signal.

[0048] The memories 14 and 24 function as storage media and can store a plurality of application programs run on the user terminals 10 and 20, and data and instructions for the operation of the user terminals 10 and 20. The memories 14 and 24 can be provided as hardware in the form of various storage devices such as ROM, RAM, flash drive, hard drive, etc., and / or in the form of web storage.

[0049] In one embodiment, the memory 14, 24 may store an application associated with a messenger service, a social media service, or a social network service (SNS).

[0050] The processors 15, 25 control the overall operation of the communication unit 11, the input units 12, 22, the output units 13, 23, and the memories 14, 24, and can execute applications associated with messenger services, social media services, or social network services (SNS).

[0051] In the following description, for convenience of explanation, a user terminal 10 refers to a first user terminal 10, and another user terminal 20 refers to a second user terminal 20.

[0052] The user terminal 10 may execute an application associated with a messenger service, a social media service, or a social network service (SNS) and provide the user with the functions of inputting information into the user's profile page, displaying the profile page of the user or other users, and sending and receiving chat messages through chat rooms. The present invention relates to the user terminal 10 providing an emoticon input interface.

[0053] The user terminal 10 displays a first input interface for inputting an emoticon to be posted on the user's profile page, receives input of a selection interaction for selecting a first emoticon to be posted on the user's profile page through the first input interface, and displays the selected first emoticon on the user's profile page.

[0054] The first input interface includes user custom information associated with historical information about the user's emoticons, and the user custom information may include at least a portion of the same information as the user custom information of the second input interface for inputting emoticons to be displayed in chat messages.

[0055] Here, the profile page refers to a page or interface that displays a user's personal information, status information, or interest information in a messenger service, social media service, or social network service (SNS) provided by the server 30. The profile page may include the user's name, profile image (photo), status message, contact information, profile background photo, etc.

[0056] A profile page may be provided corresponding to each user of the service provided by the server 30. Therefore, in the present invention, a user's profile page may mean a first user's profile page, and another user's profile page may mean a second user's (another user's) profile page.

[0057] Here, emoticons refer to graphic information expressing a user's emotions or facial expressions. Emoticons can be composed of various types of graphic or multimedia information. For example, emoticons can include still images, moving images, or sound information. Such emoticons must be selected according to the emotions or facial expressions that a user wishes to express, but it is not easy to search and select them using a normal text input method. Therefore, an emoticon input interface that allows an emoticon to be easily searched and selected can be provided.

[0058] Here, the first and second input interfaces refer to interfaces for a user to select an emoticon and input the selected information to the user terminal 10. In the present invention, the first input interface corresponds to an input interface for inputting an emoticon to be posted on a user's profile page, and the second input interface corresponds to an input interface for inputting an emoticon to be displayed in a chat message in a chat room.

[0059] Here, the user custom information means information provided in association with the user's emoticon history information in providing an emoticon input interface to the user.

[0060] Here, the user's history information on emoticons refers to information on emoticons that the user has used, purchased, downloaded, or possessed in the service provided by the server 30. For example, the user's history information on emoticons may be at least one of the user's recent use history, favorite designation history, purchase history, download history, and possession history of emoticons.

[0061] Other user terminals 20 can view the user's profile page. Thus, other user terminals 20 can display the user's profile page on which the emoticon is posted. Other user terminals 20 can input a reaction emoticon to the emoticon posted on the user's profile page. Such a reaction emoticon is posted on the user's profile page and can be displayed on the user terminal 10 and other user terminals 20.

[0062] The server 30 may be embodied as a computer device or multiple computer devices that provide instructions, codes, files, contents, services, etc. The server 30 may be a server 30 that can communicate with the user terminals 10 and 20 through a network to transmit and receive information.

[0063] The server 30 may include a processor 31 , a memory 32 , and a communication unit 33 .

[0064] The processor 31 controls the overall operation of the memory 32 and the communication unit 33, and provides the user terminals 10 and 30 with a messenger service, a social media service, or a social network service (SNS).

[0065] The memory 32 functions as a storage medium and can store a plurality of application programs run by the server 30, and data and instructions for the operation of the server 30. In one embodiment, the memory 32 can store an application program that provides a messenger service, a social media service, or a social network service (SNS).

[0066] Such memory 32 may be provided as hardware in the form of various storage devices such as ROM, RAM, flash drive, hard drive, etc., and / or in the form of web storage.

[0067] The communication unit 33 can communicate with the user terminal 10 via a network in a wired / wireless manner.

[0068] The server 30 of the present invention can provide a messenger service, a social media service, or a social network service (SNS) for the user terminals 10 and 20. The server 30 can provide the user terminals 10 and 20 with a function of inputting and posting information on a user's profile page and a function of sending and receiving chat messages through a chat room. The present invention relates to the server 30 providing an emoticon input interface to the user terminals 10 and 20.

[0069] The server 30 receives a request from the user terminal 10 to post an emoticon on the user's profile page, provides the user terminal 10 with a first input interface for inputting the emoticon to be posted on the user's profile page, receives selection information from the user terminal 10 selecting a first emoticon to be posted on the user's profile page via the first input interface, and provides the user terminal 10 with the selected first emoticon on the user's profile page.

[0070] Here, the first input interface includes user custom information associated with history information for the user's emoticons, and the user custom information may include at least a portion of the same information as the user custom information of the second input interface for inputting emoticons to be displayed in chat messages.

[0071] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 2 to FIG. 9, an embodiment of a method for providing an emoticon input interface in the user terminal 10 of the present invention will be described.

[0072] FIG. 2 is a flow chart illustrating a method for providing an emoticon input interface in the user terminal 10 of the present invention.

[0073] In step 201, the user terminal 10 displays an edit mode for the user's profile page.

[0074] The user terminal 10 may provide an edit mode in which the user can add and / or modify content to his / her own profile page. In response to a user's request to edit his / her own profile page, the user terminal 10 may display an edit mode including an edit interface for the user's profile page.

[0075] In step 203, the user terminal 10 selects an area on the user's profile page where the emoticon is to be posted.

[0076] The user terminal 10 may provide a function of posting an emoticon in at least one of the profile background and the profile image in an editing interface for the user's profile page. The user may select in which area of ​​the profile background and the profile image the emoticon is to be posted in the editing interface for the user's profile page.

[0077] In step 205, the user terminal 10 displays a first input interface for inputting an emoticon to be posted on the user's profile page.

[0078] The first input interface is an interface for inputting emoticons to be posted on the profile page. A user can refer to or view a plurality of emoticons through the first input interface and select an emoticon that the user wishes to post based on a plurality of sorted and displayed emoticon thumbnails.

[0079] The first input interface may include a tab area and a selection area. A plurality of tabs may be displayed in the tab area. When one of the plurality of tabs is selected, at least one thumbnail of an emoticon corresponding to the selected tab may be displayed in the selection area. A user may select an emoticon to be input by selecting one of the thumbnails displayed in the selection area.

[0080] The tabs in the tab area can be classified into various types. Specifically, the tabs can be at least one of a favorite tab, a recently used tab, a notice tab, a recent popular tab, a recommendation tab, and a user custom set tab.

[0081] Here, the user customized set tab may be a tab corresponding to an emoticon set designated by the user through methods such as purchasing, downloading, holding, gifting, etc. Here, an emoticon set means a group of emoticons bundled based on a theme, keyword, character, content, etc. The server 30 may provide functions such as purchasing, downloading, holding, and gifting in units of an emoticon set including a plurality of emoticons, rather than individual emoticons. Therefore, the above-mentioned user customized set tab may also be provided corresponding to an emoticon set. The user customized set tab may be displayed in the tab area with an icon image of the corresponding emoticon set.

[0082] The first input interface may be provided customized according to user information. For this reason, the first input interface may include user custom information customized according to the user information. The user custom information may be associated with history information of the user regarding emoticons.

[0083] The user's history information on emoticons may be information on actions the user has previously performed on emoticons while using the service provided to the user by the server 30. In particular, the user's history information on emoticons may be information on at least one of the user's recent use history, favorite designation history, purchase history, download history, and ownership history of emoticons.

[0084] Here, the recent use history may be information on emoticons used by the user during a predetermined period (e.g., 30 days) while using the service of the server 30, or information on a predetermined number of emoticons used by the user most recently (e.g., 12 or less). The purchase history may be information on emoticons purchased by the user with or without payment while using the service of the server 30. The download history may be information on information on emoticons (e.g., image information) downloaded by the user from the server 30. The possession history may be information on emoticons possessed by the user through purchase, download, gift, etc. while using the service of the server 30.

[0085] The first user terminal 10 or the server 30 can store actions performed by the user on emoticons as history information while providing a service to the user. Thus, the first user terminal can provide a first input interface based on the user's history on emoticons that has been stored. In some cases, the history information can be stored corresponding to the user's account. Thus, the first user terminal 10 or the server 30 can provide a first input interface based on the user's history on emoticons even when the user uses the service of the server 30 through another terminal with the same user account.

[0086] In the first input interface, the user custom information can be reflected as information displayed on a tab in the tab area. More specifically, the tab in the tab area can be displayed with a graphic image customized according to the user's information. For example, when a recently used tab is displayed in the tab area, the recently used tab in the tab area can display an icon based on a thumbnail icon of one of the emoticons recently used by the user, rather than a general icon image that means recently used. In this case, the recently used tab in the tab area can be displayed differently for each user of the service of the server 30.

[0087] In addition, the order in which tabs are arranged in the tab area may be displayed reflecting the user's emoticon history information. For example, if there are multiple user custom set tabs, the order in which the multiple user custom set tabs are displayed may be the order specified by the user, or the order in which the user purchased, downloaded, or owned the corresponding emoticon set.

[0088] In some cases, the tab selected as the default when the first input interface is displayed for the first time may also reflect the user's history information. For example, the tab that the user last selected in the existing input interface may be selected and displayed as the default when the first input interface is displayed for the first time.

[0089] As described above, since the first input interface reflects user custom information, the first input interface can be displayed differently for each user. This has the advantage that the user can input emoticons in an easier way because the user can input emoticons through the emoticon input interface that reflects his / her history information or preference information.

[0090] The first input interface provided for inputting emoticons to be posted on the user's profile page may be the same as or similar to an emoticon input interface provided in other parts of the service of the server 30. In particular, the first input interface may be different from the emoticon input interface and at least a portion of the user custom information may be the same.

[0091] For example, the first input interface may be the same as or similar to the second input interface for inputting emoticons to be displayed in chat messages in association with the chat service provided by the server 30. In particular, the user customization information of the first input interface may include at least a portion of the user customization information of the second input interface.

[0092] The user can use the emoticon input interface having the same information in various functions provided by the server 30, and can easily input emoticons in association with various functions. When the user custom information of either the first or second input interface is changed, the change can be reflected simultaneously or immediately in the other input interface.

[0093] In step 207, the user terminal 10 receives a selection interaction input for selecting a first emoticon to be posted on the user's profile page through a first input interface.

[0094] When a tab is selected in the tab area of ​​the first input interface, thumbnails of emoticons corresponding to the tab are displayed in the selection area, and the user can select the emoticon to be input by inputting a selection interaction for the thumbnails of the emoticons displayed in the selection area.

[0095] In step 209, the user terminal 10 displays an editing interface for inputting information regarding the manner in which the first emoticon is to be displayed.

[0096] The user terminal 10 can provide an editing function that allows the user to modify and change the manner in which the first emoticon is displayed on the profile page. For this purpose, the user terminal 10 can display an editing interface for the first emoticon. The user terminal 10 can input information regarding the size, position, rotation, etc. of the emoticon to be displayed on the profile page through the editing interface.

[0097] In step 211, the user terminal 10 displays the selected first emoticon on the user's profile page.

[0098] When the display format of the first emoticon to be displayed on the user's profile page is also determined, the server 30 can post the first emoticon on the user's profile page. The server 30 can provide the user's profile page on which the first emoticon is posted not only to the user terminal 10 but also to other user terminals 20.

[0099] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 3 to 9, an example of a method for the user terminal 10 described with reference to FIG. 2 to provide an emoticon input interface will be described.

[0100] 3 to 8 are diagrams illustrating exemplary screens in a process in which the user terminal 10 or another user terminal 20 performs a method for providing an emoticon input interface according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0101] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a screen of the user terminal 10 after executing step 201 of FIG.

[0102] 3(a), the user terminal 10 can display a user profile page 310. The user profile page 310 can include a profile background 311, a profile image 312, the user's name 313, and a status message 314. The user's profile page can also display an interface 315 associated with a function for modifying or editing the user's profile page.

[0103] Referring to FIG. 3(b), the user terminal 10 may respond to an interaction with the interface 315 by displaying an editing interface 320 through which the profile page may be edited.

[0104] The editing interface 320 may include a menu interface 321 that allows an emoticon to be input into a profile background, and a profile image interface 322. A user may input an interaction with one of the editing interfaces to select an area on the user's profile page where the emoticon will be posted (203 in FIG. 2).

[0105] When the user inputs an interaction with the menu interface 321, the user terminal 10 can display a screen (FIG. 4) for posting an emoticon in the background of the profile page. Also, when the user inputs an interaction with the profile image interface 322, the user terminal 10 can display a screen (FIG. 7) for posting an emoticon in the profile image.

[0106] Fig. 4 illustrates a screen in a state where the user terminal 10 has executed steps 205, 207, and 209 in Fig. 2. In detail, Fig. 4 corresponds to a screen for displaying an emoticon in the background of a profile page.

[0107] FIG. 4(a) illustrates a screen displayed when the user terminal 10 has executed step 205 in FIG.

[0108] Referring to (a) of Fig. 4, the user terminal 10 may display a first input interface 420. (a) of Fig. 4 may be displayed in response to an interaction with a menu interface 321 that allows an emoticon to be input into the profile background in (b) of Fig. 3. As an interaction with the menu interface 321 is input in Fig. 3, the menu interface 411 may be displayed in an activated form in Fig. 4.

[0109] The user terminal 10 may display a first input interface 420 for posting an emoticon in the background of the profile page 410. The first input interface 420 may be displayed so as to overlap a portion of the user's profile 410.

[0110] The first input interface 420 may include a tab area 430 and a selection area 440. A plurality of tabs may be displayed in the tab area 430. In detail, a favorite / recently used tab 431, an emoticon function related tab 432, a user custom set tab 433, etc. may be displayed in the tab area 430. The favorite / recently used tab 431 and the user custom set tab 433 in the tab area 430 may correspond to user custom information reflecting the user's history information regarding emoticons.

[0111] Here, the user custom set tab 433 may be a tab corresponding to an emoticon set that the user has designated through a method such as purchasing, downloading, owning, gifting, etc. The user custom set tab 433 may be displayed with an icon image of the corresponding emoticon set. The user custom set tab 433 may be displayed in the order in which the user designated the corresponding emoticon set.

[0112] FIG. 4A shows that the Favorites / Recently Used tab 431 is selected in the tab area 430, and thumbnails of emoticons designated as favorites are displayed in the selection area 440.

[0113] FIG. 4(b) illustrates a screen that appears when the user terminal 10 has executed steps 207 and 209 in FIG.

[0114] 4B shows the result of selecting tab 434 in tab area 430. By selecting tab 434, emoticon thumbnails of the emoticon set corresponding to tab 434 can be displayed in selection area 440.

[0115] 4(b) corresponds to a case where a selection interaction is input for the thumbnail of the first emoticon 441 in the selection area 440. When the user terminal 10 acquires the selection interaction for the first emoticon 441, it can display an editing interface in the profile background area that allows the user to modify and change the display form of the first emoticon 450.

[0116] The editing interface may include a position setting interface 451 for the first emoticon 450, a resize interface 452, a rotation setting interface 453, and a deletion setting interface 454. Although not shown in the drawings, the user may also set the transparency or color of the editing interface.

[0117] Although not shown in FIG. 4(b), in some cases, the first emoticon may be an emoticon that is recommended to be organically linked with the profile image of the profile page. For example, the first emoticon may be an image of glasses, and the first emoticon may recommend that the glasses be displayed in a form that is appropriately worn on the face of the person or character displayed in the profile image. In this case, the editing interface may provide recommended position information for the first emoticon in consideration of the characteristics of the profile image.

[0118] When the user inputs an interaction with the completion interface 461, the user terminal 10 can request the server 30 to post the first emoticon in the background area of ​​the user's profile page.

[0119] FIG. 5 shows a screen displaying a second input interface 510 for the user terminal 10 to input emoticons in a chat room.

[0120] Referring to FIG. 5, the user terminal 10 may display a second input interface 520 for inputting emoticons to be displayed in chat messages in a chat room 510.

[0121] The second input interface 520 may be the same as or similar to the first input interface 420. In particular, the second input interface 520 may include a tab area 530 and a selection area 540. In the tab area 530, multiple tabs may be displayed.

[0122] In detail, the tab area 530 may display a favorite / recently used tab 531, a tab 532 associated with an emoticon function, a user custom set tab 533, etc. The favorite / recently used tab 531 and the user custom set tab 533 in the tab area 530 may correspond to user custom information reflecting the user's history information regarding emoticons.

[0123] In the second input interface 520, a favorite / recently used tab 531 and a user customized set tab 533 corresponding to the user customized information may be displayed in the same manner as the favorite / recently used tab 431 and the user customized set tab 433 corresponding to the user customized information in the first input interface 420. In more detail, the first and second input interfaces 420 and 520 may display the same tab type, image, or order corresponding to the user customized information.

[0124] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the input interface for a user to input an emoticon to a user's profile page and the input interface for inputting an emoticon in a chat message are the same or similar, which has the advantage that the user can easily input emoticons using a familiar interface.

[0125] Figure 6 shows a screen in a state where the user terminal 10 and the other user terminal 20 have executed step 211 of Figure 2. In particular, Figure 6 corresponds to a screen in which an emoticon is displayed in the background of a profile page.

[0126] FIG. 6(a) can be displayed when an interaction with the completion interface 461 is obtained from the user in FIG. 4(b).

[0127] 6(a), the user terminal 10 can display a first emoticon 611 in the profile background of a user's profile page 610. The first emoticon 611 can be displayed according to a display option set by the user in FIG. 4(b).

[0128] FIG. 6(b) shows a screen of another user terminal 20 viewing a user profile page 620 on which a first emoticon 621 is displayed.

[0129] FIG. 6B shows a process of displaying the user's profile page 620 on the other user terminal 20 in response to a request from the other user terminal 20 to the server 30 for viewing the user's profile page 620.

[0130] In some cases, the other user terminal 20 may display a shortcut interface 622 of the emoticon set including the first emoticon 621. The shortcut interface 622 may be displayed primarily on the user's profile page 620, or may be displayed in response to another interaction (e.g., long tab) of another user. The shortcut interface 622 may be a landing interface linked to a page for the emoticon set including the first emoticon 601.

[0131] Fig. 7 shows a screen in a state where the user terminal 10 has executed steps 205, 207, and 209 in Fig. 2. In detail, Fig. 7 corresponds to a screen for posting an emoticon in a profile image.

[0132] 7, the user terminal 10 may display a first input interface 720. FIG 7 may be displayed in response to the user's interaction with the profile image interface 322 in FIG 3(b).

[0133] The user terminal 10 may display a first input interface 720 for posting emoticons in a profile image. The first input interface 720 may include a tab area 730 and a selection area 740. A plurality of tabs may be displayed in the tab area 730. At least a portion of the tab area 730 may correspond to user custom information reflecting history information of the user regarding emoticons.

[0134] The details of the first input interface 720 are the same as those of the first input interface 420 in Fig. 4. A detailed description of the first input interface 720 will be substituted for the description of Fig. 4.

[0135] When the user terminal 10 receives a selection interaction on the thumbnail 741 of the first emoticon through the first input interface 720, the user terminal 10 can display the first emoticon 752 at a predetermined position of the profile image template 750. In addition, the user terminal 10 can receive text information from the user and display the text information 751 at a predetermined position of the profile image template 750.

[0136] When the user terminal 10 acquires all the input information for the first emoticon 741 and the text information 751, a profile image including both the first emoticon 741 and the text information 751 can be displayed.

[0137] In some cases, the profile image template 750 may be set to not display part of the text information 751 or the first emoticon 752. In particular, when the user terminal 10 acquires an interaction with the emoticon deletion interface 753 from the user, the profile image template 750 may not display the first emoticon 752, and may only display the text information 751.

[0138] Although not shown in the drawing, the user can also set the transparency or hue of the profile image.

[0139] When the user inputs an interaction with the completion interface 761, the user terminal 10 can request the server 30 to post the first emoticon and text information in the profile image area of ​​the user's profile page.

[0140] Figure 8 shows a screen in a state where the user terminal 10 and the other user terminal 20 have executed step 211 of Figure 2. In detail, Figure 8 corresponds to a screen in which an emoticon is posted in the profile image of a profile page.

[0141] FIG. 8(a) can be displayed when an interaction with the completion interface 761 is obtained from the user in FIG.

[0142] 8(a), the user terminal 10 can display a first emoticon 814 and text information 815 in a profile image 813 of a user's profile page 810. The profile image 810 including the first emoticon 814 and text information 815 can be displayed according to the display options set by the user in FIG.

[0143] The user terminal 10 can also display the emoticon 811 in the profile background of the user's profile page 810. The emoticon 811 can be displayed according to the display options set by the user in FIG.

[0144] In some cases, unlike FIG. 6, the user terminal 10 may display a shortcut interface 816 of an emoticon set including the first emoticon 814 on the user terminal 10 .

[0145] FIG. 8(b) corresponds to another user terminal 20 requesting the server 30 to view the user's profile page 820, and may be displayed on the other user terminal 20.

[0146] 8(b), another user terminal 20 may display a profile image 823 of the user's profile page 820. The profile image 823 including the first emoticon 824 and text information 825 may be displayed according to the display options set by the user in FIG.

[0147] In addition, other user terminals 20 can display the emoticon 821 in the profile background of the user's profile page 820. The emoticon 821 can be displayed according to the display options set by the user in FIG.

[0148] Hereinafter, when emoticons are displayed on a profile page (FIGS. 6 and 8), detailed display forms according to emoticon types will be described with reference to FIG.

[0149] FIG. 9 shows a table for explaining a type of displaying emoticons in a profile background or profile image on the profile page of the user terminal 10. In FIG.

[0150] Emoticons can be categorized into still image emoticons, dynamic image emoticons, sound emoticons, low resolution emoticons, etc. based on the way they are displayed in chat messages.

[0151] Emoticons that fall under the category of frozen image emoticons can be displayed in frozen images when they are included in chat messages, when they are included in profile backgrounds, or when they are included in profile images.

[0152] In addition, emoticons that fall under the dynamic image emoticon type can be displayed as a dynamic image played once when the emoticon is included in a chat message. However, when the emoticon is included in the profile background, the dynamic image can be displayed as an infinitely repeated dynamic image. However, when the emoticon is included in the profile image, the static image can be displayed.

[0153] In addition, emoticons that fall under the category of sound emoticons can be displayed or output in a manner in which an image is displayed and a sound is played together when the emoticon is included and displayed in a chat message, but when the emoticon is included and displayed on a profile page, only the image may be displayed and no sound may be played.

[0154] In addition, emoticons that fall under the low-resolution emoticon category may be notified that they are not available because they are difficult to display clearly on the profile page due to the resolution of the emoticon.

[0155] The types of emoticons are not limited to those described above, and the manner in which each type of emoticon is displayed on the profile page is not limited to those described above. The manner in which emoticons are displayed on the profile page can be changed in various ways.

[0156] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 10 and FIG. 11, a method for providing an emoticon input interface in the user terminal 10 according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0157] FIG. 10 is a flow chart illustrating a method for providing an emoticon input interface in the user terminal 10 of the present invention.

[0158] For ease of explanation, the explanation of steps in Fig. 10 that are substantially the same as steps in Fig. 2 will be replaced with the explanation referring to Fig. 2. In detail, step 1001, step 1003, step 1009, step 1011, and step 1013 in Fig. 10 are substantially the same as step 201, step 203, step 207, step 209, and step 211 in Fig. 2, respectively.

[0159] In step 1005, the user terminal 10 receives input of text information to be posted together with the first emoticon on the user's profile page.

[0160] The text information may be a status message displayed on the user's profile page, or may be a text message included in the profile image. In this embodiment, the user terminal 10 receives the text information before the information for the first emoticon.

[0161] In step 1007, a first input interface for inputting emoticons to be posted on the user's profile page is displayed. Here, the first input interface is configured to display recommended emoticons based on text information. The recommended emoticons can be selected based on keyword information matched to the emoticons.

[0162] This has the advantage that a user can easily select emoticons associated with text information that the user wishes to post on his / her profile page.

[0163] FIG. 11 illustrates an example of a screen displayed during a process in which the user terminal 10 executes a method for providing an emoticon input interface according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0164] Fig. 11 illustrates a screen displayed when the user terminal 10 has executed steps 1005, 1007, and 1009 of Fig. 10. In detail, Fig. 11 corresponds to a screen for posting an emoticon in a profile image.

[0165] 11, the user terminal 10 may display a first input interface 1120 for posting an emoticon to a profile image. The first input interface 1120 may include a tab area 1130 and a selection area 1140. A plurality of tabs may be displayed in the tab area 1130. The tab area 1130 may include a keyword information base tab 1131.

[0166] The details of the first input interface 1120 may be the same as those of the first input interface 420 in Fig. 4. A detailed description of the first input interface 1120 is provided in place of the description of Fig. 4.

[0167] 11, the user terminal 10 can display text information 1151 input in step 1005 of FIG. 10. Also, at least one keyword 1133 selected from the text information 1151 can be displayed. When the user selects one of the keywords 1132, a thumbnail of an emoticon associated with the corresponding keyword is displayed in a selection area 1140.

[0168] When the user terminal 10 acquires a selection interaction with the thumbnail 1141 of the first emoticon through the first input interface 1120, the first emoticon 1152 can be displayed at a predetermined position of the profile image template 1150.

[0169] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 12 and FIG. 13, a method for providing an emoticon input interface in the user terminal 10 according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0170] FIG. 12 is a flow chart illustrating a method for providing an emoticon input interface in the user terminal 10 of the present invention.

[0171] For ease of explanation, the explanation of steps in Fig. 12 that are substantially the same as steps in Fig. 2 will be replaced with the explanation referring to Fig. 2. In detail, step 1201, step 1203, step 1205, step 1207, step 1213, and step 1215 in Fig. 12 are substantially the same as step 201, step 203, step 205, step 207, step 209, and step 211 in Fig. 2, respectively.

[0172] In step 1207, the user terminal 10 receives a selection interaction of a first emoticon to be posted along with the text information on the user's profile page.

[0173] Thereafter, in step 1209, a text information input interface is displayed for inputting text information to be posted on the user's profile page.

[0174] Here, the text information input interface may be a keyword interface for inputting text. The text information input interface may display first emoticon-based recommended text information. The recommended text information may be selected based on keyword information matched to the first emoticon.

[0175] Thereafter, text information to be posted together with the first emoticon on the user's profile page is input in step 1211. This method has the advantage that the user can easily select text information associated with the emoticon to be posted on his / her profile page.

[0176] FIG. 13 illustrates an example of a screen displayed during the process of executing a method for providing an emoticon input interface in a user terminal 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0177] Fig. 13 shows a screen displayed when the user terminal 10 has executed steps 1207, 1209, and 1211 of Fig. 12. In more detail, this corresponds to a screen for posting an emoticon in a profile image.

[0178] Referring to FIG. 13, the user terminal 10 can display the first emoticon 1352 input in step 1207 of FIG.

[0179] 13, the user terminal 10 may display a text input interface 1320 for posting text information on a profile image. The text input interface 1320 may include a keyword area 1330 and a keyboard area 1340. In the keyword area 1330, a plurality of keyword interfaces associated with the keyword of the first emoticon 1352 that has already been selected may be displayed. In FIG. 13, this corresponds to the keyword interface selected by the user, "midterm test."

[0180] When the user terminal 10 acquires a selection interaction for the selected keyword 1331 through the text input interface 1320, the selected keyword 1351 can be displayed at a predetermined position of the profile image template 1350.

[0181] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 14 and FIG. 15, a method for providing an emoticon input interface in the user terminal 10 according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0182] FIG. 14 is a flow chart illustrating a method for providing an emoticon input interface in the user terminal 10 of the present invention.

[0183] For ease of explanation, among the steps in Fig. 14, the explanation of the steps that are substantially the same as those in Fig. 2 will be replaced with the explanation referring to Fig. 2. In detail, steps 1401 to 1411 in Fig. 14 are substantially the same as steps 201 to 211 in Fig. 2, respectively.

[0184] In step 1413, the user terminal 10 determines whether the user's user authority for the first emoticon is maintained.

[0185] If the user's usage authority for the first emoticon is maintained, step 1415 is performed. In step 1415, the user terminal 10 displays an editing interface for changing information regarding the manner in which the first emoticon is displayed, in response to the user's request to edit the first emoticon. The editing interface in step 1415 may provide a function for adjusting the position, size, rotation, etc. in which the first emoticon is displayed.

[0186] However, if the user's authority to use the first emoticon is not maintained, step 1417 is executed. In step 1417, the user terminal 10 displays an editing interface of a restricted function to change information regarding the manner in which the first emoticon is displayed, in response to the user's request to edit the first emoticon.

[0187] In more detail, the editing interface in step 1417 may have more limited types of editing functions than the editing interface in step 1415. For example, the editing interface in step 1417 may provide only a function for adjusting the position where the first emoticon is displayed, and may not provide a function for adjusting the size or rotation of the first emoticon.

[0188] FIG. 15 illustrates an example of a screen displayed during the process of executing a method for providing an emoticon input interface by a user terminal 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0189] FIG. 15 shows the screen of the user terminal 10 after step 1417 of FIG.

[0190] Referring to FIG. 15, the user terminal 10 can display an editing interface with limited functionality to change information regarding the manner in which a first emoticon 1501 is displayed.

[0191] In more detail, the editing interface for the restricted function may include only a position setting interface 1505 and a deletion setting interface 1507 for the first emoticon 1501. Unlike the case where the user's authority for the first emoticon is maintained, a resize interface and a rotation setting interface may not be provided. Instead, information 1503, 1509 may be displayed indicating that the validity period of the usage authority for the first emoticon has expired and editing, etc., is restricted.

[0192] In some cases, unlike the case shown in Fig. 15, when the user's right to use the first emoticon is revoked, functions related to posting the first emoticon on the profile page may be restricted in other ways. For example, the resizing function, the rotation function, and the position setting function may be restricted, and the setting interface 1505 of Fig. 15 may not be displayed.

[0193] In some cases, when the user's right to use the first emoticon is revoked, information about the revocation of the right may be displayed in a different manner, unlike that shown in Fig. 15. For example, the first emoticon posted on the profile page may be displayed in a lower resolution and / or the first emoticon may be displayed in a black and white color.

[0194] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 16 and FIG. 17, a description will be given of another embodiment of a method for providing an emoticon input interface in the user terminal 10 of the present invention.

[0195] FIG. 16 is a flow chart illustrating a method for providing an emoticon input interface in the user terminal 10 of the present invention.

[0196] In step 1601, the user terminal 10 displays the second emoticon posted on the profile page of another user. Here, the server 30 can provide the user terminal 10 with a function to post a third emoticon on the profile page of another user. Here, the third emoticon posted by the user terminal 10 can be a concept such as a response to the second emoticon.

[0197] In step 1603, the user terminal 10 displays a third input interface for inputting emoticons to be posted on the profile pages of other users.

[0198] The third input interface may be the same as or similar to the first input interface described above. The third input interface may also include at least a portion of the same user custom information as the second input interface. Here, the third input interface may include the second emoticon-based recommended emoticon.

[0199] The second emoticon-based recommended emoticon may be determined in various manners. As an example, the recommended emoticon may be an emoticon having the same characteristic information (creator, base character, emotion keyword) as the second emoticon. For example, if the second emoticon is an emoticon created by artist A, the recommended emoticon may be determined to be an emoticon created by the same artist A. As another example, the recommended emoticon may be an emoticon having a keyword corresponding to the second emoticon. For example, if the second emoticon is an emoticon having a keyword "birthday", the recommended emoticon may be determined to be an emoticon having a keyword "congratulations", which is a keyword corresponding to birthday.

[0200] In step 1605, the user terminal 10 receives a selection interaction input for selecting a third emoticon to be posted on another user's profile page through a third input interface.

[0201] In step 1607, the user terminal 10 displays the third emoticon posted on the profile page of the other user together with the second emoticon.

[0202] In the embodiment described with reference to Fig. 16, the user terminal 10 requests another user to post a third emoticon on the profile page of the user. However, conversely, another user terminal 20 may request a fourth emoticon to be posted as a response to the first emoticon posted on the user's profile page.

[0203] FIG. 17 illustrates an example of a screen in the process of executing a method for providing an emoticon input interface by a user terminal 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0204] FIG. 17(a) shows a screen displayed when the user terminal 10 has performed step 1601 in FIG.

[0205] Referring to (a) of Figure 17, the user terminal 10 may display a second emoticon 1711 posted on a profile page 1710 of another user. Here, the second emoticon 1711 may be displayed in association with a profile image 1712. In the case of (a) of Figure 17, the second emoticon 1711 including an image of an umbrella may be displayed in a form in which the handle of the umbrella overlaps with the hand of the character included in the profile image 1712 and the character is holding the umbrella. Referring to (a) of Figure 17, the umbrella of the second emoticon 1711 is displayed in a form in which the character included in the profile image 1712 is holding it.

[0206] Before step 1601 of FIG. 16 is performed, if another user selects the second emoticon 1711 as the emoticon to post on their profile page, recommendation information can be provided in the editing interface in which the second emoticon 1711 is positioned so as to overlap the hand of a character included in the profile image 1712.

[0207] FIG. 17B shows the screen that appears when the user terminal 10 has executed steps 1603, 1605, and 1607 in FIG.

[0208] 17(b), the user terminal 10 may display a third input interface 1720 for inputting emoticons to be posted on another user's profile page 1720. The third input interface 1720 may include a tab area 1730 and a selection area 1740. A plurality of tabs may be displayed in the tab area 1730. The tab area 1730 may include a keyword information base tab 1731.

[0209] The details of the third input interface 1720 are the same as those of the first input interface 1120 in Fig. 11. A detailed description of the first input interface 1720 will be substituted for the description of Fig. 11.

[0210] 17, the user terminal 10 can display at least one keyword 1733 associated with a second emoticon posted on the profile page of another user. When the user selects one of the keywords 1732, a thumbnail of the emoticon associated with the selected keyword is displayed in a selection area 1740.

[0211] 17, the user terminal 10 or the server 30 may identify the keyword "kindness" from the keywords of the second emoticon 1711, and identify keywords 1733 such as "thank you" and "thank you" as corresponding keywords corresponding to the keyword "kindness." The user terminal 10 may display the identified keywords in the form of tabs.

[0212] When the user terminal 10 obtains a selection interaction on the thumbnail 1741 of the third emoticon through the third input interface 1720, the third emoticon 1751 and editing interfaces 1752, 1753, and 1754 can be displayed on the profile page 1720 of another user.

[0213] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 18, a method for the server 30 of the present invention to provide an emoticon input interface will be described.

[0214] The method of providing an emoticon input interface described with reference to Figures 2 to 17 is a method executed by the user terminal 10, but in some cases, the server 30 may be connected to the user terminal 10 via a network and provide related information to the user terminal 10 so that the user terminal 10 provides the emoticon input interface.

[0215] The method of providing an emoticon input interface by the server 30, which will be described with reference to Figure 18, is substantially similar to the method of providing an emoticon input interface by the user terminal 10, which will be described with reference to Figures 2 to 17. Therefore, for ease of explanation, some of the contents that are the same as those described above with reference to Figures 2 to 17 will be replaced with the above-mentioned contents.

[0216] FIG. 18 is a flow chart illustrating a method in which the server 30 of the present invention provides an emoticon input interface.

[0217] In step 1810, the server 30 receives a request from the user terminal 10 to post an emoticon on the user's profile page. Step 1803 corresponds to step 201 of Figure 2. An example screen of the user terminal 10 when step 1801 is performed is shown in Figure 3.

[0218] In step 1803, the server 30 provides the user terminal 10 with a first input interface for inputting an emoticon to be posted on the user's profile page. Step 1803 corresponds to step 205 in Fig. 2. Exemplary screens of the user terminal 10 when step 1803 is performed are shown in Fig. 4(a) and Fig. 7.

[0219] In step 1805, the server 30 receives selection information from the user terminal 10 via the first input interface, which indicates the selection of a first emoticon to be posted on the user's profile page. Step 1805 corresponds to step 207 in Figure 2. Exemplary screens of the user terminal 10 when step 1805 is performed are shown in Figures 4(b) and 7.

[0220] In step 1807, the server 30 provides the user terminal 10 with the first emoticon to be posted on the user's profile page. Step 1807 corresponds to step 211 of Figure 2. Exemplary screens of the user terminal 10 when step 1807 is performed are shown in Figures 6 and 8.

[0221] The technical features disclosed in each embodiment of the present invention are not limited to the corresponding embodiment, and as long as they are not mutually incompatible, the technical features disclosed in each embodiment may be combined and applied to different embodiments.

[0222] Therefore, although each embodiment will be described focusing on its respective technical features, as long as the technical features are not mutually exclusive, they can be combined and applied.

[0223] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and the accompanying drawings, and various modifications and variations are possible from the viewpoint of those having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains. Therefore, the scope of the present invention should be determined not only by the claims of this specification, but also by equivalents to the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0224] 10: First user terminal 20: Second user terminal 30: Server

Claims

1. A method for a user terminal to provide an emoticon input interface, comprising: displaying a first input interface for inputting an emoticon to be posted on the user's profile page; receiving an input of a selection interaction for selecting a first emoticon to be displayed on a profile page of the user through the first input interface; displaying the selected first emoticon on a profile page of the user; the first input interface includes user custom information associated with history information of the user regarding emoticons; The user custom information includes at least a part of the user custom information of a second input interface for inputting an emoticon to be displayed in a chat message. A method for providing an emoticon input interface.

2. 10. The method of claim 1 , The history information includes: The emoticon history is related to at least one of the user's recent use history, favorite designation history, purchase history, download history, and ownership history. A method for providing an emoticon input interface.

3. 10. The method of claim 1 , The first and second input interfaces are: a tab area including at least one tab associated with the history information; a selection area displaying thumbnails of emoticons in which the selection interaction can be input; The user custom information is displayed in the tab area. A method for providing an emoticon input interface.

4. 4. The method of claim 3, the first and second input interfaces include tab regions having the same configuration and order of the tabs; A method for providing an emoticon input interface.

5. 10. The method of claim 1 , the user's profile page includes a profile background and a profile image; The first emoticon is displayed on at least one of the profile background and the profile image. A method for providing an emoticon input interface.

6. 6. The method of claim 5, When the first emoticon is displayed in the profile background, The method further includes the step of displaying an editing interface for inputting information regarding a manner in which the first emoticon is displayed in the profile background, the editing interface being performed between the steps of receiving the input of the selection interaction and displaying the profile page. A method for providing an emoticon input interface.

7. 6. The method of claim 5, When the first emoticon is included in and displayed in the profile background, The first emoticon is displayed in association with the profile image. A method for providing an emoticon input interface.

8. 10. The method of claim 1 , receiving input of text information to be posted together with the first emoticon on a profile page of the user; In the step of displaying the first emoticon, the text information entered in the user's profile page is displayed together with the first emoticon; If the step of receiving input of the text information is performed before the step of receiving input of the selection interaction, In the step of displaying the first input interface, the first input interface includes information regarding at least one recommended emoticon associated with the text information. A method for providing an emoticon input interface.

9. 10. The method of claim 1 , receiving input of text information to be posted together with the first emoticon on a profile page of the user; In the step of displaying the first emoticon, the text information entered in the user's profile page is displayed together with the first emoticon; When the step of receiving the input of the selection interaction is performed before the step of receiving the input of the text information, In the step of receiving the input of the text information, a text input interface for inputting the text information includes at least one piece of recommended text information associated with the first emoticon. A method for providing an emoticon input interface.

10. 10. The method of claim 1 , In the step of displaying the profile page, the first emoticon is displayed in a modified display manner that is different from a manner in which the first emoticon is displayed in the chat message; A method for providing an emoticon input interface.

11. 11. The method of claim 10, When the manner in which the first emoticon is displayed in the chat message includes a moving image, the changed display manner is at least one of a manner in which the moving image is displayed repeatedly and a manner in which a still image associated with the moving image is displayed. A method for providing an emoticon input interface.

12. 10. The method of claim 1 , The method further includes the step of displaying an editing interface for changing information on a manner in which the first emoticon is displayed on the profile page, the editing interface being performed after the step of displaying the first emoticon; The step of displaying the editing interface includes: when the user's right to use the first emoticon expires, displaying an editing interface with more limited functions than when the right to use the first emoticon is maintained; A method for providing an emoticon input interface.

13. 10. The method of claim 1 , The step of displaying the first emoticon includes: providing an interface for connecting to an emoticon set in which the first emoticon is included; A method for providing an emoticon input interface.

14. 10. The method of claim 1 , displaying a second emoticon posted on the profile page of the other user; displaying a third input interface for inputting emoticons to be posted on the profile pages of the other users; receiving an input of a selection interaction for selecting a third emoticon to be posted on the profile page of the other user through the third input interface; displaying the selected third emoticon on the profile page of the other user together with the second emoticon; the third input interface includes custom information that is the same as at least a portion of the custom information of the first input interface; A method for providing an emoticon input interface.

15. 15. The method of claim 14, In the step of displaying the third input interface, the third input interface includes information on at least one recommended emoticon associated with the second emoticon. A method for providing an emoticon input interface.

16. 10. The method of claim 1 , performed after the step of displaying the first emoticon, displaying a fourth emoticon posted on the user's profile page together with the first emoticon (wherein the fourth emoticon is an emoticon that another user has requested to be posted on the user's profile page in association with the first emoticon); A method for providing an emoticon input interface.

17. Memory, a processor coupled to the memory and configured to execute instructions contained in the memory; The processor, displaying a first input interface for inputting an emoticon to be posted on the user's profile page; receiving an input of a selection interaction for selecting a first emoticon to be displayed on a profile page of the user through the first input interface; displaying the selected first emoticon on a profile page of the user; the first input interface includes user custom information associated with history information of the user regarding emoticons; The user custom information includes at least a part of user custom information of a second input interface for inputting an emoticon to be displayed in a chat message. A user device that provides an emoticon input interface.

18. A method for a server providing an emoticon input interface, comprising: receiving a request from a user device to post an emoticon on a user's profile page; providing a first input interface for inputting emoticons to be posted on a profile page of the user on the user terminal; receiving selection information from the user terminal through the first input interface, the selection information indicating that a first emoticon is to be displayed on a profile page of the user; providing the selected first emoticon on the user's profile page on the user terminal; The first input impedance includes user custom information associated with history information of the user for the emoticon, The user custom information includes at least a part of user custom information of a second input interface for inputting an emoticon to be displayed in a chat message. A method for providing an emoticon input interface.

19. 20. The method of claim 18, The method further includes providing an editing interface for changing information regarding a manner in which the first emoticon is displayed on the profile page, the editing interface being executed after the step of providing the first emoticon; providing the editing interface, When the user's right to use the first emoticon expires, an editing interface having functions that are more limited than when the right to use the first emoticon is maintained is provided. A method for providing an emoticon input interface.

20. A method for a server providing an emoticon input interface, comprising: receiving a request from a user device to post an emoticon on a user's profile page; providing a first input interface for inputting emoticons to be posted on a profile page of the user on the user terminal; receiving selection information from the user terminal through the first input interface, the selection information indicating that a first emoticon is to be displayed on a profile page of the user; providing the selected first emoticon on the user's profile page on the user terminal; The first input interface includes history information of the user regarding emoticons and associated user custom information; The history information relates to at least one of a recent use history, a favorite designation history, a purchase history, a download history, and an ownership history of the user's emoticons. A method for providing an emoticon input interface.

21. Memory, a processor coupled to the memory and configured to execute instructions contained in the memory; The processor, receiving a request from a user device to post an emoticon on a user's profile page; providing a first input interface for inputting emoticons to be posted on a profile page of the user on the user terminal; receiving selection information from the user terminal through the first input interface, the selection information indicating that a first emoticon is to be displayed on a profile page of the user; providing the selected first emoticon to the user terminal on a profile page of the user; the first input interface includes user custom information associated with history information of the user regarding emoticons; The user custom information includes at least a part of the user custom information of a second input interface for inputting an emoticon to be displayed in a chat message. A server that provides an emoticon input interface.

22. A computer program stored on a storage medium for performing, in combination with hardware, the method of any one of claims 1 to 16 and claims 18 to 20.

Images