Method and apparatus for transmitting signed content

Abstract

To provide a method and a device for transmitting signed content.SOLUTION: An electronic apparatus according to an embodiment includes: a processor that signs content input in response to input from a first user of the electronic apparatus by using authentication information of the first user; a display that, in response to a case where the signing is successful, visualizes graphical representation indicating the signed content with application of authentication representation corresponding to the authentication information; and a communication unit that transmits the signed content to another electronic apparatus of a second user.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The following embodiments relate to a method and apparatus for transmitting signed content, and specifically, to an apparatus for transmitting signed content in a social networking service server or an instant messaging service and an operation method thereof.

Background Art

[0002] Recently, with the development of mobile smart devices, the use of online platform services for communication with other users via a network has been increasing. Representative examples of online platform services for communicating with other users include social networking service (SNS), which is an online platform that generates and strengthens social relationships through communication between users, information sharing, and expansion of personal connections, and instant messaging service (IMS), which is an online platform for real-time content communication between two or more users. Subscription services for various products can be provided in such services as SNS and IMS.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0003] An object of the present invention is to provide a method and apparatus for transmitting signed content.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0004] A method for transmitting signed content performed by an electronic device relating to one aspect includes the steps of: signing content entered by a first user of the electronic device using the authentication information of the first user; visualizing the signed content by applying an authentication representation corresponding to the authentication information to a graphic representation indicating the signed content in response to the successful signing; and transmitting the signed content or signature information to another electronic device of a second user.

[0005] The signing step may include signing the content using the authentication information stored in the electronic device before the content is entered.

[0006] The signing step may include, when attempting to sign one or more pieces of content, a step of requesting signature authentication for signing each of the one or more pieces of content, and a step of signing the piece of content for which the signature authentication has been successful using the authentication information.

[0007] The signing step may include, if the signature authentication for signing is successful, a step that allows signing of one or more pieces of content within a predetermined time period.

[0008] The signing step may include a step of signing the content within the chat room, skipping the signing authentication, in response to the fact that signing authentication for signing has been previously applied to the chat room with the second user.

[0009] The signing step may include receiving input for the content in response to the signature input of the first user, and requesting signature authentication for signing the content at at least one of the following timings: before receiving input for the content, during receiving input for the content, and after receiving input for the content.

[0010] The content entered by the first user is content displayed on a screen corresponding to a chat room with the second user account, which is prior content created by the first user before the first user entered their signature, and the sending step may include the step of sending signature information for the prior content in response to the first user's signature input.

[0011] The transmission step may further include a step of requesting at least one of the other electronic devices and servers to switch the previously transmitted content to signed content.

[0012] The method for transmitting signed content may further include the steps of receiving other content signed by a second user from the other electronic device, and visualizing the other content by applying an authentication representation corresponding to the second user to a graphic representation indicating the other content.

[0013] The transmission step may include, in response to the input of the first user, forwarding the other content to a third user's further electronic device while storing the signature information of the other content.

[0014] The transmission step may include the step of further adding the first user's signature information to the other content to which the second user's signature information has been applied, and then forwarding it to a further electronic device of the third user.

[0015] The method for delivering the signed content may include the steps of generating duplicated content by copying and pasting the signed content along with the signature information, and removing the authentication representation from the duplicated content in response to any changes detected in the duplicated content.

[0016] The visualization step may include applying a graphic representation indicating the original creator of the content as the authentication representation to the content. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] According to the present invention, a method and apparatus for transmitting signed content can be provided. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0018] [Figure 1] This is a diagram illustrating a method for transmitting signed content according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a flowchart illustrating the operation method of an electronic device for transmitting signed content according to one embodiment. [Figure 3A] This figure shows an example of signing content in an IMS application according to one embodiment. [Figure 3B] This figure shows an example of signing content in an IMS application according to one embodiment. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of signing content in an IMS application according to one embodiment. [Figure 5] This figure illustrates an example of transmitting and additionally signing content signed by another user according to one embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0019] The specific structural or functional descriptions of the embodiments are disclosed for illustrative purposes only and can be modified in various ways. Therefore, the embodiments are not limited to the specific disclosure, and the scope of this specification includes modifications, equivalents, or substitutions that are part of the technical idea.

[0020] Terms such as "first" or "second" may be used to describe multiple components, but such terms must be interpreted only for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another. For example, the first component may be named the second component, and similarly, the second component may also be named the first component.

[0021] When it is mentioned that any component is "connected" or "coupled" to another component, it should be understood that it is directly connected or coupled to the other component, but there may be other components in between.

[0022] Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In this specification, terms such as "including" or "having" indicate the presence of the features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and should not be construed as precluding the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0023] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this embodiment belongs. Commonly used predefined terms should be construed to have a meaning consistent with the meaning in the context of the relevant art and should not be construed in an idealized or overly formal sense unless clearly defined herein.

[0024] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. When describing with reference to the drawings, the same components are given the same reference numerals regardless of the reference signs, and duplicate descriptions thereof are omitted.

[0025] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining a method of transmitting signed content according to an embodiment.

[0026] Referring to Figure 1, a server 109 according to one embodiment includes an authentication server 109a and a service server 109b. The authentication server 109a performs user authentication, which will be described later, and the service server 109b includes a server that provides an instant messaging service (IMS) or a social networking service. In Figure 1, the authentication server 109a and the service server 109b are shown separately, but the server is not limited to this and may be implemented in a single server. In this specification, the service server 109b that provides IMS will be described primarily.

[0027] The first user terminal 101 refers to any device capable of installing and running service applications related to server 109, such as a computer, portable computer, wireless telephone, mobile phone, smartphone, PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), or web tablet. Here, the first user terminal 101 can perform all general service operations, such as configuring the service screen, data input, data transmission and reception, and data storage, under the control of the application. For example, the first user terminal 101 may connect to server 109 via the application. The second user terminal 102 and third user terminal 103 can also refer to any device capable of installing and running service applications related to server 109, similar to the first user terminal 101. For example, the first user terminal 101 can perform a process for user authentication related to the service with authentication server 109a, and the service can be provided from service server 109b.

[0028] User accounts are created by subscribing to services provided by service server 109b, and service server 109b acts as a service platform that provides services to user accounts that have subscribed to services such as social networking services (SNS) and instant messaging services (IMS). In this specification, user accounts are described primarily as accounts that have subscribed to IMS. For the sake of explanation, the first user account will be described primarily based on the first user, but it is not limited to this and may also apply to the first user, first user account, second user, second user account, third user, and third user account.

[0029] Since the first user terminal 101 is provided with services using the first user account, the first user account included in the embodiments below is interpreted to substantially mean the first user terminal 101. Similarly, the second user account refers to the second user terminal 102, and the third user account refers to the third user terminal 103. The first user can generate a profile containing the first user's identification information corresponding to the first user account via the service server 109b. The profile corresponding to the first user account may be displayed on the first user terminal 101 via the profile interface. Authentication information is mapped to the first user account, but the authentication information will be described later.

[0030] A method for transmitting signed content performed by a server 109 according to one embodiment includes the steps of: performing user authentication S110; storing authentication information S120; signing the input content S130; transmitting the content signed by the first user S140; receiving the content signed by the second user S150; visualizing the signed content S160; and forwarding the content signed by the second user S170. For reference, in this specification, content may include strings, images (e.g., still images and / or videos), emoticons, and emojis entered by the user.

[0031] In step S110, a user who has subscribed to the service performs identity verification with the authentication server 109a via a user terminal (for example, the first user terminal 101 of the first user). Identity verification refers to the operation of authenticating whether the personal information entered by any user matches the personal information of the service user that has been registered in advance. For example, identity verification may include mobile phone authentication, where the authentication server 109a sends an authentication number to a user terminal that is registered in the name of the service user to verify the actual owner of the name and resident number entered by the user, and identity verification using a certificate issued in the name of the service user. The certificate may include official certificates, joint certificates, and browser certificates, which are electronic certificates that have owner information added to the public key (for example, electronic signature verification information) necessary for verifying the electronic signature for identity verification and electronic signatures in electronic transactions.

[0032] In step S120, the server 109 (for example, the authentication server 109a) stores authentication information. The authentication server 109a obtains authentication information corresponding to the user account through user authentication, and the authentication server 109a stores and manages the authentication information obtained corresponding to the user account. The authentication server 109a maps the authentication information to the user account. The authentication information may include authenticated personal information based on user authentication, such as authenticated real name information and authenticated credentials. Authenticated real name information is the actual name information of the user authenticated through user authentication. Authenticated credentials may include information that proves the identity, status, ability, etc., held by the user account, such as a driver's license, student ID, employee ID, professional qualification certificate (for example, a lawyer's license) and other qualification certificates.

[0033] For example, the service server 109b can receive authentication information mapped to the first user account from the authentication server 109a and add this authentication information to the profile of the authenticated first user account. The first user terminal 101 may display the authentication information added to the profile on the profile interface. For reference, the first user terminal 101 and / or the service server 109b may allow the signing operation described later when authentication information is mapped to the first user account.

[0034] In step S130, the first user terminal 101 signs the input content. According to one embodiment, the first user terminal 101 may receive content in response to input from the first user. The first user terminal 101 signs the content received in response to input from the first user using the first user's authentication information. In this specification, signing content refers to the operation of adding at least a portion of the user's authentication information and / or information relating to the user's authentication information to the metadata of the content entered into the service application. Content signed by the first user according to one embodiment has metadata to which at least a portion of the first user's authentication information and / or information relating to the first user's authentication information is added.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the first user terminal 101 may request signature authentication before performing a signing operation on the content. Signature authentication refers to authentication for determining whether or not to allow the signing operation in addition to the user authentication described above. Signature authentication refers to an operation to determine whether or not there is a match between information pre-registered in the first user account for signing and authentication request information entered for content signing. For example, signature authentication may include an operation to determine whether or not there is a match between information pre-registered in the first user terminal 101 and authentication request information entered for content signing. As a different example, signature authentication may include an operation in which the first user terminal 101 sends authentication request information to the authentication server 109a to request an inquiry about whether or not it is registered, an operation in which the authentication server 109a determines whether or not there is a match between the authentication request information and information pre-registered in the authentication server 109a, an operation in which the authentication server 109a sends the matching determination result to the first user terminal 101, and an operation in which the first user terminal 101 receives the matching determination result from the authentication server 109a. The pre-registered information and authentication request information may include, for example, a PIN (Personal Identification Number) and / or the biometric information of the first user (e.g., fingerprints, face, rosacea, and vein patterns). The first user terminal 101 can perform a signature authentication operation in response to detecting input and / or commands that trigger a signing operation on the content.

[0036] For example, when the first user terminal 101 attempts to sign one or more pieces of content, it may request signature authentication for each of the one or more pieces of content. The first user terminal 101 can then use the authentication information to sign the content for which signature authentication has been successful. Therefore, the first user terminal 101 can perform signature authentication individually for each of the multiple pieces of content.

[0037] As a different example, the first user terminal 101 may, if the signature authentication for signing is successful, allow signing of one or more contents within a predetermined time period. Thus, the first user terminal 101 can improve user convenience by minimizing the signature authentication required for each content signature by signing multiple contents within a predetermined time period after successful signature authentication.

[0038] As a further example, the first user terminal 101 may respond if signature authentication for signing has been previously applied to the chat room with the second user, and may skip signature authentication for the content within the chat room and sign it. Therefore, if signature authentication has already been successful in the chat room with the other party, the first user terminal 101 may allow signing of multiple pieces of content within that chat room without any limit on the number of pieces of content.

[0039] Furthermore, the first user terminal 101 may request signature authentication before completing the signing of the content and / or before sending the content to other user terminals (e.g., the second user terminal 102 and the third user terminal 103). For example, the first user terminal 101 may receive input for content in response to the user's signature input. Signature input is described as the input that triggers the signing operation for the content, with reference to Figures 3A to 5 below. For reference, content input and signature input may also be performed at separate times, and the content input timing and signature authentication timing may be independent.

[0040] For example, the first user terminal 101 may request signature authentication for signing the content at at least one of the following timings: before receiving input for the content, during the time it is receiving input for the content, or after receiving input for the content. If the first user terminal 101 requests signature authentication before receiving input for the content and the authentication is successful, the first user terminal 101 can generate signed content when input for the content is completed. If the first user terminal 101 requests signature authentication during the time it is receiving input for the content and the authentication is successful, the first user terminal 101 can generate signed content when input for the content is completed. If the first user terminal 101 requests signature authentication after receiving input for the content and the authentication is successful, the first user terminal 101 can generate signed content. However, if signature authentication fails, the first user terminal 101 may restrict signing of unsigned content by interrupting and / or terminating the content signing operation.

[0041] For example, signing is only possible at the time the content is generated. However, without limitation, a first-user signature may only be possible on content created by that first-user. As a different example, an additional signature may only be possible on previously signed content.

[0042] In step S140, the first user terminal 101 transmits content or signature information signed by the first user. For example, the service server 109b can receive the signed content from the first user terminal 101 and transmit it to the second user terminal 102.

[0043] In step S150, the first user terminal 101 receives the content signed by the second user from the second user terminal 102, for example, via the service server 109b. Similar to step S140, the service server 109b can receive the signed content from the second user terminal 102 and transmit it to the first user terminal 101. However, for the sake of explanation and with reference to Figure 1, an example of receiving the content signed by the second user from the second user terminal 102 has been described, but the explanation is not limited to this. The second user terminal 102 may also transmit the content or signature information signed by the second user and other users to the first user terminal 101.

[0044] In step S160, the first user terminal 101 visualizes the signed content. For example, the first user terminal 101 can output the content signed by the first user in step S130 and the content signed by the second user received in step S150 via a display. The signed content can be visualized with an authentication representation applied. The application of an authentication representation to the signed content will be explained with reference to Figures 3A to 5 below.

[0045] In step S170, the first user terminal 101 forwards the content signed by the second user. For example, the first user terminal 101 forwards the signed content itself, without modification, forgery, or alteration, to the third user's third user terminal 103. As will be described later with reference to Figure 5, additional signature information may be added to the metadata of the signed content.

[0046] In the following, the first user terminal 101 will be referred to as an electronic device, the second user terminal 102 as another electronic device, and the third user terminal 103 as a further electronic device.

[0047] Figure 2 is a flowchart illustrating the operation method of an electronic device for transmitting signed content according to one embodiment.

[0048] In step S210, the electronic device signs the content entered in response to the input of the first user of the electronic device (for example, content entered in a text input window and / or previously created content) using the authentication information of the first user. For example, the electronic device may input content into the service application in response to the input of the first user while the service application is running. The electronic device may perform a signing operation on the content entered into the service application using authentication information in response to a signing input. As described above, the electronic device may request signing authentication when triggering the signing operation by a signing input. The electronic device can generate signed content by performing a signing operation on the content. For example, the signed content may include metadata with a profile corresponding to the authentication information attached. As a different example, the signed content may include metadata with credentials from the authentication information attached. The metadata attached to the content by the signing operation may also be referred to as signing information.

[0049] According to one embodiment, an electronic device can sign content using authentication information stored in the electronic device before the content is entered. Therefore, the electronic device can provide the content signing service only to users who have completed authentication. For example, the signature information of content signed by a user may remain valid even if the authentication information mapped to the user's user account becomes invalid. However, without limiting this, the signature information of content signed by a user is only valid while the authentication information mapped to the user account is valid, and if the authentication information becomes invalid, the signature information of the signed content also becomes invalid. The electronic device and / or service server can remove the signature information and / or authentication representation from the content when the authentication information expires.

[0050] For example, when a user connects to a messaging application using various devices, an electronic device (e.g., a smartphone) may request the service server to update messages entered on other devices (e.g., a PC). The electronic device may receive multiple messages entered on other devices from the service server, some of which may contain signed content. When the electronic device requests signed content from the service server in a chat room, the service server may compare the signed information corresponding to the authentication representation of each piece of content with the user's authentication information and request the authentication server to inquire whether the authentication information has expired. The service server may then decide whether to retain the authentication representation depending on whether it has expired.

[0051] In step S220, if the signature is successful, the electronic device may visualize the signed content by applying an authentication expression corresponding to the authentication information to a graphic representation indicating the signed content. Exemplaryly, if the content is a string of characters, the graphic representation indicating the content may be in the form of a speech bubble containing the string of characters. As a different example, if the content is an image, the graphic representation indicating the content may be a thumbnail of the image. The authentication expression may be a graphic representation indicating that the content has been signed, or a graphic representation indicating that the content has been signed. For example, the authentication expression may be a graphic representation indicating the original creator of the content, or an authentication mark having a form corresponding to a profile corresponding to the original creator's authentication information. However, the authentication expression is not limited to this and may take various forms depending on the information attached to the metadata of the content. For example, if credentials are attached to the content as metadata, a symbol indicating those credentials (e.g., a lawyer's mark if credentials corresponding to a lawyer are attached) may be applied to the graphic representation indicating the content as the authentication expression. As a different example, the authentication expression may be a frame of a different form and / or color than the basic frame of the graphic representation indicating the content. As a further example, the authentication representation can be visualized as a graphic representation in which the authentication representation and content are combined (for example, a representation in which the string "Signed Message" is combined with a message string), with the authentication representation being an expression that indicates information about the authentication integrated within the content (for example, the string "Signed Message").

[0052] In step S230, the electronic device transmits the signed content or signature information to another electronic device of the second user. The communication unit of the electronic device communicates with the server and can transmit the content or signature information to other electronic devices via the server.

[0053] Referring to Figure 2, the method described above may be performed in a different order. For example, steps S220 and S230 described above may be performed in the reverse order or simultaneously.

[0054] Figures 3A, 3B, and 4 illustrate an example of signing content in an IMS application according to one embodiment.

[0055] Figure 3A illustrates an example of entering content and signing it.

[0056] According to one embodiment, the first user's electronic device outputs a screen 302 to the display that corresponds to a chat room with the second user's second user account. The electronic device presents the first user with an additional menu item 301. The additional menu item 301 may include items related to menus provided incidentally, in addition to items for entering strings in a service application (e.g., an IMS application). The additional menu item 301 may include, for example, a signature item 310.

[0057] The electronic device can provide a text input window 321 in response to input from a first user regarding a signature item 310 (e.g., signature input 391). Signature input 391 may be, for example, a touch input, as an input to select the signature item 310 from the items output to the display. The text input window 321 includes an area where a string to be signed can be entered on the screen where the service application is displayed. The electronic device inputs content into the area allocated to the text input window 321 in response to input from a first user (e.g., string input, input to attach an image, etc.). The electronic device can perform a signing operation on the content entered in the text input window 321 in response to input from a first user (e.g., signed content transmission input 392). Signed content transmission input 392 indicates an input to select and execute an object 320 for transmitting the content entered in the text input window 321. For reference, the timing of the signature operation is not limited by the foregoing, and the signature operation may be performed at at least one of the following times: when the signature input 391 is received, during the time between inputting content after the signature input 391, and when the signed content transmission input 392 is received.

[0058] Once the signing operation is complete, the electronic device can transmit the signed content to another electronic device of a second user. After the transmission of the signed content and its reception by the other electronic device are complete, the electronic device can apply the authentication representation 332 to the graphic representation 331 indicating the signed content and display it. In this specification, a shield-shaped authentication mark is shown as an example of the authentication representation, but this is for illustrative purposes only and is not limited to this. The authentication representation may be overlaid on at least a portion of the graphic representation indicating the content, or placed in the peripheral area of ​​the graphic representation indicating the content.

[0059] For example, an electronic device may apply an authentication expression corresponding to credentials from authentication information to the content for display. The authentication expression can guarantee that the content was created by the original creator who possesses those credentials. If the first user is a lawyer and an authentication expression corresponding to a lawyer's qualification is attached to the content, then the content can be guaranteed to have been created by a creator who is a lawyer.

[0060] Figure 3B shows the interface for signature authentication.

[0061] An electronic device can perform a signature authentication operation in response to detecting an input and / or command that triggers a signature operation on content. According to one embodiment, the electronic device can provide an interface for signature authentication at the time it detects the signature input 391 described with reference to Figure 3A or the content transmission input 392, before transmitting content.

[0062] For example, the electronic device may provide a keypad 351 for entering a PIN at the interface for signature authentication. The electronic device can perform a signing operation on the content in response to a successful match between the entered PIN and information pre-stored in the electronic device and / or server.

[0063] As a different example, an electronic device may request the input of biometric information 352 at an interface for signature authentication. The electronic device may then perform a signing operation on the content in response to a successful match between the input biometric information (e.g., a fingerprint) and information pre-stored in the electronic device and / or server.

[0064] Figure 4 illustrates an example of signing content created by a device connected under the first user's first user account.

[0065] An electronic device according to one embodiment can sign previously created content 431 (e.g., content entered by the first user) using authentication information in response to a user's signature input for previously created content 431 (e.g., content entered by the first user) among the content displayed on a screen corresponding to a chat room with a second user account (e.g., content previously sent to the second user). For example, the electronic device can output a popup menu 410 in response to a popup input for previously created content 431 among the content displayed on a screen 402 corresponding to a chat room with the second user's second user account. The popup input indicates, for example, an input in which the first user's selection input (e.g., touch input) for previously created content 431 is held beyond a critical time. The popup menu 410 may include items that instruct various actions regarding previously created content 431, and may include, for example, a signature item 420 as shown in Figure 4.

[0066] An electronic device and / or server can convert the previously content 431 to signed content. For example, an electronic device may sign the previously content 431 in response to a signature input 491 for the previously content 431, or transmit signature information for signing it. The electronic device visualizes the previously content 431 by applying an authentication representation 432 to a graphic representation indicating the previously content 431. The electronic device may also request at least one of the second user's other electronic devices and servers to convert the previously content 431 to signed content. In response to receiving a conversion request from the electronic device, the server adds the first user's signature information to the content's metadata. Other electronic devices can receive the signature information from the server and update the metadata of the content created by the first user.

[0067] Figure 5 shows an example of transmitting and additionally signing content signed by another user according to one embodiment.

[0068] An electronic device according to one embodiment receives different content signed by a second user from another electronic device. The electronic device can visualize the other content 530 by applying an authentication representation corresponding to the second user to a graphic representation that indicates the other content 530.

[0069] For example, the electronic device can output a pop-up menu 510 in response to a pop-up input for other content 530 among the content displayed on screen 502 corresponding to the chat room with the second user's second user account. The pop-up menu 510 includes a shared item 521 and an additional signature item 522. The shared item 521 is an item for the action of sharing a message, and may, exemplary, be an item for the action of simply forwarding the message without modification. If the content to be forwarded by the input selecting the shared item 521 is signed content, the electronic device can forward the signed content while retaining the signature information. The additional signature item 522 may be an item for the action of applying an additional signature to a signed message. Exemplarily, in response to an input selecting the additional signature item 522, the electronic device may transmit content with an additional signature applied in addition to the existing signature to an existing chat room or another chat room. The existing chat room refers to the chat room where the content was provided at the time when only the existing signature was applied to the content.

[0070] The electronic device can, in response to input from the first user (for example, input to select shared item 521), forward the other content 530 to a third user's further electronic device while retaining the signature information of the other content 530. The electronic device can then display the other content 530, which has the signature information of the second user stored, on a screen 503 corresponding to a chat room with the third user account. Thus, it can be ensured that the content created by the original creator is forwarded without forgery and / or modification.

[0071] The electronic device may, in response to input from the first user (for example, input to select an additional signature item 522), further add the first user's signature information to other content 530 to which the second user's signature information has been applied. The electronic device may provide the other content 530 to which the first user's signature information and the second user's signature information have been added to another electronic device of the second user, or it may forward the other content 530 to another electronic device of the third user. In other words, the electronic device may transmit the additionally signed content 530 to an existing chat room with the second user, or to another chat room with the third user. The electronic device may also further apply and display an authentication expression 533 corresponding to the first user's signature information to the other content 530. Thus, the reliability of the signed content is increased because the content created by the second user is guaranteed by the first user.

[0072] According to another embodiment, an electronic device can generate duplicated content by copying and pasting signed content along with its signature information. The electronic device can retain the signature information in the metadata of the copied content while it is copying the signed content. The electronic device retains the signature information attached to the metadata of the duplicated content identical to the original signature information until it generates the duplicated content and modifies the duplicated content. In response to detecting a change in the duplicated content, the electronic device removes the authentication expression from the duplicated content. Thus, the electronic device can ensure the integrity of the content to which the authentication expression is applied by removing the authentication expression if integrity cannot be verified.

[0073] In a further embodiment, the electronic device may copy only the content from the signed content, excluding the signature information. In other words, when the electronic device copies the signed content, it may limit the copying of the signature information.

[0074] An electronic device according to one embodiment includes a processor, a display, and a communication unit.

[0075] The processor signs the input content using the first user's authentication information in response to input from the first user of the electronic device. The processor may temporarily or permanently store in memory the data required to perform a method for transmitting the signed content.

[0076] The display can, in response to a successful signature, visualize the signed content by applying an authentication representation corresponding to the authentication information to a graphic representation indicating the signed content. The display may, exemplary, be a touch display in which a touch detection module and a display module are integrated.

[0077] The communications unit transmits the signed content or signature information to the second user's other electronic device. The communications unit can establish wired and / or wireless communication channels with external devices (e.g., other electronic devices and servers) and can communicate via, for example, cellular communication, near-field communication, LAN (local area network) communication, Bluetooth®, WiFi (wireless fidelity) direct, or IrDA (infrared data association), legacy cellular networks, 4G and / or 5G networks, next-generation communication, the Internet, or computer networks (e.g., LAN or WAN).

[0078] The operation of each component of the server and electronic device is not limited by the foregoing, and the above-described explanation of operation may also be applied to the server and electronic device with reference to Figures 1 to 5.

[0079] The embodiments described above are embodied in hardware components, software components, or combinations of hardware and software components. For example, the devices and components described in these embodiments are embodied using one or more general-purpose or special-purpose computers, such as a processor, controller, ALU (arithmetic logic unit), digital signal processor, microcomputer, FPA (field programmable array), PLU (programmable logic unit), microprocessor, or different devices that execute and respond to instructions. The processing device executes an operating system (OS) and one or more software applications that run on the OS. The processing device also accesses, stores, manipulates, processes, and generates data in response to the execution of the software. For convenience of understanding, the processing device may sometimes be described as being used as a single unit, but a person with ordinary skill in the art will understand that the processing device includes multiple processing elements and / or multiple types of processing elements. For example, the processing device includes multiple processors or one processor and one controller. Other processing configurations are also possible, such as a parallel processor.

[0080] Software includes computer programs, code, instructions, or a combination of one or more of these, which can configure a processing unit to operate as desired, or instruct the processing unit independently or in combination. Software and / or data can be permanently or temporarily embodied in any type of machine, component, physical device, virtual device, computer storage medium or device, or transmitted signal wave, for interpretation by a processing unit or for providing instructions or data to a processing unit. Software can be distributed across a network of computer systems and stored and executed in a distributed manner. Software and data can be stored on a recording medium readable by one or more computers.

[0081] The method according to this embodiment is embodied in the form of program instructions that are implemented via various computer means and recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. The recording medium includes program instructions, data files, data structures, etc., individually or in combination. The recording medium and program instructions may be specifically designed and configured for the purposes of the present invention, or they may be known and usable by those skilled in the art who have technology in the field of computer software. Examples of computer-readable recording media include magnetic media such as hard disks, floppy disks and magnetic tapes, optical recording media such as CD-ROMs and DVDs, magneto-optical media such as floppy disks, and hardware devices specifically configured to store and execute program instructions, such as ROMs, RAMs, and flash memory. Examples of program instructions include not only machine code generated by a compiler, but also high-level language code executed by a computer using an interpreter or the like.

[0082] The hardware device described above may be configured to operate as one or more software modules to perform the operations shown in the present invention, and vice versa.

[0083] As described above, although embodiments have been illustrated with limited drawings, a person with ordinary skill in the art can apply various technical modifications and variations based on the above description. For example, the described techniques may be performed in a different order than described, and / or the components of the described systems, structures, devices, circuits, etc. may be combined or assembled in a different manner than described, or replaced or substituted with other components or equivalents, and still achieve suitable results.

[0084] Therefore, other embodiments, other embodiments, and claims equivalent to those described below also fall within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A method for providing content in an instant messaging service performed by an electronic device, The steps include receiving the signature input of the first user of the electronic device for the content of the chat room of the instant messaging service, The steps include: displaying content to which an authentication expression corresponding to the authentication information of the first user is applied; The steps include transmitting the signature information to the content containing the signature information or to the content of the chat room to another electronic device of the second user, If signature authentication is successful for content in the chat room, the chat room skips the signature authentication for other content and performs a signing operation to add the signature information to the other content. Includes, A content provision method wherein the content of the chat room is content entered via the chat room or content displayed in the chat room.

2. The aforementioned method, The step further includes displaying the content created by the first user on a screen corresponding to the chat room, The content provision method according to claim 1, wherein the step of displaying content to which the authentication expression is applied includes the step of performing signature authentication on the content displayed on the screen in response to the signature input.

3. The content provision method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of applying an authentication representation of user authentication information corresponding to the signature information to the content displayed in the chat room when the electronic device receives the signature information from another electronic device.

4. The content provision method according to claim 1, wherein the step of displaying content to which the authentication expression is applied includes applying the authentication expression to the content, the authentication expression comprising at least one of a authentication mark in a form corresponding to a profile, a symbol indicating credentials, a frame distinct from the frame of a graphic representation indicating the content, and an authentication expression indicating information related to authentication.

5. The method for providing content according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising the step of requesting signature authentication for signing the content at at least one of the following timings: before receiving input for the content, while receiving input for the content, and after the content has been input.

6. A method for providing content in an instant messaging service performed by an electronic device, The steps include receiving the signature input of the first user of the electronic device for the content of the chat room of the instant messaging service, The steps include: displaying content to which an authentication expression corresponding to the authentication information of the first user is applied; The steps include transmitting the signature information to the content containing the signature information or to the content of the chat room to another electronic device of the second user, The steps include receiving second signature information or other content containing second signature information from a third user's electronic device, The steps include: forwarding the other content to a further electronic device of the fourth user while storing the signature information of the other content transmitted by the third user in response to the input of the first user; Content delivery methods, including those mentioned above.

7. The content provision method according to claim 6, wherein the forwarding step includes the step of additionally adding the signature information of the first user to the other content including the signature information of the third user and forwarding it to the further electronic device of the fourth user.

8. The content provision method according to claim 6, further comprising the step of applying an authentication representation corresponding to the third user to a graphic representation indicating the other content and visualizing it.

9. The method for providing content according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising the step of allowing a signing operation for one or more pieces of content at a predetermined time if signature authentication is successful.

10. A method for providing content in an instant messaging service performed by an electronic device, The steps include receiving the signature input of the first user of the electronic device for the content of the chat room of the instant messaging service, The steps include: displaying content to which an authentication expression corresponding to the authentication information of the first user is applied; The steps include transmitting the signature information to the content containing the signature information or to the content of the chat room to another electronic device of the second user, The steps include: adding the signature information of the first user to other content sent by a third user, which includes the signature information of the third user; A content delivery method further comprising the step of applying an authentication expression corresponding to the signature information of the first user to the other content to which the signature information of the first user has been additionally added, and displaying it.

11. The content provision method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the authentication information includes real name information indicating the actual name of the first user authenticated through identity verification.

12. The content provision method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the authentication information includes credentials held by the first user's user account that prove at least one of the first user's identity, status, and capabilities.

13. The method for providing content according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising the step of providing content from which the authentication expression has been removed when the validity period of the authentication information expires.

14. A computer-readable recording medium storing one or more computer programs for performing the method described in any one of claims 1 to 4.

15. An electronic device, The display and Communications Department and, Processor and Memory for storing instructions, Includes, When the aforementioned instruction is executed by the processor, the electronic device, The electronic device receives the signature input of the first user for the content of the chat room of the instant messaging service. Content to which an authentication expression corresponding to the authentication information of the first user is applied is displayed. The content containing the signature information or the signature information for the content of the chat room is transmitted to the second user's other electronic device. If signature authentication is successful for content in the chat room, the chat room will skip the signature authentication for other content and perform a signing operation to add the signature information to the other content. An electronic device in which the content of the chat room is content entered via the chat room or content displayed in the chat room.

16. When the aforementioned instruction is executed by the processor, the electronic device, The content created by the first user is displayed on the screen corresponding to the chat room. The electronic device according to claim 15, wherein signature authentication is performed on the content displayed on the screen in response to the signature input.

17. When the aforementioned instruction is executed by the processor, the electronic device, The electronic device according to claim 15, wherein when the electronic device receives the signature information from another electronic device, the authentication representation of the user's authentication information corresponding to the signature information is applied to the content displayed in the chat room.

18. When the aforementioned instruction is executed by the processor, the electronic device, The electronic device according to claim 15, wherein the authentication expression is applied to the content, the authentication expression comprising at least one of the following: an authentication mark in a form corresponding to a profile, a symbol indicating credentials, a frame distinct from a graphic representation frame indicating the content, and an authentication expression indicating information related to authentication.

19. When the aforementioned instruction is executed by the processor, the electronic device, The electronic device according to any one of claims 15 to 18, wherein signature authentication for signing the content is required at at least one of the following timings: before receiving input for the content, while receiving input for the content, and after the content has been input.

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