Method for recommending emoticons based on user's preference information for emoticons, user terminal and server

Abstract

To provide a method for recommending an emoticon based on user's emoticon preference information or a character of a preferred emoticon, and a method for displaying a recommended emoticon by reflecting the user's preference in recommending an emoticon.SOLUTION: A method for recommending emoticons based on emoticon preference information of a user includes the steps of: acquiring information on at least one preferred emoticon, the at least one preferred emoticon being designated through an interaction with the user's emoticon according to a predefined method; acquiring information on a matching text, the matching text corresponding to at least one matching keyword; and displaying at least one recommended emoticon corresponding to the matching keyword among the preferred emoticons.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for recommending emoticons based on a user's preference information for emoticons. [Background technology]

[0002] With the development of wireless communication, various social media services have become widely available. Users can use these social media services to converse with others and actively express their thoughts. Users can also exchange messages with their conversation partners and friends in chat rooms through messenger services. The types of messages exchanged include text, images, videos, and emoticons. Emoticons, in particular, are used as a means of communication to effectively convey users' feelings and intentions, and many services provide messenger services using these emoticons.

[0003] As the frequency and variety of emoticons used increases, users increasingly demand that appropriate emoticons be recommended based on their intentions and the situation. However, it is very difficult to implement a method for recommending emoticons that meets all of the various user needs. Therefore, there is a growing need for a method for users to receive emoticon recommendations that take into account their preferences and situations. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Republic of Korea Patent No. 10-2324200 (2021.11.03) Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The present invention aims to identify emoticons to be recommended according to a predetermined method for the user's emoticons, allowing the user to conveniently select preferred emoticons.

[0006] Another object of the present invention is to provide users with recommended emoticons that are more suitable for matching keywords. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The method for recommending emoticons based on a user's emoticon preference information of the present invention includes the steps of acquiring information on at least one preferred emoticon (wherein the preferred emoticon is designated by the user's interaction with the emoticon in a predetermined manner), acquiring information on matching text (wherein the matching text corresponds to at least one matching keyword), and displaying at least one recommended emoticon corresponding to the matching keyword from the preferred emoticons.

[0008] In one embodiment of the present invention, the favorite emoticons are divided into at least one detail type, and the detail type may include at least one of a first type designated as a favorite by the user, a second type for which a shortcut path is created by the user, and a third type designated as a recent delivery target by the user.

[0009] In one embodiment of the present invention, the preferred emoticons are classified into at least one detailed type, and in the step of displaying the recommended emoticon, a display position of the at least one recommended emoticon may be determined according to the detailed type.

[0010] In one embodiment of the present invention, the at least one matching keyword corresponds to respective order information, and in the step of displaying the recommended emoticon, a display position of the at least one recommended emoticon can be determined according to the order information of the corresponding matching keyword.

[0011] In one embodiment of the present invention, the at least one matching keyword corresponds to different order information, the favorite emoticons are divided into at least one sub-type, and in the step of displaying the recommended emoticon, a primary position to be displayed of the at least one recommended emoticon can be determined according to the order information of the corresponding matching keyword, and a secondary position within the primary position can be determined according to the sub-type.

[0012] In one embodiment of the present invention, the method further includes determining whether the number of the recommended emoticons satisfies a predetermined first number condition, and the step of displaying the recommended emoticons may be performed only if the number of the recommended emoticons satisfies the first number condition.

[0013] In one embodiment of the present invention, the method may further include, before the step of displaying the recommended emoticons, a step of displaying an interface for recommending emoticons based on the preference information and receiving an input of an interaction on the interface.

[0014] In one embodiment of the present invention, the step of receiving an input of an interaction with the interface may be performed only when the number of the recommended emoticons satisfies a predetermined first number condition.

[0015] In one embodiment of the present invention, the step of displaying the recommended emoticon may further display at least one extended emoticon having the same characteristic information as characteristic information associated with the character of the recommended emoticon.

[0016] In one embodiment of the present invention, the recommended emoticon may be displayed in priority to the extended emoticon.

[0017] In one embodiment of the present invention, the display position of the at least one extended emoticon may be determined according to release date information.

[0018] In one embodiment of the present invention, whether or not the extended emoticon is displayed may be determined depending on whether the number of the recommended emoticons satisfies a predetermined second number condition.

[0019] In one embodiment of the present invention, the method may further include displaying a matching keyword corresponding to the recommended emoticon among the at least one matching keyword, distinguishing it from other matching keywords.

[0020] A user terminal for recommending emoticons based on a user's emoticon preference information of the present invention includes a memory and a processor coupled to the memory and configured to execute instructions stored in the memory, the processor being configured to perform each step of the above method. Preferably, the processor is configured to perform the steps of acquiring information on at least one preferred emoticon (wherein the preferred emoticon is designated by the user's interaction with the emoticon in a predetermined manner), acquiring information on matching text (wherein the matching text corresponds to at least one matching keyword), and displaying at least one recommended emoticon from the preferred emoticons that corresponds to the matching keyword.

[0021] The server for recommending emoticons based on a user's emoticon preference information of the present invention includes the steps of acquiring information on at least one preferred emoticon of the user from a user terminal (wherein the preferred emoticon is designated by the user's interaction with the emoticon in a predetermined manner), acquiring information on matching text from the user terminal (wherein the matching text corresponds to at least one matching keyword), and providing information on at least one recommended emoticon corresponding to the matching keyword from the preferred emoticons to the user terminal.

[0022] In one embodiment of the present invention, the method further includes identifying at least one extended emoticon having the same characteristic information as the characteristic information associated with the character of the recommended emoticon, and providing information about the extended emoticon to the user terminal.

[0023] The server for recommending emoticons based on a user's emoticon preference information 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 perform each step of the above method. Preferably, the processor is configured to perform the steps of: acquiring information on at least one preferred emoticon of the user from a user terminal, the preferred emoticon being designated by the user's interaction with the emoticon in a predetermined manner; acquiring information on matching text from the user terminal, the matching text corresponding to at least one matching keyword; and providing information on at least one recommended emoticon corresponding to the matching keyword from the preferred emoticons to the user terminal. [Effects of the Invention]

[0024] The present invention has an advantage in that it can provide a method for recommending emoticons based on a user's preference information for emoticons.

[0025] Furthermore, the present invention has an advantage in that it can provide a method for displaying recommended emoticons that reflect the user's preferences when recommending emoticons to the user.

[0026] Furthermore, the present invention has an advantage that it can provide a method for recommending extended emoticons to a user based on the character of the preferred emoticon when recommending emoticons to the user. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0027] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a network environment according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a user terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a user terminal according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 1 is a table illustrating preferred emoticons in a method for recommending emoticons based on a user's emoticon preference information according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] 10 is a table illustrating matching keywords and corresponding recommended emoticons in a method for recommending emoticons based on user preference information of emoticons according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 1 is an exemplary diagram illustrating a screen of a user terminal displaying recommended emoticons in a method for recommending emoticons based on user preference information of emoticons according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 10 is an exemplary view illustrating a screen for classifying and displaying an interface of keywords related to recommended emoticons in a method for recommending emoticons based on user preference information about emoticons according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] 10 is a table illustrating recommended emoticons and extended emoticons in a method for recommending emoticons based on user emoticon preference information according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] 1 is an exemplary diagram illustrating a screen of a user terminal displaying recommended emoticons and extended emoticons in a method for recommending emoticons based on user preference information of emoticons according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a method for a server to recommend emoticons based on user emoticon preference information according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0028] Hereinafter, the embodiments disclosed herein will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, and the same and / or similar components will be denoted by the same reference numerals regardless of the drawing numbers, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted. Furthermore, when describing the embodiments disclosed herein, if a detailed description of related known technology is deemed to obscure the gist of the embodiments disclosed herein, the detailed description will be omitted.

[0029] 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.

[0030] A singular expression includes a plural expression unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0031] In this application, the steps described may be performed in any order except where a specific causal relationship dictates that the steps be performed in the listed order.

[0032] In this application, the terms "comprise" or "have" and the like are intended to specify the presence of any feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof stated in the specification, but should be understood as not precluding the presence or possible addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0033] The present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a network environment according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] FIG. 1 shows a network environment according to an embodiment of the present invention, which may include a server 10 and a user terminal 20.

[0035] The server 10 is a device that provides a messenger service to the user terminal 20. The user terminal 20 is a device that uses the messenger service provided by the server 10.

[0036] The messenger service may be a service that allows multiple users to send or receive messages between each other through a platform provided by the server 10. Here, a message may be understood to include all transmittable data such as text, photos, videos, audio files, emoticons, etc.

[0037] Here, an emoticon is an image object transmitted through a chat room of a messenger service, and can be variously called an image, emoticon, sticker, etc., and can be replaced with different types of content than text.

[0038] The network is not limited to a communication method and may include not only a communication method that utilizes a communication network (for example, a mobile communication network, a wired Internet, a wireless Internet, or a broadcasting network), but also a short-range wireless communication.

[0039] The server 10 may be embodied as a computer device or multiple computers that provide instructions, codes, files, content, services, etc. The server 10 may be a server 10 that can communicate with the user terminal 20 via a network to send and receive information.

[0040] The server 10 may include a processor 11, a memory 12, and a communication unit 13. The processor 11 controls the overall operation of the memory 12 and the communication unit 13, and may provide a messenger service to the user terminal 20.

[0041] The memory 12 functions as a storage medium and can store a plurality of application programs run by the server 10, as well as data and instructions for the operation of the server 10. In one embodiment, the memory 12 can store applications related to the messenger service. The memory 12 can be provided in the form of various storage devices such as ROM, RAM, flash drive, hard drive, etc., and / or web storage.

[0042] The communication unit 13 can communicate with the user terminal 20 via a network in a wired or wireless manner.

[0043] The server 10 of the present invention recommends emoticons based on a user's emoticon preference information. Specifically, the server 10 acquires information on at least one of the user's preferred emoticons from the user terminal 20. The preferred emoticon is designated by the user's interaction with the emoticon in a predetermined manner. Then, the server 10 acquires information on matching text from the user terminal 20. The matching text corresponds to at least one matching keyword. The server 10 provides the user terminal 20 with information on at least one recommended emoticon that corresponds to the matching keyword among the preferred emoticons.

[0044] Here, the emoticon preference information may be information generated by various user interactions that a user may have with an emoticon. The emoticon preference information may be defined in different forms through various user interfaces in a service environment in which an emoticon is used.

[0045] The emoticon preference information may be at least one of information that a user has designated an emoticon as another preferred emoticon (favorite), information that a user has purchased an emoticon, information that a user has subscribed (periodic payment) to a product that allows the use of emoticons for a certain period of time, information that a user has given a preference indication (e.g., "like," "heart," etc.), information that a user has saved an emoticon in the user device 20, information that a user has created a shortcut path for using an emoticon, information that a user has given an emoticon as a gift to another user and / or received an emoticon as a gift from another user, and information on the number or frequency of a user's use of an emoticon. Here, the number or frequency of an emoticon use may be calculated based on a predetermined period, such as the last 30 days. The emoticon preference information is not limited to the above examples and may be added or modified in various ways.

[0046] Here, a favorite emoticon refers to an emoticon or a set (group) of at least one emoticon that meets predetermined preference criteria according to emoticon preference information. Even if an emoticon is involved in emoticon preference information, it may not be designated as a favorite emoticon if it does not meet the predetermined preference criteria. For example, even if a user has saved an emoticon in the user terminal 20, if the user later deletes it and / or deletes the shortcut path for the corresponding emoticon, it may not be designated as a favorite emoticon. Furthermore, even if a user has previously used an emoticon, it may not be designated as a favorite emoticon if it has not been used within a predetermined recent period or if it has been used less than a predetermined number of times.

[0047] Here, matching text refers to text information used to search for and / or receive recommendations for emoticons. The server 10 or user terminal 20 of the present invention can store a keyword dictionary containing matching text that is directly or indirectly matched with emoticons. A user can use the matching text stored in the keyword dictionary to search for and / or receive recommendations for matching emoticons.

[0048] A user can input matching text and / or select one of at least one matching text through the user terminal 20 to search for and / or receive recommendations for emoticons. In some cases, if the text information input and / or displayed by the user terminal 20 corresponds to matching text included in the keyword dictionary, the user terminal 20 can display a separate category for the corresponding text information and inform the user that emoticons can be searched for and / or recommended based on the corresponding text information.

[0049] Here, a matching keyword is information corresponding to a matching text. At least one matching keyword can correspond to one matching text. The matching keyword can be mapped to an emoticon. At least one matching keyword can correspond to one emoticon. Such matching keywords can be included in a keyword dictionary.

[0050] Therefore, when a user inputs information about a matching text into the user terminal 20, the user terminal 20 or the server refers to the keyword dictionary and identifies at least one matching keyword corresponding to the matching text, thereby identifying at least one emoticon that matches the matching keyword and providing it to the user.

[0051] For example, if a user inputs information for the matching text "hello" into the user terminal 20, the user terminal 20 or the server 10 can refer to the keyword dictionary to identify matching keywords such as "hello," "hi," and "greetings" that correspond to the matching text "hello." As a result, the user terminal 20 or the server 10 can provide the user with emoticons that match each matching keyword.

[0052] In some cases, the matching keyword and the matching text may be used interchangeably. This can be interpreted as a case where there is one matching keyword corresponding to the matching text, and the matching text and the matching keyword are the same. In the above example, the matching text may be "hello" and the corresponding matching keyword may be one keyword, "hello."

[0053] The user terminal 20 is a device that receives emoticon recommendations from the messenger service using the messenger service provided by the server 10. The user terminal 20 may include a communication unit 21, an input unit 22, an output unit 23, a memory 24, and a processor 25.

[0054] The communication unit 21 can communicate with the server 10 or other terminals via wired or wireless methods.

[0055] The input unit 22 can receive various information through user operations and input actions, and can be a touch screen module, a keyboard, a mouse, a button, a camera, a stylus, a microphone, or the like.

[0056] The user terminal 20 can receive user interaction input through the input unit 22. Interaction means that the user operates the input unit 22 to input information reflecting the user's selection or intention into the user terminal 20. For example, the interaction can be touching a touchscreen, clicking a mouse, typing on a keyboard, inputting sound into a microphone, taking an image with a camera, recognizing the operation of a motion sensor, etc.

[0057] The output unit 23 can output various information. The output unit 23 can be a display device, a speaker, a vibration generator, a tactile generator, etc. In some cases, the output unit 23 can be a device (e.g., a Bluetooth earphone) that is connected to the user terminal 20 via wired or wireless communication (e.g., short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth®) and receives and outputs a signal.

[0058] The memory 24 functions as a storage medium and can store a plurality of application programs run on the user terminal 20, as well as data and instructions for the operation of the user terminal 20. Such memory can be provided in the form of various storage devices such as ROM, RAM, flash drive, hard drive, etc., and / or web storage. In one embodiment, the memory 24 can store an application (hereinafter, "application") related to a messenger service.

[0059] The processor 25 controls the overall operations of the communication unit 21, the input unit 22, the output unit 23 and the memory 24, and can execute applications.

[0060] The user terminal 20 of the present invention recommends emoticons to a user based on the user's emoticon preference information. Specifically, the user terminal 20 acquires information on at least one preferred emoticon. The preferred emoticon is designated by the user's interaction with the emoticon in a predetermined manner. Then, the user terminal 20 acquires information on matching text. The matching text corresponds to at least one matching keyword. The user terminal 20 displays at least one recommended emoticon corresponding to the matching keyword from the preferred emoticons.

[0061] FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of user terminal 20 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The following steps may be performed in any order except where a specific causal relationship requires that they be performed in the listed order. However, for the sake of convenience, the following description will be given assuming that the steps are performed in the listed order.

[0062] In step S110, the user terminal 20 acquires information about at least one favorite emoticon.

[0063] Here, the preferred emoticon is designated by a user's interaction with the emoticon in a predetermined manner, and the detailed type of the preferred emoticon can be determined by the user's interaction with the emoticon.

[0064] In detail, the favorite emoticons include at least one of the following: a first type designated as a favorite by a user, a second type for which a shortcut path has been created by a user, and a third type designated as a recent delivery target by a user. The above three types are merely examples, and there may be additional types based on various other criteria.

[0065] The emoticons designated as the first type of favorite emoticons are collected and displayed through a separate favorites menu in the user terminal 20, and the user can easily use the first type of favorite emoticons through this.

[0066] The shortcut path for the second type of favorite emoticon may directly access the second type of favorite emoticon itself, or may access an emoticon set including the second type of favorite emoticon. The shortcut path for the favorite emoticon can be created when the user downloads or purchases the corresponding emoticon or emoticon set, or when the user requests the creation of another shortcut path for the corresponding emoticon or emoticon set. The shortcut interface may be displayed around the keyboard area displayed on the user terminal 20. The user can quickly access and use the second type of favorite emoticon by inputting an interaction on the shortcut interface.

[0067] The shortcut path can be generated by inputting an interaction to generate a shortcut for an individual emoticon or emoticon set corresponding to the second type of preferred emoticon, or by saving an emoticon or emoticon set, or by exchanging gifts for an emoticon or emoticon set.

[0068] The third type of favorite emoticons may be limited to those used within a predetermined recent period. In some cases, if the number of emoticons used within a predetermined recent period exceeds a threshold, they may be designated as the third type of favorite emoticons in the order of most recently used.

[0069] For example, the third type of favorite emoticons are those used within the last 30 days, and the reference value can be 700. If a user has used 800 emoticons within the last 30 days, the most recent 700 can be designated as the third type of favorite emoticons.

[0070] The display position of the emoticon can be determined in the process of displaying the emoticon in the subsequent step S150 depending on the detailed type such as the first, second, or third type. The determination of the display position of the emoticon depending on the detailed type will be explained in more detail below while explaining step S150.

[0071] If the user terminal 20 acquires information on favorite emoticons in step S110, it can provide the acquired information to the server 10. This information provision is performed at a predetermined interval or in real time, and the server 10 can maintain the information on the user's favorite emoticons in the most recent state. The server 10 stores information on favorite emoticons for each user and can select recommended emoticons to be displayed in the following step S150.

[0072] At least some of the favorite emoticons designated in step S110 correspond to matching keywords. Matching keywords can be determined based on the content, theme, and character characteristics of the favorite emoticons. Multiple matching keywords can correspond to one favorite emoticon.

[0073] In step S120, the user terminal 20 obtains information about the matching text.

[0074] The user can input the matching text into the user terminal 20. Specifically, the user can input the matching text into a conversation input window in a messenger application. In some cases, the user can input the matching text by selecting one matching text from a list of at least one matching text.

[0075] The matching text corresponds to at least one matching keyword. The correspondence between the matching text and the matching keyword may be stored in a keyword dictionary stored in the user terminal 20 or the server 10. Once the user terminal 20 acquires information about the matching text, it identifies the corresponding matching text by referring to the keyword dictionary for the subsequent steps.

[0076] In some cases, if the user terminal 20 acquires matching text, a hint object indicating that matching text has been entered may be displayed. The hint object may be displayed to inform the user that the text acquired by the user terminal 20 corresponds to the matching text.

[0077] When a user interacts with the hint object, the user device 20 can recommend emoticons based on the matching text. This hint object may be different from the interface displayed in step S140 below. Specifically, the hint object is for recommending emoticons based on the matching text acquired by the user device 20, and the interface displayed in step S140 may be for recommending emoticons based on the user's emoticon preference information in accordance with the matching text. That is, the function performed by interacting with the hint object may be a concept that includes the function performed by interacting with the interface displayed in step S140. Therefore, when an interaction with the hint object is input, information regarding at least one method for recommending emoticons based on the matching text may be displayed. Examples of methods for recommending emoticons based on at least one matching text include a method for recommending emoticons corresponding to the matching text, a method for providing at least one matching keyword corresponding to the matching text, and a method for recommending emoticons corresponding to the matching keyword. The interface displayed in step S140 may correspond to one of these methods for recommending emoticons based on the matching text.

[0078] However, in some cases different from those described above, the hint object and the interface displayed in step S140 may be the same. That is, the hint object may be omitted, and only the interface displayed in step S140 may be displayed. In such cases, the user may only receive emoticon recommendations based on both the matching text and emoticon preference information, and may not receive emoticon recommendations based only on the matching text regardless of the emoticon preference information.

[0079] In step S130, the user terminal 20 determines whether the number of recommended emoticons satisfies a predetermined first number condition.

[0080] The recommended emoticons refer to emoticons corresponding to the matching keywords among the preferred emoticons acquired in step S110. In step S130, the user terminal 20 identifies the number of recommended emoticons and determines whether a predetermined first number condition is satisfied.

[0081] Here, the predetermined first number of conditions may be one or more. In this case, step S130 determines whether there is a recommended emoticon. However, depending on the case, the predetermined first number of conditions may be set differently.

[0082] Steps S140 and S150 are performed only if the number of recommended emoticons satisfies the first number condition in step S130. If the number of recommended emoticons does not satisfy the first number condition, emoticon recommendations based on preference information are not provided, and only emoticon recommendations based on matching text using other methods are provided.

[0083] In step S140, the user terminal 20 displays an interface for recommending emoticons based on the preference information, and receives interaction inputs on the interface.

[0084] If the number of recommended emoticons does not satisfy the first number condition in step S130, there are no recommended emoticons to recommend based on the user's emoticon preference information, so step S140 is not performed and / or the interface may be displayed in an inactive state (S141).

[0085] After the interface is displayed in step S140, an interaction input to the interface can be received from the user. Here, the user's input to the interface can mean a request for emoticon recommendations based on emoticon preference information.

[0086] In step S150, the user terminal 20 displays at least one recommended emoticon corresponding to the matching keyword among the preferred emoticons.

[0087] The recommended emoticons may be displayed in place of the keyboard area of ​​the user terminal 20. If the number of recommended emoticons exceeds the number that can be displayed in a predetermined area, the recommended emoticons may be displayed in a manner that allows more to be displayed by scrolling. The recommended emoticons are displayed in the form of a selectable interface, and the user can easily use the recommended emoticons by inputting an interaction with the displayed recommended emoticons.

[0088] When there are multiple recommended emoticons, the display positions of the recommended emoticons may be determined in a predetermined manner. Since the recommended emoticons are displayed in a predetermined order, the display positions may be related to the order of the order.

[0089] First, it will be explained that the display position of the recommended emoticon is determined according to the order information of the corresponding matching keywords.

[0090] The matching text acquired in step S120 may correspond to at least one matching keyword, where at least one matching keyword may correspond to respective order information, and the display position of the recommended emoticon may be determined according to the order information of the corresponding matching keyword.

[0091] For example, the matching text "hello" may correspond to three matching keywords, namely, "hello," "hi," and "greetings." In this case, the order information of the matching keywords may correspond to "hello" - 1, "hi" - 2, and "greetings" - 3. In this situation, assume that four emoticons, such as emoticon A, emoticon B (all corresponding to the matching keyword "hello"), emoticon C (all corresponding to the matching keyword "hi"), and emoticon D (all corresponding to the matching keyword "greetings"), are identified as recommended emoticons. Then, of the four emoticons, emoticon A and emoticon B corresponding to the first matching keyword, "hello," may be displayed first (highest priority), followed by emoticon C corresponding to the second matching keyword, "hi," and finally emoticon D corresponding to the third matching keyword, "greetings."

[0092] Next, it will be explained that the display position of the recommended emoticon is determined according to the detailed type of the preferred emoticon.

[0093] As described above, the favorite emoticons acquired in step S110 can be classified into detailed types. For example, the favorite emoticons can be classified into a first type designated as favorites by the user, a second type designated as shortcuts created by the user, and a third type designated as recently sent by the user.

[0094] Detailed types of favorite emoticons can be categorized into engagement levels according to the degree of user involvement. A high level of involvement means that the interaction a user enters to designate a corresponding emoticon as a favorite emoticon requires a separate action, is managed separately, and tends not to be easily deleted and / or changed by the user.

[0095] For example, in order for a user to designate an emoticon as a favorite, they must input a separate favorite interaction for that emoticon. However, in order for a user to designate an emoticon as a recently used emoticon, they simply use (transmit) the emoticon, which means no separate interaction is required. In this case, designating an emoticon as a favorite involves a higher degree of involvement than designating a recently used emoticon.

[0096] In detail, in the case of the above-mentioned exemplary types 1, 2, and 3, type 1 is determined to have the highest level of user involvement and the involvement level is set to level 3, type 2 is determined to have a medium level of involvement and the involvement level is set to level 2, and type 3 is determined to have a low level of user involvement and the involvement level is set to level 1.

[0097] The display position of the recommended emoticon is determined by the detail type of the preferred emoticon, which means that the display position can be determined by the engagement level of each detail type. For example, the higher the engagement level of each detail type, the higher the priority it can be displayed.

[0098] In detail, the first type of favorite emoticon corresponding to the third level is displayed relatively first (high priority), then the second type of favorite emoticon corresponding to the second level is displayed next, and then the third type of favorite emoticon corresponding to the first level is displayed last (low priority).

[0099] The display position of the recommended emoticon can be determined based on both the order information of the corresponding matching keywords and the detailed type of the preferred emoticon. In detail, the primary display position of the recommended emoticon can be determined first based on the order information of the corresponding matching keywords, and the secondary position within the primary position can be determined based on the detailed type of the preferred emoticon.

[0100] In the above example, emoticon A and emoticon B correspond to the best matching keyword "hello", and can be determined to have a primary position where they are displayed before emoticon C and emoticon D. Here, emoticon A and emoticon B can be determined to have a secondary position within the primary position according to their detailed types.

[0101] For example, let's assume that emoticon A corresponds to the second type for which a shortcut path has been created by the user and has a second level of engagement, and emoticon B corresponds to the first type for which the user has designated it as a favorite and has a third level of engagement. In this situation, emoticon B can be displayed before emoticon A (having a higher priority) in the above-mentioned primary position. As a result, in the above example, the display order can be determined as follows: emoticon B - emoticon A - emoticon C - emoticon D.

[0102] FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the user terminal 20 according to one embodiment of the present invention. In describing a method for recommending emoticons based on a user's preference information for emoticons with reference to FIG. 3, differences from the method described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 will be mainly described.

[0103] The embodiment illustrated in Fig. 3 is mainly characterized by the addition of steps S145 and S151 compared to the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 2. The other steps in the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 3 are substantially similar to those in the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 2.

[0104] In step S145, the user terminal 20 determines whether the number of recommended emoticons satisfies a predetermined second number condition.

[0105] The second number condition in step S145 is the same as the first number condition in step S130 described above with reference to FIG. 2 in terms of the object of judgment, but the detailed conditions may be different.

[0106] In detail, the first number of conditions in step S130 is for determining whether to provide emoticon recommendations based on preference information and may be a condition for the minimum number for recommendation. For example, the first number of conditions in step S130 may be 1 or more. That is, the first number of conditions is for determining whether there are recommended emoticons in step S130.

[0107] However, the second number condition in step S145 is for determining whether to expand the recommended emoticons and display expanded emoticons. Therefore, the second number condition here may be related to whether the maximum number of emoticons that does not exceed the limit condition is reached, and whether there is a remaining number compared to the maximum number. Here, the limit condition may be determined taking into consideration the area in which emoticons are displayed and the amount of data that the user terminal 20 or the server 10 can smoothly process. For example, if the maximum number of emoticons is 112, the second number condition in step S145 may be that the number of recommended emoticons is less than 112.

[0108] If the number of recommended emoticons is less than the maximum number, the second number condition in step S145 is met, and the subsequent step S151 is carried out. However, if the number of recommended emoticons is equal to or greater than the maximum number, the second number condition in step S145 is not met, and the subsequent step S150 described in FIG. 2 is carried out instead of step S151.

[0109] In step S151, the user terminal 20 displays the recommended emoticon and the extended emoticon.

[0110] Here, the recommended emoticon means an emoticon corresponding to a matching keyword among the preferred emoticons, as described above.

[0111] An extended emoticon is an emoticon that has characteristic information that meets the same or similar criteria as the characteristic information associated with the character of the recommended emoticon. Meeting the same or similar criteria as the characteristic information associated with the character may mean that the character or IP on which the emoticon is based is the same, is related to the same content series, and / or was created by the same creator.

[0112] In this way, extended emoticons are recommended to the user according to the recommended emoticons, and the user can have a wider range of choices while reflecting his / her preference information.

[0113] Between the recommended emoticon and the extended emoticon, the recommended emoticon can be displayed in priority to the extended emoticon. Therefore, the recommended emoticon can be displayed after the extended emoticon on the user terminal 20.

[0114] Among the same expanded emoticons, the display position can be determined by the order information of the matching keywords corresponding to the recommended emoticon that is the basis of the expansion. For example, an expanded emoticon expanded based on a recommended emoticon corresponding to the first matching keyword can be displayed before (higher priority than) an expanded emoticon expanded based on a recommended emoticon corresponding to the second matching keyword.

[0115] Among expanded emoticons expanded based on the same recommended emoticon, the display position can be determined by the release date information. That is, among expanded emoticons expanded based on the same recommended emoticon, the more recently released emoticon can be displayed first (higher priority).

[0116] The number of extended emoticons that can be added may be limited. In particular, extended emoticons may be extended within a limited range so that the total number of recommended emoticons and extended emoticons does not exceed the maximum number described above.

[0117] Hereinafter, a specific embodiment of a method in which the user terminal 20 recommends emoticons based on the user's emoticon preference information will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 4 is a table illustrating preferred emoticons in a method for recommending emoticons based on a user's emoticon preference information according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 4, the server 10 or the user terminal 20 can designate an emoticon or an emoticon set that meets a predetermined preference criterion according to emoticon preference information as a preferred emoticon.

[0118] The preferred emoticons can be stored in a unique emoticon identification information ID in the server 10 or the user terminal 20. For convenience of explanation, this specification will be described as emoticon identification information reflecting information on matching keywords corresponding to the emoticons. For example, emoticons having identification information such as A1, A2, and A3 can be emoticons corresponding to a matching keyword corresponding to A. However, such emoticon identification information is used for convenience of explanation, and the emoticon identification information of the present invention is not limited to this.

[0119] Favorite emoticons can be classified and saved according to detailed types. Specifically, as shown in Figure 4, favorite emoticons can be classified into Type 1 (favorites), Type 2 (shortcut paths), and Type 3 (recently sent items).

[0120] Favorite emoticons can be individual emoticons or emoticon sets (groups) containing at least one emoticon. In the example of FIG. 4, one of the emoticons classified as the second type is the emoticon set SET03. The emoticon set SET03 includes four emoticons, such as C7, E4, G5, and K2.

[0121] In addition, one favorite emoticon can be stored in two different types. In the example of Figure 4, the emoticon D5 is stored in both the first and third types.

[0122] FIG. 5 is a table illustrating matching keywords and corresponding recommended emoticons in a method for recommending emoticons based on user preference information on emoticons according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 illustrates that when the user terminal 20 acquires the matching text "Christmas," recommended emoticons are identified based on the information of the preferred emoticons in FIG.

[0123] 5, the user terminal 20 acquires a matching text "Christmas." The matching text "Christmas" can correspond to four matching keywords ("Christmas," "Santa," "cake," and "tree").

[0124] In the example of Figure 5, the matching keyword "Christmas" corresponds to four emoticons, such as A3, A5, A1, and A2, among the preferred emoticons in Figure 4. The four emoticons, such as A3, A5, A1, and A2, are recommended emoticons corresponding to the matching keyword "Christmas."

[0125] In addition, the matching keyword "cake" corresponds to three emoticons, such as C9, C7, and C6, among the preferred emoticons in Figure 4. The three emoticons, such as C9, C7, and C6, are recommended emoticons that correspond to the matching keyword "cake."

[0126] In addition, the matching keyword "tree" corresponds to four emoticons, namely D3, D5, D4, and D2, among the preferred emoticons in Figure 4. The four emoticons, namely D3, D5, D4, and D2, are recommended emoticons corresponding to the matching keyword "tree." Here, emoticon D5 is duplicated and stored in the first and third types in Figure 4, but when selected as a recommended emoticon, the duplication is eliminated and only one can be selected.

[0127] Furthermore, there are no corresponding emoticons among the preferred emoticons in FIG. 4 for the matching keywords "Santa" and "Carol."

[0128] FIG. 6 is an exemplary diagram illustrating a screen of a user terminal 20 displaying recommended emoticons in a method for recommending emoticons based on user preference information on emoticons according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is an example of a screen displaying recommended emoticons based on the information on the preferred emoticons in FIG. 4 when the user terminal 20 acquires the matching text "Christmas" as in the example of FIG.

[0129] 6, if the user terminal 20 acquires "Christmas" in the matching text 610, a hint object 620 indicating that the matching text 610 has been entered is displayed. When a user interaction corresponding to the hint object 620 is entered, emoticon recommendation information based on the matching text 610 may be displayed in the area 605 where the conventional keyboard is displayed.

[0130] Then, interfaces 630 and 631 for matching keywords corresponding to the matching text 610 may be displayed. The interfaces 630 and 631 for matching keywords correspond to the respective matching keywords, and may be displayed in the form of interfaces that can be individually selected by the user.

[0131] A portion 631 of the interface for matching keywords may be at least partially hidden by an interface 640 for recommending emoticons based on preference information. The hidden interface 631 may be displayed to be distinguished from the other interfaces 630, for example, by being dimmed.

[0132] Although not shown in the drawings, the hidden interface 631 may be moved by an interaction that moves the interfaces 630 and 631 for the matching keyword so that it is not hidden by any other interface 640. In this case, the corresponding interface 631 may be displayed identically to the other interfaces 630.

[0133] If the number of recommended emoticons corresponding to the matching keyword among the preferred emoticons meets a predetermined number condition, an interface 640 for recommending emoticons based on preference information can be displayed. When a user interacts with the interface 640, the recommended emoticons based on preference information are displayed in the area 605 where the keyboard is conventionally displayed.

[0134] With reference to FIGS. 4 to 6, a description will be given of how a display position of a recommended emoticon is determined in a method for recommending emoticons based on user preference information of emoticons according to an embodiment of the present invention. The display position of the recommended emoticons is determined based on the order information of the corresponding matching keywords and the detailed type of the preferred emoticons.

[0135] First, the primary display position is determined according to the order information of matching keywords corresponding to the recommended emoticon.

[0136] Referring to Figure 5, the matching text "Christmas" can correspond to five matching keywords: "Christmas," "Santa," "cake," "tree," and "carol." In this case, the order information of the matching keywords can correspond to "Christmas" - 1, "Santa" - 2, "cake" - 3, "tree" - 4, and "carol" - 5.

[0137] In this situation, the display position of the recommended emoticon can be determined according to the order information of the corresponding matching keywords.

[0138] 6, the four recommended emoticons A3, A5, A1, and A2 corresponding to "Christmas" correspond to the order information 1. Therefore, the first group 651 including the four recommended emoticons A3, A5, A1, and A2 is displayed first (highest priority).

[0139] The three recommended emoticons C9, C7, and C6 corresponding to "cake" correspond to the order information 2. Therefore, the second group 652 including the three recommended emoticons C9, C7, and C6 is displayed after the first group 651.

[0140] The four recommended emoticons D3, D5, D4, and D2 corresponding to "Tree" correspond to the order information 3. Therefore, the third group 653 including the four recommended emoticons D3, D5, D4, and D2 is displayed next to the second group 652, and is displayed at the very end (lowest priority).

[0141] Here, the positions of the first group 651, the second group 652, and the third group 653 correspond to the primary positions where the recommended emoticons are displayed, and the order in which each emoticon is positioned within the first, second, and third groups 651, 652, and 653 corresponds to the secondary positions.

[0142] Next, the secondary position within the primary position displayed according to the detailed type of the preferred emoticon of the recommended emoticon is determined.

[0143] Referring to Figure 4, the three detailed types of favorite emoticons can be divided into engagement levels according to the degree of user involvement. Specifically, the engagement level of the first type can be designated as the third level, the engagement level of the second type as the second level, and the engagement level of the third type as the first level.

[0144] In this situation, the display position of the recommended emoticon can be determined according to the detailed type of the corresponding preferred emoticon.

[0145] Referring to FIG. 6, among four recommended emoticons A3, A5, A1, and A2 included in the first group 651, the emoticons A3 and A5 belong to the first type and have an engagement level of level 3. When the emoticons A3 and A5 have the same engagement level as the first, the emoticon that was designated as a favorite more recently can be said to have a higher positional priority. Assuming that A3 was designated as a favorite more recently than A5, it can be said that A3 has a higher positional priority than A5 within the same level. The emoticon A1 belongs to the second type and has an engagement level of level 2. The emoticon A2 belongs to the third type and has an engagement level of level 1. Therefore, within the first group 651, the emoticons can be displayed in the order of highest engagement level: A3, A5, A1, and A2.

[0146] Among the three recommended emoticons C9, C7, and C6 included in the second group 652, the emoticon C9 corresponds to the first type and has an engagement level of level 3. The emoticon C7 corresponds to the second type and has an engagement level of level 2. The emoticon C6 corresponds to the third type and has an engagement level of level 1. Therefore, within the second group 652, the emoticons can be displayed in the order of increasing engagement level: C9, C7, and C6.

[0147] Among the four recommended emoticons D3, D5, D4, and D2 included in the third group 653, emoticons D3 and D5 belong to the first type and have an engagement level of level 3. Here, emoticon D5 overlaps with both the first and third types. In this case, only a higher engagement level can be assigned, eliminating the overlap. If D3 was designated as a favorite emoticon more recently than D5 according to the above criteria, D3 can be said to have a higher position priority than D5 within the same level. Emoticon D4 belongs to the second type and has an engagement level of level 2. Emoticon D2 belongs to the third type and has an engagement level of level 1. Therefore, within the third group 653, emoticons can be displayed in the order of highest engagement level: D3, D5, D4, and D2.

[0148] FIG. 7 is an exemplary diagram illustrating a screen for classifying and displaying a keyword interface related to recommended emoticons in a method for recommending emoticons based on a user's emoticon preference information according to an embodiment of the present invention. In Figure 6, out of five matching keywords such as "Christmas," "Santa," "cake," "tree," and "carol," three of them, "Christmas," "cake," and "tree," correspond to recommended emoticons, but "Santa" and "carol" do not have corresponding recommended emoticons. Nevertheless, the five matching keywords are displayed in the same way regardless of whether there is a corresponding recommended emoticon.

[0149] Unlike this, in Figure 7, among the five matching keywords, three matching keywords 731, 733, and 734, such as "Christmas," "cake," and "tree," that correspond to recommended emoticons are displayed separately from the other two matching keywords 732 and 735. In Figure 7, the three matching keywords 731, 733, and 734 are displayed thickly, while the other two matching keywords 732 and 735 are displayed dimly, so they are distinguishable, but in some cases, the two matching keywords 732 and 735 can also be distinguished by not displaying them on the screen.

[0150] In some cases, the matching keywords 731, 732, 733, 734, and 735 displayed on the screen may be displayed in the form of an interface that allows the user to select by inputting an interaction. Therefore, the user can input an interaction to select a matching keyword, and selectively display only the recommended emoticons corresponding to the selected matching keyword from among the multiple recommended emoticons displayed. For example, in the case of Figure 7, if the user selects interface 733 corresponding to "cake," only the corresponding emoticons C9, C7, and C6 can be displayed.

[0151] This has the advantage that the user can easily understand and select the matching keyword corresponding to the recommended emoticon displayed on the current screen.

[0152] FIG. 8 is a table illustrating recommended emoticons and extended emoticons in a method for recommending emoticons based on user emoticon preference information according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 illustrates the identification of recommended emoticons in the situation of FIG. 5 and the identification of extended emoticons for the recommended emoticons.

[0153] Referring to Figure 8, five emoticons, such as EA1, EA3, EA7, EA8, and EA9, corresponding to the matching keyword "Christmas" correspond to extended emoticons. At least one of the five emoticons, such as EA1, EA3, EA7, EA8, and EA9, can have the same characteristic information as the characteristic information associated with the character of any one of the four emoticons, such as A3, A5, A1, and A2, corresponding to the matching keyword "Christmas."

[0154] In this way, four emoticons such as EC4, EC6, EC7, and EC8 corresponding to the matching keyword "cake" can be extended emoticons, and four emoticons such as ED3, ED4, ED8, and ED9 corresponding to the matching keyword "tree" can be extended emoticons.

[0155] FIG. 9 is an exemplary diagram illustrating a screen of a user terminal 20 displaying recommended emoticons and extended emoticons in a method for recommending emoticons based on user preference information of emoticons according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 9, extended emoticons 921, 922, and 923 are displayed after (lower priority than) all recommended emoticons 911, 912, and 913. The display position among extended emoticons can be determined based on the order information of matching keywords corresponding to the recommended emoticon.

[0156] In detail, the expanded emoticons included in the first expanded group 921 are expanded based on the recommended emoticons corresponding to the order information No. 1. Therefore, the first expanded group 921 is displayed before the other expanded groups 922 and 923 (higher priority).

[0157] In addition, the expanded emoticons included in the second expanded group 922 are expanded based on the recommended emoticons corresponding to the tenth information of No. 2. Therefore, the second expanded group 922 is displayed after the first expanded group 921.

[0158] In addition, the expanded emoticons included in the third expanded group 923 are expanded based on the recommended emoticons corresponding to the order information 3. Therefore, the third expanded group 923 is displayed at the very end (lowest priority) after the second expanded group 922.

[0159] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a method for the server 10 to recommend emoticons based on user preference information for emoticons according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0160] The steps described with reference to Figure 10 correspond to the steps performed by the server 10 described with reference to Figures 2 and 3. Therefore, the detailed description of each step in Figure 10 will be replaced with the above content.

[0161] In step S210, the server 10 acquires information on at least one emoticon that the user likes from the user terminal 20. This may be a step corresponding to step S110 described above.

[0162] In step S220, the server 10 obtains information about the matching text from the user terminal 20. Here, the matching text corresponds to at least one matching keyword, which corresponds to step S120 described above.

[0163] In step S230, the server 10 provides information on at least one recommended emoticon corresponding to a matching keyword among the preferred emoticons to the user terminal 20. This may be a step corresponding to the above-mentioned step S150.

[0164] In step S240, the server 10 identifies at least one extended emoticon having the same characteristic information as the characteristic information associated with the character of the recommended emoticon, and then in step S240, the server 10 provides information about the extended emoticon to the user terminal 20. This may be a step corresponding to step S151 described above.

[0165] 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 can be combined and applied to different embodiments. 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.

[0166] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and the accompanying drawings, and various modifications and variations are possible within the scope of those skilled in the art. Therefore, the scope of the present invention should be determined not only by the claims of this specification but also by equivalents of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0167] 10: Server 20: User terminal

Claims

1. A method for a user terminal to recommend emoticons based on a user's emoticon preference information, comprising: acquiring information on at least one preferred emoticon, wherein the preferred emoticon is designated by the user's interaction with the emoticon in a predetermined manner; obtaining information about a matching text, wherein the matching text corresponds to at least one matching keyword; displaying at least one recommended emoticon corresponding to the matching keyword among the preferred emoticons; and displaying a matching keyword corresponding to the recommended emoticon among the at least one matching keyword, distinguishing it from other matching keywords.

2. In the method according to claim 1, The preferred emoticons are classified into at least one detail type, and each detail type is associated with an engagement level; In the step of displaying the recommended emoticon, a display position of the at least one recommended emoticon is determined according to the engagement level of the detail type. method.

3. 10. The method of claim 1, The preferred emoticons are divided into at least one subtype, The detailed types are: A first type designated as a favorite by the user; A second type in which a shortcut path is generated by the user; and a third type recently designated for delivery by the user.

4. 10. The method of claim 1, The at least one matching keyword corresponds to each order information; In the step of displaying the recommended emoticon, a display position of the at least one recommended emoticon is determined according to the order information of the corresponding matching keyword.

5. 10. The method of claim 1, The at least one matching keyword corresponds to different order information; The preferred emoticons are divided into at least one subtype, In the step of displaying the recommended emoticon, a primary position of the at least one recommended emoticon to be displayed is determined according to the order information of the corresponding matching keyword, and a secondary position within the primary position is determined according to the detailed type.

6. 10. The method of claim 1, The method further includes determining whether the number of the recommended emoticons satisfies a predetermined first number condition; The method, wherein the step of displaying the recommended emoticons is performed only when the number of the recommended emoticons satisfies the first number condition.

7. 10. The method of claim 1, The method further includes the step of displaying an interface for recommending emoticons based on the preference information and receiving interaction input via the interface, which is performed before the step of displaying the recommended emoticons.

8. 8. The method of claim 7, The step of receiving an input of an interaction with the interface is performed only when the number of the recommended emoticons satisfies a predetermined first number condition.

9. 10. The method of claim 1, In the step of displaying the recommended emoticon, at least one extended emoticon having the same characteristic information as characteristic information associated with the character of the recommended emoticon is further displayed.

10. 10. The method of claim 9, The recommended emoticons are displayed in preference to the extended emoticons.

11. 10. The method of claim 9, The method wherein the display position of the at least one extended emoticon is determined by release date information.

12. 10. The method of claim 9, The method wherein whether or not the extended emoticon is to be displayed is determined depending on whether the number of the recommended emoticons satisfies a predetermined second number condition.

13. A computer program stored on a medium, A program for causing a computer to execute each step of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. A user terminal that recommends emoticons based on user emoticon preference information, Memory and a processor coupled to the memory and configured to execute instructions contained in the memory; A user terminal, wherein the processor is configured to perform the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

15. A method for a server to recommend emoticons based on user emoticon preference information, Acquiring information on at least one preferred emoticon of the user from the user terminal (wherein the preferred emoticon is designated by the user's interaction with the emoticon in a predetermined manner); acquiring information about a matching text from the user terminal, where the matching text corresponds to at least one matching keyword; providing information on at least one recommended emoticon corresponding to the matching keyword among the preferred emoticons to the user terminal; and displaying, on the user terminal, a matching keyword corresponding to the recommended emoticon among the at least one matching keyword, distinguished from other matching keywords.

16. 16. The method of claim 15, identifying at least one extended emoticon having the same characteristic information as characteristic information associated with the character of the recommended emoticon; and providing information for the extended emoticon to the user terminal.

17. A server that recommends emoticons based on a user's preference information for emoticons, Memory and a processor coupled to the memory and configured to execute instructions contained in the memory; A server, wherein the processor is configured to perform the steps of the method according to claim 15 or 16.

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