Method, server and user terminal of saving and sharing message content in chat room

Abstract

The method for storing and sharing content of a chat room according to the present invention comprises, in a method for a server to store and share content of a chat room, the steps of: obtaining selection information from a first user terminal selecting content to be stored on the server among the content of the chat room, and storing the content corresponding to the selection information; providing information regarding the content to the first user terminal; receiving a request from the first user terminal for the issuance of link information that allows access to shared content corresponding to at least a portion of the content to the server; and, upon receiving a request for access through the link from a second user terminal, providing the shared content to the second user terminal.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for storing the contents of a chat room conversation on a server and sharing them with another user terminal, a server, and a user terminal. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of mobile communication technology and the proliferation of portable smart devices, messenger services that provide conversation functions through instant messages such as text, images, or voice with others are becoming widely available. As various information is exchanged through chat rooms of messenger services, the need to share messages from chat rooms with other users is increasing.

[0003] Conventionally, messenger services provided a function to extract chat room messages as separate data. However, data extracted and provided separately in this manner has the problem of poor accessibility because it must be stored and managed on the user's terminal.

[0004] Furthermore, the data extracted and provided separately generally consisted of chat room messages extracted in text form or screens displaying the messages generated as images. In the case of data extracted in text form, there is a problem in that the information from the chat room is not sufficiently reflected because it differs from the actual display format. Additionally, in the case of data generated in image form, there are issues such as the inability to copy the text and an increase in data size.

[0005] Accordingly, there is an increasing demand for a new type of method for storing and sharing chat room content that can solve these conventional problems and improve user convenience. Prior art literature

[0006] Republic of Korea Registered Patent No. 10-1483295 (2015.01.09) The problem to be solved

[0007] The present invention aims to provide a method for a user to store the content of a chat room on a server and to share at least some of the content stored on the server with other users in a simple manner.

[0008] In addition, the present invention aims to provide a function that can visually identify information about a counterpart who has access rights to content stored on a server. means of solving the problem

[0009] The method for storing and sharing content of a chat room according to the present invention comprises, in a method for a server to store and share content of a chat room, the steps of: obtaining selection information from a first user terminal selecting content to be stored on the server among the content of the chat room, and storing the content corresponding to the selection information; providing information regarding the content to the first user terminal; receiving a request from the first user terminal for the issuance of link information that allows access to shared content corresponding to at least a portion of the content to the server; and, upon receiving a request for access through the link from a second user terminal, providing the shared content to the second user terminal.

[0010] In one embodiment of the present invention, in the step of providing the stored content or the step of providing the shared content, the server may provide the stored content or the shared content so that it is displayed in the same display form as the display form of the stored content or the shared content in the chat room.

[0011] In one embodiment of the present invention, the display form may include a display form for speaker information of a message and a display form for a message.

[0012] In one embodiment of the present invention, the selection information for the stored content is at least one of information for the chat room, information for the start and end messages of the stored content, and information for individual messages included in the stored content, and when the selection information for the stored content is information for the chat room, the stored content may include all messages displayed through the chat room.

[0013] In one embodiment of the present invention, the method further comprises the step of obtaining selection information for the shared content from the first user terminal, which is performed prior to the step of receiving the sharing request, wherein the selection information for the shared content is at least one of information for the chat room, information for the start and end messages of the shared content, and information for individual messages included in the shared content, and when the selection information for the shared content is information for the chat room, the shared content may include all messages displayed through the chat room.

[0014] In one embodiment of the present invention, the step of obtaining information related to access rights to the shared content from the first user is further included, and the step of providing the shared content may further include a step of determining whether the second user has the access rights.

[0015] In one embodiment of the present invention, the step of providing information about a user having access rights to the first user terminal may be further included.

[0016] In one embodiment of the present invention, information regarding a user having access rights may be provided so as to be displayed in correspondence with the shared content when the server provides the stored content to the first user terminal.

[0017] In one embodiment of the present invention, the information related to the access right is the account information of the counterparty selected by the first user, and the server can check whether the account information of the second user terminal corresponds to the account information of the counterparty in the step of determining whether the server has the access right.

[0018] In one embodiment of the present invention, the step of providing the shared content may include a step of checking whether the shared content includes information to be hidden, and if the shared content includes information to be hidden, a step of providing the information to the second user terminal by hiding the information to be hidden.

[0019] In one embodiment of the present invention, the method may include the steps of receiving a request from the second user terminal to verify whether the shared content has been tampered with, determining whether the shared content has been tampered with based on metadata corresponding to a message included in the shared content, and providing information to the second user terminal regarding whether the shared content has been tampered with.

[0020] A server for storing and sharing content of a chat room 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: obtaining selection information from a first user terminal selecting content to be stored in the server among the content of the chat room, and storing the content corresponding to the selection information; providing the content to the first user terminal; receiving a request from the first user terminal for the issuance of link information that enables access to shared content corresponding to at least a portion of the content to the server; and, upon receiving an access request through the link from the second user terminal, providing the shared content stored in the server to the second user terminal.

[0021] A method for a user terminal of the present invention to store and share content of a chat room comprises the steps of: providing a server with selection information for selecting content to be stored on the server among the content of the chat room; receiving information regarding the stored content from the server and displaying it on a screen; and requesting the server to issue link information that allows access to shared content corresponding to at least a portion of the stored content.

[0022] In one embodiment of the present invention, in the step of receiving information about the stored content and displaying it on a screen, the stored content may be displayed in the same display form as the display form of the stored content in the chat room.

[0023] In one embodiment of the present invention, the display form may include a display form for speaker information of a message and a display form for a message.

[0024] In one embodiment of the present invention, the selection information for the stored content is at least one of information for the chat room, information for the start and end messages of the stored content, and information for individual messages included in the stored content, and when the selection information for the stored content is information for the chat room, the stored content may include all messages displayed through the chat room.

[0025] In one embodiment of the present invention, the method further includes a step of providing selection information for the shared content, which is performed prior to the step of providing the sharing request, wherein the selection information for the shared content is at least one of information about the chat room, information about the start and end messages of the shared content, and information about individual messages included in the shared content, and when the selection information for the shared content is information about the chat room, the shared content may include all messages displayed through the chat room.

[0026] In one embodiment of the present invention, the step of providing information related to access rights to the shared content to the server may be further included.

[0027] In one embodiment of the present invention, when displaying information about the stored content on the screen, information about the user having access rights may be displayed together.

[0028] In one embodiment of the present invention, information about a user having access rights may be displayed corresponding to the shared content.

[0029] A user terminal for storing and sharing content of a chat room 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 selection information for stored content to a server—wherein the stored content includes at least one message included in the chat room—, displaying information about the stored content stored on the server on a screen, and requesting the server to share shared content corresponding to at least a portion of the stored content. Effects of the invention

[0030] The method for storing and sharing chat room content according to the present invention has the advantage that a user can store chat room content on a server and share at least some of the content stored on the server with other users in a simple manner.

[0031] In addition, the method for storing and sharing chat room content according to the present invention has the advantage of being able to visually identify information about the counterpart who has access rights to the content stored on the server. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0032] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a network environment according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 2 and FIGS. 3 are flowcharts illustrating a method for a server of the present invention to store and share content of a chat room. FIGS. 4 to 17 illustrate, in an exemplary manner, a screen in the process of a first user terminal and a second user terminal performing a method of storing and sharing content of a chat room according to embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating a method for a first user terminal of the present invention to store and share content of a chat room. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] A singular expression includes a plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0039] The present invention will be described below with reference to the attached drawings.

[0040] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a network environment according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] 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) via a network. In FIG. 1, a first user terminal (20) and a second user terminal (30) are illustrated as examples of user terminals.

[0042] The first user terminal (20) is a terminal used by the first user by logging in with the first user's account registered on the server (10), and the second user terminal (30) is a terminal used by the second user by logging in with the second user's account registered on the server (10).

[0043] Hereinafter, for the convenience of explanation, the first user terminal (20) is described as a terminal that stores content of a chat room and shares it with other user terminals, and the second user terminal (30) is described as a terminal that receives content shared by the first user terminal (20). However, the functions that can be performed according to the user terminals in this way are not specified or limited in the present invention. Therefore, it is possible for the second user terminal (30) to store content and share it with other user terminals, and it is also possible for the first user terminal (20) to receive content.

[0044] 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.

[0045] The server (10) may be implemented as a computer device or a plurality of computer devices that provide commands, code, files, content, services, etc. The server (10) may be a server (10) capable of transmitting and receiving information by communicating with a user terminal through a network.

[0046] The server (10) may include a processor (11), memory (12) and a communication unit (13).

[0047] The processor (11) controls the overall operation of the memory (12) and the communication unit (13) to provide a messenger service to the user terminal and store content. The messenger service provides a conversation (chatting) function through instant messages between user terminals.

[0048] 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, the memory (12) may store an application related to storing and sharing messenger services and content.

[0049] 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.

[0050] The communication unit (13) can communicate with the user terminal via a network in a wired or wireless manner.

[0051] The server (10) of the present invention can provide a messenger service to a user terminal. Specifically, the server (10) provides a message chat room as a messenger service that allows users to send and receive messages to and from each other.

[0052] In such messenger services, users can be connected to one another through the relationship of being friends. In messenger services, a friendship can be formed through mutual friend requests and acceptances between users, or by satisfying conditions such as at least one of the two having the other person's phone number saved. In some cases, it is possible for a messenger service to provide services to users who are not friends, but the types of services provided may be limited compared to those provided to users who are friends.

[0053] The server (10) obtains selection information from the first user terminal (20) that selects the content to be stored on the server among the content of the chat room, stores the content corresponding to the selection information in the storage space of the server (10), and can provide the content stored on the server (10) to the first user terminal (20). The server (10) can receive a request from the first user terminal (20) for the issuance of link information that allows access to shared content corresponding to at least a part of the stored content. When the server (10) receives a request for access via a link from the second user terminal (30), it can provide the shared content to the second user terminal (30).

[0054] Here, the content includes at least one message contained in the chat room. The message may include text, images, videos, audio, files, contact information, location information, and voting information of the participants, etc.

[0055] The saved content refers to at least one message that the first user intends to save to the server (10). The saved content may be content selected by the first user from the chat room content that they intend to save to the server. The shared content refers to at least one message from the saved content that they intend to share with another user.

[0056] Here, the selection information for the saved content refers to the information that the first user selects the content to be saved to the server (10) from among at least one content included in the chat room.

[0057] Here, a save request for saved content means a request for the first user to save the saved message selected through selection information to the server.

[0058] The server (10) can store the stored content in the storage space of the server (10) and provide it to the first user terminal (20) so that it can be viewed. Therefore,

[0059] Here, shared content refers to at least one message that the first user intends to share with another user. In the present invention, shared content is described as being at least a part of the stored content. That is, the first user may select all or part of the stored content as shared content and share it with another user.

[0060] The server (10) can share the shared content with other users in various ways. For example, a first user may request the issuance of link information that allows access to the shared content while requesting the sharing of the shared content. In this case, the server may generate and provide a link that allows access to the shared content to the first user or the second user. The second user terminal may obtain the link in various ways and request access to the shared content through the link.

[0061] As another example, the first user can specify another user (user account) to share with while requesting the sharing of shared content. The server can directly provide the shared content to the specified other user.

[0062] The server (10) may receive access rights to shared content from the first user terminal. The access rights may be information about a user account that can access the shared content stored in the server (10). A user terminal requesting access to the server (10) provides user account information (ID and password, etc.) to the server (10) to log in, and the server (10) checks whether the logged-in user account has access rights.

[0064] The user terminal (20, 30) may include a communication unit (21, 31), an input unit (22, 32), an output unit (23, 33), a memory (24, 34), and a processor (25, 35).

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

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

[0067] The user terminal (20, 30) can receive user interaction through the input unit (22, 32). Interaction refers to the user operating the input unit to input information into the user terminal that reflects the user's selection or intention. 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 by a motion sensor, etc.

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

[0069] The memory (24, 34) functions as a storage medium and can store a number of applications running on the user terminal (20, 30), data for the operation of the user terminal (20, 30), and commands. This memory (24, 34) 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.

[0070] In one embodiment, the memory (24, 34) may store an application related to storing and sharing messenger services and content.

[0071] The processor (25, 35) can control the overall operation of the communication unit (21, 31), input unit (22, 32), output unit (23, 33) and memory (24, 34) to execute an application related to the messenger service.

[0072] The first user terminal (20) provides the server (10) with selection information and a storage request for selecting the storage content to be stored on the server among the chat room contents, and can receive information about the storage content from the server (10) and display it on the screen. The first user terminal (20) can request the server (10) to share the shared content corresponding to at least a part of the storage content.

[0073] The first user terminal (20) may request the server to share the shared content and request the issuance of link information that allows access to the shared content. The first user terminal (20) may receive the link and provide it to another server or another user terminal.

[0075] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 2 and FIGS. 3, an embodiment of a method for a server (10) of the present invention to store and share content of a chat room will be described.

[0076] FIGS. 2 and FIGS. 3 are flowcharts for explaining how the server (10) of the present invention stores and shares the content of a chat room.

[0077] First, with reference to FIG. 2, a method for storing and sharing content of a chat room performed between a server (10) and a first user terminal (20) will be explained.

[0078] In step (201), the server (10) obtains selection information from the first user terminal (20) that selects the content to be stored on the server among the content of the chat room, and stores the content corresponding to the selection information.

[0079] There may be various types of selection information regarding saved content. For example, selection information regarding saved content may be information about the chat room containing the saved content. If the first user selects the chat room containing the saved content as selection information for the saved content, it may mean that the saved content is included in that chat room and includes all messages displayed through that chat room.

[0080] In addition, as another example, the selection information for the saved content may be information regarding the start message and the last message among at least one individual message to be selected as the saved content. The first user may select two different messages as the start message and the last message, and select said two messages and a plurality of consecutive messages displayed between them as the saved content.

[0081] In addition, as another example, the selection information for the stored content may be information for at least one individual message to be selected as the stored content. The first user may select each individual message as the stored content.

[0082] In addition to the examples mentioned above, there may be various types of selection information for saved content that can specify the message to be selected.

[0083] The server (10) obtains selection information and a storage request for storage content from the first user terminal (10) and stores the storage content in the storage space of the server (10). Access rights to the storage content in the server (10) may be granted to the first user's account without any separate settings.

[0085] In step (203), the server (10) provides the first user terminal (20) with the content stored on the server (10).

[0086] The storage content provided in step (203) is stored in the storage space of the server (10). Even if the storage content is deleted from the first user terminal (20), the first user terminal (20) can receive the storage content from the server (10) and view it.

[0087] In step (203), the server (10) can provide the stored content to be displayed in a display form that is the same or similar to that displayed in the chat room.

[0088] Specifically, the stored content provided by the server (10) in step (203) is provided to be displayed in the same display form as the stored content in the chat room displayed on the screen of the first user terminal (20) before step (201) is performed. Here, the display form includes the display form for the speaker information of the message, the display form for the message, and the background and interface of the chat room. The speaker information refers to the name, profile information, etc., of the user account that spoke the message. In addition, the display form for the message refers to the text font information of the message, the shape of the speech bubble, the arrangement of the speech bubble, etc.

[0089] In some cases, at step (203), the server (10) may provide the saved content so that it is not exactly the same as what is displayed in the chat room, and some parts are displayed in a different form. For example, the server may display the background, interface, shape of speech bubbles, and arrangement of speech bubbles in the same way as the chat room, but the text font of the message may be displayed differently. Nevertheless, the main information of the saved content is displayed in the same way as the chat room, so the first user may perceive it as a display form having significant similarity to the chat room.

[0090] Even if the message is an image or video message rather than a text message, it may be provided in a display form identical or similar to that displayed in the actual chat room. Additionally, even if the message is a special type of message, such as contact information, location information, or participants' voting information, it may be provided in a display form identical or similar to that displayed in the actual chat room.

[0092] In step (205), the server (10) receives a sharing request from the first user terminal (20) for shared content corresponding to at least a portion of the stored content.

[0093] Shared content may refer to at least one message among the stored content that is intended to be shared with another user. Shared content may be some or all of the at least one message included in the stored content.

[0094] The server (10) may receive selection information regarding shared content from the first user terminal (20). As described regarding selection information regarding stored content, selection information regarding shared content may also be of various types. For example, selection information regarding shared content may be any one of information about a chat room, information about the start and end messages of the shared content, and information about individual messages included in the shared content.

[0095] The server (10) can receive a sharing request based on various sharing methods from the first user terminal (20).

[0096] For example, the first user terminal (20) may request the server (10) to share the shared content and request the issuance of link information that allows access to the shared content. In response to this request, the server (10) may generate and provide a link in the form of a URL that allows access to the shared content. In some cases, the link information may be provided in the form of an interface that allows for interaction input from the user terminal, rather than in the form of a URL.

[0097] The first user terminal (20) may receive link information from a server and transmit it to another server or another user terminal. However, in some cases, the server (10) may transmit the link information to the account of the counterpart selected by the first user terminal (20) as a target for sharing. Specifically, the server (10) may transmit the link information to the counterpart's account through a chat room of a messenger service in which the first user and the counterpart participate.

[0098] In some cases, the link information may be set to be valid for a limited time. Specifically, the server (10) may disconnect the link information and the shared content stored on the server (10) after a predetermined time has passed, thereby preventing access to the shared content stored on the server (10) even through the link information.

[0099] As another example, the first user may request the server (10) to share the shared content and specify another user account to share with. In this case, the server (10) may provide the shared content directly to the specified other user. For example, the second user to share with corresponds to a friend of the first user in the messenger service provided by the server (10), and the server (10) may provide the shared content directly to the second user through the messenger service.

[0101] In step (207), the server (10) provides the first user terminal (20) with information about a user who has access rights to shared content.

[0102] Information about a user who has access rights to shared content can be provided so as to be displayed together with the stored content when the server (10) provides the stored content to the first user terminal (20).

[0103] If the above-described step (203) is performed before step (205), no other user other than the first user who has access rights to the shared content may be designated. However, if the server (10) provides the stored content to the first user terminal (20) after step (205), a user who has access rights to the shared content may be designated at that time. In this case, information about the user who has access rights to the shared content may be displayed together with the stored content.

[0104] In some cases, there may be a first shared content and a second shared content corresponding to different parts of the stored content. In such cases, information regarding users who have access rights to the first shared content may be displayed corresponding to the first shared content among the stored content. Additionally, information regarding users who have access rights to the second shared content may be displayed corresponding to the second shared content among the stored content. Through this, the first user can easily visually confirm information regarding which user is granted access rights to the shared content corresponding to which part of the stored content.

[0106] Referring to FIG. 3, a method for sharing content of a chat room performed between a server (10) and a second user terminal (30) will be explained.

[0107] In step (301), the server (10) obtains information regarding access rights to shared content from the first user terminal (30). The server (10) may obtain the information regarding access rights before or simultaneously with step (205) of FIG. 2.

[0108] Access rights to shared content can be set in various ways. Specifically, access rights to shared content can be determined based on the account information of the counterpart (a user other than the first user) to whom the first user wishes to share the content. In this case, the first user can input information related to access rights by selecting the counterpart's account information. The first user can select the account information of the counterpart to whom access rights will be granted from the friend list in the messenger service provided by the server (10).

[0109] Additionally, depending on the case, access rights to shared content may be determined not based on the account information of a specific counterpart selected by the first user, but simply to grant access rights to all users who request access through a normal path (such as a path via the link described above). In such a case, the first user may request the server (10) to share the shared content so that anyone can view the shared content, without specifying the account information of the counterpart to receive the shared content.

[0111] In step (303), when the server (10) receives a request for access to shared content from the second user terminal (30), it provides the shared content stored in the server (10) to the second user terminal (30). Step (303) may include detailed steps (303a to 303d).

[0112] In step (303a), the server (10) receives a request for access to shared content from the second user terminal (30).

[0113] The second user terminal (30) may attempt to access the shared content from the first user terminal (20) through various methods. For example, the second user terminal (30) may obtain link information that allows access to the shared content and request access to the shared content from the server (10) through the link.

[0114] The second user terminal (30) may receive such link information directly from the server (10), or, in some cases, receive it through other means not through the server (10). For example, the second user terminal (30) may obtain link information through the server (10) and the internet space, or through other messenger services unrelated to the server (10).

[0115] When the second user terminal (30) receives link information directly from the server (10), the link information can be received through a messenger service provided by the server (10). The link information can be displayed as an interface including a thumbnail related to the sharing of shared content.

[0117] In step (303b), the server (10) determines whether the second user terminal (30) has access rights to the shared content.

[0118] Access rights to shared content may be determined based on the account information of the counterparty to whom the first user wishes to share the shared content. In this case, the server (10) determines whether the second user's account is the same as the counterparty's account selected by the first user in step (205).

[0119] If the second user's account is identical to the counterparty's account selected by the first user, the server (10) determines that the second user's access request has normal access rights and proceeds to the subsequent step (305). However, if the second user's account is different from the counterparty's account selected by the first user, the server (10) determines that the second user's access request does not have normal access rights and proceeds to the subsequent step (307).

[0120] In some cases, access rights to shared content may be determined not based on the account information of a specific counterparty designated by the first user, but simply to grant access rights to all users who request access through a normal path (such as a path via link information described later). In such cases, if the access request from the second user terminal (30) is made via link information, it is determined that all users have normal access rights, and the subsequent step (305) is performed.

[0122] In step (303c), the server (10) provides the shared content stored in the server (10) to the second user terminal (30).

[0123] As described in step (203), the server (10) may provide shared content to be displayed in a display form identical or similar to that displayed in the chat room. Specifically, the shared content provided by the server (10) in step (303c) is provided to be displayed in a display form identical to that of the shared content in the chat room displayed on the screen of the first user terminal (20) before step (201) is performed.

[0124] In some cases, the shared content may include information subject to obscuration. The information subject to obscuration may include personal information of a specific user, speaker information, profanity, or content that violates public order and good morals included in the shared content. When the server (10) provides the shared content to the second user terminal (30) in step (305), it may provide the information subject to obscuration after processing it to obscure it. The second user terminal (30) may request the server (10) or the first user to undo the obscuration of such obscured information. If the server (10) or the first user accepts the request to undo the obscuration, the server (10) may provide the shared content with the obscuration processing removed to the second user terminal (30).

[0125] Information subject to masking within shared content may be determined based on the account information of the second user receiving the shared content. For example, if the second user's account is a participant in the conversation of the shared content, personal information and speaker information included in the shared content may not be designated as information subject to masking. However, if the second user's account is not a participant in the conversation of the shared content and the first user requests masking of personal information, personal information or speaker information included in the shared content may be designated as information subject to masking.

[0126] Additionally, as another example, if the second user's account is an age-verified account and the shared content includes adult-only content, such adult-only content may not be designated as information subject to hiding for the second user's account. However, if the second user's account is a minor account and the shared content includes adult-only content, such adult-only content may be designated as information subject to hiding for the second user's account.

[0127] Additionally, depending on the case, the second user terminal (30) may receive shared content in step (305) and request the server (10) to verify whether the shared content has been tampered with.

[0128] In such cases, the server (10) can determine whether the shared content has been tampered with based on metadata corresponding to messages included in the shared content. Specifically, the server can determine whether the shared content has been tampered with based on whether some messages related to messages included in the shared content have been deleted or modified.

[0129] To this end, the server (10) may refer to the serial number information, creation time information, or hash value of the message as metadata of the message included in the shared content. For example, the server (10) may determine whether there is a deleted message in the shared content by identifying the regularity of the serial number information of the message. This is because if any one of the consecutive messages is deleted, the regularity of the serial number may not be maintained in the messages before and after the deleted message.

[0130] Afterwards, the server (10) can provide information to the second user terminal (30) regarding whether the shared content has been tampered with.

[0132] In step (303d), the server (10) requests account information that has access rights from the second user terminal (30).

[0133] If, in step (303), the server (10) determines that the access request from the second user does not have normal access rights, the server (10) may request account information (ID and password) that has normal access rights from the second user terminal (30).

[0134] Additionally, the second user terminal (30) may request that the first user terminal (20) be granted access rights. If the first user accepts this request, the server (10) grants access rights to the second user's account as well, and subsequent steps (303c) can be performed.

[0136] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 4 to 17, an example of a method for a server (10) described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 3 to store and share the content of a chat room will be described.

[0137] FIGS. 4 to 17 illustrate, in an exemplary manner, a screen in the process of a first user terminal (20) and a second user terminal (30) performing a method of saving and sharing content of a chat room according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0138] FIGS. 4 to 12 illustrate sequential state screens of an embodiment of a method in which a server (10) stores and shares the content of a chat room.

[0139] FIG. 4 illustrates a screen in which the server (10) receives selection information from the first user terminal (20) that selects the content to be saved to the server among the contents of the chat room, so that the server (10) can perform the step (201) of FIG. 2.

[0140] Messages (411 to 416) included in the chat room (401) may be displayed on the screen of the first user terminal (20). In the chat room (401), speaker information (421, 422, 423) for messages corresponding to some of the messages (411, 413, 416) may be displayed.

[0141] At least one interface (431, 432) may be displayed on the screen of the first user terminal (20) to request that at least some of the messages included in the chat room (401) be selected as saved content and saved to the server (10).

[0142] The first interface (431) is an interface that requests all messages of the displayed chat room (401) to be saved to the server (10). When the first user inputs an interaction with the first interface (431), all messages of the chat room (401) displayed as the Peter - Jane chat room are selected as saved content and saved to the server (10).

[0143] The second interface (432) is an interface that requests the first user to save some of the messages selected from the messages in the displayed chat room (401) to the server (10). When the first user inputs an interaction with the second interface (432), a subsequent interface may be displayed that allows the user to select some of the messages in the chat room (401) displayed as the Peter - Jane chat room. Through this, the first user can input selection information for the saved content.

[0145] FIG. 5 illustrates a screen showing the state in which the server (10) performs step (203) of FIG. 2 and displays information that the first user terminal (20) has viewed the content stored in the server (10).

[0146] On the screen of the first user terminal (20), a chat room (501) having the same display form as the chat room (401) of FIG. 4 may be displayed as information regarding the viewing of stored content. Messages (511 to 516) included in the chat room (501) may be displayed to have the same display form as the messages (411 to 416) of FIG. 4. Specifically, the text font and speech bubble shape of the messages (511 to 516) may be displayed to be the same as the messages (411 to 416) of FIG. 4. In addition, speaker information (521, 522, 523) included in the chat room (501) may also be displayed to have the same display form as the speaker information (421, 422, 423) of FIG. 4.

[0148] FIG. 6 illustrates a screen in which the first user terminal (20) receives selection information regarding shared content and information related to access rights to shared content in order for the server (10) to perform step (205) of FIG. 2.

[0149] On the screen of the first user terminal (20), an interface (623, 624) for selecting some of the messages (613, 614) included in the stored content may be displayed as selection information for shared content.

[0150] Additionally, on the screen of the first user terminal (20), selection information (631) for selecting a specific counterparty's account from the first user's friend list can be displayed as information related to access rights to shared content.

[0151] In some cases, the first user may select an interface (632) indicated as meaning "to share so that anyone can view it," and request the server (10) to share the shared content so that anyone can view it, without specifying the account information of the recipient who will receive the shared content.

[0152] The first user may select a specific counterparty account to which access is granted by inputting an interaction with the interface (641), or, in some cases, select a specific chat room to which access is granted by inputting an interaction with the interface (642). When a specific chat room to which access is granted is selected, access may be granted to the account of a participant who joined the selected chat room.

[0154] FIG. 7 illustrates a screen showing a state in which the server (10) performs step (207) of FIG. 2, receives link information that allows the first user terminal (20) to access shared content stored in the server (10), and transmits it to the second user.

[0155] On the screen of the first user terminal (20), link information (702) can be displayed through a chat room (701) in which the first user and the second user participate.

[0156] When link information (702) is transmitted through a chat room (701), a thumbnail (703) related to the sharing of the shared content and an interface (704) related to the thumbnail may be displayed together. The second user terminal (30) may request access to the shared content from the server (10) through this link information (702) or interface (704).

[0158] FIGS. 8 to 10 illustrate a screen in which the server (10) performs step (209) of FIG. 2, and the first user terminal (20) receives information about a user who has access rights to shared content and displays it.

[0159] FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate a screen assuming that the first user terminal (20) is a mobile device, and FIG. 10 illustrates a screen assuming that the first user terminal (20) is a PC.

[0160] Referring to FIG. 8, information (820) regarding a user who has access rights to shared content may be displayed on the screen of the first user terminal (20). Specifically, profile information (821) of a user who has access rights to shared content may be displayed. Additionally, an interface (822) for revoking access rights of a specific user and an interface (823) for adding a user who has access rights to shared content may be displayed on the screen of the first user terminal (20).

[0161] Information (820) about a user who has access rights to such shared content may be displayed together with the stored content (801). A user who has access rights to the shared content may have access rights to the shared content that is at least part of the displayed stored content (801).

[0163] Referring to FIG. 9, information (820) about a user who has access rights to shared content may be displayed on the screen of the first user terminal (20) in correspondence with a message that is the subject of access rights.

[0164] Specifically, information (921) about a user (Jack) with access rights can be displayed in correspondence with the message (911, 912) that is the subject of access rights. Additionally, information (922) about a user (Jane, Kate) with access rights can be displayed in correspondence with the message (913, 914) that is the subject of access rights.

[0165] Through this, the first user can easily visually check information regarding which user is granted access rights to messages corresponding to a specific part of the stored content. In some cases, information regarding users who have access rights to such shared content may be provided not only to the first user but also to the second user.

[0167] Referring to FIG. 10, the screen of the first user terminal (20) shows a state in which stored content provided by the server (10) is displayed by accessing the server (10) through a specific URL (1002) in a web browser (1001).

[0168] Here, information (1022) about the user (Jane, Kate) who has access rights can be displayed in correspondence with the message (1013, 1014) that is the subject of access rights and the web browser scroll (1023). Specifically, when the scroll (1023) moves up and down by operation, the message displayed on the screen changes, and accordingly, the information of the user who has access rights may also change.

[0169] Additionally, a list of other chat rooms (1030) related to the message stored on the server (10) via the web browser (1001) can be displayed on the screen of the first user terminal (20).

[0171] FIG. 11 illustrates a screen in which the server (10) performs step (305) of FIG. 3, and the second user terminal (30) receives shared content stored in the server (10) and displays it.

[0172] On the screen of the second user terminal (30), a chat room (1101) having the same display form as the chat room (401) of FIG. 4 may be displayed as information regarding the shared content provided by the server (10). In the chat room (1101), a message (1102) indicating that the shared content being displayed is a message stored in the server (10) and shared by the first user may be displayed.

[0173] Messages (1113, 1114) included in the chat room (1101) can be displayed to have the same display form as the messages (413, 414) of FIG. 4. Specifically, the text font and speech bubble shape of the messages (1113, 1114) can be displayed to be the same as the messages (413, 414) of FIG. 4.

[0174] Additionally, the speaker information (1122) included in the chat room (1101) may also be displayed in the same display format as the speaker information (422) of FIG. 4. In some cases, the speaker information (1123) of the message (1123) spoken by the first user may be additionally displayed in the shared content displayed on the second user terminal (30). Typically, in the case of a message spoken by oneself, the speaker information may not be displayed (as in FIG. 4). However, since the message (1123) spoken by the first user in the shared content displayed by the second user terminal (30) does not correspond to a message spoken by oneself, the speaker information (1123) may be additionally displayed so that the speaker can be identified (as in FIG. 11).

[0175] An interface (1131, 1132) regarding additional functions for shared content may be displayed on the screen of the second user terminal (30).

[0176] The first interface (1131) is an interface that requests verification of whether shared content has been tampered with or deleted. If a second user inputs an interaction with the first interface (1131), the server (10) can verify whether the messages (1113, 1114) have been tampered with.

[0177] For example, let us assume that according to the serial number rules of the messenger service provided by the server (10), the serial numbers of messages occurring in a single chat room are assigned as consecutive natural numbers. And let us assume that the server (10) has confirmed that the serial number information of message (1113) is 33911 and the serial number information of message (1114) is 33914. In this case, the server (10) can confirm that there were deleted messages (serial numbers 33912, 33913) between message (1113) and message (1114) but have been deleted. The server can provide information to a second user that there were such deleted messages.

[0178] The second interface (1132) is an interface that requests the storage of shared content on the server (10) dependent on the second user's account.

[0180] FIG. 12 illustrates a screen in which the server (10) performs step (307) of FIG. 3 and receives a request for account information in which the second user terminal (30) has access rights.

[0181] A message (1201) requesting account information to which the server (10) has access rights may be displayed on the screen of the second user terminal (30). And when this message (1201) is displayed, the shared content that the second user requested access to may not be displayed.

[0183] FIGS. 13 to 17 illustrate sequential state screens of another embodiment of a method in which a server (10) stores and shares the content of a chat room.

[0184] FIG. 13 illustrates a screen showing the state in which the server (10) performs step (203) of FIG. 2 and displays information that the first user terminal (20) has viewed the content stored in the server (10).

[0185] If the chat room (401) in the example illustrated in FIG. 4 is a one-on-one chat room, the chat room (1301) in the example illustrated in FIG. 13 corresponds to a group chat room with four participants. Also, in the example illustrated in FIG. 13, unlike FIG. 4, a multimedia message (1313) including an image is displayed.

[0186] Referring to FIG. 13, at least one interface (1331, 1332) may be displayed on the screen of the first user terminal (20) to request that at least some of the messages included in the chat room (1301) be selected as storage content and stored on the server (10).

[0187] On the screen of the first user terminal (20), an interface (1332) related to a function that allows the first user to directly select messages to select saved content is displayed. Accordingly, some messages (1312 to 1317) among the messages included in the chat room (1301) are displayed as being selected as saved content.

[0189] FIG. 14 illustrates a screen in which the first user terminal (20) receives selection information regarding shared content and information related to access rights to shared content in order for the server (10) to perform step (205) of FIG. 2.

[0190] On the screen of the first user terminal (20), an interface for selecting some of the messages (1412 to 1416) included in the stored content may be displayed as selection information for shared content.

[0191] Additionally, on the screen of the first user terminal (20), selection information may be displayed as information related to access rights to shared content, such as selecting the account of a specific counterpart from the first user's friend list.

[0192] In the case of Fig. 14, the friend list of the first user can be displayed by distinguishing between the conversation participants (1431) and the conversation non-participants (1432) based on whether they participate in the conversation regarding the message included in the shared content.

[0193] Through these distinct markings, the first user can be helped to determine whether there is a problem with the other party in the friend list receiving the shared content, and whether to designate certain information as information to be detected and mask it.

[0194] In the case of FIG. 14, Mike (1421), whom the first user selected as the recipient of the shared content, is not a participant in the chat room and thus is considered a non-participant in the conversation. In the case of Jack (1422), although he is a participant in the chat room at a specific point in time, he is not a participant in the chat room at the time when the messages (1412 to 1416) included in the shared content are sent, and thus is considered a non-participant in the conversation.

[0196] FIG. 15 illustrates a screen in which the first user terminal (20) is receiving detailed information regarding access rights to shared content.

[0197] A message (1501) asking whether to proceed with masking processing for the masking target information may be displayed on the screen of the first user terminal (20).

[0198] If the server (10) has set a rule not to perform masking on conversation participants of the shared content, and the first user in FIG. 14 has selected Jane as the target user for the shared content, then Jane is a conversation participant, so masking is not required. Therefore, the message (1501) may not be displayed.

[0200] FIG. 16 illustrates a screen showing a state in which the server (10) performs step (207) of FIG. 2, receives link information that allows the first user terminal (20) to access shared content stored in the server (10), and transmits it to the second user.

[0201] On the screen of the first user terminal (20), link information (1602) can be displayed through a chat room (1601) in which the first user and the second user participate.

[0202] When link information (1602) is transmitted through a chat room (1601), a thumbnail (1603) related to the sharing of the shared content and an interface (1604) related to the thumbnail may be displayed together. The second user terminal (30) may request access to the shared content from the server (10) through this link information (1602) or interface (1604).

[0204] FIG. 17 illustrates a screen in which the server (10) performs step (305) of FIG. 3, and the second user terminal (30) receives shared content stored in the server (10) and displays it.

[0205] On the screen of the second user terminal (30), a chat room (1701) having the same display form as the chat room (1301) of FIG. 13 may be displayed as information regarding the shared content provided by the server (10). In the chat room (1701), a message (1702) may be displayed indicating that the shared content being displayed is a message stored in the server (10), shared by the first user, and that some information has been hidden. On the screen of the second user terminal (30), some information corresponding to personal information among the shared content is displayed as hidden (1703).

[0207] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 18, a method for the first user terminal (20) of the present invention to store and share the content of a chat room will be described.

[0208] FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating a method for a first user terminal (20) of the present invention to store and share content of a chat room.

[0209] The method of the first user terminal (20) storing and sharing the content of a chat room is identical in substance to the method of the server (10) storing and sharing the content of a chat room described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 17, except for the subject performing the operation. Therefore, for the convenience of explanation, some of the content identical to the above description regarding the method of the first user terminal (20) storing and sharing the content of a chat room will be replaced with the above description.

[0210] In step (1801), the first user terminal (20) provides the server (10) with selection information and a storage request for selecting the content to be stored on the server among the content of the chat room. Step (1801) is a step corresponding to step (201) performed by the server (10). An example screen of the representative user terminal (20) in step (1810) is illustrated in FIG. 4 and FIG. 13.

[0211] In step (1803), the first user terminal (20) receives information about stored content from the server (10) and displays it on the screen. Step (1803) is a step corresponding to step (203) performed by the server (10). An example screen of the first user terminal (20) in step (1803) is shown in FIGS. 5 and FIGS. 14.

[0212] In step (1805), the first user terminal (20) requests the server (10) to share the shared content corresponding to at least a portion of the stored content. Step (1805) is a step corresponding to step (205) performed by the server (10). An example screen of the first user terminal (20) in step (1805) is illustrated in FIGS. 6, FIGS. 14, and FIGS. 15.

[0213] In step (1805), specifically, the first user terminal (20) receives a request from the server (10) to issue link information that allows access to shared content, and transmits the link information to another server or another user.

[0214] In step (1807), the first user terminal (20) displays on the screen information about the content stored in the server (10) and information about the user who has access rights. Step (1807) is a step corresponding to step (207) performed by the server (10). An example screen of the first user terminal (20) in step (1807) is illustrated in FIGS. 8 to 10.

[0216] 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.

[0217] 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.

[0218] 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

[0220] 10: Server 20: First user terminal 30: Second user terminal

Claims

Claim 1 A method for a server to store and share content of a chat room comprises: obtaining selection information from a first user terminal selecting content to be stored on the server among the content of the chat room, and storing the content corresponding to the selection information; providing information regarding the content of the content of the chat room to the first user terminal; receiving a request from the first user terminal for the issuance of link information that allows access to shared content corresponding to at least a portion of the content of the content of the chat room; receiving a request for access via the link from a second user terminal, providing the shared content to the second user terminal; and providing information regarding a user having access rights to the shared content to the first user terminal, wherein when the selection information is information regarding the chat room, the content of the chat room includes all messages displayed through the chat room, and when the server provides the content of the chat room to the first user terminal, the information regarding the user having access rights is provided to be displayed in correspondence with the shared content. Claim 2 A method for storing and sharing content of a chat room according to claim 1, wherein, in the step of providing information regarding the stored content or providing the shared content, the server provides the stored content or the shared content to be displayed in the same display form as the display form of the stored content or the shared content in the chat room. Claim 3 In claim 2, the display form is a method for storing and sharing content of a chat room, comprising a display form for the speaker information of a message and a display form for the message. Claim 4 A method for storing and sharing content of a chat room, wherein the selection information for the stored content is at least one of information for the chat room, information for the start and end messages of the stored content, and information for individual messages included in the stored content. Claim 5 A method for storing and sharing content of a chat room, wherein, prior to the step of providing the shared content, the method further comprises the step of obtaining selection information for the shared content from the first user terminal, wherein the selection information for the shared content is at least one of information for the chat room, information for the start and end messages of the shared content, and information for individual messages included in the shared content, and when the selection information for the shared content is information for the chat room, the shared content includes all messages displayed through the chat room. Claim 6 A method for storing and sharing content of a chat room according to claim 1, further comprising the step of obtaining information related to the access right from the first user terminal, and the step of providing the shared content further comprising the step of determining whether the second user has the access right. Claim 7 delete Claim 8 delete Claim 9 A method for storing and sharing chat room content, wherein, in claim 6, the information related to the access right is the account information of the counterparty selected by the first user, and the server checks whether the account information of the second user terminal corresponds to the account information of the counterparty in the step of determining whether the access right is present. Claim 10 A method for storing and sharing content of a chat room according to claim 1, wherein the step of providing the shared content comprises: a step of checking whether the shared content includes information to be hidden; and, if the shared content includes information to be hidden, a step of providing the information to be hidden to the second user terminal by processing the information to be hidden. Claim 11 A method for storing and sharing content of a chat room according to claim 1, comprising: receiving a request from the second user terminal to verify whether the shared content has been tampered with; determining whether the shared content has been tampered with based on metadata corresponding to a message included in the shared content; and providing information to the second user terminal regarding whether the shared content has been tampered with. Claim 12 A server for storing and sharing content of a chat room, comprising: a memory; and a processor connected to the memory and configured to execute commands included in the memory, wherein the processor comprises the steps of: obtaining selection information from a first user terminal for selecting content to be stored on a server among the content of a chat room, and storing the content corresponding to the selection information; providing the content to the first user terminal; receiving a request from the first user terminal for the issuance of link information that allows access to shared content corresponding to at least a portion of the content; receiving a request for access via the link from a second user terminal, providing the shared content stored on the server to the second user terminal; and providing information about a user having access rights to the shared content to the first user terminal, wherein when the selection information is information about the chat room, the content of the storage includes all messages displayed through the chat room, and when the server provides the content of the storage to the first user terminal, the information about the user having access rights is provided to be displayed corresponding to the shared content. Claim 13 A method for a user terminal to store and share content of a chat room comprises: providing selection information to a server for selecting content to be stored on the server among the content of the chat room; receiving information about the stored content from the server and displaying it on a screen; and requesting the server to issue link information that allows access to shared content corresponding to at least a portion of the stored content, wherein if the selection information is information about the chat room, the stored content includes all messages displayed through the chat room, and in the step of displaying information about the stored content, the user terminal displays information about a user who has access rights to the shared content in correspondence with the shared content. Claim 14 In claim 13, a method for saving and sharing content of a chat room, wherein the saved content is displayed in the same display form as the display form of the saved content in the chat room, in the step of receiving information about the saved content and displaying it on a screen. Claim 15 In claim 14, the display form is a method for storing and sharing content of a chat room, comprising a display form for the speaker information of a message and a display form for the message. Claim 16 A method for storing and sharing content of a chat room, wherein, in claim 13, the selection information for the stored content is at least one of information for the chat room, information for the start and end messages of the stored content, and information for individual messages included in the stored content, and when the selection information for the stored content is information for the chat room, the stored content includes all messages displayed through the chat room. Claim 17 A method for storing and sharing content of a chat room, wherein, in claim 13, the method further comprises the step of providing selection information for the shared content to the server, wherein the selection information for the shared content is at least one of information for the chat room, information for the start and end messages of the shared content, and information for individual messages included in the shared content, and when the selection information for the shared content is information for the chat room, the shared content includes all messages displayed through the chat room. Claim 18 A method for storing and sharing chat room content according to claim 13, further comprising the step of providing information related to the access rights to the server. Claim 19 delete Claim 20 delete Claim 21 A user terminal that stores and shares content of a chat room, comprising: a memory; and a processor connected to the memory and configured to execute commands included in the memory, wherein the processor comprises the steps of: providing selection information for stored content to a server - wherein the stored content includes at least one message included in a chat room -; displaying information about the stored content stored on the server on a screen; and requesting the server to issue link information that allows access to shared content corresponding to at least a portion of the stored content, wherein if the selection information is information about the chat room, the stored content includes all messages displayed through the chat room, and in the step of displaying information about the stored content, the user terminal displays information about a user having access rights to the shared content in correspondence with the shared 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 to 6, 9 to 11, and 13 to 18.

Images