Instant messaging service method and apparatus thereof

Abstract

An instant messaging service method and apparatus are disclosed. A method of operation of a server providing an instant messaging service according to one embodiment may include: receiving a request to create a message for a gift; determining exposure conditions of a registered template based on the time at which the request to create a message is received and at least one of the products corresponding to the gift; providing a template list including a template satisfying the exposure conditions to a terminal of a sender who sent the request to create a message; and transmitting a message created based on a template selected by the sender to a terminal of a recipient of the message.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The following embodiments relate to an instant messaging service method and device. Background Technology

[0002] With the recent development of mobile smart devices, the use of online platform services for interacting with other users through networks is increasing. Representative examples of online platform services for interacting with other users include social networking services (SNS), which are online platforms that create and strengthen social relationships through communication, information sharing, and network expansion among users, and instant messaging services (IMS), which are online platforms for real-time content communication between two or more users. As communication via mobile devices increases, online platform services support not only 1:1 communication with other users but also functions for exchanging gifts between users by combining with e-commerce platforms. The problem to be solved

[0004] A list of templates for generating messages about gifts can be provided through the following embodiments.

[0005] Through the following embodiments, a list of templates for generating messages for gifts can be provided, wherein the configuration of the templates is variable depending on the product corresponding to the gift or the time of the message generation request.

[0006] However, technical challenges are not limited to the technical challenges described above, and other technical challenges may exist. means of solving the problem

[0008] A method of operation of a server providing an instant messaging service according to one side comprises: receiving a request to create a message for a gift; determining exposure conditions of a registered template based on the time at which the request to create the message is received and at least one of the products corresponding to the gift; providing a template list including a template satisfying the exposure conditions to a terminal of a sender who transmitted the request to create the message; and transmitting a message created based on a template selected by the sender to a terminal of a recipient of the message.

[0009] The above exposure conditions may include at least one of the following: a condition for exposure when the product is a product of a specific brand; a condition for exposure when the product is a product of a specific category; and a condition for exposure when the time at which the request to create the message is received falls within a predetermined interval.

[0010] The step of transmitting the above message may include: identifying an element of a template selected by the sender that is set to be editable; changing the template based on an input for editing the element; and transmitting a message generated based on the changed template.

[0011] The elements set to be editable in the first template among the above-mentioned registered templates and the elements set to be editable in the second template among the above-mentioned registered templates may differ from each other in at least some parts.

[0012] The step of transmitting the above message may include: identifying a message phrase set in correspondence with the selected template; controlling the size of the selected template based on the length of the message phrase; and generating the message based on the controlled size of the selected template.

[0013] The above template list includes a type-specific template list corresponding to each of a plurality of types, and the step of providing the above template list may include: a step of determining the type of a template satisfying the above exposure condition; and a step of exposing the template through the type-specific template list corresponding to the determined type.

[0014] A request for the creation of a message regarding the above gift includes a request for a reply message transmitted to the gift sender who sent the above gift by the gift recipient who received the above gift, and the sender who transmitted the request for the creation of the message includes the gift recipient, and the recipient of the message may include the gift sender.

[0015] The step of receiving a request to create a message for the above gift may include receiving a request to create a message for the above gift based on a message instructing the reception of the above gift transmitted through a chat room.

[0017] A method of operation of a terminal using an instant messaging service according to one side comprises: transmitting a request to a server providing the instant messaging service to generate a message regarding a gift received by the user of the terminal; receiving a list of templates including a template determined to satisfy exposure conditions based on the time at which the request to generate the message is received and at least one of the products corresponding to the gift; and requesting the server to transmit a message generated based on a template selected from the list of templates.

[0018] The step of requesting the transmission of the above message may include: a step of requesting the editing of the selected template; a step of changing the selected template based on an input for editing the selected template, if the selected template can be edited; and a step of requesting the transmission of a message generated based on the changed template.

[0019] The step of transmitting a request to generate the above message may include transmitting a request to generate a reply message for the above gift to the server, through a message instructing the reception of the above gift, which designates the sender of the above gift as the recipient.

[0021] A server providing an instant messaging service according to one side includes a processor that receives a request to create a message for a gift, determines exposure conditions of a registered template based on the time at which the request to create the message is received and at least one of the products corresponding to the gift, provides a template list including a template satisfying the exposure conditions to a terminal of a sender who transmitted the request to create the message, and transmits a message created based on a template selected by the sender to a terminal of a recipient of the message.

[0022] The above exposure conditions may include at least one of the following: a condition for exposure when the product is a product of a specific brand; a condition for exposure when the product is a product of a specific category; and a condition for exposure when the time at which the request to create the message is received falls within a predetermined interval.

[0023] The processor can, in transmitting the message, identify an element of a template selected by the sender that is set to be editable, modify the template based on an input for editing the element, and transmit a message generated based on the modified template.

[0024] The processor can, in transmitting the message, identify a message phrase set in correspondence with the selected template, control the size of the selected template based on the length of the message phrase, and generate the message based on the controlled size of the selected template.

[0025] The processor may receive a request to create a message about the gift based on a message instructing the reception of the gift transmitted through a chat room, in receiving a request to create a message about the gift.

[0027] A terminal using an instant messaging service according to one side includes a processor that transmits a request to generate a message regarding a gift received by a user of the terminal to a server providing the instant messaging service, receives a template list including a template determined to satisfy exposure conditions based on the time at which the request to generate the message is received and at least one of the products corresponding to the gift, and requests the server to transmit a message generated based on a template selected from the template list.

[0028] The processor may, in requesting the transmission of the message, request the editing of the selected template, and if the selected template can be edited, change the selected template based on the input for editing the selected template, and request the transmission of a message generated based on the changed template.

[0029] In transmitting the request to generate the message, the processor may transmit to the server, through a message instructing the reception of the gift, a request to generate a reply message for the gift that designates the sender of the gift as the recipient. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0031] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overview of a system for an instant messaging service according to one embodiment. FIG. 2 is a flowchart of the operation method of a server providing an instant messaging service according to one embodiment. FIG. 3 is a flowchart of the operation method of a terminal using an instant messaging service according to one embodiment. FIG. 4a is a diagram illustrating a screen of a template list output to a terminal according to one embodiment. FIG. 4b is a diagram illustrating a screen in which a message about a gift is transmitted to a terminal according to one embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the operation of requesting the transmission of a message regarding a gift through a message instructing the reception of a gift according to one embodiment. FIGS. 6a through 6c are drawings for illustrating a list of templates including exposure conditions. FIGS. 7a to 7d are drawings for explaining the operation of editing a template according to one embodiment. FIGS. 8A and FIGS. 8B are drawings illustrating an operation in which the size of a template is controlled based on the length of a message phrase set in the template. Figures 9a and 9b are drawings illustrating messages sent to a chat room according to the size of the template. FIG. 10 is an example diagram of the hardware configuration of a system for an instant messaging service according to one embodiment. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0032] Specific structural or functional descriptions of the embodiments are disclosed for illustrative purposes only and may be modified and implemented in various forms. Accordingly, actual implementations are not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, and the scope of this specification includes modifications, equivalents, or substitutions included in the technical concept described by the embodiments.

[0033] Terms such as "first" or "second" may be used to describe various components, but these terms should be interpreted solely 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 be named the first component.

[0034] When it is stated that a component is "connected" to another component, it should be understood that it may be directly connected to or coupled with that other component, or that there may be other components in between.

[0035] The singular expression includes the plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this specification, terms such as "comprising" or "having" are intended to specify the existence of the described features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof, and should be understood as not precluding the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0036] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as generally understood by those skilled in the art. Terms such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant technology, and should not be interpreted in an ideal or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined in this specification.

[0037] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. In the description with reference to the attached drawings, identical components are given the same reference numeral regardless of the drawing number, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0039] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an overview of a system for an instant messaging service according to one embodiment.

[0040] Referring to FIG. 1, a system (100) for a groupware service according to one embodiment may include a terminal (110), a server (120), and a network (130). Specific hardware configurations of the server (120) and the terminal (110) will be described in detail below.

[0041] A server (120) according to one embodiment may include a server that provides an instant messaging service through a network (130). For example, the server (120) may include a server that provides an instant messaging service regarding the sending and receiving of messages about gifts. The instant messaging service may include a service that enables multiple users to perform real-time chat by transmitting instant messages, such as text messages, voice messages, media files, etc., in real time through a network (130), such as a wireless internet or a wireless communication network, and related services.

[0042] The server (120) may be linked with an application (hereinafter referred to as "app") or a web related to an instant messaging service executed on a terminal (110) for a user interface (UI), function, operation, or service. Hereinafter, the app related to an instant messaging service or the web related to an instant messaging service may be referred to as an instant messenger.

[0043] The terminal (110) may include, for example, a PC (Personal Computer), a netbook, a laptop, a PDA (Personal Digital Appliance), a smartphone, a wearable device, and various other devices that perform similar functions.

[0044] The terminal (110) can be operated by an instant messenger provided by the server. The user can use the instant messaging service provided by the server (120) by running the instant messenger on the terminal (110). The user can create a user account by subscribing to the instant messaging service through the instant messenger. The user can use the instant messaging service through the terminal (110) of the account subscribed to the instant messaging service. The terminal (110) of the account subscribed to the instant messaging service may refer to a terminal logged in with the account subscribed to the instant messaging service.

[0045] A server (120) according to one embodiment may be linked with a gift-giving service or a gift-giving server. The server (120) may provide a gift-giving service linked with an instant messaging service, or it may provide a gift-giving service by linking with a gift-giving server that provides a gift-giving service. A gift-giving service may refer to a service that purchases a product based on a social commerce platform, designates a recipient of the product, and delivers the product to the recipient. For example, information that a product has been purchased or that a gift has been sent in the gift-giving service may be shared with the buyer and the recipient through a chat room provided by the instant messaging service. For example, a user may access the gift-giving service through an instant messenger. A user may use the gift-giving service by using an account registered with the instant messaging service. Alternatively, a user may use the instant messaging service by using an account registered with the gift-giving service.

[0046] According to one embodiment, a server (120) linked to a gifting service or a gifting server may provide a function for transmitting a message regarding a gift. The message regarding a gift may include a reply message sent by the user who received the gift to the user who sent the gift. The message regarding a gift may include a message sent together with a product corresponding to the gift or a message sent as a gift. The server (120) may provide an instant messaging service regarding the transmission and reception of a message regarding a gift, and the user may use the instant messaging service regarding the transmission and reception of a message regarding a gift through a terminal logged in with an account subscribed to the instant messaging service or an account subscribed to the gifting service. Hereinafter, a terminal logged in with an account subscribed to the instant messaging service or an account subscribed to the gifting service may be referred to as the user's terminal or terminal. The instant messaging service regarding the transmission and reception of a message regarding a gift will be described in detail below.

[0048] FIG. 2 is a flowchart of the operation method of a server providing an instant messaging service according to one embodiment.

[0049] For example, a server providing instant messaging services may correspond to the server (120) of FIG. 1.

[0050] Referring to FIG. 2, a method of operation of a server providing an instant messaging service according to one embodiment may include the step (210) of receiving a request to create a message regarding a gift. A message regarding a gift may include a message transmitted as a gift and / or a message transmitted as a reply to a gift. A request to create a message regarding a gift may be transmitted from a specific user's terminal to the server. A specific user's terminal may refer to a terminal logged in with an account subscribed to the instant messaging service or an account subscribed to a gifting service linked to the server. A request to create a message regarding a gift may include information regarding the recipient of the message. The recipient of the message may be identified as an account subscribed to the instant messaging service or an account subscribed to a gifting service linked to the server. The recipient of the message may be designated by the user of the terminal that transmitted the request to create a message regarding a gift to the server. The user account of the terminal that transmitted the request to create a message regarding a gift to the server may be referred to as the sender or sender who transmitted the request to create the message. The user account designated as the recipient of the message may be referred to as the recipient.

[0051] According to one embodiment, a request to create a message regarding a gift may include a request for a reply message transmitted by a user account that received the gift (hereinafter, gift recipient) to a user account that sent the gift (hereinafter, gift sender). The reply message may be a message transmitted by the gift recipient to the gift sender to express an intention to receive the gift, such as expressing gratitude to the person who gave the gift. In the case of the reply message, the sender who transmitted the request to create the message may be the gift recipient, and the recipient of the message may be the gift sender.

[0052] According to one embodiment, the step (210) of receiving a request to create a message about a gift may include receiving a request to create a message about a gift based on a message instructing the reception of a gift transmitted through a chat room in which the sender and the recipient participate. The request to create a message about a gift may include a request for a reply message. The message instructing the reception of a gift is a message intended to notify the gift recipient that the gift transmitted by the gift sender has been received, and may be transmitted through a chat room in which the gift recipient participates. For example, the chat room in which the message instructing the reception of a gift is transmitted may include a chat room in which the gift recipient and the gift sender participate, or a chat room of an official account regarding the gift-giving service in which the gift recipient participates. The message instructing the reception of a gift may include information about the gift. For example, it may include information about the product transmitted as a gift and a message transmitted together with the gift. According to one embodiment, the message instructing the reception of a gift may include an interfacing object for requesting the transmission of a reply message about the gift. An interfacing object is an object implemented to output data corresponding to user input through interaction with the user, and may include, for example, buttons, input windows, display windows, etc. The action of requesting the transmission of a reply message regarding a gift through a message instructing the reception of a gift will be described in detail below.

[0053] According to one embodiment, a request for the creation of a message regarding a gift may include a request for a message transmitted as a gift or a message transmitted together with a product transmitted as a gift. In this case, the sender who transmitted the request for the creation of the message may be the gift sender, and the recipient of the message may be the gift recipient.

[0054] In the following, a request to generate a message regarding a gift is described under the assumption that it is a request to generate a reply message. The operations regarding a message regarding a gift described below may also apply when the message regarding a gift is a message transmitted as a gift or a message transmitted together with a product transmitted as a gift.

[0056] A method of operation of a server providing an instant messaging service according to one embodiment may include a step (220) of determining the exposure conditions of a registered template based on the time when a request to create a message is received and at least one of the products corresponding to the gift.

[0057] A registered template may include one or more templates registered on the server. A template is a predetermined frame for a message to generate a message, and may include, for example, at least one of a message phrase, a message background, and an icon included in the message as an element of the template. A template may include a manner in which the predetermined elements are displayed.

[0058] The exposure condition is a condition for determining whether to expose or provide the template to the user, and may include, for example, a condition for exposure when the product is a product of a specific brand, a condition for exposure when the product is a product of a specific category, and a condition for exposure when the time at which a request to create a message is received falls within a predetermined interval.

[0059] Exposure conditions can be set for each template registered on the server. For example, a first exposure condition may be set for the first template, and a second exposure condition may be set for the second template. The server can determine the exposure conditions for each of the multiple registered templates. For example, if the exposure condition set in the first template is that the item is displayed when the product corresponding to the gift is a product of a specific brand, the server can determine whether the product corresponding to the gift is of a specific brand. If the product corresponding to the gift is a product of a specific brand, the first template may be determined to be displayed. For example, if the exposure condition set in the second template is that the item is displayed when the product corresponding to the gift is a product of a specific category (e.g., food, cosmetics, etc.), the server can determine whether the product corresponding to the gift is a product of a specific category. If the product corresponding to the gift is a product of a specific category, the second template may be determined to be displayed. For example, if the exposure condition set in the third template is a condition where exposure occurs when the time at which a message creation request is received falls within a predetermined interval, the server can determine whether the time at which the message creation request is received falls within the predetermined interval. If it is determined that the time at which the message creation request is received falls within the predetermined interval, the third template may be determined to be exposed.

[0060] According to one embodiment, one or more exposure conditions may be set in the template. When multiple exposure conditions are set, it may be determined that exposure occurs when all exposure conditions are satisfied, or when at least one exposure condition is satisfied. In other words, multiple exposure conditions may be combined as AND conditions or as OR conditions.

[0062] A method of operation of a server providing an instant messaging service according to one embodiment may include the step (230) of providing a template list containing a template satisfying exposure conditions to a terminal of a sender who has transmitted a request to create a message. A template satisfying exposure conditions may be exposed to a user through the template list. A template that does not satisfy exposure conditions may not be included in the template list provided to the terminal and may not be exposed to a user.

[0063] According to one embodiment, the template list may include a type-specific template list corresponding to each of a plurality of types. The step of providing the template list (230) may include a step of determining the type of template that satisfies the exposure conditions and a step of exposing the template through a type-specific template list corresponding to the determined type. The type of the template is a type regarding the concept, theme, or atmosphere of the template, and may include, for example, at least one of a polite type, a friendly type, and a funny type.

[0064] According to one embodiment, the types of templates may include types of templates with exposure conditions set and types of templates without exposure conditions set. Templates without exposure conditions set may always be exposed regardless of when a request to create a product and message corresponding to a gift is received. Templates with exposure conditions set may have varying exposure depending on when a request to create a product and / or message corresponding to a gift is received.

[0066] A method of operation of a server providing an instant messaging service according to one embodiment may include the step (240) of transmitting a message generated based on a template selected by a sender to a terminal of a recipient of a message. The message generated based on the template may include at least one of a message phrase, a background of the message, and an icon included in the template. The message may include information regarding a product corresponding to a gift.

[0067] According to one embodiment, the step of transmitting a message (240) may include identifying an element of a template selected by a sender that is set to be editable, changing the template based on an input for editing the element, and transmitting a message generated based on the changed template. At least some of the elements of the template may be edited by user input. For example, a predetermined message phrase included in the template may be changed by user input.

[0068] According to one embodiment, editable elements and elements with restricted editing may be set for each template. Editable elements are elements that can be changed by user input, and elements with restricted editing may be elements that are not allowed to be changed by user input. For example, at least some parts of the elements set as editable for a first template among registered templates and the elements set as editable for a second template among registered templates may differ from each other.

[0069] According to one embodiment, the step of transmitting a message (240) may include identifying a message phrase set in correspondence with a selected template, controlling the size of the selected template based on the length of the message phrase, and generating a message based on the controlled size of the selected template. In other words, the size at which the template is displayed may be controlled according to the length of the message phrase set in the template. For example, if the length of the message phrase is less than or equal to a threshold value, the size at which the template is displayed may be determined as a first value, and if the length of the message phrase exceeds the threshold value, the size at which the template is displayed may be determined as a second value.

[0070] According to one embodiment, a message generated based on a template can be transmitted to a recipient's terminal through a chat room. The chat room to which the message is transmitted may include a chat room in which the recipient and the sender participate, and / or a chat room of an official account regarding the gift recipient and the gift-giving service.

[0072] FIG. 3 is a flowchart of the operation method of a terminal using an instant messaging service according to one embodiment.

[0073] For example, the terminal may correspond to the terminal of the sender who transmitted the request to create a message. For example, the terminal using the instant messaging service may correspond to the terminal (110) of FIG. 1.

[0074] Referring to FIG. 3, a method of operation of a terminal using an instant messaging service according to one embodiment may include the step (310) of transmitting a request to a server providing an instant messaging service to create a message for a gift received by the user of the terminal.

[0075] According to one embodiment, the step of transmitting a request to create a message may include the step of transmitting a request to create a reply message for a gift to a server, which designates the sender of the gift as the recipient, through a message instructing the reception of the gift. In the case of a reply message, the sender who transmitted the request to create the message may correspond to the gift recipient, and the recipient of the message may correspond to the gift sender. As described above, the message instructing the reception of the gift is a message intended to notify the gift recipient that the gift sent by the gift sender has been received, and may be transmitted through a chat room in which the gift recipient participates. For example, the chat room in which the message instructing the reception of the gift is transmitted may include a chat room in which the gift recipient and the gift sender participate, or a chat room of an official account regarding the gift-giving service in which the gift recipient participates.

[0076] According to one embodiment, a request to create a message regarding a gift may include a request for a message transmitted as a gift or a request for a message transmitted together with a product transmitted as a gift. In this case, the sender who transmitted the request to create the message may correspond to the gift sender, and the recipient of the message may correspond to the gift recipient. Hereinafter, the request to create a message regarding a gift is described as being a request to create a reply message.

[0077] A method of operation of a terminal using an instant messaging service according to one embodiment may include the step (320) of receiving a template list containing a template determined to satisfy exposure conditions based on the time at which a request for the creation of a message is received and at least one of the products corresponding to the gift. As described above, a template satisfying exposure conditions may be exposed to a user through the template list. A template that does not satisfy exposure conditions may not be included in the template list provided to the terminal and may not be exposed to a user.

[0078] A method of operation of a terminal using an instant messaging service according to one embodiment may include the step (330) of requesting a server to transmit a message generated based on a template selected from a template list.

[0079] A step of requesting the transmission of a message according to one embodiment may include a step of requesting the editing of a selected template, a step of changing the selected template based on an input for editing the selected template if the selected template is editable, and a step of requesting the transmission of a message generated based on the changed template. A template may include one or more elements, such as message text, a message background, and an icon. A template may include elements set to be editable. For example, among the elements included in the template, the message text may be set to be editable. In this case, the message text included in the template may be changed to text entered by the user. A message generated based on the template may include text entered by the user.

[0081] FIG. 4a is a diagram illustrating a screen of a template list output to a terminal according to one embodiment.

[0082] Referring to the screen (401) of FIG. 4a, a template list (410) may be provided to the terminal of the sender who has sent a request to create a message for a gift. The template list (410) may include one or more templates (411, 412) that satisfy exposure conditions. Each template (411, 412) may include elements such as a predetermined message phrase, a message background, and an icon.

[0083] According to one embodiment, the template list (410) may include one or more type-specific template lists. For example, the types of templates may include a polite type, a friendly type, and a playful type. The type-specific template list corresponding to each template type may include template(s) of that type. The type-specific template list may be provided separated by tabs (413). A template list corresponding to a type (e.g., a polite type) may be provided by an input selecting a tab with a type name (e.g., a 'polite' tab).

[0084] According to one embodiment, one of the templates included in the template list may be selected by user input. The selected template may be displayed through a preview window (420). The preview window (420) may include an editing tool for editing the selected template. The editing tool for editing the template will be described in detail below.

[0085] Referring to the screen (401), an interfacing object (430) for requesting the transmission of a message corresponding to a selected template may be provided. A message generated based on the selected template by an input selecting the interfacing object (430) may be transmitted to a recipient's terminal.

[0087] FIG. 4b is a diagram illustrating a screen in which a message about a gift is transmitted to a terminal according to one embodiment.

[0088] Referring to the screen (402) of FIG. 4b, a message (440) regarding a gift may be displayed through a chat room interface. The chat room to which the message (440) is sent may include a chat room in which the recipient and the sender participate, and / or a chat room of an official account regarding the gift-giving service in which the recipient participates. The message (440) may include a template (441) that includes elements such as a message phrase, a background of the message, and an icon.

[0089] According to one embodiment, the message (440) may include information regarding the sender of the message (440). For example, to provide information regarding the sender of the message (440) to the recipient, the sender's profile (450) may be displayed adjacent to the message (440).

[0090] According to one embodiment, the message (440) may be a reply message to a received gift. The message (440) may include information (442) indicating that it is a reply message to a received gift and information (443) indicating the received gift.

[0091] According to one embodiment, the message (440) may include an interfacing object (444) connected to a gift history exchanged between the sender and the receiver. The gift history exchanged between the sender and the receiver may be displayed on the terminal by an input selecting the interfacing object (444). The gift history may include an item indicating information regarding a gift sent by the sender to the receiver and / or an item indicating information regarding a gift sent by the receiver to the sender. The gift history may include an item indicating information regarding a gift corresponding to the message (440).

[0093] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the operation of requesting the transmission of a message regarding a gift through a message instructing the reception of a gift according to one embodiment.

[0094] Referring to the screen (501) of FIG. 5, a message (510) instructing the receipt of a gift can be transmitted through a chat room. The message (510) instructing the receipt of a gift may include information (511) instructing a product corresponding to the gift and a message phrase (512) transmitted along with the product. The message (510) instructing the receipt of a gift may include information regarding the gift sender who sent the gift. For example, to provide information regarding the gift sender, the profile (520) of the gift sender may be displayed adjacent to the message (510) instructing the receipt of a gift.

[0095] A message (510) instructing the reception of a gift may include an interfacing object (513) for requesting the creation of a message for the gift. A request for the creation of a message for the gift may be transmitted to a server by an input selecting the interfacing object (513). Upon receiving the request for the creation of a message for the gift, the server may determine the exposure conditions of the registered templates and provide a list of templates containing templates that satisfy the exposure conditions to the terminal of the sender who transmitted the request for the creation of a message for the gift. For example, a screen (401) illustrated in FIG. 4a may be displayed to the terminal by an input selecting the interfacing object (513).

[0097] FIGS. 6a through 6c are drawings for illustrating a list of templates including exposure conditions.

[0098] As described above, the template list may include templates that satisfy exposure conditions. Exposure conditions are conditions for determining whether to expose or provide the template to the user, and may include, for example, conditions for exposure when the product is a product of a specific brand. Referring to the screen (601) of FIG. 6a, a condition may be set in the template (610) for exposure when the product is a product of a specific brand (e.g., Brand A). The template (610) may be exposed through the template list when the product is a product of Brand A. If the product is not a product of Brand A, the template (610) may not be exposed through the template list. If the product is a product of Brand B rather than Brand A, the template (610) may be replaced with a template for which a condition is set for exposure when the product is a product of Brand B.

[0099] Exposure conditions are conditions for determining whether to expose or provide a template to a user, and may include, for example, conditions for exposure when the product is a product of a specific category. Referring to screen (602) in FIG. 6b, a condition may be set for the template (620) to be exposed when the product is a product of a specific category (e.g., food). The template (620) may be exposed through the template list when the product is a product of the food category. If the product is not a product of the food category, the template (620) may not be exposed through the template list. If the product is a product of the cosmetics category rather than the food category, the template (620) may be replaced with a template that has a condition set for exposure when the product is a product of the cosmetics category.

[0100] Exposure conditions are conditions for determining whether to expose or provide a template to a user, and may include, for example, conditions for exposure when the time at which a request to create a message is received falls within a predetermined range. Referring to the screen (603) in FIG. 6c, a condition may be set for the template (630) to be exposed when the time at which a request to create a message is received falls within a predetermined range (e.g., December 25). If the time at which a request to create a message is received is a specific time on December 25, the template (630) may be exposed through the template list. If the time at which a request to create a message is received is not December 25, the template (630) may not be exposed through the template list. If the time at which a request to create a message is received is a day with another event (e.g., Chuseok, Lunar New Year, January 1, Valentine's Day, etc.), the template (630) may be replaced with a template corresponding to that day.

[0102] FIGS. 7a to 7d are drawings for explaining the operation of editing a template according to one embodiment.

[0103] Referring to the screen (701) of FIG. 7a, an editing tool may be provided through a preview window (710) in which a selected template is displayed. Elements of the template may be edited through the preview window (710).

[0104] According to one embodiment, an editing tool for editing an element selected by an input selecting an element of a template displayed through a preview window (710) may be provided. For example, if a background of a message is selected through the preview window (710), an editing tool that can change the background color, pattern, etc. may be provided. For example, if an icon is selected through the preview window (710), an editing tool that can change the icon to another icon or change the position and size of the icon may be provided.

[0105] For example, a virtual keyboard (720) for deleting a pre-set message phrase or entering a new message phrase using a message phrase editing tool may be provided by input selecting a message phrase (711) of a template displayed through a preview window (710), as shown in the screen (702) of FIG. 7b. An interfacing object (730) for deleting the pre-set message phrase entirely using a message phrase editing tool may be provided. The pre-set message phrase may be deleted entirely by input selecting the interfacing object (730).

[0106] For example, referring to the screen (703) of FIG. 7c, if the message phrase (712) of the template is changed by user input, an interfacing object (740) may be provided to restore the previously set message phrase. By input selecting the interfacing object (740), it may be changed back to the phrase set in the template (e.g., 'Thank you for the gift.').

[0107] According to one embodiment, the elements of the template may be restricted from editing. For example, referring to the screen (704) of FIG. 7d, if the editing of the message text of the template is restricted, when the message text of the template is selected through the preview window, a message (750) indicating that the message text cannot be edited may be displayed. The message text of the template cannot be changed, and the message may be transmitted with a fixed text.

[0109] FIGS. 8A and FIGS. 8B are drawings illustrating an operation in which the size of a template is controlled based on the length of a message phrase set in the template.

[0110] Referring to the screen (801) of FIG. 8a, a template (820) to be created and transmitted as a message can be displayed through a preview window (810). The size of the template (820) can be set to a basic size based on the length of a message phrase that is predetermined in relation to the template. When the message phrase (821) of the template (820) is edited, the size of the template can be changed according to the length of the message phrase (821). For example, the size of the template can be increased in relation to the length of the phrase, or it can be changed to a certain size based on the length of the phrase.

[0111] For example, if the length of the message phrase (821) is less than or equal to the first threshold, the size of the template may be maintained at the default size.

[0113] Referring to the screen (802) of FIG. 8b, if the length of the message phrase (831) exceeds a first threshold, the size of the template (830) may be changed to a first size. The first size may correspond to a size larger than the basic size. For example, the vertical length of the first size may be larger than the vertical length of the basic size. If the message phrase (831) is less than or equal to a second threshold, the size of the template (830) may be maintained at the first size. Additionally, if the length of the message phrase exceeds a second threshold, the size of the template may be changed to a second size, and the vertical length of the second size may be larger than the vertical length of the first size.

[0114] Meanwhile, the maximum length of the message phrase may be limited. The maximum length of the message phrase may be determined by the maximum length of the template that can be provided within the chat room.

[0116] Figures 9a and 9b are drawings illustrating messages sent to a chat room according to the size of the template.

[0117] Referring to the screen (901) of FIG. 9a, when the size of the template (911) is determined to be the default size, a message (910) corresponding to the template (911) can be displayed in the chat room interface. The message (910) may include the template (911) of the default size.

[0118] Referring to the screen (902) of FIG. 9b, when the size of the template (921) is determined to be a first size according to the length of the message phrase set in the template (921), a message (920) corresponding to the template (921) can be displayed in the chat room interface. The message (920) may include the template (921) of the first size. Compared to the message (910) corresponding to the template (911) of the basic size shown in the screen (901) of FIG. 9a, the message (920) corresponding to the template (921) of the first size can be displayed larger.

[0120] FIG. 10 is an example diagram of the hardware configuration of a system for an instant messaging service according to one embodiment.

[0121] Referring to FIG. 10, a system according to one embodiment (e.g., system (100) of FIG. 1) may include a terminal (110) (e.g., terminal (110) of FIG. 1) and a server (120) (e.g., server (120) of FIG. 1) connected through a network (130).

[0122] A terminal (110) according to one embodiment may be a mobile terminal implemented as a computer device. For example, the terminal (110) may communicate with a server (120) and / or other electronic devices through a network (130) using a wireless or wired communication method.

[0123] A server (120) according to one embodiment may be implemented as a computer device or a plurality of computer devices that communicate with a terminal (110) and / or another device (e.g., a server) through a network (130) to provide commands, code, files, content, services, etc. The communication method is not limited and may include a communication method utilizing a communication network (e.g., a mobile communication network, wired internet, wireless internet, broadcasting network) that the network (130) may include, or a short-range wireless communication method between devices. For example, the network (130) may include any one or more networks such as a PAN (personal area network), LAN (local area network), CAN (campus area network), MAN (metropolitan area network), WAN (wide area network), BBN (broadband network), and the Internet.

[0124] According to one embodiment, the server (120) may provide a file for installing an application to a terminal (110) connected via a network (130). In this case, the terminal (110) may install an application (e.g., an instant messenger) using the file provided by the server (120). Additionally, the terminal (110) may connect to the server (120) and receive services or content provided by the server (120) under the control of an operating system (OS) and at least one program (e.g., a browser or an installed application) included in the terminal (110). For example, if the terminal (110) transmits a service request message to the server (120) via the network (130) under the control of an application, the server (120) may transmit a code corresponding to the service request message to the terminal (110), and the terminal (110) may provide content to the user by configuring and displaying a screen according to the code under the control of the application.

[0126] According to one embodiment, the terminal (110) and the server (120) may include a memory (1011, 1021), a processor (1013, 1023), a communication module (1015, 1025), and an input / output interface (1017, 1027).

[0127] A processor (1013, 1023) according to one embodiment may perform at least one operation described above through FIGS. 1 to 9c. For example, the processor (1013) may perform at least one operation of a terminal (110) using the instant messaging service described above through FIG. 3, and the processor (1023) may perform at least one operation of a server (120) providing the instant messaging service described above through FIG. 2. The processor (1013, 1023) may be configured to process instructions of a computer program by performing basic arithmetic, logic, and input / output operations. Instructions may be provided to the processor (1013, 1023) by a memory (1011, 1021) or a communication module (1015, 1025).

[0128] The memory (1011, 1021) is a computer-readable recording medium and may be volatile memory or non-volatile memory. The memory (1011, 1021) according to one embodiment may store information for an instant messaging service through FIGS. 1 to 9c. For example, the memory (1021) may store a template and exposure conditions set in the template, and may store account information subscribed to an instant messaging service or a gifting service linked with a server (120).

[0129] A memory (1011) according to one embodiment may include code for an instant messenger installed and operated on a terminal (110) by files provided by a server (120) through a network (130).

[0130] A memory (1021) according to one embodiment can store a program in which operations for the instant messaging service described above are implemented through FIGS. 1 to 9c.

[0131] A communication module (1015, 1025) according to one embodiment may provide a function for a terminal (110) and a server (120) to communicate with each other through a network (130), and may provide a function for communicating with other electronic devices or other servers.

[0132] For example, a request generated by the processor (1013) of the terminal (110) according to program code regarding an instant messenger stored in a recording device such as memory (1011) can be transmitted to a server (120) through a network (130) under the control of a communication module (1015).

[0133] For example, control signals, commands, content, files, etc. provided under the control of the processor (1023) of the server (120) can be received by the terminal (110) through the communication module (1015) of the terminal (110) via the communication module (1025) and the network (130).

[0134] The input / output interface (1017, 1027) may be a means for interfacing with an input / output device (1019). For example, the input device may include a device such as a keyboard or a mouse, and the output device may include a device such as a display for displaying a communication session of an application. As another example, the input / output interface (1017) may be a means for interfacing with a device in which the functions for input and output are integrated into one, such as a touchscreen. As a more specific example, the processor (1013) of the terminal (110) may display a service screen or content configured using data provided by the server (120) in processing instructions of a computer program loaded in memory (1011) on the display through the input / output interface (1017). Input received from the user through the input / output device (1019) may be provided in a form that can be processed by the processor (1013) of the terminal (110) through the input / output interface (1017).

[0135] According to one embodiment, the terminal (110) and the server (120) may include other components not shown in FIG. 10. For example, the terminal (110) may be implemented to include at least some of the input / output devices (1019) described above, or may further include other components such as a transceiver, a GPS (Global Positioning System) module, a camera, various sensors, a database, etc.

[0137] The embodiments described above may be implemented as hardware components, software components, and / or combinations of hardware and software components. For example, the devices, methods, and components described in the embodiments may be implemented using a general-purpose computer or a special-purpose computer, such as, for example, a processor, a controller, an arithmetic logic unit (ALU), a digital signal processor, a microcomputer, a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a programmable logic unit (PLU), a microprocessor, or any other device capable of executing and responding to instructions. The processing unit may execute an operating system (OS) and software applications executed on said operating system. Additionally, the processing unit may access, store, manipulate, process, and generate data in response to the execution of the software. For ease of understanding, the processing unit may be described as being used as a single unit, but those skilled in the art will understand that the processing unit may include multiple processing elements and / or multiple types of processing elements. For example, the processing unit may include multiple processors or one processor and one controller. In addition, other processing configurations, such as parallel processors, are also possible.

[0138] Software may include computer programs, code, instructions, or a combination of one or more of these, and may configure a processing unit to operate as desired or command the processing unit independently or collectively. Software and / or data may be permanently or temporarily embodied in any type of machine, component, physical device, virtual equipment, computer storage medium, or device so as to be interpreted by the processing unit or to provide instructions or data to the processing unit. Software may be distributed over networked computer systems and may be stored or executed in a distributed manner. Software and data may be stored on computer-readable recording media.

[0139] The method according to the embodiment may be implemented in the form of program instructions that can be executed through various computer means and recorded on a computer-readable medium. The computer-readable medium may store program instructions, data files, data structures, etc., either alone or in combination, and the program instructions recorded on the medium may be those specifically designed and configured for the embodiment or may be those known and available to those skilled in the art 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 floptical disks; and hardware devices specifically configured to store and execute program instructions, such as ROM, RAM, and flash memory. Examples of program instructions include machine code, such as that generated by a compiler, as well as high-level language code that can be executed by a computer using an interpreter, etc.

[0140] The hardware device described above may be configured to operate as one or more software modules to perform the operation of the embodiment, and vice versa.

[0141] Although the embodiments have been described above with reference to the limited drawings, those skilled in the art can apply various technical modifications and variations based thereon. For example, suitable results may be achieved even if the described techniques are performed in a different order than described, and / or if the components of the described system, structure, device, circuit, etc. are combined or assembled in a form different from described, or replaced or substituted by other components or equivalents.

[0142] Therefore, other implementations, other embodiments, and equivalents to the claims also fall within the scope of the claims set forth below.

Claims

Claim 1 A method of operation of a server providing an instant messaging service comprises: receiving a request to create a message for a received gift; determining exposure conditions of registered templates based on the time at which the request to create the message is received and a product corresponding to the gift; identifying a template among the registered templates that satisfies the exposure conditions; providing a template list including the template identified as satisfying the exposure conditions to a terminal of a sender who transmitted the request to create the message; and transmitting a message created based on a template selected by the sender to a terminal of a recipient of the message, wherein each of the registered templates includes one or more editable elements and one or more elements whose editing is restricted, and the exposure conditions are set for each of the registered templates, and the step of determining exposure conditions of the registered templates includes, if the exposure condition set for a first template among the registered templates is a condition that is exposed when the product is a product of a specific brand, determining whether the product is a specific brand and exposing the first template through the template list; A method comprising at least one step of determining whether the time at which the request for creation of the message is received falls within a predetermined interval, and exposing the third template through the template list, if the exposure condition set in the third template among the registered templates is a condition that is exposed when the time at which the request for creation of the message is received falls within a predetermined interval. Claim 2 A method according to claim 1, wherein the step of determining the exposure conditions of the registered templates further includes the step of determining whether the product is a product of the specific category and exposing the second template through the template list if the exposure condition set in the second template among the registered templates is a condition for exposure when the product is a product of the specific category. Claim 3 A method according to claim 1, wherein the step of transmitting the message comprises: identifying an element of a template selected by the sender that is set to be editable; changing the template based on an input for editing the element; and transmitting a message generated based on the changed template. Claim 4 In paragraph 3, the element set as editable in the first template among the registered templates and the element set as editable in the second template among the registered templates are at least partially different from each other. Claim 5 A method according to claim 1, wherein the step of transmitting the message comprises: identifying a message phrase set corresponding to the selected template; controlling the size of the selected template based on the length of the message phrase; and generating the message based on the controlled size of the selected template. Claim 6 A method according to claim 1, wherein the template list includes a type-specific template list corresponding to each of a plurality of types, and the step of providing the template list includes: a step of determining the type of a template satisfying the exposure condition; and a step of exposing the template through the type-specific template list corresponding to the determined type. Claim 7 A method according to claim 1, wherein a request for the creation of a message regarding the gift includes a request for a reply message transmitted to the gift sender who sent the gift by the gift recipient who received the gift, and the created message is linked to the gift history exchanged between the gift recipient and the gift sender. Claim 8 A method according to claim 1, wherein the step of receiving a request to create a message regarding the gift includes receiving a request to create a message regarding the gift based on a message instructing the reception of the gift transmitted through a chat room, and the generated message includes information regarding the received gift instructed through the message. Claim 9 A method of operation of a terminal using an instant messaging service, comprising: a step of transmitting to a server providing the instant messaging service a request to create a message regarding a gift received by a user of the terminal; a step of receiving a template list including a template determined to satisfy an exposure condition among registered templates based on the time at which the request to create the message is received and a product corresponding to the gift; and a step of requesting the server to transmit a message created based on a template selected from the template list, wherein each template included in the template list includes one or more editable elements and one or more elements whose editing is restricted, and if the exposure condition set in the first template among the registered templates is a condition that the product is a product of a specific brand, the first template is included in the template list based on a determination of whether the product is a specific brand, and if the exposure condition set in the third template among the registered templates is a condition that the message is exposed when the time at which the request to create the message is received falls within a predetermined interval, the third template is included in the template list based on a determination of whether the time at which the request to create the message is received falls within a predetermined interval. Claim 10 In claim 9, the step of requesting the transmission of the message comprises: a step of requesting the editing of the selected template; a step of changing the selected template based on an editing input for an editable element identified in the selected template; and a step of requesting the transmission of a message generated based on the changed template. Claim 11 In claim 9, the step of transmitting the request to generate the message comprises the step of transmitting to the server, through a message instructing the reception of the gift, a request to generate a reply message for the gift, which designates the sender of the gift as the recipient. Claim 12 A computer program stored on a medium in combination with hardware to execute the method of any one of claims 1 to 11. Claim 13 A server providing an instant messaging service comprises a processor that receives a request to create a message for a received gift, determines exposure conditions for registered templates based on the time at which the request to create the message is received and a product corresponding to the gift, identifies a template among the registered templates that satisfies the exposure conditions, provides a template list including the template identified as satisfying the exposure conditions to a terminal of a sender who sent the request to create the message, and transmits a message created based on a template selected by the sender to a terminal of a recipient of the message, wherein each of the registered templates includes one or more editable elements and one or more elements whose editing is restricted, and the exposure conditions are set for each of the registered templates, and the processor, in determining the exposure conditions for the registered templates, if the exposure condition set for a first template among the registered templates is a condition that is exposed when the product is a product of a specific brand, determines whether the product is a specific brand and exposes the first template through the template list; A server that performs at least one of the operations of determining whether the time at which the request for creation of the message is received falls within the predetermined range and exposing the third template through the template list, if the exposure condition set in the third template among the registered templates is a condition that is exposed when the time at which the request for creation of the message is received falls within the predetermined range. Claim 14 In paragraph 13, the processor determines the exposure conditions of the registered templates, and if the exposure condition set in the second template among the registered templates is a condition for exposure when the product is a product of a specific category, the server determines whether the product is a product of the specific category and exposes the second template through the template list. Claim 15 In paragraph 13, the processor identifies an element of a template selected by the sender that is set to be editable when transmitting the message, modifies the template based on an input for editing the element, and transmits a message generated based on the modified template. Claim 16 In paragraph 13, the processor, in transmitting the message, identifies a message phrase set in correspondence with the selected template, controls the size of the selected template based on the length of the message phrase, and generates the message based on the controlled size of the selected template. Claim 17 In paragraph 13, the processor receives a request to create a message regarding the gift based on a message instructing the reception of the gift transmitted through a chat room, and the generated message is linked to the gift history exchanged between the gift recipient who received the gift and the gift sender who sent the gift. Claim 18 A terminal utilizing an instant messaging service comprises a processor that transmits to a server providing the instant messaging service a request to create a message regarding a gift received by the user of the terminal, receives a template list including a template determined to satisfy an exposure condition among registered templates based on at least one of the products corresponding to the gift and the time at which the request to create the message is received, and requests the server to transmit a message created based on a template selected from the template list, wherein each template included in the template list includes one or more editable elements and one or more elements whose editing is restricted, and if the exposure condition set in the first template among the registered templates is a condition that the product is a product of a specific brand, the first template is included in the template list based on a determination of whether the product is a specific brand, and if the exposure condition set in the third template among the registered templates is a condition that the message is exposed when the time at which the request to create the message is received falls within a predetermined interval, the third template is included in the template list based on a determination of whether the time at which the request to create the message is received falls within a predetermined interval. Claim 19 In paragraph 18, the processor requests the editing of the selected template in requesting the transmission of the message, modifies the selected template based on an editing input for an editable element identified in the selected template, and requests the transmission of a message generated based on the modified template. Claim 20 In paragraph 18, the processor transmits a request to generate a reply message for the gift to the server, which designates the sender of the gift as the recipient, through a message instructing the reception of the gift, in the process of transmitting a request to generate the message.

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