Methods and apparatus for visually displaying countdown time on a graphical user interface.

Abstract

To provide a method and apparatus for visually displaying countdown time on a graphical user interface, a terminal, and a recording medium.SOLUTION: In a system for providing video call service, a method of matching between terminals includes: setting a time to be counted down as a video call between a first terminal 1200 and a second terminal 1210 proceeds; determining a width and opacity of an area which change as the set time is sequentially counted down; and outputting the area that changes based on the set width and opacity on a graphical user interface.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure provides a method and apparatus for visually displaying a countdown time on a graphical user interface.

Background Art

[0002] As wireless communication technology develops, high-speed and high-capacity data transmission becomes possible, and not only voice call services but also video call services are actively provided. The video call service means a call service that transmits and receives voice signals and video signals between a plurality of terminals.

[0003] Users can make video calls using a portable terminal such as a smartphone or a smart tablet. The users making the video call may know each other or may not know each other.

[0004] On the other hand, when a video call is made between users who do not know each other, the user will feel a psychological burden regarding the connection or exit of the video call. Therefore, a solution for the user to make a video call more freely is required.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The present invention provides a method and apparatus for visually displaying a countdown time on a graphical user interface.

[0006] The problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to the problems mentioned above. Other problems and advantages of the present invention not mentioned can be understood from the following description and will be more clearly understood by the embodiments of the present invention. Also, it will be understood that the problems and advantages to be solved by the present invention can be realized by the means and combinations thereof shown in the claims.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] As a technical means for achieving the technical challenges described above, a first aspect of this disclosure may include, in a method of operating a first terminal, the steps of: receiving a request from a server to establish a communication connection between the first terminal and a second terminal; receiving from the server a time to count down as the video call progresses; receiving from the server information about a block area that changes as the countdown time progresses sequentially; and outputting the block area to the graphical user interface of the first terminal based on the received information.

[0008] Furthermore, the output step may also involve a change in the visibility of the image area output to the graphical user interface of the first terminal as the block area changes.

[0009] Furthermore, once the countdown time has elapsed, an image may be output to the graphical user interface of the first terminal indicating whether to accept or decline the video call.

[0010] Furthermore, the width of the block area may increase as the set time is sequentially counted down.

[0011] Furthermore, the width of the block area is determined by multiplying the width of the graphical user interface of the first terminal by a first ratio, and the first ratio may be determined by dividing the time that has already been performed by the time that the countdown is performed by the time that the countdown is performed.

[0012] Furthermore, the opacity of the block region may increase as the time for the countdown is sequentially counted down.

[0013] Furthermore, the opacity of the block region is determined by multiplying a predetermined opacity by a second ratio, and the second ratio may be determined by dividing the time during which the countdown was performed by the time during which the countdown was performed.

[0014] Furthermore, the image region may also include an image of the second user of the second terminal.

[0015] Furthermore, the image region may also include an image of the first user of the first terminal.

[0016] A second aspect of this disclosure is the provision of a computer program product for controlling a graphical user interface, which includes a recording medium readable by one or more computers, on which a program is stored that performs the following steps: receiving a request from a server to establish a communication connection between a first terminal and a second terminal; receiving from the server a time to count down as the video call progresses; receiving from the server information about a block area that changes as the countdown time progresses sequentially; and outputting the block area to the graphical user interface of the first terminal based on the received information.

[0017] A third aspect of the present disclosure is a device for controlling the graphical user interface of a terminal, comprising: a memory for storing at least one program; and at least one processor for mediating a video call by executing the at least one program, wherein the at least one processor can set a countdown time as the video call between a first terminal and a second terminal progresses, set a block region that changes as the set time is sequentially counted down, and communicate with the first terminal and the second terminal so that the block region is output to the respective graphical user interfaces of the first terminal and the second terminal.

Advantages of the Invention

[0018] According to the problem-solving means of the present disclosure described above, by mediating video calls between users only for a preset time and determining whether to continue the video call after the preset time, the burden on the user for video calls can be eliminated.

[0019] Also, according to the problem-solving means of the present disclosure, as the preset time is sequentially counted down, the face of the other party is gradually covered on the graphical user interface of the terminal, so that the burden on the user can be eliminated when determining whether to continue the video call.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0020] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing an example of a system including a server and at least one terminal. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a drawing showing an example in which a terminal provides profile information. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a drawing showing an example in which matching between terminals is completed. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a drawing showing an example in which a call is initiated when matching between terminals is completed. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 shows an example of a graphical user interface displayed on the display of a terminal during a call waiting time. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 shows another example of a graphical user interface displayed on the display of a terminal during a call waiting time. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 shows an example of a graphical user interface displayed on the display of a terminal while a preliminary call is in progress. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a drawing showing a process in which a video call is made in a system including a first terminal, a server, and a second terminal according to an embodiment. [Figure 9]FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a method for mediating a video call according to an embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 shows an example of a block diagram of a server. MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0021] In the present embodiment, the terms used are, as much as possible, general terms that are currently widely used while taking into account the functions in the present embodiment. However, this can change depending on the intentions of those skilled in the art, precedents, the emergence of new technologies, etc. Also, in certain cases, there are arbitrarily selected terms, and in such cases, the meaning thereof will be described in detail in the part of the description of the corresponding embodiment. Therefore, the terms used in the present embodiment must be defined based not only on the name of the simple term but also on the meaning that the term has and the overall content of the present embodiment.

[0022] In the description of the present embodiment, when it is assumed that one part is connected to another part, this includes not only the case where they are directly connected but also the case where they are electrically connected with other components interposed therebetween. Also, when it is assumed that one part includes a certain component, this means that, unless otherwise stated to the contrary, it does not exclude other components and may further include other components.

[0023] Terms such as "configured" or "including" used in the present embodiment should not be construed as necessarily including all of the various components or a plurality of steps described in the specification. Some of the components or steps may not be included, and it should be construed that additional components or steps may be further included.

[0024] The following description of the embodiments should not be construed as limiting the scope of the rights, and what can be easily inferred by those skilled in the art should be construed as belonging to the scope of the rights of the present embodiment. Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0025] Figure 1 is a diagram showing an example of a system including a server and at least one terminal. System 1000 according to one embodiment may include a server 1100 and a plurality of user terminals 1200 to 1240. For convenience, the plurality of user terminals 1200 to 1240 are shown as five, but are not limited to this number.

[0026] For example, system 1000 could be a system that provides a video call service. A video call service is a service that allows multiple users to communicate by transmitting their own video to and receiving the other party's video using their respective devices. Users of the video call service can exchange video and audio via their respective devices, and can also exchange text via a chat function.

[0027] A user wishing to use the video call service can directly specify the person they wish to call, and if the other party accepts, they can use the video call service. Alternatively, the server 1100 providing the video call service can specify a party randomly or by a predetermined method, and the user can use the video call service with the specified person.

[0028] The server 1100 and the multiple user terminals 1200 to 1240 can communicate using a network. For example, the network includes local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), value-added networks (VANs), mobile radio communication networks, satellite communication networks, and combinations thereof, and is a comprehensive data communication network that enables each network component shown in Figure 1 to communicate smoothly with one another, and may include wired internet, wireless internet, and mobile wireless communication networks. Wireless communication includes, but is not limited to, wireless LAN (Wi-Fi), Bluetooth, Bluetooth low energy, Zigbee, WFD (Wi-Fi Direct), UWB (ultra wideband), infrared communication (IrDA; infrared Data Association), and NFC (Near Field Communication).

[0029] Multiple user terminals 1200 to 1240 may be, but are not limited to, smartphones, tablet PCs (personal computers), PCs, smart TVs, mobile phones, PDAs (personal digital assistants), laptops, media players, microservers, GPS (global positioning system) devices, e-readers, digital broadcasting terminals, navigation systems, kiosks, MP3 players, digital cameras, consumer electronics, devices equipped with cameras, and other mobile or non-mobile computing devices.

[0030] Server 1100 may be an intermediary device connecting multiple user terminals 1200 to 1240. Server 1100 can provide an intermediary service that enables data to be sent and received between multiple user terminals 1200 to 1240. Server 1100 can transmit data to multiple user terminals 1200 to 1240 and receive data from multiple user terminals 1200 to 1240 via the network.

[0031] Server 1100 can receive profile information from each of the multiple user terminals 1200 to 1240. The profile information may include at least one of the following: each user's photo, each user's video, hobby information, nickname information, height information, date of birth information, gender information, residential area information, and school information.

[0032] For example, a user of the first terminal 1200 can run an application provided by the server 1100, and the first terminal 1200 can receive profile information from the server 1100 for at least some of the users of the second terminals 1210 to 1240. In other words, a user of the first terminal 1200 can be provided with the profiles of some of the users of the second terminals 1210 to 1240. For example, a user of the first terminal 1200 can generate a list of users from the second terminals 1210 to 1240 that they find appealing, based on the provided profiles.

[0033] Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a device being provided with profile information. The first user of the first terminal 1200 can receive profile information of some of the users of the second terminals 1210 to 1240 from the server 1100. For example, Figure 2 shows an example in which the profile information 210 of the second user of the second terminal 1210 is displayed on the display 200 of the first terminal 1200, from among the multiple profile information received from the server 1100. The profile information 210 may, but is not limited to, include an image or video containing the face of the second user of the second terminal 1210.

[0034] For example, the display 200 of the first terminal 1200 may show a favor icon 220 and a dislike icon 230. The first user of the first terminal 1200 can select one of the favor icon 220 and the dislike icon 230 based on the profile information 210 of the second user displayed on the display 200. The first user of the first terminal 1200 can select the favor icon 220 if they want to proceed with a video call with the second user, and can select the dislike icon 230 if they do not want to proceed with a video call with the second user.

[0035] On the other hand, the first terminal 1200 can transmit to the server 1100 information that the first user has entered a favorable signal based on the second user's profile information 210. The second terminal 1210 can also receive information from the first terminal 1200 or the server 1100 that the first user of the first terminal 1200 has entered a negative signal.

[0036] As described above, a favor signal can be transmitted to the server 1100 when the first user presses the favor icon 220, but is not limited to this. For example, a favor signal can also be transmitted to the server 1100 when the first user swipes or drags the favor icon 220. Similarly, a dislike signal may be transmitted to the server 1100 when the first user presses the dislike icon 230, but is not limited to this; a dislike signal can also be transmitted to the server 1100 when the user swipes or drags the dislike icon 230.

[0037] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the completion of matching between terminals. As shown in Figure 2, the server 1100 can receive the favor signal transmitted by the first terminal 1200 based on the profile information of the second terminal 1210.

[0038] Similarly, the profile information 310 of the first user of the first terminal 1200 may be displayed on the display 300 of the second terminal 1210. In addition, a favor icon 320 and a dislike icon 330 may be displayed on the display 300 of the second terminal 1210. The second user of the second terminal 1210 can select the favor icon 320 if they wish to proceed with a video call with the first user, and can select the dislike icon 330 if they do not wish to proceed with a video call with the first user.

[0039] Furthermore, the second terminal 1210 can transmit to the server 1100 information that the second user has entered a favor signal based on the first user's profile information 310. As described above, the favor signal can be transmitted to the server 1100 when the second user presses the favor icon 320, but it is not limited to this. For example, the favor signal can also be transmitted to the server 1100 when the second user swipes or drags the favor icon 320.

[0040] In this case, if the server 1100 receives both the favor signal sent by the first terminal 1200 based on the second user's profile information and the favor signal sent by the second terminal 1210 based on the first user's profile information, it can determine that matching between the first user and the second user is complete. In other words, if the server 1100 receives information that the first user has selected the dislike icon 230 based on the second user's profile information 210, or information that the second user has selected the dislike icon 330 based on the first user's profile information 310, it can determine that matching between the first user and the second user is not complete.

[0041] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a call being initiated when matching between terminals is complete.

[0042] Server 1100 can provide call services between terminal 1200 and terminal 2 1210 once matching between the first user of terminal 1200 and the second user of terminal 2 1210 is complete. For example, once matching between the first user of terminal 1200 and the second user of terminal 2 1210 is complete, a call can be automatically initiated on either terminal 1200 or terminal 2 1210. In other words, a call can be automatically initiated even if neither the first nor the second user makes any input to initiate a call to terminal 1200 or terminal 2 1210.

[0043] The second terminal 1210 can receive the first favor signal sent from the first terminal 1200 to the server 1100. The second terminal 1210 can also send a second favor signal to the first user of the first terminal 1200 to the server 1100. In this case, the server 1100 can determine that the matching between the first user of the first terminal 1200 and the second user of the second terminal 1210 has been completed. As a result, the server 1100 can send a signal to the first terminal 1200 or the second terminal 1210 to establish a call connection between the first terminal 1200 and the second terminal 1210.

[0044] Referring to Figure 4, the second terminal 1210 can send a second favor signal to the first terminal 1200 after receiving a first favor signal. That is, the server 1100 can receive the second favor signal sent by the second terminal 1210 based on the first user's profile information, after receiving the first favor signal sent by the first terminal 1200 based on the second user's profile information. In this case, the server 1100 can automatically initiate (or start) a call from the second terminal 1210 to the first terminal 1200. For example, a call can be initiated from the second terminal 1210 to the first terminal 1200 even if the second user of the second terminal 1210 does not take any separate action to initiate a call.

[0045] On the other hand, the first terminal 1200 may decide whether or not to accept a call automatically initiated from the second terminal 1210. If the first terminal 1200 sends an acceptance response to the server 1100, a call can be made between the first terminal 1200 and the second terminal 1210. However, if the first terminal 1200 sends a rejection response to the server 1100, or if the first terminal 1200 does not give any response, the call between the first terminal 1200 and the second terminal 1210 may fail. However, the first terminal 1200 can store a list of users who have sent a favorable signal from the first terminal 1200 to the server 1100, and since the second user of the second terminal 1210 is included in this list, it can initiate a call to the second terminal 1210 at any time. Similarly, since the list stored in the second terminal 1210 includes the first user of the first terminal 1200, the second terminal 1210 can make a call to the first terminal 1200 at any time.

[0046] On the other hand, even if the first user of the first terminal 1200 is not connected to an application provided by the server 1100, the first terminal 1200 can still receive calls originating from the second terminal 1210.

[0047] In this way, by automatically initiating a call once a match between users is complete, the burden of users having to directly call the other party can be eliminated. When server 1100 initiates a call from second terminal 1210 to first terminal 1200, a preliminary call can be made between the first user and the second user after the call waiting time has elapsed. That is, after the call waiting time has elapsed, the first user of first terminal 1200 can decide whether or not to accept the outgoing call, and if the first user of first terminal 1200 accepts the outgoing call, a preliminary call can be made between the first user of first terminal 1 and the second user of second terminal 1210.

[0048] A preliminary call may be made before the main call between the first user of the first terminal 1200 and the second user of the second terminal 1210 is initiated. In other words, the preliminary call may be made before the first and second users decide whether or not to proceed with the main call. For example, the preliminary call may be a video call or voice call mediated at a pre-set time.

[0049] The first user of the first terminal 1200 and the second user of the second terminal 1210 may decide whether or not to proceed with the main call after the preliminary call has ended. For example, the preliminary call may be an audio call, and the main call may be a video call. That is, since the user can decide whether or not to make a video call through the audio call before making the main video call, the burden on the user to make a video call is reduced. Also, the conversion rate to the main video call can be increased when the preliminary call is an audio call compared to when the preliminary call is a video call. On the other hand, this is not limited to the above, and the preliminary call may be a video call, and the main call may also be a video call.

[0050] In this way, by automatically initiating a video call once a match between users is complete, the burden of users having to directly call the other party can be eliminated.

[0051] Figures 5A-5D show examples of graphical user interfaces displayed on the terminal's screen during call waiting time.

[0052] As shown in Figure 4, if the server 1100 receives a favor signal sent by the first terminal based on the second user's profile information, and then receives another favor signal sent by the second terminal based on the first user's profile information, the server 1100 can automatically initiate a call from the second terminal 1210 to the first terminal 1200.

[0053] On the other hand, when a call is initiated from the second terminal 1210 to the first terminal 1200, a call may be established between the second user of the second terminal 1210 and the first user of the first terminal 1210 after the call waiting period has elapsed.

[0054] For example, after the call waiting period has elapsed, the first user of the first terminal 1200 may decide whether or not to accept the outgoing call. If the first user of the first terminal 1200 accepts the outgoing call, a backup call can be established between the first user of the first terminal 1200 and the second user of the second terminal 1210. If the first user of the first terminal 1200 declines the outgoing call, a backup call may not be established between the first user of the first terminal 1200 and the second user of the second terminal 1210.

[0055] During call waiting time, the cameras of both the first terminal 1200 and the second terminal 1210 may be activated. Figures 5A-5D show an example of the graphical user interface displayed on the second terminal 1210's display during call waiting time.

[0056] Referring to Figures 5A-5D, the camera of the second terminal 1210 can be activated during call waiting time, and the image of the second user captured by the camera may be displayed on the display 500 of the second terminal 1210. Although not shown in Figures 5A-5D, the image of the first user captured by the camera of the first terminal 1200 may similarly be displayed on the display of the first terminal 1200. This allows the user to check their face before the call is connected.

[0057] Furthermore, the call waiting time can be counted down sequentially, and the display 500 of the second terminal 1210 may display a graphical user interface that sequentially counts down the call waiting time. On the other hand, in Figure 5A-5D, the call waiting time is set to 10 seconds, but it is not limited to this. If the call waiting time is 10 seconds, the display 500 of the second terminal 1210 may display a graphical user interface that sequentially counts down the call waiting time from "10" to "1". For example, the display 500 of the second terminal 1210 can display a graphical user interface that counts down from "10" to "1" in 1-second increments, but Figure 5A-5D simply shows the point when the call waiting time countdown starts, when 7 seconds remain, when 3 seconds remain, and when the countdown ends.

[0058] Furthermore, as the call waiting time is sequentially counted down, the visibility of the image area 510 of the second user displayed on the display 500 of the second terminal 1210 may change. As the call waiting time is sequentially counted down, the width or opacity of the area 520 covering at least a portion of the display 500 of the second terminal 1210 may change. That is, as the area 520 covering at least a portion of the display 500 of the second terminal 1210 changes, the visibility of the image area 510 of the second user displayed on the display 500 may change.

[0059] For example, at the start of the call waiting time countdown, an area 520 covering at least a portion of the display 500 of the second terminal 1210 can completely cover the second user's image area 510. As the call waiting time is sequentially counted down, the area 520 covering at least a portion of the display 500 of the second terminal 1210 may also change progressively. This allows the area 520 covering at least a portion of the display 500 of the second terminal 1210 to disappear by the time the call waiting time countdown ends, and the second user's image area 510 to be fully revealed. The revelation of the second user's image area 510 can offer various advantages, such as enabling symmetry with preliminary calls and highlighting the countdown to help the user prepare. The image area 510 of the second terminal 1210 may not be covered during the call waiting time.

[0060] For example, as the call waiting time is sequentially counted down, the width of the area 520 covering at least a portion of the display 500 of the second terminal 1210 may gradually decrease, and the opacity of the area 520 covering at least a portion of the display 500 of the second terminal 1210 may gradually decrease.

[0061] Referring to Figure 5A, at the time the call waiting time countdown begins, the width of the area 520 covering at least a portion of the display 500 of the second terminal 1210 is the same as the width of the display 500 of the second terminal 1210, and the opacity of the area 520 covering at least a portion of the display 500 of the second terminal 1210 can have a pre-set value that covers the image area 510 of the second user.

[0062] Referring to Figure 5B, if there are 7 seconds of call waiting time remaining, the width of the area 520 covering at least a portion of the display 500 of the second terminal 1210 can be set to a value obtained by multiplying the width of the display 500 of the second terminal 1210 by 0.7, and the opacity of the area 520 covering at least a portion of the display 500 of the second terminal 1210 may be set to a value obtained by multiplying a previously set value sufficient to cover the image area 510 of the second user by 0.7.

[0063] Furthermore, referring to Figure 5C, if there is a remaining call waiting time of 3 seconds, the width of the area 520 covering at least a portion of the display 500 of the second terminal 1210 can be set to a value obtained by multiplying the width of the display 500 of the second terminal 1210 by 0.3, and the opacity of the area 520 covering at least a portion of the display 500 of the second terminal 1210 may be set to a value obtained by multiplying a previously set value sufficient to cover the image area 510 of the second user by 0.3.

[0064] Furthermore, referring to Figure 5D, when the call waiting time ends, the area 520 covering at least a portion of the display 500 of the second terminal 1210 disappears, and the image area 510 of the second user can be fully revealed.

[0065] As described above, the width of the area 520 covering at least a portion of the display 500 of the second terminal 1210 may be determined to be a value obtained by multiplying the width of the display 500 of the second terminal 1210 by a certain percentage. For example, the certain percentage can be set to a value obtained by dividing the remaining call waiting time by the call waiting time as the countdown progresses, but is not limited to this. Similarly, the opacity of the area 520 covering at least a portion of the display 500 of the second terminal 1210 may be determined to be a value obtained by multiplying the previously set opacity by a certain percentage. In this case, the previously set opacity can be set to a value that can completely cover the image area 510 of the second user, and the certain percentage can be set to a value obtained by dividing the remaining call waiting time by the call waiting time as the countdown progresses, but is not limited to this.

[0066] On the other hand, during call waiting time, the display of the first terminal 1200 can similarly display an image of the first user, and as the call waiting time is sequentially counted, the changes in the area covering at least a portion of the graphical user interface of the first terminal 1200 may be as described above.

[0067] Figure 6 shows another example of a graphical user interface displayed on the terminal's screen during call waiting time.

[0068] Figure 6 shows an example of the graphical user interface displayed on the display of the first terminal 1200 when a call is made from the second terminal 1210 to the first terminal 1200. First, when a call is made from the second terminal 1210 to the first terminal 1200, a message window 610 indicating that a call has been made from the second user of the second terminal 1210 may be displayed on the display 600 of the first terminal 1200.

[0069] After a message window 610 is displayed indicating that a call has been initiated by the second user of the second terminal 1210, the camera of the first terminal 1200 may be activated. The display 600 of the first terminal 1200 can display an image of the first user captured by the camera, and may also display a graphical user interface that sequentially counts down the call waiting time. The graphical user interface that sequentially counts down the call waiting time may be as described in Figure 4. On the other hand, after the call waiting period has ended, a message window 620 may be displayed on the display of the first terminal 1200 asking whether or not to accept the call with the second user of the second terminal 1210.

[0070] If the first user of the first terminal 1200 selects the button to accept the outgoing call, a preliminary call may be established between the first user of the first terminal 1200 and the second user of the second terminal 1210. However, if the first user of the first terminal 1200 selects the button to decline the outgoing call, a preliminary call may not be established between the first user of the first terminal 1200 and the second user of the second terminal 1210.

[0071] For example, if the first user of the first terminal 1200 selects the button to accept an outgoing call, the server 1100 can mediate a preliminary call between the first terminal 1200 and the second terminal 1210 at a pre-configured time.

[0072] After the pre-configured time for the preliminary call to be mediated has elapsed, the server 1100 may receive responses from the first user of the first terminal and the second user of the second terminal regarding whether or not to proceed with the main call, and then decide whether or not to proceed with the main call.

[0073] On the other hand, the first graphical user interface displayed on the displays of the first terminal 1200 and the second terminal 1210 while the preliminary call is in progress may differ from the second graphical user interface displayed on the displays of the first terminal 1200 and the second terminal 1210 while the main call is in progress. The first graphical user interface displayed on the displays of the first terminal 1200 and the second terminal 1210 while the preliminary call is in progress will be explained in Figures 7A-7D below.

[0074] Figures 7A-7D show examples of graphical user interfaces displayed on the terminal's screen while a preliminary call is in progress.

[0075] While the preliminary call is in progress, the displays of the first terminal 1200 and the second terminal 1210 may each display an image area of ​​the user of the other terminal making the preliminary call, and a block area that covers at least a portion of the image area. For example, the block area may change as a predetermined time has elapsed during which the preliminary call is mediated, and the visibility of the image area of ​​the other terminal may change based on the block area.

[0076] For example, the cameras of the first terminal 1200 and the second terminal 1210 may be activated at a pre-configured time during which a preliminary call is being conducted. The display of the first terminal 1200 can display an image of the second user captured by the camera of the second terminal 1210, and the display of the second terminal 1210 may display an image of the first user captured by the camera of the first terminal 1200. Figures 7A-7D show an example of a graphical user interface displayed on the display 700 of the second terminal 1210 at a pre-configured time.

[0077] Referring to Figures 7A-7D, the pre-set time can be counted down sequentially, and the display 700 of the second terminal 1210 may display a graphical user interface that sequentially counts down the pre-set time. On the other hand, in Figure 7A-7D, the pre-set time is set to 30 seconds, but it is not limited to this. If the pre-set time is 30 seconds, the display 700 of the second terminal 1210 may display a graphical user interface that sequentially counts down the pre-set time from "30" to "1". For example, the display 700 of the second terminal 1210 can display a graphical user interface that counts down from "30" to "1" in 1-second increments, but Figure 7A-7D simply shows the point when the countdown of the pre-set time starts, when 15 seconds remain, when 3 seconds remain, and when the countdown ends.

[0078] Furthermore, as the pre-set time is counted down sequentially, the visibility of the first user's image area 710 displayed on the display 700 of the second terminal 1210 may change. As the pre-set time is counted down sequentially, the width or opacity of the block area 720 covering at least a portion of the display 700 of the second terminal 1210 may change. That is, as the block area 720 covering at least a portion of the display 700 of the second terminal 1210 changes, the visibility of the first user's image area 710 displayed on the display 700 may change.

[0079] For example, at the point when the pre-set time countdown begins, the image area 710 of the first user may be fully visible. As the pre-set time counts down sequentially, the block area 720 covering at least a portion of the display 700 of the second terminal 1210 may also change progressively. This allows the block area 720 covering at least a portion of the display 700 of the second terminal 1210 to completely cover the image area 710 of the first user by the time the pre-set time countdown ends.

[0080] For example, as the pre-set time is counted down sequentially, the width of the block area 720 covering at least a portion of the display 700 of the second terminal 1210 may gradually increase. Alternatively, the opacity of the block area 720 covering at least a portion of the display of the second terminal 1210 may gradually increase.

[0081] Referring to Figure 7A, the image area 710 of the first user can be fully displayed when the pre-set time countdown begins.

[0082] Referring to Figure 7B, if 15 seconds of the previously set time remain, the width of the block area 720 covering at least a portion of the display 700 of the second terminal 1210 can be set to a value obtained by multiplying the width of the display 700 of the second terminal 1210 by 0.5, and the opacity of the block area 720 covering at least a portion of the display 700 of the second terminal 1210 may be set to a value obtained by multiplying the previously set value that covers the image area 710 of the first user by 0.5.

[0083] Furthermore, referring to Figure 7C, if 3 seconds of the previously set time remain, the width of the block area 720 covering at least a portion of the display 700 of the second terminal 1210 can be set to a value obtained by multiplying the width of the display 700 of the second terminal 1210 by 0.9, and the opacity of the block area 720 covering at least a portion of the display 700 of the second terminal 1210 may be set to a value obtained by multiplying the previously set value sufficient to cover the image area 710 of the first user by 0.9.

[0084] Furthermore, referring to Figure 7D, when the previously set time has elapsed, the width of the block area 720 covering at least a portion of the display 700 of the second terminal 1210 can be set to be the same as the width of the display 700 of the second terminal 1210, and the opacity of the block area 720 covering at least a portion of the display 700 of the second terminal 1210 may be set to be the same as the previously set value that covers the image area 710 of the first user.

[0085] As described above, the width of the block area 720 covering at least a portion of the display 700 of the second terminal 1210 may be determined to a value obtained by multiplying the width of the display 700 of the second terminal 1210 by a certain percentage. For example, the certain percentage can be set to a value obtained by dividing the time elapsed since the start of the countdown by a pre-set time, but is not limited to this. Similarly, the opacity of the block area 720 covering at least a portion of the display 700 of the second terminal 1210 may be determined to a value obtained by multiplying the pre-set opacity by a certain percentage. In this case, the pre-set opacity can be set to a value sufficient to completely cover the image area 710 of the first user, and the certain percentage can be set to a value obtained by dividing the time elapsed since the start of the countdown by a pre-set time, but is not limited to this.

[0086] Furthermore, at the pre-set time, the display of the first terminal 1200 can similarly display the image of the second user of the second terminal 1210, and as the pre-set time is counted sequentially, the change in the area covering at least a portion of the display of the first terminal 1200 is as described above.

[0087] As described above, as the pre-set time counts down sequentially, the other party's face is gradually obscured by the terminal's graphical user interface, thus reducing the burden on the user when deciding whether or not to proceed with the main call after the preliminary call has ended.

[0088] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 7D, after the previously set time has elapsed, a message window 730 requesting a response regarding whether or not to proceed with the call with the first user may be displayed on the display 700 of the second terminal 1210. Similarly, after the previously set time has elapsed, a message window requesting a response regarding whether or not to proceed with the call with the second user may be displayed on the display of the first terminal 1200. The responses from the first and second users can be transmitted to the server 1100, and the server 1100 may proceed with the call or not based on these responses.

[0089] For example, if server 1100 receives a response from either the first terminal 1200 or the second terminal 1210 acknowledging whether or not to proceed with the call, server 1100 may proceed with the call. Conversely, if server 1100 receives a response from either the first terminal 1200 or the second terminal 1210 declining whether or not to proceed with the call, server 1100 may not proceed with the call.

[0090] Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating the process by which a video call is made in a system including a first terminal, a server, and a second terminal, according to one embodiment.

[0091] Referring to Figure 8, in step 801, the server 1100 can transmit the profile information of the second user of the second terminal 1210 to the first terminal 1200. Also, in step 802, the server 1100 can transmit the profile information of the first user of the first terminal 1200 to the second terminal 1210.

[0092] In step 803, the first user of terminal 1200 can click the "Like" icon based on the second user's profile information. When the first user of terminal 1200 clicks the "Like" icon, the server can receive information from terminal 1200 that the first user selected the "Like" icon based on the second user's profile information.

[0093] Furthermore, in step 804, the second user of the second terminal 1210 can click the "Like" icon based on the first user's profile information. When the second user of the second terminal 1210 clicks the "Like" icon, the server can receive information from the second terminal 1210 that the second user selected the "Like" icon based on the first user's profile information. When the server 1100 receives both the information that the first user selected the "Like" icon based on the second user's profile information and the information that the second user selected the "Like" icon based on the first user's profile information, it can determine that the matching between the first user and the second user is complete.

[0094] In step 805, the server 1100 can automatically initiate a video call from the second terminal 1210 to the first terminal 1200. In other words, the server 1100 can automatically initiate a video call to the first terminal 1200 even if the second user does not make any input to initiate the video call.

[0095] If a video call is automatically initiated from the second terminal to the first terminal 1200, a message window indicating that a video call has been initiated from the second user of the second terminal 1210 may be displayed on the display of the first terminal 1200. If a video call is automatically initiated from the second terminal 1210 to the first terminal 1200, a video call may be established between the second user and the first user after a video call waiting time has elapsed. The video call waiting time can be counted down sequentially, and a graphical user interface showing a sequential countdown of the video call waiting time may be displayed on the displays of the first terminal 1200 and the second terminal 1210.

[0096] In step 806, the first terminal 1200 can accept the video call after the video call waiting time has ended. For example, after the video call waiting time has ended, a message window may be displayed on the display of the first terminal 1200 asking whether or not to accept the video call with the second user of the second terminal 1210.

[0097] In step 807, the server 1100 can set the time for mediating the video call between the first terminal 1200 and the second terminal 1210. For example, the server 1100 may mediate the video call for the set time and then decide whether or not to extend the video call after the set time has elapsed.

[0098] In step 808, the server 1100 may set a block area that changes as the set time is sequentially counted down. For example, the server 1100 may set the width and opacity of the area that changes as the set time is sequentially counted down. The block area may correspond to an area that covers at least a portion of the display of the first terminal and the second terminal, respectively. The width of the block area may decrease as the set time is sequentially counted down, and the opacity of the block area may decrease as the set time is sequentially counted down. For example, the width of the block area may be determined by multiplying the width of the display by a certain percentage. The certain percentage can be determined by dividing the time that has already been counted down by the time to be counted down, but is not limited to this. Similarly, the opacity of the block area may be determined by multiplying the previously set opacity by a certain percentage. The certain percentage can be determined by dividing the time that has already been counted down by the time to be counted down, but is not limited to this.

[0099] In step 809, the server 1100 may output the block area to the displays of the first and second terminals. For example, the server 1100 may output the block area to the displays of the first terminal 1200 and the second terminal 1210 based on the set width and opacity. By outputting the block area to the displays of the first terminal 1200 and the second terminal 1210 based on the determined width and opacity, the visibility of the second user's image area displayed on the display of the first terminal 1200 may change, and the visibility of the first user's image area displayed on the display of the second terminal 1210 may change.

[0100] In step 810, the server 1100 may output a message window to the displays of the first terminal 1200 and the second terminal 1210 asking whether to continue the video call after a set time has elapsed.

[0101] In step 811, the first terminal 1200 can transmit a response to the server 1100 indicating whether to accept or decline continuing the video call. Also, in step 812, the second terminal 1210 can transmit a response to the server 1100 indicating whether to accept or decline continuing the video call.

[0102] In step 813, the server 1100 may extend or terminate the video call based on the responses received. For example, if the server 1100 receives responses from both the first terminal 1200 and the second terminal 1210 acknowledging whether to continue the video call, it may extend the video call. Alternatively, if the server 1100 receives responses from both the first terminal 1200 and the second terminal 1210 acknowledging whether to continue the video call, it may terminate the video call.

[0103] Figure 9 is a flowchart illustrating a method for visually displaying a countdown time on a graphical user interface according to one embodiment.

[0104] Referring to Figure 9, in step 910, the server 1100 can set a countdown time as the video call between the first terminal and the second terminal progresses. If the server 1100 determines that matching between the first user of the first terminal and the second user of the second terminal is complete, it can mediate the video call between the first terminal and the second terminal within the previously set time.

[0105] For example, if server 1100 receives both a favorable signal sent by the first terminal based on the second user's profile information on the second terminal, and a favorable signal sent by the second terminal based on the first user's profile information on the first terminal, it can determine that matching between the first user and the second user is complete. In other words, if server 1100 receives information that the first user has selected an antipathy icon based on the second user's profile information, or that the second user has selected an antipathy icon based on the first user's profile information, it can determine that matching between the first user and the second user is not complete.

[0106] Server 1100 can mediate calls between the first terminal and the second terminal only for a predetermined period of time. During the predetermined period, the cameras of both the first and second terminals may be activated. The display of the first terminal can display an image of the second user captured by the camera of the second terminal, and the display of the second terminal may display an image of the first user captured by the camera of the first terminal.

[0107] During the pre-set time, a graphical user interface that sequentially counts down the pre-set time may be displayed on both the first and second terminals. As the pre-set time is sequentially counted down, the visibility of the second user's image area displayed on the first terminal's display may change, and the visibility of the first user's image area displayed on the second terminal's display may also change.

[0108] In step 920, server 1100 can configure block areas that change as the set time is sequentially counted down.

[0109] The block area may correspond to an area that covers at least a portion of the display of the first terminal and the second terminal, respectively. The server 1100 can set the width of the block area which changes as the set time is sequentially counted down. For example, as the previously set time is sequentially counted down, the width of the first area that covers at least a portion of the graphical user interface of the first terminal may increase, and the width of the second area that covers at least a portion of the graphical user interface of the second terminal may increase.

[0110] The width of the first area is determined by multiplying the width of the graphical user interface of the first terminal by a first ratio, the first ratio may be determined by dividing the time already counted by a pre-set time. Similarly, the width of the second area is determined by multiplying the width of the graphical user interface of the second terminal by a first ratio, the first ratio may be determined by dividing the time already counted by a pre-set time.

[0111] Alternatively, the server 1100 can set the opacity of a block area that changes as the set time is sequentially counted down. For example, as the previously set time is sequentially counted down, the opacity of a first area covering at least a portion of the display of the first terminal may increase, and the opacity of a second area covering at least a portion of the display of the second terminal may increase.

[0112] The opacity of the first area is determined by multiplying the pre-set opacity by a second ratio, the second ratio may be determined by dividing the time the countdown has already taken place by a pre-set time. Similarly, the opacity of the second area is determined by multiplying the pre-set opacity by a second ratio, the second ratio may be determined by dividing the time the countdown has already taken place by a pre-set time. The pre-set opacity may be such that it completely covers the image area of ​​the second user displayed on the first terminal's display.

[0113] In step 930, the server 1100 may output the block area to the graphical user interfaces of the first and second terminals, respectively.

[0114] Server 1100 may output a first area to the graphical user interface of the first terminal, covering at least a portion of the first terminal's graphical user interface, based on the set width and opacity. Alternatively, Server 1100 may output a second area to the graphical user interface of the first terminal, covering at least a portion of the second terminal's graphical user interface, based on the set width and opacity.

[0115] After the previously set time has elapsed, the server 1100 may display a message window on the graphical user interface of the first terminal and the graphical user interface of the second terminal requesting a response regarding whether or not to continue the video call. If the server 1100 receives a response from the first user of the first terminal and the second user of the second terminal agreeing to continue the video call, the server 1100 may extend the video call. Alternatively, if the server 1100 receives a response from the first user or the second user declining to continue the video call, the server 1100 may terminate the video call.

[0116] Figure 10 shows an example of a server block diagram.

[0117] Referring to Figure 10, the server 1100 may include a communication unit 1010, a processor, and a DB 1030. The server 1100 in Figure 10 may be identical to the server 1100 in Figure 1. Only the components of the embodiment are shown in the server 1100 in Figure 10. Therefore, a person with ordinary skill in the art will understand that other general-purpose components may be included in addition to the components shown in Figure 10.

[0118] The communication unit 1010 may include one or more components that enable wired / wireless communication with a terminal. For example, the communication unit 1010 may include at least one of a short-range communication unit (not shown), a mobile communication unit (not shown), and a broadcast receiving unit (not shown).

[0119] DB1030 is hardware that stores various types of data processed within server 1100, and can store programs for processing and controlling processor 1020.

[0120] DB1030 may include RAM (random access memory) such as DRAM (dynamic random access memory) and SRAM (static random access memory), ROM (read-only memory), EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read-only memory), CD-ROM, Blu-ray, or other optical disc storage, HDD (hard disk drive), SSD (solid state drive), or flash memory.

[0121] The processor 1020 controls the overall operation of the server 1100. For example, the processor 1020 can control the input unit (not shown), display (not shown), communication unit 1010, DB 1030, etc., by executing a program stored in DB 1030. The processor 1020 can control the operation of the server 1100 by executing a program stored in DB 1030.

[0122] The processor 1020 can be implemented using at least one of the following: ASICs (application-specific integrated circuits), DSPs (digital signal processors), DSPDs (digital signal processing devices), PLDs (programmable logic devices), FPGAs (field programmable gate arrays), controllers, microcontrollers, microprocessors, or other electrical units for performing functions.

[0123] The server 1100 can communicate with at least one user's terminal through the communication unit 1010.

[0124] The communication unit 1010 can receive information from at least one terminal that a favor icon or a dislike icon has been selected based on the profile information of a user on another terminal. If the communication unit 1010 receives both information that the first user has selected a favor icon based on the second user's profile information and information that the second user has selected a favor icon based on the first user's profile information, the processor 1020 can determine that matching between the first user and the second user is complete.

[0125] The processor 1020 can mediate a video call between the first terminal and the second terminal for a set period of time based on the matching results. The processor 1020 can set the duration for mediating the video call and can perform a countdown for the set duration. The processor 1020 may determine the width of a region that changes as the previously set duration is sequentially counted down, and may also determine the opacity of the region that changes as the previously set duration is sequentially counted down. Based on the determined width and opacity, the processor 1020 may output the region to the graphical user interfaces of the first terminal and the second terminal, respectively.

[0126] The communication unit 1010 can receive responses from both the first and second terminals regarding whether or not to continue the video call after a pre-set time has elapsed.

[0127] The processor 1020 may decide, based on the received response, whether to extend the video call after a pre-set time has elapsed. The processor 1020 may extend the video call if it receives a response from both the first terminal and the second terminal agreeing to continue the video call. The processor 1020 may also terminate the video call if it receives a response from both the first terminal and the second terminal declining to continue the video call.

[0128] Various embodiments of this disclosure can be implemented as software (e.g., a program) containing one or more instruction sets stored on a machine-readable storage medium. For example, the machine's processor can invoke and execute at least one instruction set from the storage medium. This allows the machine to be operated to perform at least one function by the invoked instruction set. The one or more instruction sets may include code generated by a compiler or code executable by an interpreter. The machine-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, "non-transitory" simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not contain signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and the term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently and cases where it is stored temporarily.

[0129] According to one embodiment, the methods according to various embodiments of the present disclosure may be provided in a computer program product. A computer program product is a commodity and may be traded between a seller and a buyer. A computer program product may be distributed in the form of a device-readable recording medium (e.g., compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)), or through an application store (e.g., PlayStore®), or directly or online between two user devices (e.g., by download or upload). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product may be temporarily stored or temporarily generated on a device-readable recording medium such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store server, or an intermediary server.

[0130] Furthermore, in this specification, “part” may be a hardware component such as a processor or circuit, and / or a software component executed by a hardware component such as a processor.

[0131] The scope of this embodiment is expressed more by the claims described below than by the detailed description above, and should be interpreted as including the meaning and scope of the claims, and all modified or altered forms derived therefrom from the concept of equivalents.

Claims

1. In the operation method of the first terminal, The steps include receiving a request from the server to establish a communication connection between the first terminal and the second terminal, The steps include receiving a time from the server to count down as the video call progresses, The steps include receiving information from the server regarding block regions that change as the countdown time progresses, and Based on the received information, the step of outputting the block region to the graphical user interface of the first terminal, Includes, A method wherein the block region covers at least a portion of the area in the graphical user interface of the first terminal that displays the user of the second terminal, and the visibility of the user of the second terminal is changed as the countdown time progresses sequentially.

2. The output step described above is: The method according to claim 1, wherein the visibility of the image area output to the graphical user interface of the first terminal changes as the block area changes.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein, after the time for performing the countdown has elapsed, an image is output to the graphical user interface of the first terminal indicating whether to accept or decline the video call.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the width of the block region increases as the set time is sequentially counted down.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein the width of the block region is determined by multiplying the width of the graphical user interface of the first terminal by a first ratio, and the first ratio is determined by dividing the time that the countdown has already been performed by the time that the countdown is to be performed.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the opacity of the block region increases as the time for performing the countdown is sequentially counted down.

7. The opacity of the aforementioned block region is determined by multiplying the previously set opacity by a second ratio. The method according to claim 6, wherein the second ratio is determined by dividing the time during which the countdown has already been performed by the time during which the countdown is performed.

8. The method according to claim 2, wherein the image region includes an image of the second user of the second terminal.

9. The method according to claim 2, wherein the image region includes an image of the first user of the first terminal.

10. A computer-readable recording medium that stores a program for causing a computer to perform the method described in claim 1.

11. On the first device that supports video calls, A communication unit that receives a request from the server to establish a communication connection between the first terminal and the second terminal, receives from the server a time to count down as the video call progresses, and receives from the server information regarding a block area that changes as the countdown time progresses sequentially, and A processor that outputs the block region to the graphical user interface of the first terminal based on the received information, Includes, The block region covers at least a portion of the area in the graphical user interface of the first terminal that displays the user of the second terminal, and changes the visibility of the user of the second terminal as the countdown time progresses sequentially.

12. The terminal according to claim 11, wherein the visibility of the first image area displayed on the graphical user interface of the first terminal changes as the block area changes.

13. The terminal according to claim 11, wherein, when the time for the countdown has elapsed, an image is output to the graphical user interface of the first terminal indicating whether to accept or decline the video call.

14. In a device that controls the graphical user interface of a terminal, Memory for storing at least one program, and The system includes at least one processor that mediates video calls by executing the aforementioned at least one program, The at least one processor is As the video call between the first terminal and the second terminal progresses, a countdown time is set, a block area is set that changes as the set time is sequentially counted down, and the first terminal and the second terminal communicate with each other so that the block area is output to the graphical user interface of the first terminal and the second terminal, respectively. The device wherein the block region covers at least a portion of the area in the graphical user interface of the first terminal that displays the user of the second terminal, and changes the visibility of the user of the second terminal as the countdown time progresses sequentially.

15. The apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the visibility of a first image area displayed on the graphical user interface of the first terminal and the visibility of a second image area displayed on the graphical user interface of the second terminal change as the block area changes.

Images