Method, server and user terminal for providing map information including user-provided content

Abstract

A method for a server of the present invention to provide map information including user-provided content comprises the steps of: receiving at least one piece of content for a first point from a first user terminal; checking an output condition for the at least one piece of content, wherein the output condition relates to a method of displaying the map information; receiving a request from a second user terminal to display map information including the first point using a first display method; and, if the first display method satisfies the output condition of the first content which is any one of the at least one piece of content, providing map information to the second user terminal in which the first content is displayed in an area corresponding to the first point.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for displaying content provided by a user to a server in a specific area of ​​map information. Background Technology

[0002] With the recent proliferation of portable smart devices and the advancement of wireless internet technology, the number of users utilizing real-time map information via these devices is increasing. Recent map information services provide not only simple geographical information and routes but also supplementary details, such as specific locations included in the map data. Since this supplementary information is exposed to a large number of users viewing map data for a given area, it is being widely utilized commercially.

[0003] In conventional map information, supplementary information is typically displayed when a user selects a specific point on the map to view the additional details. Furthermore, such supplementary information is generally provided in a format predetermined by the map service operator. Consequently, conventional map information services have faced limitations in displaying supplementary information, such as details about a point, in a way that differentiates it from other supplementary information.

[0004] Therefore, in map information provision services, there is a growing demand for methods to efficiently manage content exposure while exposing content provided by users to the server in a more differentiated manner to map information users. Prior art literature

[0005] Korean Patent Publication No. 10-1237390 (2022.01.04) The problem to be solved

[0006] The present invention aims to provide a method for displaying user-provided content in a specific area of ​​map information according to output conditions.

[0007] In addition, the present invention aims to provide a method for displaying various types of content, such as content or graphic information related to external reference information received through a network, in a specific area of ​​map information. means of solving the problem

[0008] A method for a server of the present invention to provide map information including user-provided content comprises the steps of: receiving at least one piece of content for a first point from a first user terminal; checking an output condition for the at least one piece of content, wherein the output condition relates to a method of displaying the map information; receiving a request from a second user terminal to display map information including the first point using a first display method; and, if the first display method satisfies the output condition of the first content which is any one of the at least one piece of content, providing map information to the second user terminal in which the first content is displayed in an area corresponding to the first point.

[0009] In one embodiment of the present invention, at least one of the contents may be related to external reference information received through a network.

[0010] In one embodiment of the present invention, the external reference information may be information received from an external server through API information received from the first user terminal.

[0011] In one embodiment of the present invention, the method may further include the step of receiving a request from the second user terminal to change the first display method to a second display method, and, when the second display method satisfies the output condition of the second content which is any one of the at least one content, providing map information to the second user terminal in which the second content is displayed in an area corresponding to the first point.

[0012] In one embodiment of the present invention, where the first content is not related to external reference information received through a network and the second content is content related to external reference information, the size of the first point displayed according to the first display method in the map information may be smaller than the size of the first point displayed according to the second display method.

[0013] In one embodiment of the present invention, the method may further include a step of receiving qualification information for the first point from the first user terminal and verifying the qualification suitability for the first point, which is performed prior to the step of receiving the content.

[0014] In one embodiment of the present invention, the display method may be related to size information in which the first point is displayed on a screen in which map information is displayed.

[0015] In one embodiment of the present invention, the size information may be related to at least one of scale information where map information is displayed, area information where the first point is displayed on the screen, and occupancy ratio information where the first point occupies the screen.

[0016] In one embodiment of the present invention, at least one of the contents may include graphic information corresponding to the shape of the area corresponding to the first point.

[0017] In one embodiment of the present invention, the at least one content is related to external reference information received through a network, and the graphic information may be changed based on the external reference information.

[0018] In one embodiment of the present invention, at least one of the contents may include a connection interface connected to a URL received from the first user terminal.

[0019] In one embodiment of the present invention, the method may further include a step of providing cost information related to displaying the at least one content according to the output conditions to the first user terminal, which is performed prior to the step of checking the output conditions for the at least one content.

[0020] In one embodiment of the present invention, the cost information may include a plurality of cost information that are determined differently depending on at least one of the output condition, the size of the content, and whether the content is related to external reference information received through a network.

[0021] In one embodiment of the present invention, at least one of the output conditions may be additionally related to time information in which the map information is displayed.

[0022] In one embodiment of the present invention, at least one of the output conditions may be additionally related to the information of the second user terminal.

[0023] In one embodiment of the present invention, the method may further include the steps of: receiving third content for a second point from a third user terminal, wherein at least a portion of the areas corresponding to the first and second points in the map information overlap; checking output conditions for the third content, wherein the output conditions for the third content do not overlap with the output conditions for at least one content; and, if the first display method satisfies the output conditions for the third content, providing map information in which the third content is displayed in an area corresponding to the second point to the second user terminal.

[0024] In one embodiment of the present invention, the method may further include the steps of: receiving a request from a fourth user terminal to display a fourth content in an area corresponding to the first point; receiving an acceptance of the request to display the fourth content from the first user terminal; receiving the fourth content from the fourth user terminal; checking output conditions for the fourth content; and, if the first display method satisfies the output conditions for the fourth content, providing map information in which the fourth content is displayed in an area corresponding to the first point to the second user terminal.

[0025] In one embodiment of the present invention, in relation to displaying the fourth content in an area corresponding to the first point on the first user terminal, the step of providing cost information to be paid to the first user may be further included.

[0026] A server providing map information including user-provided content according to the present invention comprises a memory and a processor connected to the memory and configured to execute commands included in the memory, wherein the processor is configured to perform the steps of: receiving at least one piece of content regarding a first point from a first user terminal; checking an output condition for the at least one piece of content—the output condition being related to a method of displaying the map information—receiving a request from the second user terminal to display map information including the first point using a first display method; and, if the first display method satisfies the output condition of the first content which is any one of the at least one piece of content, providing map information in which the first content is displayed in an area corresponding to the first point to the second user terminal.

[0027] A method for a user terminal of the present invention to display map information including user-provided content comprises the steps of: providing at least one piece of content for a first point to a server; displaying an output condition for the at least one piece of content, wherein the output condition is related to a method of displaying the map information; requesting the server to display map information including the first point using a first display method; and, if the first display method satisfies the output condition of the first content which is any one of the at least one piece of content, displaying map information in which the first content is displayed in an area corresponding to the first point.

[0028] A user terminal for displaying map information including user-provided content according to the present invention comprises a memory and a processor connected to the memory and configured to execute commands included in the memory, wherein the processor is configured to perform the steps of: providing at least one piece of content for a first point to a server; displaying an output condition for the at least one piece of content—the output condition being related to a method of displaying the map information—; requesting the server to display map information including the first point using a first display method; and, if the first display method satisfies the output condition of the first content which is any one of the at least one piece of content, displaying map information in which the first content is displayed in an area corresponding to the first point. Effects of the invention

[0029] The method of displaying user-provided content on a map according to the present invention has the advantage of being able to display user-provided content in a specific area of ​​map information according to output conditions.

[0030] In addition, the method of displaying user-provided content on a map according to the present invention has the advantage of being able to display various types of content, such as content related to external reference information received through a network or content including graphic information, in specific areas of the map information. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0031] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a network environment according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a flowchart illustrating how a server provides map information with content displayed. FIGS. 3 to 10 illustrate exemplary screens in the process of a user terminal performing a method of providing map information with content displayed according to embodiments of the present invention. Figure 11 is a flowchart illustrating how a server provides map information with content displayed. FIGS. 12 to 14 illustrate, in an exemplary manner, a screen in the process of a user terminal providing map information with content displayed thereon according to embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a method for a user terminal to provide map information with content displayed. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0032] Hereinafter, embodiments disclosed in this specification will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Identical or similar components regardless of drawing symbols are assigned the same reference number, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted. Furthermore, in describing the embodiments disclosed in this specification, if it is determined that a detailed description of related prior art could obscure the essence of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, such detailed description will be omitted.

[0033] Terms including ordinal numbers, such as first, second, etc., may be used to describe various components, but said components are not limited by said terms. These terms are used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

[0034] A singular expression includes a plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0035] In this application, each step described may be performed regardless of the order listed, except where it must be performed in the order listed by a particular causal relationship.

[0036] In this application, terms such as “comprising” or “having” are intended to specify the existence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, 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.

[0038] The present invention will be described below with reference to the attached drawings.

[0039] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a network environment according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] A network environment according to an embodiment of the present invention illustrated in FIG. 1 may include a server (10) and a user terminal. The user terminal may include at least one user terminal connected to the server (10) through a network. In FIG. 1, a first user terminal (20), a second user terminal (30), a third user terminal (40), and a fourth user terminal (50) are illustrated as examples of user terminals.

[0041] The first, second, third, and fourth user terminals (20, 30, 40, 50) each mean a terminal used by logging in with the first, second, third, and fourth user accounts registered on the server (10).

[0042] Hereinafter, for the convenience of explanation, the first user terminal (20) is configured as a user terminal that provides content to be displayed on the map to the server (10) having specific qualifications (authority) for the first point included in the map information, and the second user terminal (30) is configured as a user terminal that receives map information from the server (10) and views the map. Additionally, the third user terminal (40) is configured as a user terminal that provides content to be displayed on the map to the server (10) having specific qualifications (authority) for the second point included in the map information, and the fourth user terminal (50) is configured as a user terminal that requests the first user to display content in the area corresponding to the first point.

[0043] The network is not limited to a specific communication method and may include not only communication methods utilizing communication networks that the network can include (e.g., mobile communication networks, wired internet, wireless internet, broadcasting networks) but also short-range wireless communication.

[0044] In the present invention, the server (10) may be a device capable of transmitting and receiving information by communicating with a user terminal through a network. The server (10) may be implemented as a computer device or a plurality of computer devices that provide commands, code, files, content, services, etc.

[0045] The server (10) may include a processor (11), memory (12) and a communication unit (13).

[0046] The processor (11) controls the overall operation of the memory (12) and the communication unit (13) to provide map information to the user terminal.

[0047] The memory (12) functions as a storage medium and can store a number of applications running on the server (10), data for the operation of the server (10), and commands. In one embodiment, an application that provides map information can be stored in the memory (12).

[0048] This memory (12) may be provided in hardware in the form of various storage devices such as ROM, RAM, flash drive, hard drive, etc., or in the form of web storage.

[0049] The communication unit (13) can communicate with the user terminal via a network in a wired or wireless manner.

[0050] The server (10) of the present invention can provide map information to a user terminal. Specifically, the server (10) can receive content from a user terminal and provide the content by including it in the map information.

[0051] The server (10) receives at least one piece of content regarding a first point from a first user terminal (20) and can check the output condition for at least one piece of content. Here, the output condition may be related to a display method in which the first point is displayed on a screen in which the map information is displayed. The server (10) receives a request from a second user terminal (30) to display map information including the first point using a first display method, and if the first display method satisfies the output condition of the first content which is any one of at least one piece of content, the server (10) can provide map information in which the first content is displayed in an area corresponding to the first point to the second user terminal (30).

[0052] The server (10) receives a request from the second user terminal (30) to change the first display method to the second display method, and if the second display method satisfies the output condition of the second content which is at least one of the content, the server (10) may provide map information to the second user terminal (30) in which the second content is displayed in the area corresponding to the first point.

[0053] The server (10) can receive qualification information for the first point from the first user terminal (20) and verify the qualification suitability for the first point.

[0054] Here, a point may correspond to place information included in map information. A point may be a Point of Interest (POI) in the map information, but in some cases, it may correspond to place information that is not specified as a POI in the map information. If a point is not specified as a POI in the map information, information about the point may be defined as coordinate information, address information, or information regarding the relative positional relationship with other POIs.

[0055] The branch may correspond to various types of branches, such as commercial facilities, office facilities, public institutions, and educational institutions. These may be referred to as the first branch and the second branch.

[0056] Here, qualification for a branch refers to whether a person is suitable to perform duties related to the branch on behalf of or as an agent of the branch. For example, if the first branch is a restaurant, the owner, manager, or employee of the restaurant may be considered a person qualified for the first branch. Additionally, if the first branch is a building or land, the owner, tenant, or manager of said building or land may be considered a person qualified for the first branch.

[0057] Here, "qualification information regarding a branch" refers to information that can verify the qualification of the aforementioned branch. For example, if the first branch is a restaurant, qualification information may include a business registration certificate and identification card that prove the first user is the owner of the restaurant. Additionally, if the first branch is a building, qualification information may include a certified copy of the building's registration certificate and identification card, or proof of tax payment related to the building, that prove the first user is the owner of the building.

[0058] Here, qualification suitability for a branch refers to the result in which the server (10) confirms, based on the qualification information provided by the user terminal, that the user has the appropriate qualification for the branch. If the qualification suitability for the first branch is confirmed for the first user, the first user may have the authority to specify the content to be displayed in the area corresponding to the first branch in the map information.

[0059] Here, content refers to information provided to the server (10) by the user terminal to be displayed on the map information. The content may include various types of content, such as text type, graphic (image) type, multimedia (video or dynamic image, etc.) type, link data type, and interactive interface type. In some cases, the content may include external reference content related to external reference information received through a network.

[0060] Here, the output condition refers to a condition for the content provided by the user terminal to the server (10) to be displayed on the map. In the present invention, the content provided by the user terminal to the server (10) may not always be displayed on the map, but may be displayed on the map only when a specific output condition is satisfied. In the present invention, the output condition may be related to a display method in which a corresponding point is displayed on a screen where map information is displayed.

[0061] Here, the display method may be related to size information where the corresponding point is displayed on a screen where map information is displayed. The size information where the corresponding point is displayed on the screen may be related to at least one of scale information where map information is displayed, area information where the corresponding point is displayed on the screen, and occupancy ratio information where the corresponding point is occupied on the screen.

[0062] Here, the area information where the corresponding point is displayed on the screen may be information regarding the area where the corresponding point is displayed on the screen, taking into account the screen size or resolution of the device displaying the map information. Additionally, the occupancy ratio information where the corresponding point is occupied on the screen may be information regarding the ratio of the area where the corresponding point is displayed to the total screen area where the map information is displayed on the device displaying the map information.

[0064] The user terminal (20, 30, 40, 50) may include a communication unit (21, 31, 41, 51), an input unit (22, 32, 42, 52), an output unit (23, 33, 43, 53), a memory (24, 34, 44, 54), and a processor (25, 35, 45, 55).

[0065] The communication unit (21, 31, 41, 51) can communicate with the server (10) or other terminals via wired or wireless means.

[0066] The input unit (22, 32, 42, 52) can receive various information through user operation and input actions. Such input unit (22, 32, 42, 52) can be a touchscreen module, keyboard, mouse, button, camera, stylus, microphone, etc.

[0067] The user terminal (20, 30, 40, 50) can receive user interaction through the input unit (22, 32, 42, 52). Interaction refers to the user operating the input unit to input information reflecting the user's selection or intention into the user terminal. For example, interaction may be a touch on a touchscreen, a click on a mouse, typing on a keyboard, sound input from a microphone, image capture from a camera, motion recognition from a motion sensor, etc.

[0068] The output unit (23, 33, 43, 53) can output various information. The output unit (23, 33, 43, 53) may be a display device, a speaker, a vibration generating device, a tactile generating device, etc. In some cases, the output unit (23, 33, 43, 53) may be a device (e.g., Bluetooth earphones) that receives and outputs a signal by being connected to a user terminal (20, 30, 40, 50) via wired or wireless communication (e.g., short-range wireless communication such as Bluetooth).

[0069] The memory (24, 34, 44, 54) functions as a storage medium and can store a number of applications running on the user terminal (20, 30, 40, 50), data for the operation of the user terminal (20, 30, 40, 50), and commands. This memory (24, 34, 44) may be provided in hardware in the form of various storage devices such as ROM, RAM, flash drives, hard drives, etc., or in the form of web storage.

[0070] In one embodiment, an application capable of displaying map information may be stored in the memory (24, 34, 44).

[0071] The processor (25, 35, 45, 55) can execute an application capable of displaying map information by controlling the overall operation of the communication unit (21, 31, 41, 51), input unit (22, 32, 42, 52), output unit (23, 33, 43, 53) and memory (24, 34, 44, 54).

[0072] The first user terminal (20) may be a user terminal that has specific qualifications (authority) for the first point included in the map information and provides content to be displayed on the map to the server (10).

[0073] The first user terminal (20) can provide qualification information for a first point included in map information to the server (10), receive information on qualification suitability for the first point from the server (10), provide first and second content to the server (10), and display first and second output conditions for each of the first and second content.

[0074] The second user terminal (30) may be a terminal of a user who receives map information from the server (10) and views the map.

[0075] The second user terminal (30) requests the server (10) to display map information including a first point using a first display method, and if the first display method satisfies the first output condition, the map information with the first content displayed in the area corresponding to the first point can be displayed. Additionally, the second user terminal (30) requests the server (10) to change the first display method to a second display method, and if the second display method satisfies the second output condition, the map information with the second content displayed in the area corresponding to the first point can be displayed.

[0076] However, depending on the case, the function performed by the second user terminal (30) can be performed in the same way by other user terminals. That is, the first, third, and fourth user terminals (20, 40, 50) can also request the server (10) to display map information in the same way as the second user terminal (30) described above, and display map information with content displayed according to the display method.

[0077] The third user terminal (40) may be a user terminal that has specific qualifications (authority) for the second point included in the map information and provides content to be displayed on the map to the server (10).

[0078] The third user terminal (40) can provide qualification information for a second point included in map information to the server (10) (where the area corresponding to the first and second points in the map information overlaps at least partially), receive information on qualification suitability for the second point from the server (10), provide third content to the server (10), and display third output conditions for each of the third content.

[0079] Here, the third output condition does not overlap with the first and second output conditions, so when the method of displaying map information satisfies the third output condition, map information in which the third content is displayed in an area corresponding to the second point may be provided to the user terminal.

[0080] The fourth user terminal (50) may be a terminal of a user who requests the first user to display content in an area corresponding to the first point.

[0081] The fourth user terminal (50) may request the server (10) to display the fourth content in the area corresponding to the first point. Here, the fourth user may be a user who does not possess the qualification for the first point but pays a fee to the first user in exchange for displaying the fourth content in the area corresponding to the first point of the map information.

[0083] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 2 to FIGS. 10, an embodiment of a method in which the server (10) of the present invention displays user-provided content on a map will be described.

[0084] FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating how a server (10) provides map information with content displayed.

[0085] Referring to FIG. 2, a method for providing map information displaying user-provided content performed between a server (10), a first user terminal (20), and a second user terminal (30) is described.

[0086] In step (201), the server (10) receives qualification information for a first point included in map information from the first user terminal (20) and verifies the qualification suitability for the first point.

[0087] The server (10) receives information from the first user terminal (20) specifying a first point to display content in the map information. To do this, the server (10) provides map information to the first user terminal (20) and can receive information from the first user terminal (20) selecting a first point included in the map information.

[0088] Here, a point may correspond to place information included in map information. A point may be a Point of Interest (POI) in the map information, but in some cases, it may correspond to place information that is not specified as a POI in the map information. If a point is not specified as a POI in the map information, information about the point may be defined as coordinate information, address information, or information regarding the relative positional relationship with other POIs.

[0089] When the server (10) receives information specifying a first point, the server (10) can receive information from the first user terminal (20) regarding the first point that can verify the qualification suitability for the first point. To this end, the server (10) provides an interface for submitting qualification information to the first user terminal (20) and an example of appropriate qualification information.

[0090] For example, if the first branch is a restaurant, the server (10) may provide guidance, as an example of appropriate qualification information, to submit qualification information such as a business registration certificate and an identification card that can prove that the first user is the owner of the restaurant.

[0091] Additionally, if the first branch is a building, the server (10) may provide guidance, as an example of appropriate qualification information, to submit qualification information such as a copy of the building's registration certificate and identification card or proof of payment of taxes related to the building, which can prove that the first user is the owner of the building.

[0092] When the server (10) receives qualification information from the first user terminal (20), it verifies the qualification suitability of the qualification information. The server (10) can verify the qualification suitability according to a predetermined standard based on the type of the first point. When the server (10) verifies the qualification suitability of the first user for the first point, it can provide the first user with the authority to specify the content to be displayed in the area corresponding to the first point in the map information.

[0093] When the server (10) verifies the qualification suitability of the first user's first point, the server (10) can provide the verification result of the qualification suitability to the first user terminal (20) in various ways.

[0094] For example, the server (10) may provide a message regarding the verification of eligibility for a first point to the first user terminal (20) as a message of a chat application. The chat message may include a connection interface connected to a page for uploading content in a subsequent step (203).

[0095] According to another embodiment, the server (10) may provide a message regarding the verification of eligibility for the first point to the first user terminal (20) in the form of a notification message of a map application.

[0097] In step (203), the server (10) receives at least one piece of content from the first user terminal (20).

[0098] When the server (10) verifies the qualification suitability of the first user for the first point, the server (10) can receive information about at least one content from the first user terminal (20).

[0099] Here, content refers to information provided to the server (10) by the user terminal to be displayed on the map information. The content may include various types of content, such as text type, graphic (image) type, multimedia (video or dynamic image, etc.) type, link data type, and interactive interface type.

[0100] In some cases, the content may include external reference content related to external reference information received through a network. The external reference information may correspond to information received from an external server through API (Application Programming Interface) information received from the first user terminal (20). Here, API refers to a communication method that enables communication regarding specific information between the server (10) and the first user terminal (20).

[0101] External reference information may be information related to the current status of the first point. For example, if the first point is a restaurant, the external reference information may be the real-time waiting status or reservation status of the restaurant. Additionally, if the first point is a parking lot, the external reference information may be the real-time parking availability, the number of available vehicles, or the location of available parking areas. This external reference information is displayed through map information, allowing real-time information about the point to be effectively displayed to users of the map service.

[0102] In the present invention, at least one of the at least one content may be related to external reference information received through a network. Typically, the content related to the external reference information has a relatively large amount of information to display, so it is preferable to output it when the area corresponding to the first point where the content is displayed is displayed large on the map.

[0103] In some cases, the content may correspond to a graphic (image) type and may include graphic information. In such cases, the graphic of the content may be displayed in accordance with the shape of the area corresponding to the first point of the map information. For example, even if the graphic of the content is rectangular, if the area corresponding to the first point is square or polygonal, the graphic of the content may be displayed with the aspect ratio changed to become square or polygonal, or with a part cut off. The method of changing the graphic of the content to match the shape of the area corresponding to the first point may be performed through the content editing function provided by the server (10).

[0104] The server (10) may provide a content input interface to the first user terminal (20). The content input interface may include guide information regarding the type, kind, size, color, resolution, etc. of the content to be displayed in the map information.

[0105] The first user terminal (20) can provide at least one piece of content to the server (10) through a content input interface. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, it will be described that the first user terminal (20) has provided the first and second pieces of content to the server (10).

[0106] When the server (10) receives information about the content from the first user terminal (20), the server (10) can verify the suitability of the content. Here, the suitability may include at least one of the type of content, compliance with regulations, harmfulness, and commercial unsuitability.

[0107] When the server (10) receives content from the first user terminal (20), it may provide a content editing function to the first user terminal (20). The first user terminal (20) can adjust the way the content is displayed on the map information through the content editing function. Specifically, the first user terminal (20) can edit the output form of the content by adjusting the size, color, layout, resolution, etc., of the content being displayed.

[0108] Additionally, the server (10) may provide a preview page to the first user terminal (20). The preview page refers to a page in which content is displayed in a manner that actually outputs to the area corresponding to the first point in map information containing the first point. The first user terminal (20) can edit the output format of the content through the preview page.

[0110] In step (205), the server (10) checks the output conditions for each of at least one content.

[0111] Here, the output condition refers to the condition that the server (10) must satisfy to display the first and second content in the map information.

[0112] The output condition may be related to the display method in which the first point is displayed on the screen where map information is displayed. Specifically, the display method may be related to the size information in which the point is displayed on the screen where map information is displayed. The output information related to the size information in which the point is displayed may be determined in various ways.

[0113] For example, the output condition may correspond to scale information where map information is displayed on a user terminal. For example, the output condition may be set to a case where the scale of the map information including the first point is displayed as 1:3000 or higher.

[0114] When map information is displayed on the screen of a user terminal, instead of displaying scale information based on a ratio such as 1:3000, the scale information may be displayed in a way that displays the actual length relative to the reference length displayed on the screen. This method of displaying scale information may also correspond to the output conditions described above.

[0115] As another example, the output condition may correspond to area information where the first point is displayed on a screen where map information is displayed. Specifically, the area information may be information regarding the area where the point is displayed on the screen, taking into account the screen size or resolution of the device displaying the map information.

[0116] As another example, the output condition may correspond to occupancy ratio information occupied by a first point on a screen where map information is displayed. Specifically, the occupancy ratio information may be information regarding the ratio of the area where the point is displayed on the screen to the total area of ​​the screen where map information is displayed on a device that displays map information.

[0117] In some cases, the output condition may be related to information other than the display method in which the first point is displayed on the screen where map information is displayed.

[0118] For example, the output condition may be related to time information in which map information is displayed. For example, the output condition may be that content is included in the map information and displayed when the map information falls within a time range of 08:00 to 20:00.

[0119] As another example, the output condition may be related to the information of the user terminal displaying the map information. For example, the output condition may be that the content is included in the map information and displayed when the user of the user terminal displaying the map information is a woman in her 30s.

[0120] Output conditions can be set differently depending on the characteristics of the content. For example, for content containing a large amount of text, the output condition may be set so that map information is displayed at a scale above a certain level. If map information is displayed at a small scale, a large amount of text must be displayed within a limited area, such as the area corresponding to the first point. In such cases, the text size may be displayed too small, which may result in poor readability for the user.

[0121] As another example, for content that includes a user-interactable interface, the output condition may be set so that map information is displayed at a scale above a certain level. When content includes a user-interactable interface, the amount of information contained within the content increases relatively. If the map information is displayed at a small scale, a large amount of information, including the interface, must be displayed within a limited area corresponding to the first point. In such cases, the interface may be displayed in a small size, which may result in poor user operability.

[0122] The server (10) may provide cost information related to displaying at least one content according to output conditions to the first user terminal (20). The server (10) may provide a plurality of output information and cost information that the first user terminal (20) can select, and may provide a function to select at least one of these.

[0123] However, depending on the case, the first user terminal (20) may transmit desired output conditions to the server (10) before receiving cost information from the server (10). The server (10) may calculate cost information regarding the output conditions received from the first user terminal (20) and provide it to the first user terminal (20). In this case, the first user terminal (20) may decide whether to accept the received cost information and transmit the decision information to the server (10).

[0124] Here, the cost information may correspond to the nature of advertising costs incurred because the content is exposed to other users who receive map information. The cost information may be calculated differently depending on at least one of output conditions, the size of the content, and whether the content is related to external reference information.

[0125] Cost information may be calculated differently depending on the output conditions for the first point. For example, if the output conditions of the first content are such that the scale on the screen where the first point is displayed is 1:3000 or higher, the cost information may be calculated higher than if the scale on the screen where the first point is displayed is 1:1000 or higher.

[0126] Additionally, cost information may be calculated differently depending on the size of the area displayed on the map. Specifically, for locations corresponding to relatively larger areas, a higher cost may be charged to display content at those locations.

[0127] In addition, cost information may be calculated differently depending on the size of the content. For example, if the content is displayed in a large size, the cost information may be set higher than if it is displayed in a small size.

[0128] In addition, cost information may be determined differently depending on whether the content is related to external reference information. Specifically, content related to external reference information may be charged higher costs than content not related to external reference information.

[0130] In step (207), the server (10) receives a request from the second user terminal (30) to display map information including the first point in the first display method.

[0131] The second user terminal (30) can request map information including the first point from the server (10). Specifically, the second user terminal (30) can request map information from the server (10) by means such as searching for the first point or surrounding area or moving the map to an area including the first point.

[0132] When the second user terminal (30) requests map information from the server (10), it may request a method for displaying the map. The method for displaying the map may be the scale or degree of magnification of the map. The second user terminal (30) may specify the method for displaying the map through interactions such as mouse wheel scrolling, touchscreen spread interaction, or specifying specific scale information or map size information.

[0133] The second user terminal (30) may repeatedly request map information from the server (10) by changing the specific area and display method. Below, step (209) will be explained by assuming the case where the second user terminal (30) requests map information including the first point using the first display method.

[0135] In step (209), if the first display method satisfies the output condition of the first content, which is at least one of the content, the server (10) provides map information to the second user terminal (30) in which the first content is displayed in an area corresponding to the first point.

[0136] Specifically, when the server (10) receives a request from the second user terminal (30) to display map information including the first point using the first display method, it can check whether the first display method satisfies the output conditions of the first content.

[0137] For example, the server (10) can check whether the first display method (e.g., "when the scale is 1:2500 on the screen where the first point is displayed") satisfies the output condition of the first content (e.g., "when the scale is 1:3000 or greater on the screen where the first point is displayed").

[0138] In the example described above, since the first display method satisfies the output condition of the first content, the server (10) provides map information to the second user terminal (30) in which the first content is displayed in an area corresponding to the first point. Therefore, the second user terminal (30) can display the first content through the map information.

[0140] In step (211), the server (10) receives a request from the second user terminal (30) to change the first display method to the second display method.

[0141] The second user terminal (30) can change the display method of map information including the first point. Here, the display method may be related to size information where the point is displayed on the screen where the map information is displayed. The size information where the point is displayed on the screen may be related to at least one of scale information where the map information is displayed, area information where the point is displayed on the screen, and occupancy ratio information where the point is occupied on the screen.

[0142] Specifically, the second user terminal (30) may request a change in the display method in which the map is displayed from the first display method to the second display method through interactions such as mouse wheel scrolling, touchscreen spread interaction, or the specification of specific scale information.

[0143] The server (10) can receive a request to change map information containing the first point from the first display method to the second display method in response to an interaction from the second user terminal (30) that changes the size information of the map where the first point is displayed.

[0144] The size of the first point displayed according to the second display method may be larger than the size of the first point displayed according to the first display method. For example, the size of the first point displayed according to the second display method (e.g., "when the scale on the screen where the first point is displayed is 1:500") may be larger than the size of the first point displayed according to the first display method (e.g., "when the scale on the screen where the first point is displayed is 1:1000").

[0146] In step (213), if the second display method satisfies the output condition of the second content, which is at least one of the content, the server (10) provides map information to the second user terminal (30) in which the second content is displayed in an area corresponding to the first point.

[0147] Specifically, when the server (10) receives a request from the second user terminal (30) to change map information including the first point to the second display method, it can check whether the second display method satisfies the output conditions of the second content.

[0148] For example, the server (10) can check whether the second display method (e.g., "when the scale is 1:500 on the screen where the first point is displayed") satisfies the output condition of the second content (e.g., "when the scale is 1:1000 or greater on the screen where the first point is displayed").

[0149] In the example described above, since the second display method satisfies the output conditions of the second content, the server (10) can provide map information to the second user terminal (30) in which the first and second content are displayed in an area corresponding to the first point. The server (10) can provide the first and second content by modifying them to correspond to the shape of the area corresponding to the first point.

[0150] In some cases, if the second display method satisfies the output conditions of the second content, the server (10) may provide map information to the second user terminal (30) in which only the second content is displayed instead of the first content.

[0152] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 3 to 10, an example of a method for providing map information with content displayed by the server (10) described with reference to FIG. 2 will be described.

[0153] FIGS. 3 to 10 illustrate, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention, a screen in the process of performing a method in which a first user terminal (20) or a second user terminal (30) displays map information including content.

[0154] Specifically, FIGS. 3 to 7 illustrate a series of screens for a first user terminal (20) to register content to be displayed on a map to a server (10) according to embodiments of the present invention. Additionally, FIGS. 8 to 10 illustrate a screen for a second user terminal (30) to receive map information with content displayed from a server (10) and display the map information according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0155] In the following description with reference to FIGS. 3 to 10, terms such as Point A, Point B, Point C, etc., which are not the first point and the second point, and terms such as Content A, Content B, etc., which are not the first content and the second content, are used. The designations for points and content mentioned in the description with reference to FIGS. 3 to 10 do not necessarily correspond to the designations for points and content in the description with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0157] FIG. 3 illustrates a screen (300) in which the first user terminal (20) receives information for selecting a point in map information before the server (10) performs step (201) of FIG. 2.

[0158] The server (10) can provide a function to verify qualification suitability by providing qualification information for a number of points included in the map information.

[0159] Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 3, when the first user terminal (20) displays map information and receives selection information for point A (310), it may display a guidance window (320) that provides guidance on verifying eligibility. The guidance window (320) may display information (321) about point A, guidance (322) about a service that displays user-provided content on a map, and a connection interface (323) that can be connected to a page providing eligibility information.

[0160] When the connection interface (323) is selected on the screen of FIG. 3, the first user terminal (20) displays a screen (Fig. 4) related to providing qualification information.

[0162] FIG. 4 illustrates a screen (400) in which a first user terminal (20) receives qualification information for a branch so that the server (10) can perform step (201) of FIG. 2.

[0163] As illustrated in FIG. 4, the first user terminal (20) may display a screen for inputting qualification information for Branch A. Specifically, the first user terminal (20) may display guidance (410, 420) on qualification information required to verify qualification suitability according to the type of Branch A, and an interface (411, 421) for uploading qualification information. The first user terminal (20) may receive qualification information through the interface (411, 421) and transmit it to the server (10).

[0165] FIG. 5 illustrates a screen (500) in which a first user terminal (20) receives content so that the server (10) performs step (203) of FIG. 2.

[0166] As illustrated in FIG. 5, the first user terminal (20) may display a screen for inputting content. Specifically, the first user terminal (20) may display guidance (510, 520, 530) related to the display of content according to the type of content and an interface (511, 521, 531) for uploading content.

[0167] The first user terminal (20) can input content through the interfaces (511, 521) and can generate content including a user interactive interface through the interface (531). The first user terminal (20) transmits such content to the server (10).

[0169] FIG. 6 illustrates a first user terminal (20) displaying a screen (600) related to a preview and editing function for content.

[0170] As illustrated in FIG. 6, the first user terminal (20) can display a preview screen (610) that allows the user to check in advance the form in which content is displayed on the map information. In the preview screen (610), the content (620, 630) uploaded by the first user can be displayed in a form that is to be displayed in the area corresponding to point A of the map information.

[0171] The first user terminal (20) may display an editing interface (621, 631, 632) that can change or modify the form in which content (620, 630) is displayed. Specifically, the editing interface may display an interface for moving content (621), an interface for rotating content (631), and an interface for enlarging content (632).

[0172] Additionally, the first user terminal (20) may display instructions (640) regarding the form in which content is displayed in map information, the method of editing or creating content, the method of connecting external reference information to content, and the method of connecting content to URL link information.

[0174] FIG. 7 illustrates a screen (700) in which a first user terminal (20) displays the output conditions of the content so that the server (10) performs the step (205) of FIG. 2.

[0175] As illustrated in FIG. 7, the first user terminal (20) can receive and display information regarding output conditions and costs for each content from the server (10). If there are multiple contents uploaded by the first user terminal (20) to the server (10), the output conditions and costs for each content can be displayed separately. This information can be organized and displayed through a table (710).

[0176] Referring to the table (710) shown in FIG. 7, a selection interface may be displayed to allow output conditions and costs to be selected according to a plurality of contents (711, 712, 713).

[0177] In the case of content A (711), a function to select at least one of three output conditions (741) regarding scales can be displayed as content corresponding to logo text. Referring to FIG. 7, it is shown that content A (711) has a scale of 1:3000 or higher selected as an output condition.

[0178] In some cases, the first user may input a URL link to be connected when content A (711) is displayed in map information through the link connection interface (731). Referring to the table (710), the cost of displaying content A (711) may be higher when a URL link is connected to content A (711) than when it is not.

[0179] In the case of Content B (712), it corresponds to content that includes external reference information via API. Specifically, the server (10) can receive information regarding the current number of people waiting and the estimated waiting time at Branch A through an external server (10) related to Branch A where Content B (712) is to be displayed, and display it through Content B (712). Additionally, Content B (712) includes an interface (712a) that the user can select, and the interface (712a) can be connected to a URL link related to the waiting registration function for Branch A.

[0180] In the case of content B (712), in addition to the output condition for scale, an output condition (742) for the time range in which content B (712) is output may be selected. Referring to FIG. 7, it is shown that content B (712) is selected as output condition A having a scale of 1:1000 or higher, and as output condition B having a time range of 08:00 to 20:00.

[0181] When comparing content A (711) and content B (712), content B (712) contains external reference information and also includes a URL connection interface, so it corresponds to content with a relatively larger amount of information. Therefore, the server (10) can provide candidates for scale ranges that the user can select, according to the characteristics of the content, so that content B (712) is displayed in a larger scale range than content A (711). Referring to FIG. 7, it can be seen that the minimum selectable scale range for content A (711) is indicated as 1:5000 or larger (744), but the minimum selectable scale range for content A (711) is indicated as 1:1000 or larger (745).

[0182] In the case of Content C (713), it corresponds to image content. In the case of Content C (713), in addition to the output condition for scale, an output condition (743) for the user range to which Content C (713) will be output can be selected. Referring to FIG. 7, the output condition (743) includes a condition for displaying content to all users, a condition for displaying content to male users only, and a condition for displaying content to female users only. In addition to the gender condition shown in FIG. 7, the output condition for the user range can be set in various ways, such as age group conditions, interest conditions, region conditions, and visitor population conditions.

[0183] The more the content is exposed to more users through the map service, the higher the cost of displaying the content may be. Referring to the table (710), the cost may be set to increase as the content is selected with a wider range of scale conditions, a wider range of time conditions, and a wider range of user targets as output conditions. Additionally, referring to the output conditions (744), the cost may be set to increase if the content is selected with a smaller scale condition as output conditions.

[0184] Although not illustrated in the drawing, in some cases, the first user terminal (20) may transmit desired output conditions to the server (10) before receiving cost information from the server (10). The server (10) may calculate cost information regarding the output conditions received from the first user terminal (20) and provide it to the first user terminal (20).

[0185] For example, the first user terminal (20) inputs output conditions (745) and output conditions (742) as output conditions for content B (712) of FIG. 7 and transmits them to the server (10), and receives and displays cost information (750) for the transmitted output conditions (745, 742) from the server (10). Referring to FIG. 7, the first user terminal (20) is shown to have selected one of the provided cost information (751).

[0187] FIG. 8 illustrates a screen (800) in which a second user terminal (30) displays map information with content displayed as a result of the server (10) performing step (209) of FIG. 2.

[0188] Before displaying the screen (800) of FIG. 8, the second user terminal (30) may request the server (10) to display map information using the first display method. This request may be a request for the second user terminal (30) to display new map information, a request to change the display method to the first display method while the map information is currently being displayed using a different display method, or a request to display map information that includes point A (810) by moving the display range of the map information while the map information that does not include point A (810) is currently being displayed using the first display method. In response to this request, the server (10) may provide the second user terminal (30) with map information containing content A (811).

[0189] FIG. 8 illustrates map information displayed using a first display method. Referring to the display method (801) of the map information shown in FIG. 8, it can be seen that the map information is displayed according to a scale of 1:3000.

[0190] Referring to the output information of the selected content in FIG. 7, since this first display method (1:3000 scale) satisfies the output condition of content A (711), content A (811) is displayed in the area corresponding to point A (810) among the map information in FIG. 8.

[0191] In some cases, if content A (811) does not occupy the entire area corresponding to point A (810), the name information (812) of point A may be displayed together in the area corresponding to point A (810).

[0193] FIG. 9 illustrates a screen (900) in which a second user terminal (30) displays map information with content different from FIG. 8 as a result of the server (10) performing step (211) of FIG. 2.

[0194] The second user terminal (30) can display the screen (900) of Fig. 9 in response to receiving an interaction that increases the scale of the map while displaying the screen (800) of Fig. 8. Additionally, the second user terminal (30) may display the screen (900) of Fig. 9 in response to a request to display map information to the server (10) using the second display method, regardless of the screen (800) of Fig. 8.

[0195] FIG. 9 illustrates map information displayed using a second display method. Referring to the display method (901) of the map information shown in FIG. 9, it can be seen that the map information is displayed according to a scale of 1:1000.

[0196] Referring to the output information of the selected content in FIG. 7, since this second display method (1:1000 scale) satisfies the output conditions of content A (711), content B (712), and content C (713), content A (911), content B (912), and content C (913) are displayed in the area corresponding to point A (910) in the map information of FIG. 9.

[0197] In order to provide content B (912), the server (10) receives external reference information corresponding to the current number of people waiting (5 teams) and the estimated waiting time (15 minutes) from an external server (10), and can provide content B (912) containing the received external reference information to the second user terminal (30). Additionally, content B (912) displays an interface (912a) connected to a URL link related to the waiting registration function for branch A (910).

[0198] Content C (913) can be displayed by changing the content C (713) uploaded by the first user terminal (20) to the server (10) to correspond to the shape of the area corresponding to point A (910). Specifically, content C (913) is displayed in a form where a part of it is cut off to match the shape of the area corresponding to point A (910).

[0200] Referring to Figures 8 and 9, content is displayed in areas other than the area corresponding to point A in the map information.

[0201] First, referring to FIG. 8, image content (821) and text content (822) related to "Friends Fitness" corresponding to Branch B (820) are displayed. Then, referring to FIG. 9, image content (921), text content (922), and a reservation interface (923) related to "Ryan Hamburger" corresponding to Branch C (920) are displayed.

[0202] Here, since point B (820) and point C (920) are located in the same building, the area corresponding to point B (820) and the area corresponding to point C (920) in the map information may overlap at least partially. In this case, the output conditions for content (821, 822) related to point B (820) can be set so as not to overlap with the output conditions for content (921, 922, 923) related to point C (920). Therefore, when map information is displayed at a scale of 1:3000 as in FIG. 8, content (821, 822) related to point B (820) is displayed, and when map information is displayed at a scale of 1:1000 as in FIG. 9, content (921, 922, 923) related to point C (920) can be displayed.

[0203] If the manager of branch B (820) first registers the display of content (821, 822) on the server (10) and sets the output condition corresponding to 1:3000, then the manager of branch C (920) may not be able to select the output condition corresponding to 1:3000 because it is an output condition that has already been preempted by another person (the manager of branch B) whose map area overlaps with their own.

[0204] In some cases, the manager of branch C (920) may apply for a waiting registration for a preempted output condition on the server (10). In such cases, the server (10) may provide the manager of branch C (920) with priority access to the opportunity to set the output condition when the manager of branch B (820) later cancels the output condition.

[0205] However, in some cases, the selection of output conditions may be determined by the cost offered to the server (10) by the manager of branch B (820) or branch C (830). If the manager of branch C (830) offers to pay a higher cost than the manager of branch B (820) for the same output condition, that output condition may be assigned to the manager of branch C (830).

[0206] In addition, in some cases, even if the manager of Branch B (820) has preempted a specific output condition, if the manager of Branch C (920) subsequently offers a higher cost, the output condition may be assigned to the manager of Branch C (920). For example, if the assignment of output conditions is determined on a monthly basis, after the one-month period ends, the output condition may be assigned to the user who offered the higher cost.

[0208] In the case of branch B (820) and branch C (920) described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, the administrator terminal of branch B (820) may correspond to the first user terminal (20) of FIG. 1, and the administrator terminal of branch C (920) may correspond to the third user terminal (40) of FIG. 1.

[0209] Additionally, referring to FIG. 8, content (841) related to branch D (840) is displayed in the area corresponding to branch D (840). The content (841) is content containing external reference information, and displays information that two vehicles are currently available for parking at the ABC parking lot corresponding to branch D (840).

[0210] Additionally, in FIG. 8, no content is displayed in the area corresponding to point E (850), but in FIG. 9, content (951) is displayed in the area corresponding to point E (940). This may be because the first display method (1:3000 scale) does not correspond to the output conditions of the content (951), while the second display method (1:1000 scale) does. The content (951) includes an interface (952) related to downloading an application associated with the corresponding point.

[0212] FIG. 10 illustrates a screen (1000) in which a second user terminal (30) displays map information with content displayed.

[0213] FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate a form in which map information is displayed in a web browser. However, the second user terminal (30) can display map information through an application related to a map service, and in this case, content can also be displayed in the map information.

[0214] FIG. 10 illustrates map information displayed using a third display method. Referring to the display method (1001) of the map information shown in FIG. 10, it can be seen that the map information is displayed according to a method in which the actual length relative to the reference length of the map information is 30m. In this way, even when map information is displayed according to a scale information method other than that based on a ratio, the server (10) can determine whether the display method of the map satisfies the content output method according to a certain standard and provide the map information with the content displayed to the second user terminal (30).

[0215] The map information shown in FIG. 10 may correspond to a map information shown at a larger scale than the map information shown in FIG. 8. Therefore, the content (1011, 1012) displayed in the area corresponding to point D (1010) in the map information shown in FIG. 10 may contain more information than the content (841) displayed in the area corresponding to point D (840) in the map information shown in FIG. 8.

[0216] Specifically, the content (1011, 1012) corresponds to detailed information regarding whether a parking area is available at a parking lot corresponding to point D (1010). The server (10) can receive external reference information related to real-time information of the parking lot of point D (1010) from an external server (10), generate graphic information reflecting the real-time information of point D (1010), and provide it to a second user terminal (30).

[0218] Hereinafter, another embodiment of the method in which the server (10) of the present invention displays user-provided content on a map will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 to 14.

[0219] FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating how a server (10) provides map information with content displayed.

[0220] For the sake of convenience of explanation, details identical or similar to those described above will be omitted from the description of each step in Fig. 11.

[0221] In step (1101), the server (10) receives qualification information for the first point from the first user terminal (20) and verifies the qualification suitability for the first point. Since step (1101) is substantially the same as step (201) of FIG. 2, the detailed description of step (1101) is replaced by the description of step (201) of FIG. 2.

[0222] In step (1103), the server (10) receives information allowing the display of another person's content in an area corresponding to a first point from the first user terminal (20). Accordingly, the server (10) may suggest to another user terminal that content be displayed in an area corresponding to a first point.

[0223] In step (1105), the server (10) receives the fourth content from the fourth user terminal (50). Since step (1105) is similar to step (203) of FIG. 2, the detailed description of step (1105) is replaced by the description of step (203) of FIG. 2.

[0224] In step (1107), the server (10) checks the output conditions for the fourth content. Since step (1107) is similar to step (205) of FIG. 2, the detailed description of step (1107) is replaced by the description of step (205) of FIG. 2.

[0225] In step (1109), the server (10) receives a request from the second user terminal (30) to display map information including the first point using the fourth display method. Since step (1109) is similar to step (207) of FIG. 2, the detailed description of step (1109) is replaced by the description of step (207) of FIG. 2.

[0226] In step (1111), if the fourth display method satisfies the output condition of the fourth content, the server (10) provides map information to the second user terminal (30) in which the fourth content is displayed in an area corresponding to the first point. Since step (1111) is similar to step (209) of FIG. 2, the detailed description of step (1111) is replaced by the description of step (209) of FIG. 2.

[0228] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 12 to 14, an example of a method for a server (10) described with reference to FIG. 11 to provide map information with content displayed thereon will be explained.

[0229] FIGS. 12 to 14 illustrate, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention, a second user terminal (30) or a fourth user terminal (50) in the process of providing map information with content displayed thereon, screens in an exemplary manner.

[0230] FIG. 12 illustrates a screen (1200) in which a fourth user terminal (50) receives information for selecting a point in map information before the server (10) performs step (1103) of FIG. 11 and performs step (1105).

[0231] Before the fourth user terminal (50) displays the screen (1200) of FIG. 12, the server (10) verifies the qualification suitability for point F (1210) of the first user terminal (20) (1101) and receives information (1103) allowing the display of another person's content in the area corresponding to point F (1210) from the first user terminal (20).

[0232] As illustrated in FIG. 12, when the fourth user terminal (50) displays map information and receives selection information for point F (1210), it may display a guidance window (1220) that guides the owner (manager) of point F (1210) to request content display. The guidance window (1220) may display information about point F (1221), guidance (1222) on a service for displaying user-provided content on a map, and a connection interface (1223) related to requesting content display from the owner (manager) of point F.

[0233] When the connection interface (1223) is selected on the screen of Fig. 12, the fourth user terminal (50) displays a screen for uploading content to be displayed on the server (10).

[0235] FIG. 13 illustrates a screen (1300) in which a fourth user terminal (50) displays the output conditions of the content so that the server (10) performs the step (1107) of FIG. 11.

[0236] The content (1311) may be the fourth content received by the server (10) from the fourth user terminal (50) as a result of performing step (1105) of FIG. 11.

[0237] As illustrated in FIG. 13, the fourth user terminal (50) can receive information regarding the output conditions and costs of the content it requested to display from the server (10) and display it.

[0238] Referring to the table (1310) shown in FIG. 13, multiple output conditions of the content (1311) and multiple cost information corresponding thereto are displayed. Among these multiple output conditions, the fourth user can select an output condition that meets the requirements for outputting the content (1311).

[0239] In some cases, output conditions that have already been selected by another person may be displayed as unavailable for selection, and an interface (1312) may be provided that allows a fourth user to apply for a waiting list. In such cases, the server (10) may prioritize providing the fourth user with the opportunity to select the corresponding output condition when the corresponding output condition is subsequently cancelled.

[0240] Referring to the table (1310) shown in FIG. 13, the cost of displaying the content may increase as the condition becomes that the content is exposed to more users through the map service. Depending on the result selected in the table (1310), at least a portion of the cost paid by the fourth user may be transferred to the first user. Thus, the manager (owner) of a point displayed as a certain area in the map information can obtain additional income by allowing others to display content in the area corresponding to their point.

[0242] FIG. 14 illustrates a screen (1400) in which a second user terminal (30) displays map information with content displayed as a result of the server (10) performing step (1111) of FIG. 11.

[0243] Before displaying the screen (1400) of FIG. 4, the second user terminal (30) may request the server (10) to display map information using the fourth display method.

[0244] FIG. 14 illustrates map information displayed using a fourth display method. Referring to the display method (1401) of the map information shown in FIG. 14, it can be seen that the map information is displayed according to a scale of 1:3000.

[0245] Referring to the output information of the selected content in FIG. 13, since this fourth display method (1:3000 scale) satisfies the output condition of the content (1311), the content (1412) is displayed in the area corresponding to point F (1410) among the map information of FIG. 14.

[0246] In some cases, the content (1412) may not occupy the entire area corresponding to point F (1410), and the name information (1411) of point F may be displayed together in the area corresponding to point F (1410).

[0248] FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a method for a user terminal to display map information containing content.

[0249] Each step described with reference to FIG. 15 is described as being performed by a single user terminal, but in the above description, steps (1501–1503) are described as steps performed by the first user terminal (20), and steps (1505–1507) are described as steps performed by the second user terminal (30). For convenience of explanation, all steps below will be described based on the assumption that they are performed by the first user terminal (20).

[0250] In step (1501), the user terminal (20) provides at least one piece of content to the server (10). Step (1503) is substantially the same as step (203) of FIG. 2, differing only in the performing entity, so a detailed description is omitted.

[0251] In step (1503), the user terminal (20) displays output conditions for at least one piece of content. Since step (1503) is substantially the same as step (205) of FIG. 2, differing only in the performing entity, a detailed description is omitted.

[0252] In step (1505), the user terminal (20) requests the server (10) to display map information including the first point using the first display method. Since step (1505) is substantially the same as step (207) of FIG. 2, differing only in the performing entity, a detailed description is omitted.

[0253] In step (1507), if the first display method satisfies the output condition of the first content, the user terminal (20) displays map information in which the first content is displayed in an area corresponding to the first point. Since step (1507) is substantially the same as step (209) of FIG. 2, differing only in the performing entity, a detailed description is omitted.

[0255] The technical features disclosed in each embodiment of the present invention are not limited to that embodiment only, and as long as they are not mutually incompatible, the technical features disclosed in each embodiment may be combined and applied to different embodiments.

[0256] Therefore, in each embodiment, the technical features are described primarily, but as long as the technical features are not mutually incompatible, they may be combined and applied together.

[0257] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and the attached drawings, and various modifications and variations may be possible from the perspective of those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention should be defined not only by the claims of this specification but also by equivalents thereof. Explanation of the symbols

[0258] 10: Server 20: First user terminal 30: Second user terminal 40: Third user terminal 50: 4th user terminal

Claims

Claim 1 A method for a server to provide map information including user-provided content, comprising: receiving at least one piece of content regarding a first point from a first user terminal; checking an output condition for the at least one piece of content, wherein the output condition relates to a display method of the map information; receiving a request from a second user terminal to display map information including the first point using a first display method; and, if the first display method satisfies an output condition for a first piece of content which is any one of the at least one piece of content, providing map information to the second user terminal in which the first piece of content is displayed in an area corresponding to the first point. Claim 2 A method of providing map information according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the contents includes user-provided content related to external reference information received through a network. Claim 3 In claim 2, a method for providing map information including user-provided content, wherein the external reference information is information received from an external server through API information received from the first user terminal. Claim 4 A method for providing map information including user-provided content, comprising: receiving a request from the second user terminal to change the first display method to a second display method; and, when the second display method satisfies the output condition of the second content which is any one of the at least one content, providing map information to the second user terminal in which the second content is displayed in an area corresponding to the first point. Claim 5 A method of providing map information including user-provided content, wherein, in claim 4, the first content is not related to external reference information received through a network, and the second content is content related to external reference information, and in the map information, the size of the first point displayed according to the first display method is smaller than the size of the first point displayed according to the second display method. Claim 6 A method for providing map information including user-provided content, comprising, in addition to the step of receiving the content, receiving qualification information for the first point from the first user terminal and verifying the qualification suitability for the first point, performed prior to the step of receiving the content. Claim 7 In claim 1, the display method is a method of providing map information including user-provided content related to size information where the first point is displayed on a screen where map information is displayed. Claim 8 A method of providing map information including user-provided content related to at least one of the size information, scale information on which map information is displayed, area information on which one point is displayed on the screen, and occupancy ratio information on which the first point occupies the screen. Claim 9 A method of providing map information including user-provided content, wherein at least one of the above-mentioned content includes graphic information corresponding to the shape of an area corresponding to the first point. Claim 10 A method of providing map information including user-provided content that is modified based on the graphic information, wherein at least one of the contents is related to external reference information received through a network. Claim 11 A method for providing map information including user-provided content, wherein at least one of the content includes a connection interface connected to a URL received from the first user terminal, in accordance with claim 1. Claim 12 A method for providing map information including user-provided content, comprising, in addition to the step of providing cost information related to displaying the at least one content according to the output condition to the first user terminal, which is performed prior to the step of checking the output condition for the at least one content. Claim 13 A method of providing map information including user-provided content, wherein the cost information includes a plurality of cost information that are calculated differently depending on at least one of the output conditions, the size of the content, and whether the content is related to external reference information received through a network. Claim 14 A method of providing map information including at least one of the output conditions, which includes user-provided content additionally related to time information in which the map information is displayed, in accordance with claim 1. Claim 15 A method of providing map information including user-provided content additionally related to the information of the second user terminal, wherein at least one of the output conditions is a method of providing map information. Claim 16 A method for providing map information including user-provided content, comprising: a step of receiving third content for a second point from a third user terminal, wherein at least a portion of the areas corresponding to the first and second points in the map information overlap; a step of checking output conditions for the third content, wherein the output conditions for the third content do not overlap with the output conditions for at least one content; and a step of providing map information in which the third content is displayed in an area corresponding to the second point to the second user terminal when the first display method satisfies the output conditions for the third content. Claim 17 A method for providing map information including user-provided content according to claim 1, further comprising: receiving a request from a fourth user terminal to display a fourth content in an area corresponding to the first point; receiving an acceptance of the request to display the fourth content from the first user terminal; receiving the fourth content from the fourth user terminal; checking output conditions for the fourth content; and, if the first display method satisfies the output conditions of the fourth content, providing map information in which the fourth content is displayed in an area corresponding to the first point to the second user terminal. Claim 18 A method for providing map information including user-provided content, comprising, in relation to displaying the fourth content in an area corresponding to the first point on the first user terminal, further comprising the step of providing cost information paid to the first user. Claim 19 A server for providing map information including user-provided content, comprising: a memory; and a processor connected to the memory and configured to execute commands included in the memory, wherein the processor comprises: receiving at least one piece of content regarding a first point from a first user terminal; checking an output condition for the at least one piece of content, wherein the output condition relates to a method for displaying the map information; receiving a request from a second user terminal to display map information including the first point using a first display method; and, if the first display method satisfies an output condition for a first piece of content which is any one of the at least one piece of content, providing map information to the second user terminal in which the first piece of content is displayed in an area corresponding to the first point. Claim 20 A method for displaying map information including user-provided content, comprising: providing at least one piece of content for a first point to a server; displaying an output condition for the at least one piece of content, wherein the output condition relates to a method of displaying the map information; requesting the server to display the map information including the first point using a first display method; and, if the first display method satisfies the output condition of the first content which is any one of the at least one piece of content, displaying map information in which the first content is displayed in an area corresponding to the first point. Claim 21 A user terminal for displaying map information including user-provided content, comprising: a memory; and a processor connected to the memory and configured to execute commands included in the memory, wherein the processor comprises: a step of providing at least one piece of content for a first point to a server; a step of indicating an output condition for the at least one piece of content, wherein the output condition relates to a method for displaying the map information; a step of requesting the server to display map information including the first point using a first display method; and a step of displaying map information in which the first piece of content is displayed in an area corresponding to the first point when the first display method satisfies an output condition of the first piece of content which is any one of the at least one piece of content. Claim 22 A computer program stored on a storage medium in combination with hardware to execute the method of any one of claims 1 through 18 and 20.

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