A search service provision system and method linked to a chat room.

Abstract

To provide a search service in conjunction with a chat room.SOLUTION: A method for operating a user terminal includes the steps of generating a specific space linked to a chat room, obtaining an answer to a question entered or selected in the chat room or the specific space from a server, and displaying the question and answer in the specific space, and the specific space accumulatively displays the question and answer entered or selected in the chat room or the specific space.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a search service.

Background Art

[0002] Information search requires finding a specific object having information, and access to information can only be achieved after relationship building through conversation participation or the like. Also, information is fragmented, and it is difficult to integrally search for desired information by conventional search methods.

[0003] In recent years, technologies that enable users to obtain answers by asking questions as if they were having a conversation through large language models (LLMs) such as GPT (Generative Pre-trained Transformers) have attracted attention. GPT can be utilized as an information search means in that it understands situations and intentions through natural language processing and fuses and summarizes information for provision. A method for utilizing such GPT characteristics in a search service is necessary.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The present disclosure relates to a search service providing system and method linked to a chat room.

[0005] The present disclosure relates to an interface screen for providing a search service in relation to a chat room.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A method for operating a user terminal according to one embodiment, comprising the steps of: obtaining an answer to a question entered or selected in a chat room or a specific space linked to the chat room from a server; and displaying the question and the answer in the specific space, wherein the specific space displays the questions and answers entered or selected in the chat room or the specific space in an accumulated manner.

[0007] The session in the aforementioned specific space may be maintained subordinate to the session in the chat room.

[0008] The aforementioned operation method may further include the steps of transmitting a sharing request for the question and the answer to the server, and displaying the search results, including the question and the answer, in the chat room.

[0009] The search results shared in the chat room may further include buttons that enable the creation of a question following the context of the question and the answer.

[0010] The step of displaying in the specified space may involve transmitting a question entered or selected in the chat room, which has been switched to search mode, to the server, and displaying the answer to the question in the specified space.

[0011] The step of displaying in the specified space may, in response to a request to ask further questions regarding the search results shared in the chat room, switch the chat room to search mode, transmit the questions entered or selected in the chat room to the server, and display the answers to the questions in the specified space.

[0012] The step of displaying in the specified space can be used to display the overall response included in the shared search results in the specified space in response to a request to display the overall response to the search results shared in the chat room.

[0013] The operation method may further include the steps of collapsing the specific space in response to a user action and displaying an entry point in the chat room that allows entry into the specific space, and expanding and displaying the specific space in response to the selection of the entry point.

[0014] The operation method may further include the steps of displaying a list of previous questions in the specific space and displaying the answers to the questions selected from the list of previous questions in the specific space.

[0015] A server operation method according to one embodiment includes the steps of receiving a question from a user's terminal in a chat room or a specific space maintained subordinate to the session of the chat room, and generating an answer to the question and providing the answer to the specific space, wherein the specific space can display the questions and answers entered or selected in the chat room or the specific space in an cumulative manner.

[0016] The above operating method may further include the steps of receiving a sharing request for the question and the answer from the user's terminal, and providing the search results, including the question and the answer, to the chat room.

[0017] The search results shared in the chat room may further include buttons that enable the creation of a question following the context of the question and the answer.

[0018] The operation method may further include the steps of: receiving an additional question entered in the chat room, which has been switched to search mode in response to the selection of the button, from the terminal of a participant in the chat room; generating an answer to the additional question in the context of the question and the answer; and providing the answer to the additional question to the participant's specific space, which is maintained subordinate to the chat room session.

[0019] The above operating method may further include the steps of ending the session in the specific space when the chat room session ends, and saving at least one question recorded in the specific space as a question list while the session is maintained.

[0020] The operation method may further include the step of providing the list of questions to the specific space.

[0021] In one embodiment, an application stored on a computer-readable storage medium and executed by a processor includes a command that causes the server to perform the steps of: obtaining answers to questions entered or selected in a chat room or a specific space linked to the chat room from a server; and displaying the questions and answers in the specific space, the specific space accumulating and displaying the questions and answers entered or selected in the chat room or the specific space.

[0022] The application may include instructions that cause the server to transmit a request for sharing the question and the answer, and to further perform the step of displaying the search results, including the question and the answer, in the chat room. The search results shared in the chat room may further include buttons that implement the function of asking questions in the context of the question and the answer.

[0023] The step of displaying in the specified space may include transmitting a question entered or selected in a chat room switched to search mode to the server and displaying the answer to the question in the specified space; switching the chat room to search mode in response to a request to ask further questions about search results shared in the chat room, transmitting a question entered or selected in the chat room to the server and displaying the answer to the question in the specified space; and displaying the overall answer included in the shared search results in the specified space in response to a request to display the overall search results shared in the chat room.

[0024] The application can further include instructions for performing the steps of folding the specific space by a user action and displaying an entry point through which the specific space can be entered in the chat room, and expanding and displaying the specific space in response to a selection of the entry point.

[0025] The application can further include instructions for performing the steps of displaying a list of previous questions in the specific space and displaying an answer to a question selected from the list of previous questions in the specific space.

Advantages of the Invention

[0026] According to the embodiment, by switching the chat room to the search mode to provide a search service, information can be searched and shared during a conversation, and questions and answers can be recorded through a separate space linked to the chat room.

[0027] According to the embodiment, by recognizing a search context for existing questions and answers, generating an answer through continuous exploration that continues the context, and generating an answer by summarizing integrated information obtained from various sources, an optimal search result can be provided as a result.

[0028] According to the embodiment, by recommending various types of questions, the convenience of question input and the accessibility to the search service can be enhanced, and as a result, the search service can be activated.

[0029] According to the embodiment, a user can ask questions while continuing the context until reaching the desired information in the chat room, can check questions and answers in a separate space linked to the chat room, and can ask additional questions following the context of the search results shared in the chat room.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0030] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram of a service system according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] This is an example of the interface screen of a terminal according to one embodiment. [Figure 3] This is an example of the interface screen of a terminal according to one embodiment. [Figure 4] This is an example of the interface screen of a terminal according to one embodiment. [Figure 5] This is an example of the interface screen of a terminal according to one embodiment. [Figure 6] This is an example of the interface screen of a terminal according to one embodiment. [Figure 7] This is an example of the interface screen of a terminal according to one embodiment. [Figure 8] This is an example of the interface screen of a terminal according to one embodiment. [Figure 9] This is an example of a server structure for providing a search service according to one embodiment. [Figure 10] This is a flowchart illustrating a server search service provision method according to one embodiment. [Figure 11] This is a flowchart of a method for providing a terminal search service according to one embodiment. [Figure 12] This is a flowchart of a method for providing a terminal search service according to one embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0031] The embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail below, with reference to the attached drawings, so that they can be easily implemented by a person with ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. However, this disclosure can be implemented in a variety of different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. Furthermore, in order to clearly illustrate this disclosure from the drawings, unnecessary parts have been omitted, and similar parts throughout the specification have been given similar reference numerals.

[0032] Throughout the specification, when a part "includes" a component, this means, unless otherwise stated, that it may include other components rather than excluding them. Furthermore, terms such as "part," "device," and "module" used in the specification refer to a unit that processes at least one function or operation, which can be realized through hardware, software, or a combination of both.

[0033] A server may include one or more processors, memory for loading computer programs executed by the processors, storage devices for storing computer programs and various data, and communication interfaces. Beyond these, the server may include various other components. The processor is a device that controls the operation of the server and may be various forms of processors that process instruction words contained in computer programs, for example, comprising at least one of a CPU (Central-Processing-Unit), MPU (Micro Processor Unit), MCU (Micro Controller Unit), GPU (Graphic Processing Unit), or any form of processor well known in the art of this disclosure. Memory stores various data, instructions, and / or information. Memory can be used to load computer programs from storage devices so that instruction words written to perform the operations of this disclosure are processed by the processors. Memory may be, for example, ROM (read-only memory), RAM (random access memory), etc. Storage devices can store computer programs and various data non-temporarily. The storage device comprises non-volatile memory such as ROM (Read Only Memory), EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM), EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM), flash memory, a hard disk, a removable disk, or any form of recording medium readable by a computer well known in the art to which this disclosure belongs. The communication interface may be a wireless communication module supporting wireless communication. The computer program comprises instructions executed by a processor and is stored on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, the instructions causing the processor to perform the operations of this disclosure.

[0034] The terminal includes a computer program, which is software stored on a computer-readable storage medium, and hardware such as a processor, memory, display, and communication module. The processor works in cooperation with the hardware to drive the computer program. The display shows a user interface screen provided by the computer program and can receive input from the user, such as touch input. The communication module communicates with a server via a communication network. The computer program is software stored on a computer-readable storage medium and includes instructions and data that perform the operations of the disclosure. The computer program may include applications.

[0035] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a service system according to one embodiment.

[0036] Referring to Figure 1, the service system 10 may include a server 100 and a terminal 200 that installs an application and communicates with the server 100. The server 100 is implemented to provide the service specified by the terminal 200 in conjunction with at least one artificial intelligence (AI) model 110. The AI ​​model 110 can be various, and may include, for example, a large language model (LLM) such as GPT (Generative Pre-trained Transformers), a generative AI model, or a conversational AI model. The AI ​​model 110 may include a commonly used model or a model specifically developed for this disclosure.

[0037] Server 100 can provide a chat service that facilitates message exchange in chat rooms. Here, the chat service is not limited to a chat service based on acquaintances, but may also be a chat service based on non-acquaintances or an anonymous chat service, and may be replaced by chat services of various forms and names that provide chat rooms. A chat service based on non-acquaintances or an anonymous chat service may, for example, be the open chat service provided in the KakaoTalk application.

[0038] Server 100 can provide search services, particularly search services in chat rooms. Through searching a search database and linking with AI model 110, Server 100 can search for information suitable for the question intent, merge the search information, and generate an answer. Through a question intent classification model, Server 100 can classify questions into multiple classes (e.g., correct answer search intent, generative search intent, etc.) and determine the question intent based on class-specific probabilities, but various methods can be implemented to analyze question intent.

[0039] Server 100 can analyze the intent behind a question and generate an answer in a format appropriate to that intent, regardless of the question format (keyword question, sentence question). If Server 100 analyzes the intent behind a question as a correct answer search intent, it can search the search database for information corresponding to the correct answer and use the retrieved information to generate an answer. The search database can contain various types of collections (e.g., people collections, movie collections, etc.). Sometimes the intent behind a question is not a correct answer search intent; such intents are classified as generative search intents. Generative search means summarizing the acquired integrated information and generating an answer in a new form. Integrated information can be acquired through large language models such as GPT and can be obtained from a variety of accessible sources such as news, social media such as blogs, and document databases. Server 100 can use correct answer search and generative search complementaryly to generate answers. That is, Server 100 can generate answers so that the answers obtained from correct answer search and the answers obtained from generative search do not overlap. For example, the sources explored by correct answer search and generative search can be differentiated. If a question matches the person dictionary in the search database, it is configured to perform a ground truth search on the person collection and a generative search on news sources to find articles related to that person. If a question matches the location dictionary in the search database, it is configured to perform a ground truth search on the location collection and a generative search on social media sources to find location-related information (such as reviews and ratings) related to the question.

[0040] Because there are no restrictions on the question format, questions that are ambiguous, require value judgments, or relate to emotional interaction may be entered. Since it is not possible to provide a correct answer to such questions, server 100 can generate an answer by summarizing integrated information obtained through an AI model 110 trained on various data. Along with the answer, server 100 can additionally provide relevant content accessible to the user (e.g., videos, music, reference documents, internet sites, etc.). This allows server 100 to provide search results optimized for the intent of the question.

[0041] Server 100 can generate answers to questions in various ways. For example, Server 100 can segment the received question word into semantic units, combine words corresponding to the meanings, and query a search database (e.g., a collection) to determine the most comprehensive answer as the correct answer for a ground truth search. For example, if the question word is 'Is GaoGara 3 fun?', Server 100 can extract 'GaoGara 3' and 'fun' as the question word, replace 'GaoGara 3' with 'Cadians of Galaxy 3', expand 'fun' to 'reaction', 'review', 'analysis', etc., and then query the search database (e.g., a collection) with the combination of the replaced and expanded words. If the answer for 'GaoGara 3 reaction' is comprehensive, it can be determined as the answer to 'Is GaoGara 3 fun?'. Alternatively, Server 100 can input 'Is GaoGara 3 fun?' into at least one AI model 110 and use the results obtained to generate an answer.

[0042] Server 100 can determine the order in which answers are displayed in various ways. For example, the more similar a question is to information stored in a search database (e.g., a people collection), the more the question intent corresponds to a correct answer search intent, and therefore, answers obtained through correct answers are set to be displayed preferentially. The fewer answers obtained through the search database for a question, the more the question intent corresponds to a generative search intent, and therefore, answers obtained through generative searches are set to be displayed preferentially, and correct answers or related content are also displayed. Alternatively, Server 100 can determine the order in which answers are displayed in the future based on response information to similar questions and answers. For example, Server 100 can provide various types of answers (e.g., correct answers, generative answers, etc.) to a user who asks a question similar to 'Is GaoGara 3 fun?', and after accumulating the response types (e.g., clicks), it can prioritize the display of answer types with high response rates.

[0043] Server 100 can provide question-related advertisements in its answers. Question-related advertisements can be provided in various forms. For example, an answer to the question 'When is the cheapest time to fly from Gimpo to Jeju?' can include an advertisement for an airline ticket sales website along with the generated answer. An answer to the question 'Recommend a nutritional supplement for women in their 20s' can include an advertisement for a nutritional supplement product along with the generated answer.

[0044] Server 100 can provide a recommendation question in its response. If a recommendation question included in the response is selected, Server 100 can provide an answer to the selected question.

[0045] Server 100 can recognize the search context for previous questions and answers and generate an answer to the current question through continuous search that maintains the context. Server 100 can recognize the conversation context of the chat room and generate an answer to a question. When searching for an answer to the current question, Server 100 can obtain a context-aware answer by concatenating previous questions and answers, or at least a part of the conversation content, to the current question and inputting it into the AI ​​model 110, but there are various ways to obtain a context-aware answer.

[0046] Server 100 can recommend questions that users can input. For example, Server 100 can recommend popular questions to Terminal 200 based on user question statistics. Answers to popular questions can be pre-saved or newly generated. Server 100 can recommend the latest questions generated based on the latest news to Terminal 200. Server 100 can recommend questions related to the input text to Terminal 200. Server 100 can recommend randomly selected questions to Terminal 200. Server 100 can recommend chatroom-specific queries that take into account the conversation context of the chat room, or user-specific queries that take into account user information such as the user's interests. In this way, Server 100 can help eliminate the inconvenience of users having to input questions and make the search service convenient and enjoyable to use.

[0047] Terminal 200 can run the application and connect to server 100 to use the chat service and search service implemented in the application. In this disclosure, the search service may be provided integrated with the chat service. Terminal 200 may be any form of computing device that can display an interface screen provided by the application and receive user input. In this description, a mobile terminal is used as an example, but terminal 200 is not limited to this. Terminal 200 includes at least one processor that executes instructions contained in the application, and the processor can execute the instructions and perform the operations described in this disclosure. The application containing the instructions is stored on a computer-readable storage medium.

[0048] Terminal 200 can provide various entry points to enter search mode in a chat room. For example, the chat room can switch from chat mode to search mode by switching the chat room's message input window to a question input window through a user action specified in the chat room (e.g., selecting a search button). The message input window can be used as a prompt input window where a question can be entered. Alternatively, it can be implemented so that a speech bubble in the chat room is selected, and a search request is sent to the server 100 when "Ask a Question" is selected.

[0049] Terminal 200 can receive and display answers to questions from server 100. Depending on the intent of the question analyzed by server 100, answers can be provided as correct answers, generated answers, or answers containing both correct and generated answers, and the type and order of answers are determined according to the intent of the question.

[0050] Questions and answers can be displayed in various ways in conjunction with the chat room. For example, terminal 200 can provide a separate space where questions and answers are displayed in a conversational format. In this disclosure, the separate space linked to the chat room is called a search room because it provides a search service, but its name can be varied, such as 'Chungjik's Room'. The search room is generated in conjunction with the chat room, and a search room session is generated through an entry point implemented in the chat room. The collapsed search room can be displayed in the chat room as a floating button. Selecting the floating button allows for convenient entry from the chat room to the search room. Search results (questions and answers) displayed in the search room can be shared with the chat room and displayed there. The search room also provides a question input window and can display answers to questions entered in the question input window. The answers displayed in the search room can be generated through a continuous search that continues the search context of previous questions and answers. The search room session can be maintained subordinate to the chat room session. In other words, while a chat room session is maintained (for example, while the chat room is open), the search room session is maintained and questions and answers accumulate in the search room, and based on this, server 100 can generate contextually appropriate answers when generating answers to input questions. When the chat room session ends (for example, when the chat room is closed), the search room session ends, and at least one question requested in this session is saved in the question list. The user can then review previous questions in a newly linked search room session through the saved question list.

[0051] Terminal 200 can display recommended questions that the user can select in a specific area. This specific area may be, for example, a specific area around the message input window (e.g., a suggestion area). Recommended questions may include, for example, popular questions, recent questions, questions related to the input text, random questions, etc. The user does not need to directly type a question; they can select a recommended question to obtain search results related to the question, and they can obtain the information of interest they need during the conversation without having to visit a separate search site.

[0052] On the other hand, terminal 200 can recognize the text being entered in the question input window and pre-display the answer to that text in a specific area (for example, a suggestion area).

[0053] Through this service system 10, users do not need to go to internet search sites such as Daum, Naver, or Google to search for information, and can easily perform searches while conversing in a chat room. Traditionally, keyword searches such as '#search' are limited to correct answer searches, and are therefore only suitable for simple one-time searches. According to this disclosure, users can continuously search in the chat room while maintaining the context until they reach the desired information, and in particular, they can check questions and answers in a separate space (search room) linked to the chat room, and can also continuously search information shared in the chat room while maintaining the context.

[0054] Next, we will explain in detail the interface screen displayed on terminal 200.

[0055] Figures 2 to 8 show examples of the interface screen of a terminal according to one embodiment.

[0056] Referring to Figure 2, terminal 200 can display a chat room 300 provided by the application. The chat room 300 may include a message display window 310 that displays messages entered by participants, and a message input window 320 that accepts input such as text, photos, videos, and imoticons. When the imoticon button 321 is selected, an imoticon display window is displayed showing multiple selectable imoticons.

[0057] The chat room 300 can provide an entry point that allows switching from chat mode to search mode. For example, the chat room 300 can display a search button 322 that allows entering search mode, and when the search button 322 is selected, it can switch to search mode where the search service of this disclosure can be used. The search button 322 is, for example, located near the message input window 320, but its position can be freely changed. When the search button 322 is selected, the message input window 320 can be switched to a question input window 330 where a question can be entered.

[0058] Besides the search button 322, there are various other ways to enter search mode. You can switch to search mode by requesting a follow-up question about search results shared in a chat room. Additionally, selecting a chat room bubble (for example, by long-pressing it) and selecting 'Ask a Question' from the menu that appears can initiate a search for the text or image contained within the bubble.

[0059] When chat room 300-1 is switched to search mode, it can display a question input window 330. The question input window 330 can be used as a prompt input window. The question input window 330 may further include a display mark 331 indicating that it is in search mode, and may display a phrase guiding the user to enter a question (for example, "Ask me anything"). Terminal 200 can transmit the question entered in the question input window 330 to server 100 and receive an answer to the question.

[0060] When chat room 300-1 is switched to search mode, it can display at least one suggested question in a specific area 340. This specific area 340 can be called the suggestion area. For example, the specific area 340 may be located around the message input window and displayed on a higher layer than the message display window 310, or it may be displayed on the same layer as the message display window 310 but in an area that pushes the message display window 310 up.

[0061] Recommended questions can include, for example, popular questions, recent questions, questions related to the input text, and random questions. Recommended questions can be provided in keyword form or sentence form. For example, keywords that can be asked in a specific area 340 (e.g., today's weather, Parents' Day gift, local florist) are displayed in bubble form, and sentence-type questions 341 are displayed. Sentence-type questions 341 are placed in an area separate from the keyword bubble. Popular questions, recent questions, chat room-specific questions that take into account the conversation context of the chat room, and user-specific questions that take into account user information such as user interests can be recommended as sentence-type questions 341. When a recommended sentence-type question 341 or keyword (e.g., today's weather) is selected, the selected question is transmitted to the server 100. Recommended keywords and sentence-type questions 341 are updated manually or automatically. Meanwhile, a random question bubble 342 is displayed in the specific area 340, which has the function of randomly asking questions. When a random question bubble 342 is selected, the terminal 200 can receive a question randomly selected from the question list and its answer.

[0062] Referring to Figure 3, when text is entered into the question input window 330A of chat room 300-2, which has been switched to search mode, chat room 300-2 can display at least one recommended question related to the entered text in a specific area 340A. As text is entered, the recommended questions are updated to match the entered text. Recommended questions can be provided in keyword form or sentence form. For example, if the input text is 'Ive', recommended questions such as 'Ive (IVE)', 'Iveray', and 'Tell me Ive's schedule for this week' will be recommended.

[0063] Terminal 200 can transmit questions entered in the question input window 330A to server 100 and display the received answers in a specific space, namely the search room 400. The search room 400 linked to the chat room is generated for each user who asks a question and can sequentially accumulate and display the search results (questions and answers) conducted through the chat room. The search room 400 may include a search display window 410 where questions and answers are displayed and a question input window 420 where questions can be entered. When a question is entered in the question input window 420 of the search room 400, the question is displayed in the search display window 410 in a speech bubble format, and the answers received by server 100 are displayed. In other words, the questions displayed in the search room 400 are questions entered by the user in a chat room in search mode or questions entered in the search room, and questions and answers can be accumulated and displayed in message format. Therefore, when server 100 generates an answer to an input question, it can recognize the search context for existing questions and answers and generate an answer to the current question through a continuous search that continues the context.

[0064] The search display window 410 can display questions and answers in a conversational format. For example, the search display window 410 can display the question 'Tell me which Ive members' 431 and the answers 432 and 433 to it. The answers may be correct answers, generated answers, or answers that include both correct and generated answers, depending on the question intent analyzed by the server 100, and the type and order of the answers are determined according to the question intent. For example, in the case of the question 'Tell me which Ive members' 431, the server 100, through question intent analysis, determines that the probability of it being a correct search intent is higher than the probability of it being a generated search intent, and can provide the terminal 200 with search results that include answers generated according to the question intent. The search room 400, upon receiving the search results, can first display the correct answer 432 for 'Ive' searched in the person collection, and then additionally display the generated answer 433 that was generated based on the integrated information for 'Ive'. The results of the search in the person collection are produced in card format and provided in the form of flipping cards, but are not necessarily limited to this.

[0065] Search results can be shared in a chat room. For example, when terminal 200 transmits a sharing request for the correct answer 432 to server 100, the shared search result 350A is displayed in chat room 300-3. The shared search result 350A can inform chat room participants of the question by further including the question 'I've Members Ask' along with the shared answer. The shared search result 350A may also further include a button (button name: Ask a follow-up question) 351A that allows users to ask a follow-up question in the context of the shared question and answer.

[0066] When the user selects the button 351A to ask a next question, the message input window in chat room 300-3 switches to the question input window 330B, which can receive the question 'Who is the youngest?'. At this time, the question input window 330B can display a display mark 331 indicating that it is in search mode, as well as a display mark 332 indicating that the question follows the previous search context. The server 100 can generate an answer to the subsequent question 'Who is the youngest?' in the context of the previous question 'Tell me who the Ive member is' and its answer, and provide it to the terminal 200.

[0067] As shown in Figure 4, users can perform additional searches in the search room 400 linked to the chat room. For example, if a specific keyword, such as 'music video', is selected in answer 433 which contains selectable keywords, the search room 400 can display a new question 'IVE IAM music video' 434 and its answer 435, following the previous question and answer 433. Selectable keywords can be implemented to include a re-search link.

[0068] Answer 435 must include at least one piece of content that provides 'IVE IAM Music Video', and may further include recommendation questions 436, such as 'Show me the IAM Music Video behind-the-scenes', 'Show me a candid shot of IVE Legend', etc. If recommendation question 436 is selected, the answers to the selected question will be displayed in search room 400.

[0069] On the other hand, when the question 'Tell me about Iv's MBTI' is entered in the question input window 420, a new question 437 is displayed in the search display window 410 following the previous question and answer 435, and the answers 438 to the question are displayed sequentially. The answers 438 can be provided as generated answers, and can be implemented to provide question-related information searched from the web, images, videos, etc.

[0070] In this way, search room 400 can provide answers to questions entered in the chat room, and can also provide answers to further searches and entered questions by selecting keywords within the answers, thus supporting continuous search operations without leaving other pages. In particular, since questions and answers accumulate in search room 400, server 100 generates answers that reflect the context in search room 400, so users can quickly and accurately obtain the desired answers without having to repeat previous questions.

[0071] Referring to Figure 5, chat rooms 300-4 can display shared search results 350B and 350C. Shared search results 350B and 350C may further include the questions 'Luseraphim' and 'What Luseraphim songs are there?' along with the shared answers, and may further include buttons (button name: Ask a follow-up question) 351B and 351C that allow the user to ask a follow-up question in the context of the question and answer. When the user selects the Ask a Follow-up Question button 351B or 351C, the message input window in chat room 300-4 switches to a question input window, and the server can receive the input of a question. Server 100 can generate answers to additional questions in the context of the questions 'Luseraphim' and 'What Luseraphim songs are there?' and their answers, and provide them to terminal 200.

[0072] The shared search results 350B and 350C may further include full view buttons 352B and 352C, which enable the ability to view the entire shared results. When a user selects the full view button 352C, the entire set of answers 439 included in the shared search results 350C is displayed in search room 400-1. If a specific keyword is selected from the available options in answer 439, search room 400-1 can display the answers for the selected keyword.

[0073] On the other hand, when the question 'Who is the best dancer?' is entered in the question input window 420, a new question 440 and answer 441 are displayed following answer 439. Answer 441 can be provided as a generated answer, and can be implemented to provide question-related information searched from videos, images, etc. Server 100 generates answer 441 to the question 'Who is the best dancer?' reflecting the context of 'Luseraphim song' in search room 400-1, so the user can obtain the desired answer without having to type 'Who is the best dancer in Luseraphim?' In this way, the user can see the search results shared by the chat room participants and ask additional questions following the context of the search results shared by the participants.

[0074] Referring to Figure 6, a user can ask a question following the shared search result 350A in chat room 300-3 in Figure 3, and share the search result 350D, which includes that question and answer, in the chat room. Chat room 300-5 can then view the search result 350D shared by the user.

[0075] Chat room 300-5 can display message 360 ​​entered by chat room participant UserA and search results 350E shared by UserA. Before sharing search results, UserA can ask questions following search results shared by themselves or other participants, obtain answers, and share search results 350E containing these answers. For example, in Figure 3, UserA can select the button 351D to ask a question following search result 350D shared by another participant, enter the question 'Show me the video of the guy I know recently,' and receive an answer to this. Server 100 can generate an answer to UserA's question 'Show me the video of the guy I know recently,' using the search context of the shared search result 350D and the conversation context inferred from chat room message 360.

[0076] The shared search result 350E may include the question 'Show me the video of the guy you know recently' along with the shared answer, and may include a button 351E that allows the user to ask a question in the context of the question and answer, and a full view button 352E that enables the user to view the entire shared result. The shared search result 350E may include the answer generated in the context of the previously shared search result 350D and message 360.

[0077] When a user selects the "Ask a Question" button 351E in the search result 350E shared by UserA, the message input window in chat room 300-5 switches to a question input window, allowing the user to enter a question.

[0078] When a user selects the "Show All" button 352E, the overall answers 442 included in the shared search results 350E are displayed in search room 400-2. If a specific keyword is selected from the available options in answer 442, search room 400-2 can display the answers for the selected keyword.

[0079] Meanwhile, when the question 'What is a "sunny-eyed madwoman"?... Why is Ahn Yu-jin a "sunny-eyed madwoman"?' is entered into the question input window 420, a new question 443 and answer 444 are displayed following answer 442. Answer 444 may be provided as a generated answer, and is implemented to provide question-related information found through searches such as videos, people, and images.

[0080] Thus, according to this disclosure, the server 100 generates answers to questions taking the context into consideration, so that participants in a chat room can ask questions following the search results shared in the chat room, view the search results shared in the chat room in their own search room, and ask questions following previous questions and answers in their own search room.

[0081] Referring to Figure 7, the search room 400-2 may include a collapse button 411 that implements a collapse function. When the collapse button 411 is selected, the search room 400-2 is collapsed, and an entry point to enter the collapsed search room is displayed in the chat room 300-6. The entry point to the collapsed search room is implemented by a floating button 370.

[0082] In response to the selection of the floating button 370, the search room 400-2, where previous questions and answers are saved, is expanded, and when the collapse button 411 is selected, the user can return to the chat room 300-6.

[0083] Terminal 200 can collapse search room 400-2 in response to a user action and display an entry point in chat room 300-6 that allows access to search room 400-2. In response to the selection of an entry point, terminal 200 can expand and display search room 400-2.

[0084] Referring to Figure 8, the search room 400-3 can display a button (button name: Previous Conversation Recall) 412 that implements the function of recalling previous questions. The Previous Conversation Recall button 412 can appear in the search room 400-3 through a specified user action (e.g., scrolling).

[0085] When a user selects the previous conversation recall button 412, the search room 400-3 can display at least some of the previous question lists 413. The search room 400-3 can, for example, display the most recent N question lists. The previous question lists 413 may be generated for each chat room session. The previous question lists 413 may be generated in units of similar contexts. For example, a user may ask a question about the group 'Luseraphim' in a chat room and then ask a question in a different context. In this case, the server 100 can group questions with similar contexts and display a representative question or representative keyword (e.g., 'Luseraphim') in the previous question list 413.

[0086] When a specific question is selected from the previous question list 413, search room 400-3 can display the answer to the selected question. The previous question list 413 can only save questions, and when a previous question is selected, search room 400-3 can retrieve and display the latest answer from server 100.

[0087] Figure 9 shows an example of a server structure for providing a search service according to one embodiment.

[0088] Referring to Figure 9, the server 100 can generate answers to questions input from the terminal 200 and provide them to the terminal 200. To this end, the server 100 may include an answer generation unit 120, a question-answer database 130, a recommended question determination unit 140, a related question determination unit 150, and a similar question determination unit 160. The answer generation unit 120, the question-answer database 130, the recommended question determination unit 140, the related question determination unit 150, and the similar question determination unit 160 are all components of the server 100 and are separated to explain the functions of the server 100. The server structure for operation for this disclosure can be designed in various ways.

[0089] The answer generation unit 120 can search for information suitable to the intent of a question by searching a search database or linking with an AI model, and generate an answer by fusing the searched information. The answers generated for a question may be stored in the question-answer database 130. Questions and answers may be stored linked to previous questions and answers, and session information where the question and answer were made (e.g., information about the user who asked the question and the chat room to which the question was asked) may be mapped. The question-answer database 130 can manage questions separately, manage answers separately, and manage grouped questions and answers.

[0090] The answer generation unit 120 can generate answers that include question-related advertisements. The answer generation unit 120 can provide recommended questions to the terminal 200 during question input, or generate answers that include recommended questions, and for this purpose can be linked with the recommended question determination unit 140, the related question determination unit 150, and the similar question determination unit 160.

[0091] The recommended question determination unit 140 can determine questions to recommend to the user. The recommended question determination unit 140 can determine popular questions based on user question statistics. The recommended question determination unit 140 can generate the latest questions based on the latest news. The recommended question determination unit 140 can determine a random question list. The recommended question determination unit 140 can determine chat room-specific questions considering the conversation context of the chat room, or determine user-specific questions considering user information such as user interests.

[0092] The related question determination unit 150 can group questions stored in the question-answer database 130 according to their degree of relevance, such as subject or field, to generate question groups. If a question group with a high degree of relevance to the new question exists, the questions or answers included in the question group may be used to generate the answer to the new question.

[0093] The similar question determination unit 160 can generate question groups by grouping questions stored in the question-answer database 130 according to their similarity. If a question group with a high similarity to the new question exists, the questions or answers included in the question group may be used to generate the answer to the new question. In the case of sentence-type questions, the meaning of the questions is often similar, but the sentences are not the same. Therefore, the similar question determination unit 160 can group similar questions based on their meaning for purposes such as question statistical processing, question recommendation, and answer generation.

[0094] Figure 10 is a flowchart of a server search service provision method according to one embodiment.

[0095] Referring to Figure 10, server 100 receives a question requested in a chat room switched to search mode from terminal 200 (S110). The question may be a sentence-type question or a keyword question. Server 100 can provide recommended questions in the chat room switched to search mode. Recommended questions may include, for example, popular questions, recent questions, questions related to the input text, random questions, etc. Questions can be entered in the question input window or selected from among the recommended questions.

[0096] Server 100 analyzes the intent behind the question and generates an answer based on that intent (S120). Server 100 can generate an answer to the current question by considering the previous search context. Server 100 can generate an answer to a question in conjunction with AI model 110. Server 100 can search the search database for information corresponding to the correct answer and generate an answer using the retrieved information. Server 100 can generate an answer by summarizing integrated information obtained from various sources. Server 100 can generate an answer by using mutually complementary search methods (e.g., correct answer search and generative search). Server 100 can determine the exposure order of answers obtained through correct answer search and generative search depending on the intent behind the question. Server 100 can generate an answer that includes question-related advertisements.

[0097] Server 100 provides answers to questions in the search rooms of users linked to the chat room (S130).

[0098] Server 100 receives a question requested in the search room and generates an answer to the question based on the context of the search room (S140).

[0099] Server 100 provides the search room with the answer to the question (S150).

[0100] Server 100 determines whether the chat room session is still active (S160).

[0101] If a chat room session is being maintained, server 100 maintains a search room session linked to the chat room (S170). In this case, server 100 can continue the process of providing answers to questions requested in the chat room that has been switched to search mode, or providing answers to questions requested in the search room, while maintaining the search context.

[0102] If the chat room session ends, server 100 ends the search room session and saves at least one question recorded in the search room while the session was maintained as a question list (S180). Server 100 can then provide the question list to the search room if the search room session is reconnected.

[0103] Figures 11 and 12 are flowcharts of a method for providing a terminal search service according to one embodiment.

[0104] Referring to Figure 11, terminal 200 generates a search room linked to the chat room (S210). The search room session can be maintained subordinate to the chat room session. That is, the search room session is maintained as long as the chat room session is maintained.

[0105] Terminal 200 retrieves answers to questions entered or selected in the chat room or search room from server 100 and displays the questions and answers in the search room (S220). The search room can display the questions and answers entered or selected in the chat room or search room in an cumulative manner. Terminal 200 can collapse the search room in response to user actions and display an entry point (e.g., a floating button) in the chat room that allows access to the search room. In response to the selection of an entry point, terminal 200 can expand the search room.

[0106] Referring to Figure 12, terminal 200 displays the chat room (S310).

[0107] Terminal 200 switches the chat room from chat mode to search mode through a user action specified in the chat room (S320). A chat room switched to search mode can display a question input window by switching the message input window. The user action may be a button selection that implements the function of switching to search mode, or it may include a button selection that implements the function of asking a series of questions about the shared search results. The question input window may include a display mark indicating that it is in search mode. Terminal 200 can display recommended questions or preview search results that the user can select in a specific area of ​​the chat room. Recommended questions may include popular questions, recent questions, questions related to the input text, random questions, etc. Recommended questions may include keyword questions or sentence-type questions. Terminal 200 can display preview search results for the question being entered in the question input window.

[0108] Terminal 200 transmits questions entered or selected in the chat room to server 100, and displays the answers to the questions in a search room linked to the chat room (S322). A search room linked to the chat room is generated for each user who asks a question, and can sequentially display the search results (questions and answers) made in the chat room or search room. The search room may include a search display window where questions and answers are displayed, and a question input window where questions can be entered. When a question is entered in the question input window of the search room, the question is displayed in the search room, and the answers to the question are displayed.

[0109] Terminal 200 responds to a request for a follow-up question (a request to ask another question) regarding the search results shared in the chat room by switching the chat room's message input window to a question input window (S330). The question input window may include an indicator mark to show that it is in search mode, and an indicator mark to show that a follow-up question is to be asked. The shared search results may be search results shared by the user, or search results shared by other participants in the chat room.

[0110] Terminal 200 transmits the entered question to server 100 and displays the retrieved answer in the search room (S332). The answer can be generated in the context of previous questions and answers included in the shared search results.

[0111] Terminal 200 responds to a request to display all search results shared in the chat room by displaying the full answers included in the shared search results in the search room (S340).

[0112] When a specific keyword is selected from the search results shared in the chat room, terminal 200 responds to the keyword selection and displays the answer to the keyword question in the search room (S350).

[0113] Terminal 200 transmits the question entered or selected in the search room to server 100 and displays the answer to the question in the search room (S360). The answer displayed in the search room can be generated based on the context of the search room.

[0114] Terminal 200 transmits a sharing request for the question and answer to server 100, and displays the search results, including the question and answer, in the chat room (S370). The shared search results may include buttons that enable the user to ask a question in the context of the shared question and answer.

[0115] Terminal 200 can maintain a search room session while the chat room session is being maintained. This allows terminal 200 to retrieve answers generated in both the search and conversation contexts.

[0116] The flowcharts shown in Figures 10 to 12 are illustrative examples for illustrating this disclosure, and their order may be changed, and the steps may be processed in parallel.

[0117] Thus, according to this embodiment, by switching the chat room to search mode and providing a search service, information can be searched and shared during a conversation, and questions and answers can be recorded through a separate space linked to the chat room.

[0118] According to the embodiment, the system can ultimately provide optimal search results by recognizing the search context for existing questions and answers, generating answers through continuous search that maintains the context, and generating answers by summarizing integrated information obtained from various sources.

[0119] According to the embodiment, by recommending various questions, the convenience of question input and the accessibility of the search service can be improved, and as a result, the search service can be revitalized.

[0120] According to the embodiment, users can ask questions while maintaining context in the chat room until they reach the desired information, review questions and answers in a separate space linked to the chat room, and ask additional questions following the context of the search results shared in the chat room.

[0121] The embodiments of the present disclosure described above may not be implemented solely through apparatus and methods, but may also be implemented through a program that implements the functions corresponding to the configuration of the embodiments of the present disclosure, or through a recording medium on which such program is recorded.

[0122] While embodiments of this disclosure have been described in detail above, the scope of rights of this disclosure is not limited thereto. Various modifications and improvements by persons skilled in the art that utilize the basic concepts of this disclosure as defined in the following claims also fall within the scope of rights of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A method for operating a user terminal, Steps include obtaining answers from the server to questions entered or selected in the chat room, and The steps include displaying the aforementioned questions and answers in a separate space generated in conjunction with the chat room, The aforementioned separate space is an operation method that displays the accumulated questions and answers entered or selected in the chat room or the aforementioned separate space.

2. The operation method according to claim 1, wherein the session in the separate space is maintained subordinate to the session in the chat room.

3. The steps include transmitting a request to share the question and answer to the server, and displaying the search results, including the question and answer, in the chat room. The operating method according to claim 1, further comprising:

4. The search results shared in the aforementioned chat room are The method of operation according to claim 3, further comprising a button that implements the function of asking a question following the context of the question and the answer.

5. The step of displaying in the aforementioned separate space is, The operation method according to claim 1, comprising transmitting a question entered or selected in a chat room switched to search mode to the server, and displaying the answer to the question in the separate space.

6. The step of displaying in the aforementioned separate space is, The operation method according to claim 1, wherein, in response to a request to ask further questions regarding the search results shared in the chat room, the chat room is switched to search mode, the questions entered or selected in the chat room are transmitted to the server, and the answers to the questions are displayed in the separate space.

7. The step of displaying in the aforementioned separate space is, The operation method according to claim 1, wherein in response to a request to display the entire search results shared in the chat room, the entire response included in the shared search results is displayed in the separate space.

8. The steps include: collapsing the separate space based on user action, displaying an entry point in the chat room that allows access to the separate space, and In response to the selection of the entry point, the step of expanding and displaying the separate space. The operating method according to claim 1, further comprising:

9. The steps include displaying the previous question list in the aforementioned separate space, and The step of displaying the answers to the questions selected from the aforementioned list of questions in the aforementioned separate space. The operating method according to claim 1, further comprising:

10. The method of operating the server, The steps include receiving a question from the user's device, either typed or selected in the chat room, and The steps include generating an answer to the aforementioned question and providing the answer to a separate space maintained in a manner subordinate to the chat room session, The aforementioned separate space is an operating method that displays the questions and answers entered or selected in the chat room or the aforementioned separate space in an accumulated manner.

11. The steps include receiving a request to share the question and the answer from the user's terminal, and Steps to provide the search results, including the aforementioned questions and answers, to the chat room. The operating method according to claim 10, further comprising:

12. The search results shared in the aforementioned chat room are The method of operation according to claim 11, further comprising a button that implements the function of asking a question following the context of the question and the answer.

13. The steps include receiving additional questions entered in the chat room, which has been switched to search mode in response to the selection of the button, from the terminal of a participant in the chat room, A step of generating an answer to the additional question in the context of the aforementioned question and the aforementioned answer, and The step of providing the answers to the additional questions in a separate space for the participant that is maintained subordinate to the chat room session. The operating method according to claim 12, further comprising:

14. If the session in the chat room ends, the session in the other space ends, and at least one question recorded in the other space while the session was maintained is saved as a question list. The operating method according to claim 10, further comprising:

15. Steps to provide the question list to the aforementioned separate space. The operating method according to claim 14, further comprising:

16. An application stored on a computer-readable storage medium and executed by a processor, Steps include obtaining answers from the server to questions entered or selected in the chat room, and The command includes a command that causes the user to perform the step of displaying the aforementioned question and the aforementioned answer in a separate space linked to the chat room, The aforementioned separate space is an application that displays the accumulated questions and answers entered or selected in the chat room or the aforementioned separate space.

17. The steps include transmitting a request to share the question and answer to the server, and displaying the search results, including the question and answer, in the chat room. Includes a command to further execute, The search results shared in the aforementioned chat room are The application according to claim 16, further comprising a button that implements the function of asking a question following the context of the question and the answer.

18. The step of displaying in the aforementioned separate space is, The chat room, when switched to search mode, transmits the question entered or selected to the server, and displays the answer to the question in the separate space. In response to a request to ask further questions regarding the search results shared in the chat room, the chat room is switched to search mode, the questions entered or selected in the chat room are transmitted to the server, and the answers to the questions are displayed in the separate space. The application according to claim 16, further comprising the step of displaying the overall answers included in the shared search results in the separate space in response to a request to display the overall search results shared in the chat room.

19. The steps include: collapsing the separate space based on user action, displaying an entry point in the chat room that allows access to the separate space, and In response to the selection of the entry point, the step of expanding and displaying the separate space. The application according to claim 16, further comprising a command to cause the execution of the following.

20. The steps include displaying the previous question list in the aforementioned separate space, and The step of displaying the answers to the questions selected from the aforementioned list of questions in the aforementioned separate space. The application according to claim 16, further comprising a command to cause the execution of the following.

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