Method and system for sharing avatars via instant messaging applications - Patents.com

Abstract

To provide a method for sharing avatars.SOLUTION: A method for sharing avatars includes the steps of: receiving, from a first user terminal, a share request to share a first avatar including a first set of avatar components; creating a first temporary avatar by copying the first set of avatar components; associating the first temporary avatar with first link information; and forwarding the first link information to a second user terminal.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an avatar sharing method and system, and more particularly to an avatar sharing method and system that allows for sharing of avatars via instant messaging applications. [Background technology]

[0002] The use of devices equipped with cameras, such as smartphones, tablet PCs, laptop computers, and desktop computers, is becoming more widespread. In this environment, the use of cameras attached to devices is on the rise. A representative example is a service that uses a camera attached to a device to generate an avatar, a character that acts on behalf of a user in a virtual space.

[0003] Although various services for generating such avatars are available, the process of generating an avatar is highly involved, so there is a problem that it is difficult for newcomers to enter the market. In particular, if users have little understanding of the services and technologies for generating avatars, it may not be easy to generate a satisfactory avatar. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Korean Patent No. 10-0993801 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The present disclosure provides an avatar sharing method, an avatar sharing system, and a computer program for solving the above-mentioned problems.

[0006] An avatar sharing method and system are provided that can receive a sharing request for an avatar via an instant messaging application, and share the avatar with other users by copying avatar components to generate a virtual avatar. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present disclosure can be implemented in numerous ways, including as a method, a system, or a computer program product.

[0008] An avatar sharing method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a step of receiving a sharing request for a first avatar including a first set of avatar components from a first user terminal, a step of copying the first set of avatar components to generate a first temporary avatar, a step of associating the first temporary avatar with first link information, and a step of transferring the first link information to a second user terminal.

[0009] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a computer program is provided for executing the above-described avatar sharing method on a computer.

[0010] An avatar sharing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a communication module configured to receive a sharing request for a first avatar including a first set of avatar components from a first user terminal, a memory, and at least one processor coupled to the memory and configured to execute computer-readable instructions contained in the memory, the at least one processor configured to copy the first set of avatar components to generate a first temporary avatar, associate the first temporary avatar with first link information, and transmit the first link information to a second user terminal via the communication module. Effect of the Invention

[0011] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, by allowing a user to share the avatars they have created with other users via an instant messaging application, it is possible for a user who is skilled at creating avatars to create and gift avatars on behalf of other users.

[0012] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, components of an avatar are copied to generate a temporary avatar, and the avatar is shared using the generated temporary avatar, allowing multiple users to share the same avatar and independently modify and manage the shared avatar.

[0013] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a diverse user experience by allowing other users to create avatars on behalf of users.

[0014] The effects of the present disclosure are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by a person having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present disclosure pertains (referred to as an "ordinary engineer") from the description in the claims. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0015] Non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals indicate like elements, as described below. [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration in which an information processing system is communicatively connected to first to third user terminals to provide an avatar sharing service according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] 2 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of a user terminal and an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. [Diagram 3] 1 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary method for providing an avatar sharing service between a user terminal and an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4]1 is a diagram showing an example of a user generating an avatar according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 5] 1 is a diagram showing an example of users sharing avatars according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] 1 is a diagram showing an example of a user checking a shared avatar according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] 11 is a diagram illustrating an example in which, when a paid item is included in a shared avatar, an avatar excluding the paid item is shared according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] 11 is a diagram illustrating an example in which, when a paid item is included in an avatar to be shared, the paid item is replaced with a basic item and shared according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of recommending a user to purchase a paid item when a paid item is included in a shared avatar according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] 11 is a diagram illustrating an example in which an avatar is changed according to a country code when the country code of a user who shares an avatar is different from the country code of a user who receives information of the shared avatar, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a warning message being displayed when the performance of a user terminal of a user receiving shared avatar information is below minimum specifications, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] 1 is a flowchart illustrating an avatar sharing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0016] <Summary of the Invention> According to an embodiment, the avatar sharing method further includes generating an image file of the first temporary avatar, and transferring the image file of the first temporary avatar to the second user terminal.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the first user terminal is associated with a first user account, the first avatar is associated with the first user account, and the second user terminal is associated with a second user account, and the avatar sharing method further includes a step of receiving a request for use of the first temporary avatar from the second user terminal, and a step of copying a first set of avatar components of the first temporary avatar to generate a second avatar associated with the second user's account.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the avatar sharing method further includes a step of receiving a modification request for the second avatar from the second user, and a step of updating the first set of avatar components of the second avatar to the second set of avatar components based on the modification request.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the avatar sharing method further includes the steps of transferring the first link information to a third user terminal associated with a third user account, receiving a request to use the avatar from the third user terminal, and copying a first set of avatar components of the first temporary avatar to generate a third avatar associated with the third user account.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the avatar sharing method further includes a step of receiving a modification request for the third avatar from a third user, and a step of updating the first set of avatar components of the third avatar to the third set of avatar components based on the modification request, wherein the modification request for the third avatar does not affect the first avatar and the second avatar.

[0021] According to an embodiment, the avatar sharing method further includes deleting the first temporary avatar after a predetermined time has elapsed since the first temporary avatar was generated.

[0022] According to an embodiment, the sharing request for the first avatar includes sharing restriction information for the first avatar, and the first temporary avatar or the first link information is associated with the sharing restriction information.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the avatar sharing method further includes a step of removing paid items included in the second avatar in response to determining that the first set of avatar components of the first temporary avatar includes paid items.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the avatar sharing method further includes, in response to determining that the first set of avatar components of the first temporary avatar includes paid items, removing the paid items from the first set of avatar components of the first temporary avatar to generate a second avatar.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the avatar sharing method further includes, in response to determining that the first set of avatar components of the first temporary avatar include paid items, replacing the paid items among the first set of avatar components of the first temporary avatar with corresponding free items to generate a second avatar.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the step of generating the second avatar further includes, in response to determining that the country code of the second user account is different from the country code of the first user account, generating the second avatar including a fourth set of avatar components in which at least a portion of the first set of avatar components of the first temporary avatar are replaced based on the country code of the second user account.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the avatar sharing method further includes a step of receiving an avatar use request from a second user terminal, the request including information describing the second user terminal, a step of determining whether the avatar function can be used in the second user terminal based on the information describing the second user terminal, and a step of transmitting a warning message to the second user terminal in response to determining that the avatar function cannot be used in the second user terminal.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the avatar sharing method further includes the steps of receiving a sharing request for some items of the first avatar from a first user terminal, copying avatar components of a fifth set related to some items of the first set of avatar components to generate a second temporary avatar, associating the second temporary avatar with second link information, and transmitting the second link information to a fourth user terminal.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the fourth user terminal is associated with a fourth user account, and the avatar sharing method further includes a step of receiving a request to use some items from the fourth user terminal, and a step of applying a fifth set of avatar components of the second temporary avatar to a fourth avatar associated with the fourth user account.

[0030] According to an embodiment, the sharing request for the first avatar includes item sharing restriction information for at least some items of the first avatar, and the first virtual avatar or the first link information is associated with the sharing restriction information and the item sharing restriction information.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the first user terminal is associated with a first user account, the first avatar is associated with the first user account, and the second user terminal is associated with a second user account, and the avatar sharing method further includes a step of receiving a request to use some items of the first temporary avatar from the second user terminal, and a step of associating a sixth set of avatar components corresponding to the some items of the first temporary avatar with one of the avatars associated with the second user account.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the avatar sharing method further includes a step of receiving an image from a first user terminal, and a step of generating a first avatar including a first set of avatar components based on the image.

[0033] <Detailed Description of the Invention> Hereinafter, specific details for implementing the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, however, in the following description, detailed descriptions of well-known functions and configurations will be omitted if they may unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present disclosure.

[0034] In the accompanying drawings, the same or corresponding components are given the same reference numerals. In addition, in the following description of the embodiments, duplicated description of the same or corresponding components may be omitted. However, even if a description of a component is omitted, it is not intended that such a component is not included in a certain embodiment.

[0035] The advantages and features of the disclosed embodiments, and the methods of achieving the same, will become apparent from the following detailed description of the embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, and may be embodied in various different forms, and the embodiments are provided solely for the purpose of making the disclosure complete and fully conveying the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

[0036] The terms used in this specification are briefly explained, and the disclosed embodiments are specifically described. The terms used in this specification are selected as widely used general terms as possible while considering the functions in this disclosure, but they may change depending on the intentions or precedents of engineers in the related field, the emergence of new technologies, etc. In addition, in certain cases, there are terms arbitrarily selected by the applicant, and in this case, the meanings are described in detail in the description of the relevant invention. Therefore, the terms used in this disclosure should be defined based on the meanings that the terms have and the overall content of this disclosure, rather than simply the names of the terms.

[0037] In this specification, the singular expression includes the plural expression unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In addition, the plural expression includes the singular expression unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. When a part in the entire specification "includes" a certain element, this does not mean that other elements are excluded, but that other elements can be further included, unless otherwise specified.

[0038] Also, the term "module" or "unit" as used in the specification means a software or hardware component, and the "module" or "unit" performs a certain function. However, the meaning of "module" or "unit" is not limited to software or hardware. The "module" or "unit" may be configured to be in an addressable storage medium or to execute one or more processors. Thus, as an example, a "module" or "unit" may include components such as software components, object-oriented software components, class components, and task components, and at least one of a process, a function, an attribute, a procedure, a subroutine, a segment of program code, a driver, firmware, microcode, a circuit, data, a database, a data structure, a table, an array, or a variable. The components and "modules" or "units" may be combined into a smaller number of components and "modules" or "units" or may be further separated into additional components and "modules" or "units".

[0039] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a "module" or a "unit" may be implemented with a processor and a memory. A "processor" should be broadly interpreted to include a general purpose processor, a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), a controller, a microcontroller, a state machine, and the like. In some environments, a "processor" may also refer to an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (PLD), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), and the like. A "processor" may also refer to a combination of processing devices, such as, for example, a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a combination of multiple microprocessors, a combination of one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such configuration. Additionally, a "memory" should be broadly interpreted to include any electronic component capable of storing electronic information. "Memory" may refer to various types of processor-readable media such as random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), non-volatile random access memory (NVRAM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable PROM (EEPROM), flash memory, magnetic or optical data storage devices, registers, etc. Memory is said to be in electronic communication with a processor if the processor can read information from the memory and / or store information in the memory. Memory that is integrated into a processor is in electronic communication with the processor.

[0040] In the present disclosure, a "chat room" may refer to a virtual space or group that may be created in an instant messaging application installed on a computing device and in which one or more users (or user accounts) can participate. For example, one or more user accounts may participate in or be included in a chat room and send and receive various types of messages, files, etc. with each other. In addition, a chat room may be provided with a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) voice call function, a VoIP video call function, and a live broadcast function (VoIP real-time video transmission function) to perform voice calls, video calls, video streaming, etc. between user accounts.

[0041] In this disclosure, a "user account" may refer to an account or data associated therewith that a user creates and uses in an instant messaging application. Also, a user account for an instant messaging application may refer to a user who uses the instant messaging application. Similarly, a user who uses instant messaging or a chat room that is enabled for instant messaging may refer to a user account for an instant messaging application.

[0042] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration in which an information processing system (130) is communicatively connected to first to third user terminals (112, 114, 116) to provide an avatar sharing service according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The information processing system (130) may include a server that provides an instant messaging service and a server that provides an avatar service to the first to third user terminals (112, 114, 116) via a network (120). According to an embodiment, the information processing system (130) may include one or more server devices and / or databases that can store, provide and execute computer executable programs (e.g., downloadable applications) and data related to the instant messaging service and the avatar service, or one or more distributed computing devices and / or distributed databases based on a cloud computing service. The instant messaging service provided by the information processing system (130) may be provided to users via instant messaging applications installed in the first to third user terminals (112, 114, 116). For example, the instant messaging service may include a text messaging service, a video call service, a voice call service, a video streaming service, an avatar sharing service, and the like between the first to third user terminals (112, 114, 116).

[0043] 1, a mobile phone terminal (112), a tablet terminal (114), and a PC terminal (116) are illustrated as examples of user terminals, but the user terminal may be any computing device capable of wired and / or wireless communication, having an image sensor (e.g., a camera) attached thereto or capable of communicating with an image sensor, and having an instant messaging application installed and executed. For example, the user terminal may include a smart phone, a mobile phone, a navigation system, a computer, a laptop, a digital broadcasting terminal, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), a PMP (Portable Multimedia Player), a tablet PC, a game console, a wearable device, an IoT (internet of things) device, a VR (virtual reality) device, an AR (augmented reality) device, etc. Additionally, although FIG. 1 illustrates three user terminals (112, 114, 116) communicating with the information processing system (130) via the network (120), this is not limiting and a different number of user terminals may be configured to communicate with the information processing system (130) via the network (120).

[0044] The communication method is not limited, and may include not only a communication method utilizing a communication network (e.g., a mobile communication network, a wired Internet, a wireless Internet, a broadcast network, a satellite network, etc.) that the network 120 may include, but may also include short-range wireless communication between user terminals. For example, the network 120 may include at least one of a personal area network (PAN), a local area network (LAN), a campus area network (CAN), a metropolitan area network (MAN), a wide area network (WAN), a broadband network (BBN), the Internet, etc. In addition, the network 120 may include at least one of a network topology including a bus network, a star network, a ring network, a mesh network, a star-bus network, a tree, or a hierarchical network, etc., but is not limited thereto.

[0045] The information processing system (130) may provide an avatar sharing service between user terminals (112, 114, 116) on which an instant messaging application is running. In one embodiment, a user may use an instant messaging application running on a first user terminal (112) to transmit an avatar sharing request to the second and third user terminals (114, 116) to the information processing system (130) via a network (120). Here, an avatar is a character that represents a user in a virtual environment and may include a plurality of avatar components. For example, the avatar components may include components that define the external appearance of the avatar (eye shape, nose shape, mouth shape, face shape, body shape, hairstyle, etc.) and components that define items equipped by the avatar (clothes, shoes, glasses, accessories, etc.).

[0046] When receiving an avatar sharing request from the first user terminal (112), the information processing system (130) may generate a temporary avatar by copying an avatar of a first user account associated with the first user terminal (112). Additionally, the information processing system (130) may generate an image file of the generated temporary avatar. The information processing system (130) may associate the generated temporary avatar with link information and transmit the link information to the second and third user terminals (114, 116) via an instant messaging application. In one embodiment, the link information may be provided in the form of an action message on the instant messaging application including a user interface for reviewing the shared avatar and deciding whether or not to use it.

[0047] When a user selects a corresponding link in the user terminal (114, 116) that has received the link information through touch input, the information processing system (130) can transmit an image file of the temporary avatar to the user terminal (114, 116) through an instant messaging application. The user can check the image file of the temporary avatar displayed on the display of the user terminal and decide whether or not to use the shared avatar as his or her own avatar. If the user decides to use the shared avatar, the user terminal (114, 116) can transmit a request to use the avatar to the information processing system (130) through the instant messaging application.

[0048] When receiving a request to use an avatar from a user terminal (114, 116), the information processing system (130) can generate an avatar for the corresponding user account by copying the temporary avatar to generate a new avatar and associating the newly generated avatar with the user account of the user terminal (114, 116). The avatar shared by the second and third user terminals (114, 116) from the first user terminal (112) exists independently of the avatar of the first user account. Therefore, even if the second user account associated with the second user terminal (114) modifies the shared avatar, it does not affect the avatar of the first user account and the avatar of the third user account associated with the third user terminal (116). Similarly, even if the first user account modifies its shared avatar, it does not affect the avatar of the second user account and the avatar of the third user account.

[0049] In one embodiment, the information processing system (130) may delete the temporary avatar generated for sharing the avatar after a certain period of time has passed. For example, the information processing system (130) may be configured to delete the temporary avatar after two weeks have passed since the temporary avatar was generated. FIG. 1 illustrates a first user terminal (112) sharing an avatar with the second and third user terminals (114, 116), but is not limited thereto. For example, a user may share an avatar with one user terminal, or with three or more user terminals.

[0050] As described above, by allowing a user to share an avatar that the user created with other users, a user who is good at creating avatars can create an avatar for another user and give it as a gift. In this way, by allowing someone else to create an avatar for another user, it is possible to provide a variety of user experiences.

[0051] Although it has been described above that the components defining the avatar's appearance (eye shape, nose shape, mouth shape, face shape, body shape, hairstyle, etc.) and the components defining the fashion items worn by the avatar (clothes, shoes, glasses, accessories, etc.) are shared together, this is not limiting. For example, it is possible to share only the components defining the avatar's appearance excluding the fashion items worn by the avatar. Conversely, it is also possible to share only the fashion items worn by the avatar excluding the components defining the avatar's appearance. In this case, the user terminal may transmit a sharing request for the avatar's fashion items to the information processing system (130) via an instant messaging application. It is also possible to share at least a part of the components defining the avatar's appearance or the components defining the fashion items worn by the avatar.

[0052] In response to receiving the sharing request, the information processing system (130) may generate a virtual avatar by copying avatar components related to the fashion item from among the avatar components of the avatar to be shared. The information processing system (130) may then associate the generated virtual avatar with link information and transmit the link information to the user terminal receiving the fashion item. When receiving a request to use the fashion item from the user terminal that received the link information, the information processing system (130) may apply the shared fashion item to the avatar of the corresponding user.

[0053] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of a user terminal (112) and an information processing system (130) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The user terminal (112) may include a memory (216), a processor (218), a communication module (220), and an input / output interface (214). Similarly, the information processing system (130) may include a memory (234), a processor (236), a communication module (238), and an input / output interface (232). As shown in FIG. 2, the user terminal (112) and the information processing system (130) may be configured to communicate information and / or data over the network (120) using their respective communication modules (220, 238). The input / output device (212) may be configured to input information and / or data to the user terminal (112) and / or output information and / or data generated by the user terminal (112) via the input / output interface (214). Although FIG. 2 illustrates memory (216), processor (218), communication module (220), and input / output interface (214) as internal components of user terminal (112), other user terminals (e.g., user terminals (114, 116) of FIG. 1) may also include internal components that are the same as or similar to the internal components of user terminal (112).

[0054] The memory (216, 234) may include any non-transitory computer-readable recording medium. According to an embodiment, the memory (216, 234) may include a non-volatile permanent mass storage device such as a random access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), a disk drive, a solid state drive (SSD), a flash memory, etc. As another example, a non-volatile mass storage device such as a ROM, an SSD, a flash memory, a disk drive, etc. may be included in the user terminal (112) or the information processing system (130) as a separate permanent storage device separate from the memory (216, 234). In addition, the memory (216, 234) may store an operating system and at least one program code (e.g., code for a browser installed and operated in the user terminal (112) or a dedicated application installed in the user terminal (112) to provide an instant messaging service and an avatar service, etc.).

[0055] Such software components may be loaded from a computer-readable recording medium separate from the memory (216, 234). Such separate computer-readable recording medium may include a recording medium directly connectable to such a user terminal (112) and information processing system (130), but may also include computer-readable recording media such as a floppy drive, a disk, a tape, a DVD / CD-ROM drive, a memory card, etc. As another example, the software components may be loaded into the memory (216, 234) through a communication module (220, 238) instead of a computer-readable recording medium. For example, at least one program may be loaded into the memory (216, 234) based on a computer program (e.g., an application dedicated to an instant messaging service) that is installed by a file provided via the network (120) by a developer or a file distribution system that distributes installation files for the application.

[0056] The processors (218, 236) may be configured to process computer program instructions by performing basic arithmetic, logic, and input / output operations. The instructions may be provided to the processors (218, 236) by the memory (216, 234) or the communication modules (220, 238). For example, the processors (218, 236) may be configured to execute instructions received based on program code stored in a storage device, such as the memory (216, 234).

[0057] The communication modules (220, 238) may provide a configuration or function for the user terminal (112) and the information processing system (130) to communicate with each other via the network (120), and may provide a configuration or function for the user terminal (112) and / or the information processing system (130) to communicate with other user terminals or other systems (e.g., a separate avatar server, etc.). For example, a request (e.g., an avatar sharing request) generated by the processor (218) of the user terminal (112) based on a program code stored in a storage device such as the memory (216) may be transmitted to the information processing system (130) via the network (120) under the control of the communication module (220). Conversely, a control signal or command provided under the control of the processor (236) of the information processing system (130) may be received by the user terminal (112) through the communication module (220) of the user terminal (112) via the communication module (238) and the network (120). For example, the user terminal 112 may receive information related to a shared avatar from the information processing system 130 via the communication module 220 .

[0058] The input / output interface (214) may be a means for interfacing with the input / output device (212). For example, the input device may include a device such as a camera, a keyboard, a microphone, or a mouse, and the output device may include a device such as a display, a speaker, or a haptic feedback device. As another example, the input / output interface (214) may be a means for interfacing with a device in which the configuration or function for performing input and output is integrated into one, such as a touch screen. For example, when the processor (218) of the user terminal (112) processes the instructions of a computer program loaded in the memory (216), a service screen or content configured using information and / or data provided by the information processing system (130) or another user terminal may be displayed on the display via the input / output interface (214). The input / output device (212) may be configured as a single device together with the user terminal (112). Furthermore, the input / output interface 232 of the information processing system 130 may be a means for interfacing with an input or output device (not shown) that may be connected to the information processing system 130 or may be included in the information processing system 130. In FIG. 2, the input / output interfaces 214, 232 are illustrated as elements configured separately from the processors 218, 236, but are not limited thereto, and the input / output interfaces 214, 232 may be configured to be included in the processors 218, 236.

[0059] The user terminal (112) and the information processing system (130) may include more components than those in FIG. 2. However, it is not necessary to clearly illustrate most of the conventional components. According to an embodiment, the user terminal (112) may be implemented to include at least some of the above-mentioned input / output devices. The user terminal (112) may further include other components such as a transceiver, a global positioning system (GPS) module, a camera, a microphone, various sensors, a database, and the like. For example, if the user terminal (112) is a smartphone, it may include components that are generally included in a smartphone, and may be implemented to further include various components such as an acceleration sensor, a gyro sensor, a camera module, a microphone module, various physical buttons, buttons using a touch panel, an input / output port, and a vibrator for vibration.

[0060] According to an embodiment, the processor (218) of the user terminal (112) may be configured to operate an instant messaging application or a web browser application that provides an avatar sharing service. At this time, program code related to the corresponding application may be loaded into the memory (216) of the user terminal (112). During operation of the application, the processor (218) of the user terminal (112) may receive information and / or data provided from the input / output device (212) via the input / output interface (214) or may receive information and / or data from the information processing system (130) via the communication module (220), process the received information and / or data, and store it in the memory (216). Also, such information and / or data may be provided to the information processing system (130) via the communication module (220).

[0061] According to an embodiment, while the instant messaging application is operating, the processor (218) may receive text, images, sounds, etc., input or selected through an input device such as a touch screen or keyboard connected to the input / output interface (214), and may store the received text, images, sounds, etc. in the memory (216) or provide them to the information processing system (130) through the communication module (220) and the network (120). For example, the processor (218) may receive information for generating an avatar generation request, an avatar sharing request, etc., through an input device such as a touch screen or keyboard. Thus, the received text, images, sounds, etc. may be provided to the information processing system (130) through the communication module (220) and the network (120).

[0062] The processor (218) may be configured to output the processed information and / or data via an output device of the user terminal (112), such as a display capable device (e.g., a touch screen, display, etc.), an audio capable device (e.g., a speaker), etc. According to one embodiment, the information and / or data provided by the instant messaging application or the web browser application may be displayed via a display capable device, etc. According to another embodiment, the information and / or data provided by the instant messaging application or the web browser application may be output via an audio capable device, etc.

[0063] According to an embodiment, the processor (236) of the information processing system (130) may be configured to manage, process, and / or store information and / or data received from a plurality of user terminals including the user terminal (112) and / or a plurality of external systems. For example, the processor (236) may generate an avatar based on an avatar generation request received from a plurality of user terminals. As yet another example, the processor (236) may be configured to share a selected avatar with the terminal of another user in response to an avatar sharing request transmitted by the user terminal (112). A specific manner in which the processor (236) of the information processing system (130) provides an avatar sharing service based on an avatar sharing request will be described in detail below.

[0064] 3 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary method for providing an avatar sharing service between a user terminal and an information processing system (130) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated, the information processing system (130) may include a database (330) in which information on avatars for each user is stored. In one embodiment, the information processing system (130) may receive a creation request (312) for a first avatar (310) from user A (or a user terminal associated with user A). Here, the information processing system (130) may receive the creation request (312) via an instant messaging application operating on a user terminal associated with user A.

[0065] In one embodiment, the creation request (312) may include information on the user account that created the request (e.g., user A), information on the components of the avatar to be created (e.g., components defining the avatar's appearance and components defining the fashion items worn by the avatar), etc. In response to receiving the creation request (312), the information processing system (130) may store a first set of avatar components constituting a first avatar (310) in the database (330). In addition, the information processing system (130) may assign the avatar ID, creation date, and order of the first avatar (310) as "1," "20191201," and "1," respectively, and associate the stored avatar with user A, thereby storing the first avatar (310) in the database (330) as the first avatar of user A.

[0066] Similarly, when receiving a generation request (322) for a second avatar (320) from user A, the information processing system (130) can store a second set of avatar components constituting the second avatar (320) in the database (330). In addition, the information processing system (130) can store the second avatar (320) in the database (330) as the second avatar of user A by assigning the user ID, avatar ID, generation date, and order of the second avatar (320) as "A", "2", "20191202", and "2", respectively. The order item in the database (330) indicates the order in which the avatars are displayed on the user's avatar management screen when the user owns multiple avatars. In other words, since the ordinal position of avatar ID "1" associated with user A is "1" and the ordinal position of avatar ID "2" is "2", the avatars owned by user A may be displayed on the avatar management screen in the order of avatar ID "1" and then avatar ID "2".

[0067] In one embodiment, User A may share a second avatar (320) owned by User A with User B and User C. In this case, User A may transmit a sharing request (324) to the information processing system (130) via an instant messaging application. For example, the sharing request (324) may include information on the user account that generated the request (User A), information on the avatar to be shared (Avatar ID "2"), information on the user accounts with which the avatar will be shared (User B and User C), etc.

[0068] In response to receiving the sharing request (324), the information processing system (130) may generate a temporary avatar for sharing by copying avatar components (e.g., avatar components of a second set) of the avatar to be shared (e.g., avatar ID "2"). In this case, the information processing system (130) may assign a new avatar ID (e.g., avatar ID "3") to the temporary avatar for sharing and store the date (e.g., 20191203) on which the temporary avatar for sharing was generated in the database (330). The information processing system (130) may also generate an image file (e.g., "3.png") of the temporary avatar for sharing and store it in the database (330). In one embodiment, the information processing system (130) may also store information of user accounts (e.g., user B and user C) that are allowed to share the avatar in the database (330).

[0069] After generating the temporary avatar for sharing, the information processing system (130) can associate the temporary avatar for sharing with link information, and then forward the link information to user B (342) and to user C (362). In one embodiment, the information processing system (130) can generate link information including an avatar ID of the temporary avatar for sharing (e.g., avatar ID "3"), and forward the generated link to user B and user C via an instant messaging application. For example, the link information can be URL (Uniform Resource Locator) information.

[0070] When User B receives the link information, the related information may be provided to User B in the form of an action message on an instant messaging application. When User B selects the action message displayed on the screen by touch input, etc., a user interface for checking the shared avatar and deciding whether to use the shared avatar may be displayed on the screen. For example, the information processing system (130) may transfer an image file (e.g., "3.png") of the temporary avatar for sharing to a user terminal associated with User B, and the image file may be displayed on the screen of the user terminal.

[0071] If user B chooses to use the shared avatar, a user terminal associated with user B may transmit a use request (344) to the information processing system (130) via an instant messaging application. In this case, the information processing system (130) may generate a third avatar (340) by copying the second set of avatar components constituting a temporary avatar for sharing (e.g., avatar ID "3"). In addition, the information processing system (130) may assign the avatar ID, generation date, and order of the third avatar (340) to "4", "20191205", and "1", respectively, and associate the third avatar (340) with user B, thereby storing the third avatar (340) in the database (330) as the first avatar of user B.

[0072] In one embodiment, User B may modify / edit the third avatar (340) owned by User B. In this case, the information processing system (130) may receive a modification request from a user terminal associated with User B via an instant messaging application, and may update the second set of avatar components of the third avatar (340) to the third set of avatar components based on the modification request, and store it as a fourth avatar (350). In one embodiment, the information processing system (130) may add information of the modified fourth avatar (350) to the database (330), and delete information of the third avatar (340) before modification from the database (330). As shown in the figure, the avatar (avatar ID "4") shared with user B by user A is stored in the database (330) separately from the avatar (avatar ID "2") shared with user A, so even if user B modifies the avatar (avatar ID "4") shared with user A, it does not affect user A's avatar (avatar ID "2").

[0073] Similarly, if user C chooses to use the shared avatar, a user terminal associated with user C may transmit a use request (364) to the information processing system (130) via an instant messaging application. In this case, the information processing system (130) may generate a fifth avatar (360) by copying the second set of avatar components constituting a temporary avatar for sharing (e.g., avatar ID "3") and assigning a new avatar ID (e.g., avatar ID "5"). In addition, the information processing system (130) may assign the generation date and order of the fifth avatar (360) as "20191207" and "1", respectively, and associate the fifth avatar (360) with user C, thereby storing the fifth avatar (360) in the database (330) as the first avatar of user C.

[0074] In one embodiment, the information processing system 130 may delete a temporary avatar for sharing generated for avatar sharing after a certain period of time has elapsed. For example, the information processing system 130 may be configured to delete a temporary avatar (e.g., avatar ID "3") two weeks after the temporary avatar (e.g., avatar ID "3") is generated (e.g., December 3, 2019) (e.g., December 17, 2019).

[0075] 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a user creating an avatar according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. A user can create an avatar through a first action (410), a second action (420), and a third action (430). The first action (410) shows that the user selects a "Create" button (412) to create an avatar, for example, through a touch input. The second action (420) shows that the camera of the user terminal is activated in response to the user selecting the "Create" button (412). As illustrated, when the camera of the user terminal is activated, an image captured through the camera may be displayed on the display of the user terminal in real time.

[0076] When the user selects the capture button (422) by touch input, the camera of the user terminal may capture an image of the user, and an avatar of the user may be generated based on the captured image. Alternatively, when the user selects the photo gallery button (424) by touch input, the user terminal may generate an avatar of the user based on an existing captured image or an image stored in the user terminal. In one embodiment, the user terminal may transmit the captured image or the stored image to an information processing system via an instant messaging application, and the information processing system may generate an avatar of the user based on the received image. In this case, the information processing system may transmit information related to the generated avatar to the user terminal.

[0077] A third operation (430) shows that an avatar automatically generated based on the image is displayed on the display of the user terminal. As shown, multiple avatars can be generated based on an image selected by the user and provided to the user. In this case, the user can select a "Save" button (432) by touch input or the like to store one of the suggested avatars and use it as their own avatar. Alternatively, the user can select an "edit" button (434) by touch input or the like to edit one of the suggested avatars and then store it and use it as their own avatar.

[0078] 5 is a diagram showing an example of a user sharing an avatar according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. A user can share an avatar with other users through a first action (510) and a second action (520). The first action (510) indicates that the user starts sharing an avatar that the user owns by selecting a share button (512) on the avatar management screen by touch input or the like.

[0079] The second operation (520) indicates that the user has selected a user with whom to share the avatar. For example, the user may select a chat room with "Cony" (522) from the list of currently generated chat rooms by touch input or the like, and share the selected avatar with Cony. In this case, link information related to the shared avatar may be provided as a message (e.g., a message in the form of an action message) in the 1:1 chat room with Cony.

[0080] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a user checking a shared avatar according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. A user can check an avatar shared by another user through a first operation (610) and a second operation (620). The first operation (610) shows that a user (e.g., Cony) receives information of an avatar shared by James through a 1:1 chat room on an instant messaging application. As illustrated, the avatar shared by another user can be received in the form of an action message (612), and the action message (612) can be displayed on the display of the user terminal together with a message saying "James shared an avatar."

[0081] A second operation (620) shows that in response to the user selecting the action message (612) by touch input or the like, a user interface for reviewing the shared avatar and deciding whether or not to use the shared avatar is displayed on the display of the user terminal. As shown, an image of the shared avatar (622) may be displayed on the screen along with a Use button (624), a Cancel button (626), and an Edit button (628). In one embodiment, the user may select the Use button (624) by touch input or the like to use the shared avatar as his / her own avatar. Alternatively, the user may select the Cancel button (626) by touch input or the like to not use the shared avatar as his / her own avatar. Additionally, the user may select the Edit button (628) by touch input or the like to edit / modify the shared avatar.

[0082] 6 illustrates that a user can select an action message (612) in a chat room to view a shared avatar image (622), but is not limited to this. For example, the action message (612) may be displayed together with the shared avatar image (622) and a message saying "James shared an avatar." In this case, the user can immediately view the shared avatar image (622) without selecting the action message (612).

[0083] 7 is a diagram illustrating an example in which an avatar excluding a paid item is shared when the shared avatar includes a paid item according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. A user can use the shared avatar through a first action (710) and a second action (720). The first action (710) indicates that the user uses the shared avatar as his or her own avatar by selecting a use button (712) by touch input or the like. In one embodiment, the shared avatar can include a paid item such as earrings (714).

[0084] A second action (720) indicates that, in response to the user selecting the Use button (712), the user's avatar is set based on the shared avatar. At this time, the earrings (714), which are paid items, may be excluded from the user's avatar being set. In one embodiment, the user can select a first Edit button (722) to edit the components that define the avatar's appearance (e.g., eye shape, nose shape, mouth shape, face shape, body shape, hairstyle, etc.). In addition, the user can select a second Edit button (724) to edit the components that define the fashion items the avatar is equipped with.

[0085] 8 is a diagram illustrating an example in which a paid item is replaced with a basic item and shared when the paid item is included in the shared avatar according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. A user can use the shared avatar through a first action (810) and a second action (820). The first action (810) indicates that the user uses the shared avatar as his / her own avatar by selecting a use button (812) by touch input or the like. In one embodiment, the shared avatar can include paid items (814) such as earrings, clothes, shoes, etc.

[0086] A second operation (820) indicates that, in response to the user selecting the Use button (812), the user's avatar is set based on the shared avatar. At this time, paid items included in the shared avatar may be replaced with corresponding free items (e.g., basic short sleeves, basic shorts) and then stored as the user's avatar. Although FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate paid items being removed or replaced with corresponding free items after the user selects the Use button, this is not limiting. For example, if paid items are included in the shared avatar, the avatar from which the paid items have been removed or the avatar from which the paid items have been replaced with corresponding free items may be displayed on a screen for the user to decide whether to use the avatar.

[0087] 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of recommending a user to purchase a paid item when the paid item is included in the shared avatar according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The user can use the shared avatar through a first action (910) and a second action (920). The first action (910) indicates that the user uses the shared avatar as his or her own avatar by selecting a use button (912) by touch input or the like. In one embodiment, the avatar shared with the user can include paid items such as clothes and shoes.

[0088] A second operation (920) shows an example in which a message (922) is displayed on the screen encouraging the user to purchase a paid item included in the shared avatar. The purchase recommendation message (922) may include an image of the paid item, a purchase button (924), and a cancel button (926). In one embodiment, the user can purchase the paid item included in the shared avatar by selecting the purchase button (924) by touch input, etc. Alternatively, the user can use the avatar without the paid item included in the shared avatar by selecting the cancel button (926) by touch input, etc.

[0089] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example in which an avatar is changed according to a country code when the country code of a user who shares an avatar and the country code of a user who receives information of the shared avatar are different, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. A user can use the shared avatar through a first operation (1010) and a second operation (1020). The first operation (1010) indicates that the user uses the shared avatar as his or her own avatar by selecting a use button (1012) by touch input or the like. In one embodiment, the avatar shared by the user can include an item related to a specific country code (Republic of Korea code), such as a T-shirt with the Republic of Korea flag and "Republic of Korea" printed on it.

[0090] A second operation (1020) indicates that, in response to the user selecting the Use button (1012), the user's avatar is set based on the shared avatar. In this case, if the country code of the user receiving the shared avatar information (e.g., Japan) is different from the country code of the user sharing the avatar (e.g., Republic of Korea), the item associated with the country code may be changed based on the country code of the user receiving the shared avatar information (e.g., Japan). For example, a T-shirt with the Republic of Korea flag and "Republic of Korea" printed on it may be changed to a T-shirt with the Japanese flag and "Japan" printed on it.

[0091] 10 illustrates an example in which an item related to a country code is changed based on a country code after a user selects the use button, but is not limited thereto. For example, when an avatar includes an item related to a country code and the country code of a user who shares the avatar is different from the country code of a user who receives the information of the shared avatar, an item related to a country code among the items included in the shared avatar may be changed based on the country code of the user who receives the information of the shared avatar, and the avatar including the changed item may be displayed on a screen for the user to decide whether or not to use the shared avatar. In this case, changing an item may include not only replacing the item with another item, but also deleting the item.

[0092] 11 is a diagram illustrating an example in which a warning message (1122) is displayed when the performance of a user terminal of a user receiving avatar information to be shared is below the minimum specifications, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. A first action indicates that a user selects a Use button (1112) by touch input, etc. In this case, the user terminal may transmit an avatar use request, including information describing the terminal (e.g., information regarding the performance of the user terminal), to an information processing system via an instant messaging application.

[0093] In response to receiving the avatar use request, the information processing system may determine whether the avatar function is available in the user terminal based on information describing the user terminal included in the avatar use request. If it is determined that the avatar function is unavailable in the user terminal, the information processing system may transmit a warning message (1122) via an instant messaging application. A second operation (1120) shows that the user terminal displays the received warning message (1122) on a screen. For example, the warning message (1122) may include a message saying "The avatar function cannot be used because the system does not meet the minimum specifications." Although not shown, if it is determined that the avatar function is unavailable in the user terminal, the information processing system may transmit an image of the avatar to be shared to the user terminal. In this case, the user terminal may provide a screen for downloading the image of the avatar to be shared to the user terminal together with the warning message (1122) or instead of the warning message (1122).

[0094] FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an avatar sharing method (1200) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the avatar sharing method (1200) may be performed by an information processing system (e.g., at least one processor of an information processing system). As illustrated, the avatar sharing method (1200) may be initiated by receiving a sharing request for a first avatar from a first user terminal (S1210). Here, the information processing system may receive the sharing request from the first user terminal via an instant messaging application operating on the first user terminal associated with the first user (or the first user account). The sharing request may be a request from the first user to share his / her avatar (e.g., the first avatar) with a single user or multiple users (e.g., a second user and a third user).

[0095] In one embodiment, the sharing request may include information on a user account that is permitted to share the avatar. In this case, users other than the permitted user are not permitted to access the first avatar even if they use the link information. That is, the information processing system may determine whether the sharing request includes sharing restriction information, and if the sharing restriction information is included, may permit access to the first avatar based on the sharing restriction information. In another embodiment, all users having the link information may be permitted to access the first avatar.

[0096] In response to receiving the sharing request for the first avatar, the information processing system may copy avatar components of the first avatar to generate a temporary avatar for sharing (S1220). For example, the first avatar of the first user may include a first set of avatar components and may be stored in the information processing system. In this case, the information processing system may copy avatar components of the first avatar to generate a temporary avatar including the first set of avatar components.

[0097] After generating the temporary avatar, the information processing system may associate the generated temporary avatar with link information (S1230). For example, the link information may be URL (Uniform Resource Locator) information indicating the location where the temporary avatar is stored in a database of the information processing system, or identification information of the temporary avatar (e.g., avatar ID), etc. Then, the information processing system may transfer the generated link information to a second user terminal and a third user terminal with which the first user wants to share the avatar (S1240, S1250). Here, the information processing system may transfer the link information to the second user terminal via an instant messaging application operating on the second user terminal associated with the second user (or the second user account), and transfer the link information to the third user terminal via an instant messaging application operating on the third user terminal associated with the third user (or the third user account).

[0098] In one embodiment, when receiving a request to use an avatar from a second user terminal, the information processing system may copy the first set of avatar components of the temporary avatar to generate a second avatar including the first set of avatar components. Here, the information processing system may receive the request to use the avatar from the second user terminal via an instant messaging application operating on the second user terminal. Thereafter, the information processing system may generate an avatar for the second user account by associating the generated second avatar with the account of the second user. Furthermore, when receiving a request to modify the second avatar from the second user terminal, the information processing system may update the first set of avatar components of the second avatar to the second set of avatar components based on the modification request. In this case, since the first avatar of the first user and the second avatar of the second user are stored as independent avatars in the information processing system, the modification request for the second avatar of the second user does not affect the first avatar of the first user.

[0099] In one embodiment, when receiving a request to use an avatar from a third user terminal, the information processing system may copy the first set of avatar components of the temporary avatar to generate a third avatar including the first set of avatar components. Here, the information processing system may receive the request to use the avatar from the third user terminal via an instant messaging application operating on the third user terminal. Thereafter, the information processing system may generate an avatar for the third user account by associating the generated third avatar with the third user account. Furthermore, when receiving a request to modify the third avatar from the third user terminal, the information processing system may update the first set of avatar components of the third avatar to the third set of avatar components based on the modification request. In this case, the first avatar of the first user, the second avatar of the second user, and the third avatar of the third user are each stored as independent avatars in the information processing system, so a request to modify the third avatar of the third user does not affect the first avatar of the first user or the second avatar of the second user.

[0100] In one embodiment, the information processing system may delete the temporary avatar for sharing after a predetermined time has elapsed based on the time of generation. For example, the information processing system may delete the temporary avatar for sharing 14 days after the temporary avatar is generated. In the above description, a user has shared his / her avatar with other users, but this is not limited thereto. For example, it is also possible to share only the fashion items worn by the avatar, excluding the components that define the external appearance of the avatar, in a similar manner.

[0101] The above-described avatar sharing method may be implemented as computer readable code in a computer readable recording medium. The computer readable recording medium includes all kinds of recording devices in which data readable by a computer system is stored. Examples of the computer readable recording medium include ROM, RAM, CD-ROM, magnetic tape, floppy disk, optical data storage device, etc. Also, the computer readable recording medium may be distributed in computer systems connected to a network, and the computer readable code may be stored and executed in a distributed manner. Functional programs, codes, and code segments for implementing the above-described embodiments may be easily construed by a programmer skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains.

[0102] The methods, operations or techniques of the present disclosure may be implemented by a variety of means. For example, these techniques may be implemented by hardware, firmware, software, or a combination thereof. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the various exemplary logic blocks, modules, circuits, and algorithmic steps described in conjunction with the disclosure of this application may be implemented in electronic hardware, computer software, or a combination of both. To clearly illustrate such interchangeability of hardware and software, the various exemplary components, blocks, modules, circuits, and steps have been described above generally in terms of their functionality. Whether such functionality is implemented as hardware or software will depend on the particular application and design requirements imposed on the overall system. Those of ordinary skill in the art may also implement the described functionality in various ways for each particular application, but such implementations should not be interpreted as departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0103] In a hardware implementation, the processing units used to perform the techniques may be implemented among 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 in this disclosure, computers, or combinations thereof.

[0104] Thus, the various example logic blocks, modules, and circuits described in connection with this disclosure may be implemented or performed by a general purpose processor, a DSP, an ASIC, an FPGA or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination designed to perform the functions described herein. A general purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but alternatively, the processor may be any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. A processor may also be implemented by a combination of computing devices, such as a DSP and a microprocessor, multiple microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other configuration.

[0105] In a firmware and / or software implementation, the techniques may be implemented with instructions stored on a computer-readable medium, such as random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), non-volatile random access memory (NVRAM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable PROM (EEPROM), flash memory, compact disc (CD), magnetic or optical data storage devices, etc. The instructions may be executed by one or more processors and may cause the processors to perform certain aspects of the functions described in this disclosure.

[0106] If implemented in software, the techniques may be stored on or transferred through a computer-readable medium as one or more instructions or code. A computer-readable medium includes any medium that facilitates transfer of a computer program from one place to another, and includes both computer storage media and communication media. A storage medium may be any available medium that can be accessed by a computer. By way of non-limiting example, these computer-readable media may include RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or different magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to transport or store desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and that can be accessed by a computer. Also, any connection is properly referred to as a computer-readable medium.

[0107] For example, if the software is transferred from a website, server, or other remote source using coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted wire, digital subscriber line (DSL), or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio and microwave, etc., the coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted wire, digital subscriber line, or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio and microwave, etc., are included within the definition of media. As used herein, disk and disc include CDs, laser discs, optical discs, digital versatile discs (DVDs), floppy disks, and Blu-ray discs, where disks typically reproduce data magnetically while discs reproduce data optically using lasers. Combinations of the above should also be included within the scope of computer-readable media.

[0108] A software module may reside in RAM memory, flash memory, ROM memory, EPROM memory, EEPROM memory, registers, hard disk, a removable disk, a CD-ROM, or any other form of storage medium known in the art. An exemplary storage medium may be coupled to the processor such that the processor can read information from, and record information on, the storage medium. Alternatively, the storage medium may be integral to the processor. The processor and the storage medium may reside in an ASIC. The ASIC may reside in a user terminal. Alternatively, the processor and the storage medium may reside as discrete components in a user terminal.

[0109] Although the embodiments described above have been described as utilizing aspects of the presently disclosed subject matter on one or more stand-alone computer systems, the present disclosure is not limited thereto and may be implemented in conjunction with any computing environment, such as a network or distributed computing environment. Additionally, aspects of the subject matter in the present disclosure may be implemented in multiple processing chips or devices, and storage may be affected across multiple devices as well. These devices may include PCs, network servers, and handheld devices.

[0110] Although the present disclosure has been described in relation to some embodiments, various modifications and changes that can be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains can be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, and such modifications and changes should be considered as falling within the scope of the claims appended hereto. [Explanation of symbols]

[0111] 112, 114, 116: User terminal 120: Network 130, 320: Information processing systems 212: Input / output device 214, 232: Input / output interface 216, 234: Memory 218, 236: Processor 220, 238: communication module

Claims

1. A method for sharing an avatar, comprising: receiving, from a first user terminal associated with a first user account, a sharing request for a first avatar associated with the first user account, the first avatar including a first set of avatar components; copying the first set of avatar components to generate a first temporary avatar; associating the first temporary avatar with first link information; forwarding the first link information to a second user terminal associated with a second user account; receiving a request for use of the first virtual avatar from the second user terminal; and copying a first set of avatar components of the first temporary avatar to generate a second avatar associated with the second user account.

2. generating an image file of the first temporary avatar; The avatar sharing method according to claim 1 , further comprising the step of: transferring an image file of the first temporary avatar to the second user terminal.

3. receiving a modification request for the second avatar from the second user terminal; The method of claim 1 , further comprising: updating the first set of avatar components of the second avatar to the second set of avatar components based on the modification request.

4. forwarding the first link information to a third user terminal associated with a third user account; receiving a request for use of the first virtual avatar from the third user terminal; The avatar sharing method of claim 1 or 3, further comprising the step of: copying a first set of avatar components of the first temporary avatar to generate a third avatar associated with the third user account.

5. receiving a modification request for the third avatar from the third user terminal; updating the first set of avatar components of the third avatar to a third set of avatar components based on the modification request; The method of claim 4 , wherein a modification request for the third avatar does not affect the first avatar and the second avatar.

6. A method for sharing an avatar, comprising: receiving a sharing request for a first avatar including a first set of avatar components from a first user terminal; copying the first set of avatar components to generate a first temporary avatar; associating the first temporary avatar with first link information; forwarding the first link information to a second user terminal; and deleting the first temporary avatar after a predetermined time has elapsed since the first temporary avatar was generated.

7. the sharing request for the first avatar includes sharing restriction information for the first avatar; The avatar sharing method according to claim 1 , wherein the first temporary avatar or the first link information is related to the sharing restriction information.

8. The avatar sharing method of any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a step of removing the paid item from the first set of avatar components of the first temporary avatar in response to determining that the first set of avatar components of the first temporary avatar includes a paid item to generate the second avatar.

9. The avatar sharing method of any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a step of generating the second avatar by replacing the paid items among the first set of avatar components of the first temporary avatar with corresponding free items in response to determining that the first set of avatar components of the first temporary avatar include paid items.

10. The avatar sharing method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a step of transferring a message to the second user terminal recommending the purchase of the paid item in response to determining that the first set of avatar components of the first temporary avatar includes a paid item.

11. The step of generating a second avatar includes: The avatar sharing method of any one of claims 1 to 5, 8, and 9, further comprising a step of generating the second avatar including a fourth set of avatar components in which at least a portion of the first set of avatar components of the first temporary avatar are replaced based on the country code of the second user account in response to determining that the country code of the second user account is different from the country code of the first user account.

12. A method for sharing an avatar, comprising: receiving a sharing request for a first avatar including a first set of avatar components from a first user terminal; copying the first set of avatar components to generate a first temporary avatar; associating the first temporary avatar with first link information; forwarding the first link information to a second user terminal; receiving, from the second user terminal, a request to use an avatar, the request including information describing the second user terminal; determining whether an avatar function can be used in the second user terminal based on information describing the second user terminal; and in response to determining that the avatar function is not available in the second user terminal, transferring a warning message to the second user terminal.

13. A method for sharing an avatar, comprising: receiving a sharing request for a first avatar including a first set of avatar components from a first user terminal; copying the first set of avatar components to generate a first temporary avatar; associating the first temporary avatar with first link information; forwarding the first link information to a second user terminal; receiving a sharing request for a part of an item of the first avatar from a first user terminal; generating a second temporary avatar by copying a fifth set of avatar components related to some items among the first set of avatar components; associating the second temporary avatar with second link information; and transferring the second link information to a fourth user terminal.

14. the fourth user terminal is associated with a fourth user account; The avatar sharing method includes: receiving a request for use of the part of the items from the fourth user terminal; The method of claim 13 , further comprising: applying a fifth set of avatar components of the second temporary avatar to a fourth avatar associated with the fourth user account.

15. The sharing request for the first avatar includes item sharing restriction information for at least a part of items of the first avatar; The avatar sharing method according to claim 7 , wherein the first temporary avatar or the first link information is associated with the sharing restriction information and the item sharing restriction information.

16. A method for sharing an avatar, comprising: receiving, from a first user terminal associated with a first user account, a sharing request for a first avatar associated with the first user account, the first avatar including a first set of avatar components; copying the first set of avatar components to generate a first temporary avatar; associating the first temporary avatar with first link information; forwarding the first link information to a second user terminal associated with a second user account; receiving a request for use of a part of an item of the first temporary avatar from the second user terminal; and associating a sixth set of avatar components corresponding to the partial items of the first temporary avatar with one of the avatars associated with the second user account.

17. receiving an image from the first user terminal; The avatar sharing method according to any one of claims 1 to 16, further comprising: generating the first avatar including the first set of avatar components based on the image.

18. A computer program for executing the avatar sharing method according to any one of claims 1 to 17 on a computer.

19. An avatar sharing system, a communication module configured to receive, from a first user terminal associated with a first user account, a sharing request for a first avatar associated with the first user account, the first avatar including a first set of avatar components; Memory, at least one processor coupled to the memory and configured to execute computer-readable instructions contained in the memory; The at least one processor Copying the first set of avatar components to generate a first temporary avatar; Associating the first temporary avatar with first link information; forwarding, via the communication module, the first link information to a second user terminal associated with a second user account; receiving a request for use of the first temporary avatar from the second user terminal; an avatar sharing system configured to copy a first set of avatar components of the first temporary avatar to generate a second avatar associated with the second user account.

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