Method for providing interactive webtoon

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for providing an interactive webtoon, the method comprising the steps of: storing webtoon content including a plurality of story lines; providing a portion of the webtoon content to a user terminal; providing information about two or more selectable story lines connected to the last scene of the portion of the webtoon content to the user terminal; receiving a story line selection request from the user terminal; and providing another portion of the webtoon content corresponding to the selected story line to the user terminal.

Description

Method of providing interactive webtoons

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for providing interactive webtoons and server technology.

[0002] Electronic devices (e.g., smartphones, tablet PCs, etc.) offer a variety of functions, including communication features like phone calls and text messages, as well as internet-based web surfing, music listening, and video viewing. These devices are driving the demand for webtoons.

[0003] Webtoons are created by artists and provided on webtoon platforms, and users consume them on those platforms. In other words, webtoons are provided one-way, directly to users. In this case, it's difficult for users' opinions to be reflected in the content.

[0004] Accordingly, the inventor of the present invention completed the present invention after a long period of research and trial and error on a webtoon service that users can use more conveniently.

[0005] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a method and server for providing interactive webtoons in which user opinions can be reflected.

[0006] Meanwhile, other unspecified purposes of the present invention will be additionally considered within a range that can be easily inferred from the detailed description and effects thereof below.

[0007] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a method for providing an interactive webtoon is provided, comprising: storing webtoon content including a plurality of story lines; providing a portion of the webtoon content to a user terminal; providing information on two or more selectable story lines, which are connected to the last scene of the portion of the webtoon content, to the user terminal; receiving a story line selection request from the user terminal; and providing another portion of the webtoon content corresponding to the selected story line to the user terminal.

[0008] The method may further include, prior to the step of storing webtoon content including the plurality of story lines, a step of providing a voting page to the user terminal that can evaluate a prior preference for at least one of the story, character, and drawing style of the webtoon content; and a step of receiving information on the prior preference.

[0009] Before the step of providing the voting page capable of evaluating the above-mentioned prior preference to the user terminal, the step of receiving the user's login information may be further included, and after the step of receiving the information on the prior preference, the step of awarding points to the user may be further included.

[0010] After the step of providing a portion of the above webtoon content to a user terminal, the method may further include a step of providing a voting page to the user terminal that can collect opinions on at least one of the story, character, and drawing style of the above webtoon content.

[0011] In the step of providing a voting page to the user terminal that can collect opinions on at least one of the story, character, and drawing style of the webtoon content, the voting page can be provided with respect to at least one scene of the webtoon content.

[0012] In the step of storing webtoon content including a plurality of story lines, a step of storing a plurality of different webtoon contents and thumbnails corresponding to each webtoon content, and providing a portion of the webtoon contents to a user terminal, before the step of providing the portion of the webtoon contents to the user terminal, further comprising a step of providing the plurality of thumbnails to the user terminal; and a step of receiving a thumbnail selection request from the user terminal, and in the step of providing the portion of the webtoon contents to the user terminal, webtoon contents corresponding to the selected thumbnail can be provided.

[0013] The thumbnail selection request received from the user terminal may include swipe touch gesture information in one direction for the thumbnail, and the step of providing a plurality of thumbnails to the user terminal may include the step of providing one thumbnail to the user terminal; and the step of providing another thumbnail to the user terminal when swipe touch gesture information in another direction for one of the thumbnails is received.

[0014] According to another aspect of the present invention, a server is provided that stores webtoon content including a plurality of story lines, provides a portion of the webtoon content to a user terminal, provides information on two or more selectable story lines that are connected to the last scene of the portion of the webtoon content to the user terminal, and, when a story line selection request is received from the user terminal, provides another portion of the webtoon content corresponding to the selected story line to the user terminal.

[0015] According to the interactive webtoon providing method and server according to the present invention, user satisfaction with webtoons can be improved.

[0016] Meanwhile, even if the effect is not explicitly mentioned herein, it is added that the effect and its provisional effect described in the following specification expected by the technical features of the present invention are treated as described in the specification of the present invention.

[0017] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing a system that can implement a method for providing interactive webtoons according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 2 is a flowchart showing a method for providing an interactive webtoon according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] FIG. 3 is a drawing exemplarily showing multiple story lines in a method for providing an interactive webtoon according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing two story line information that can be selected in a method for providing an interactive webtoon according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a server for implementing a method for providing interactive webtoons according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] FIG. 6 is a drawing showing a pre-preference voting page in a method for providing an interactive webtoon according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] FIG. 7 is a drawing showing an opinion gathering voting page in a method for providing interactive webtoons according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] FIG. 8 is a drawing showing a user terminal screen according to a method for providing an interactive webtoon according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figures 9 to 11 are drawings sequentially showing a method for providing an interactive webtoon according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] It is to be understood that the attached drawings are provided for reference only to help understand the technical concept of the present invention, and the scope of the present invention is not limited thereby.

[0027] In describing the present invention, if it is judged that the detailed description of related known functions that are obvious to those skilled in the art and may unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present invention, the detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0028] The terminology used in this application is only used to describe specific embodiments and is not intended to limit the present invention. The singular expression includes the plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this application, it should be understood that the terms "comprise" or "have" indicate the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof described in the specification, but do not exclude in advance the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0029] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a method for providing a two-way webtoon and a server according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. In describing with reference to the attached drawings, identical or corresponding components are assigned the same drawing numbers, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0030]

[0031] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a system that can implement an interactive webtoon providing method according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an interactive webtoon providing method according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a plurality of story lines as an example in an interactive webtoon providing method according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing information on two story lines that can be selected in an interactive webtoon providing method according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a server for implementing an interactive webtoon providing method according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a pre-preference voting page in an interactive webtoon providing method according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an opinion gathering voting page in an interactive webtoon providing method according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a user terminal screen according to an interactive webtoon providing method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0032]

[0033] Referring to FIG. 1, in a system capable of implementing a method for providing interactive webtoons according to an embodiment of the present invention, a server (100) can communicate with at least one of a webtoon writer terminal (300), a user terminal (200) (subscriber terminal), and an administrator terminal (400) (webtoon platform administrator terminal (400)). This server (100) can be used for operating a webtoon platform.

[0034] A user can access the server (100) via a user terminal (200). Here, the term "terminal" refers to a communication terminal capable of using web services in a wired or wireless communication environment. The terminal may be a portable terminal such as a smartphone or tablet PC. The terminal may be equipped with a touch screen.

[0035] Meanwhile, a communication network refers to providing a connection path so that terminals can transmit and receive signals after connecting to a server (100). The communication network may include wired networks such as LANs (Local Area Networks), WANs (Wide Area Networks), MANs (Metropolitan Area Networks), and ISDNs (Integrated Service Digital Networks), or wireless networks such as wireless LANs, CDMA, Bluetooth, and satellite communication, but the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0036] A method for providing an interactive webtoon according to an embodiment of the present invention is a method in which a server (100) stores webtoon content including a plurality of story lines and stores a portion of the webtoon content (e.g., from the first scene to the Nth scene (1) <N))를 사용자 단말(200)(구독자 단말)에 먼저 제공한 후, 사용자(구독자)가 선택한 스토리 라인에 대응되는 웹툰 콘텐츠의 다른 일부(예를 들어, N+1번째 장면부터 M번째 장면까지(N+1<M))를 사용자 단말(200)에 제공할 수 있다. 이러한 방식을 반복하여 사용자가 원하는 스토리 라인대로 웹툰 콘텐츠가 제공될 수 있다.

[0037] According to a method for providing a two-way webtoon according to an embodiment of the present invention, two-way communication between a webtoon writer terminal (300) and a user terminal (200), or between a user terminal (200), can be enabled.

[0038]

[0039] Referring to FIG. 2, a method for providing an interactive webtoon according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a step of storing webtoon content including a plurality of story lines (S10), a step of providing part of the webtoon content (S20), a step of providing information on two or more story lines (S30), a step of receiving a story line selection request (S40), and a step of providing another part of the webtoon content corresponding to the selected story line (S50).

[0040] The webtoon content storage step (S10) including multiple story lines is a step in which the server (100) stores webtoon content including multiple story lines.

[0041] Webtoon content contains multiple scenes according to the storyline, and each scene may contain pictures and speech bubbles.

[0042] A single storyline can contain multiple segment stories. These segment stories follow a predetermined order. Each segment story can contain multiple scenes. The number of scenes contained in each segment story can be the same, but is not limited to this number, and may be structured differently.

[0043] Referring to FIG. 3, multiple story lines can be configured such that at least one section story overlaps. The multiple story lines can form a tree structure. For example, each story line can include a first section story and be configured to branch from the first section story into multiple second section stories. Furthermore, each second section story can be configured to branch into multiple third section stories. This process can be repeated to form multiple story lines.

[0044] A webtoon may include a first story line, a second story line, and an Nth story line. The story lines in a webtoon may be composed of a combination of multiple segment stories (e.g., a, b1, b2, c1, c2, c3, c4). Here, a may branch into b1, b2, etc., b1 may branch into c1, c2, etc., and b2 may branch into c3, c4, etc. "Branching" means that a single story can optionally connect to multiple subsequent stories.

[0045] The first story line may be structured as a-b1-c1, the second story line as a-b1-c2, the third story line as a-b2-c3, and the fourth story line as a-b2-c4. The number of branches may be two or more, allowing the webtoon to contain multiple story lines.

[0046] Each section story (e.g., a, b1, b2, c1, c2, c3, c4) can contain multiple scenes. The number of scenes contained in each section story can be the same, but is not limited to this, and can be formed differently. The number of scenes contained in b1 and b2 can be the same, but is not limited to this, and can also be different.

[0047] Specifically, referring to Fig. 4, if it contains the content of a man and a woman going on a blind date (hereinafter referred to as a “blind date story webtoon”), the common section story (a) can be composed of the content of the man going to the blind date location and waiting, and a big incident occurring around him. One of the branched section stories (b1) can be the content of continuing to wait for the woman, and the other (b2) can be the content of running away because of a big incident. One of the section stories (c1) that branches off from the above branched section story (b1) can be the content of the man and the woman meeting, talking, and getting into danger, and the other (c2) can be the content of the man and the woman meeting, talking, and falling in love. Each section story can include multiple scenes corresponding to the content.

[0048] The point at which one section of the story branches into the next section of stories can be a turning point in the entire story of the webtoon.

[0049]

[0050] The step of providing part of the webtoon content (S20) is a step in which the server (100) provides part of the webtoon content to the user terminal (200).

[0051] The server (100) may provide scenes corresponding to a specific story section as part of webtoon content. The server (100) may provide scenes corresponding to a story section commonly included in multiple story lines. For example, the server may provide scenes starting from the first scene to the Nth scene.

[0052] The step (S20) of providing part of the webtoon content may be performed in response to a user request signal. That is, a request signal for providing webtoon content may be received from the user terminal (200), and part of the webtoon content may be provided in response thereto.

[0053] The step (S30) of providing information on two or more storylines is a step in which the server (100) provides information on two or more selectable storylines to the user terminal (200). This step may be performed simultaneously with the step (S20) of providing some webtoon content. This step may be performed immediately after the step (S20) of providing some webtoon content.

[0054] In this step, the server (100) can provide the user terminal (200) with information on two or more selectable story lines that are connected to the last scene of a portion of the webtoon content.

[0055] For example, if the server (100) provided the Nth scene from the first scene to the user terminal (200) in the previous step, the server (100) may provide the user terminal (200) with information on two or more selectable story lines that can be connected to the Nth scene. In this case, the server (100) may provide a portion of the webtoon content while also providing information on two or more selectable story lines. Alternatively, the server (100) may receive a signal from the user terminal (200) indicating that the Nth scene has been displayed and provide the user terminal (200) with information on two or more selectable story lines.

[0056] The two or more selectable story line information may be information about the next segment story that can be optionally linked to the previously provided segment story. The two or more selectable story line information may include at least one of an image and text.

[0057] In the user terminal (200), information on two or more selectable story lines may be displayed at the bottom of the last scene of a portion of webtoon content corresponding to a previously provided section story.

[0058] Specifically, in the above-described 'blind date story webtoon', information about the selectable section story (b1, b2) may be provided as text such as <The protagonist waits>, <The protagonist runs away> at the bottom of the last scene (10A) of some of the webtoon contents already provided.

[0059] Referring to Figure 4(a), information about the selectable section stories (b1, b2) is provided. <waiting>(11) and<run away> (12) A text such as this may be provided.

[0060] The story line selection request reception step (S40) is a step of receiving a story line selection request from a user terminal (200), and is a step of receiving a request for selection from among two or more selectable story line information provided in the previous step.

[0061] For example, a user may select <The protagonist is waiting>, and a request for selecting <The protagonist is waiting> may be made through the user terminal (200). The server (100) may receive the selection request for the selection. The selection request may include touch gesture information input to the user terminal (200). The selection request may include one-way tap touch gesture information.

[0062] Referring to Figure 4(a), the user <waiting>(11) was tapped, and the color around the text changed accordingly.

[0063] The step (S50) of providing another part of the webtoon content corresponding to the selected storyline is a step of providing another part of the webtoon content corresponding to the selected storyline to the user terminal (200) through the user terminal (200). The server (100) can provide the scenes for the selected section story to the user terminal (200) through the user terminal (200). The server (100) can provide the N+1th scene to the Mth scene that is connected to the last scene provided as another part of the webtoon content (N+1 <M).

[0064] Specifically, since the user selected <The protagonist is waiting>, the server (100) can provide another part of the webtoon content corresponding to section story b1 to the user terminal (200). That is, the server (100) can provide several scenes corresponding to section story b1 to the user terminal (200).

[0065] Referring to Figure 4(b), another portion (10B) of the webtoon content corresponding to <The Main Character Waits> is provided to the user terminal (200). The user can continue to subscribe to various scenes of the other portion (10B) of the webtoon content.

[0066] According to the above method, users can consume webtoon content according to the story they want, and an interactive webtoon provision method can be provided.

[0067]

[0068] A server (100) for implementing a method for providing interactive webtoons according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a communication unit (110), a storage unit (120), and a processing unit (130).

[0069] The communication unit (110) communicates with at least one of a user terminal (200), a webtoon writer terminal (300), and an administrator terminal (400), and can transmit or receive signals. The communication unit (110) can receive various request signals from at least one of the user terminal (200), the webtoon writer terminal (300), and the administrator terminal (400). In addition, the communication unit (110) can transmit a response signal to at least one of the user terminal (200), the webtoon writer terminal (300), and the administrator terminal (400).

[0070] The storage unit (120) can store information about users and webtoon content. User information may include at least one of personal information, login information, and point information. Webtoon content information may include at least one of storyline information, section-specific content information, thumbnail information, and webtoon artist information. However, this is not limited to these, and various other information necessary for operating the webtoon platform may be stored.

[0071] The processing unit (130) can process and calculate the request signal received by the communication unit (110). The processing unit (130) can provide a response signal to the request signal using information stored in the storage unit (120). For example, the processing unit (130) can be involved in webtoon content provision management, point information management, voting page management, etc.

[0072]

[0073] The method for providing an interactive webtoon according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a step of receiving user login information and a step of updating point information for the user.

[0074] The interactive webtoon providing method according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a step of receiving user login information. Furthermore, the interactive webtoon providing method according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a step of updating user point information. The step of updating user point information involves granting or deducting points to the user and storing the resulting remaining points.

[0075] The method for providing an interactive webtoon according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a step of receiving user login information before a step of storing webtoon content including a plurality of story lines.

[0076]

[0077] The step of receiving user login information is a step in which the server (100) receives login information including the user's ID, password, etc., and may receive the information through the user terminal (200). The server (100) may store the received login information. The server (100) may store point information corresponding to the login information. For example, a basic point may be granted to a newly created user, and point information regarding the basic point may be stored for the user's login information. The user may consume webtoons based on the login information, and points may be deducted accordingly, and the server (100) may update the point information.

[0078] The step of updating point information for a user may include a step of granting points to the user or a step of deducting points from the user. This step may be repeated whenever there is a change to the points.

[0079] The step of awarding points to a user involves awarding points to the user and updating point information based on the awarded points. The event that triggers the awarding of points to a user may be, for example, the user's membership registration. When a user registers, point information may be stored in accordance with the login information, as described above.

[0080] The step of deducting points from a user involves deducting points from the user and updating point information based on the deducted points. An event that triggers point deductions may be, for example, the user's selection to view webtoons. If the user selects to view webtoons, points corresponding to their login information may be deducted, and the resulting remaining points may be stored as point information.

[0081] Webtoons can be divided into free and paid, and points can be awarded when a user selects a free webtoon, and points can be deducted only when a user selects a paid webtoon.

[0082]

[0083] Again, referring to FIG. 2, the method for providing an interactive webtoon according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a step (S1) of providing a voting page to a user terminal (200) that can evaluate a prior preference for at least one of a story, character, and drawing style of webtoon content.

[0084] The step (S1) of providing a voting page for evaluating prior preferences to a user terminal (200) is intended to collect user opinions prior to the release of webtoon content. The server (100) may provide a voting page for soliciting opinions on at least one of the story, character, and drawing style of the webtoon content. The voting page may be displayed on the user terminal (200).

[0085] The voting page may require multiple-choice or subjective answers. Referring to Figure 6, for example, the voting page may include a section (13) that allows the user to select either "The protagonist's hair color suits him" or "The protagonist's hair color does not suit him" regarding the character's appearance. As another example, the voting page may provide example images regarding the character's style, allowing the user to select one.

[0086] Users can select a desired style of story, character, and / or drawing style from the voting page displayed on the user terminal (200). Users can select an answer using touch gestures.

[0087] The method for providing an interactive webtoon according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a step (S1) of providing a voting page capable of evaluating a prior preference to a user terminal (200) before a step (S10) of storing webtoon content including a plurality of story lines, and a step (S2) of receiving information on a prior preference.

[0088] Step (S2) of receiving information on dictionary preferences is a step in which the server (100) receives information entered by the user into the user terminal (200). The user may input an answer requested on the voting page into the user terminal (200). For example, the user may perform a tap touch gesture on the screen of the user terminal (200). In this case, the server (100) may receive information on dictionary preferences corresponding to the tap touch gesture.

[0089] For example, a voting page may allow the user to select either "The main character's hair color suits him" or "The main character's hair color does not suit him" in relation to the character's appearance, and the user may tap "The main character's hair color suits him." In this case, the server (100) may receive selection information for "The main character's hair color suits him" as a prior preference.

[0090] However, user input is not limited to taps, but can be at least one of various types of touch gestures.

[0091] Voting pages can be composed of multiple pages. Each voting page can contain multiple questions and multiple choices.

[0092] The server (100) can receive a request to create a voting page from a webtoon artist terminal (300). That is, the content of the voting page can be created by the webtoon artist. The server (100) can provide the voting page to a designated user terminal (200). For example, the voting page can be provided to a user who is a fan of the webtoon artist. When the server (100) receives a user's voting request, it can provide the voting page to the corresponding user terminal (200).

[0093] Additionally, the voting page can be provided to multiple user terminals (200), and the server (100) can receive information on the dictionary preferences of multiple users. The server (100) can compile the dictionary preferences of multiple users.

[0094] The server (100) can collect prior preferences, store evaluation result information, and provide it to the webtoon artist terminal (300). The server (100) can provide that the selection rate for 'the main character's hair color suits him' is 82%, and the selection rate for 'the main character's hair color does not suit him' is 18%.

[0095] Webtoon artists receive the above evaluation results and can use them to preemptively assess user preferences for their webtoon content. If the evaluation results are negative, the artist can make adjustments to their webtoon content. For example, if the response "The protagonist's hair color doesn't suit him" is significantly higher, the artist can change the protagonist's hair color in the webtoon.

[0096] That is, in the webtoon content storage step (S10) including multiple storylines, webtoon content reflecting the aforementioned prior preference information can be stored. However, this is not limited to this, and webtoon content is not modified based on prior preference, and prior preference may have meaning as an evaluation in itself.

[0097] Meanwhile, the interactive webtoon providing method according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a step of awarding points to the user after the step (S2) of receiving information on dictionary preferences. That is, points are awarded as a reward for evaluating dictionary preferences. Accordingly, a step of updating point information for the user may be performed.

[0098] The interactive webtoon provision method according to an embodiment of the present invention does not simply provide users with webtoon content in a one-way manner as is done in the past. Instead, it provides users who wish to promote new works by their favorite webtoon artists with a predetermined reward, while also informing them of the webtoon content in advance and requesting their evaluation (preliminary preference). Accordingly, the artist can learn about users' preliminaries and use them to predict the popularity of the webtoon content, determine the direction of webtoon content revision, or determine future webtoon content production directions.

[0099]

[0100] Referring to FIG. 2, the method for providing a two-way webtoon according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a step (S3) of providing a voting page to a user terminal (200) that can collect opinions on at least one of the story, character, and drawing style of the webtoon content. The 'pre-preference' described above is performed before the webtoon content is released on the webtoon platform, and the 'opinion collection' can be performed after the webtoon content is released and accessible to users.

[0101] The method for providing an interactive webtoon according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include, after the step (S10) of storing webtoon content including a plurality of story lines, a step (S3) of providing a voting page for collecting opinions on at least one of the story, character, and drawing style of the webtoon content to a user terminal (200).

[0102] The step (S3) of providing a voting page for collecting opinions to a user terminal (200) is for collecting opinions from users who are actually subscribing to the webtoon content after its release and for communication between the webtoon artist and the users or between users. The server (100) may provide a voting page for collecting opinions on at least one of the story, character, and drawing style of the webtoon content. The voting page may be displayed on the user terminal (200).

[0103] Referring to Figure 7, the voting page may ask for multiple choice or subjective answers. As shown in Figure 7(a), for example, the voting page may ask the question, "Is a blonde character a villain?" in relation to the character's appearance. <yes>or <no>It may include a section (14) where one can select one of the options. As shown in Fig. 7(b), the voting page may further include a bulletin board (15) where opinions can be freely left and shared with each other.

[0104] A user can select a desired answer from the voting page displayed on the user terminal (200). The user can select an answer using a touch gesture. For example, the user can perform a tap touch gesture on the screen of the user terminal (200). In this case, the server (100) can receive information about the voting results corresponding to the tap touch gesture.

[0105] For example, in Figure 7(a), the voting page includes the question 'Is the blonde character a villain?', and <yes>or <no>You can let the user choose one of them <yes>was selected by tapping, and in this case, the server (100) as a voting result <yes>You can receive selection information.

[0106] However, user input is not limited to taps, but can be at least one of various types of touch gestures.

[0107] Voting pages can be composed of multiple pages. Each voting page can contain multiple questions and multiple choices.

[0108] In the step of providing a voting page for the user terminal (200) to collect opinions on at least one of the story, character, and drawing style of the webtoon content, the voting page may be provided for at least one scene of the webtoon content. For example, the voting page may be provided for each scene of the webtoon content.

[0109] According to this, users can exchange opinions with each other even on the details of webtoon content, and webtoon artists can receive feedback on the details.

[0110] The server (100) can receive a request to create a voting page from a webtoon artist terminal (300). That is, the content of the voting page can be created by the webtoon artist. The server (100) can provide the voting page to a user terminal (200) that subscribes to the webtoon content. Accordingly, two-way communication between the webtoon artist and the user can be enabled.

[0111] The server (100) can receive a request to create a voting page from a user terminal (200). That is, the content of the voting page can be created by a user. The server (100) can provide the voting page to another user terminal (200) that subscribes to the webtoon content. Accordingly, the webtoon platform can also provide community functions for webtoon content. That is, communication between users can be enabled.

[0112] In the step (S10) of storing webtoon content including multiple storylines in the method for providing interactive webtoons according to an embodiment of the present invention, the server (100) may store multiple different webtoon contents and thumbnails corresponding to each webtoon content. The thumbnails may include summary images for the webtoon contents.

[0113] A method for providing a two-way webtoon according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include, prior to the step (S20) of providing a portion of the webtoon content to a user terminal (200), a step of providing a plurality of thumbnails to the user terminal (200); and a step of receiving a thumbnail selection request from the user terminal (200).

[0114] The step of providing multiple thumbnails to the user terminal (200) is a step in which the server (100) provides multiple thumbnails containing summary images for multiple webtoon contents to the user terminal (200). The user can review the multiple thumbnails and select the webtoon contents he or she desires.

[0115] The step of receiving a thumbnail selection request from a user terminal (200) is a step in which the server (100) receives a thumbnail selection request for the user to select a thumbnail for the webtoon content desired.

[0116] In this case, in the step of providing a portion of webtoon content to a user terminal (200), the server (100) can provide webtoon content corresponding to the selected thumbnail to the user terminal (200).

[0117] Meanwhile, in the step of receiving a thumbnail selection request from the user terminal (200), the thumbnail selection request received from the user terminal (200) may include information on a unidirectional swipe touch gesture for the thumbnail. That is, the user may input a webtoon viewing request for a specific webtoon through a swipe touch gesture. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 8(c), when the user inputs a downward swipe touch gesture for a thumbnail on the screen of the user terminal (200), the server (100) may receive a selection request for the corresponding thumbnail. Accordingly, as illustrated in FIG. 8(d), the server (100) may provide the corresponding webtoon content.

[0118] When webtoons are classified as free or paid, for paid webtoons, when a user inputs a swipe touch gesture downwards on a thumbnail on the screen of a user terminal (200), the server (100) can receive a selection request for the corresponding thumbnail. For free webtoons, when a user inputs a swipe touch gesture upwards on a thumbnail on the screen of a user terminal (200), the server (100) can receive a selection request for the corresponding thumbnail.

[0119] If a user wishes to subscribe to a paid webtoon, swiping downwards can be configured to request viewing of the webtoon, as points are deducted, so the user receives the same visual impression (points decrease). If a user wishes to subscribe to a free webtoon, swiping upwards can be configured to request viewing of the webtoon, as points are awarded. Swiping upwards can be configured to request viewing of the webtoon, as the user receives the same visual impression (points increase).

[0120] Accordingly, users can use the webtoon platform more intuitively.

[0121] In addition, the step of providing multiple thumbnails to the user terminal (200) may include the step of providing one thumbnail to the user terminal (200); and the step of providing another thumbnail to the user terminal (200) when receiving swipe touch gesture information in another direction for the one thumbnail. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 8(a), when the user inputs a swipe touch gesture in the left and right direction, the server (100) may provide another thumbnail to the user terminal (200), as illustrated in FIG. 8(b).

[0122] Users can conveniently select their desired webtoon content by swiping left, right, up, or down on thumbnails with their fingers. However, user input is not limited to swipe touch gestures; other directional touch gestures, such as drag and flick, can also be used.

[0123]

[0124] Figures 9 to 11 are drawings sequentially showing a method for providing an interactive webtoon according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0125] Referring to FIG. 9, a webtoon writer terminal (300) may request the server (100) to create a pre-preference voting page (S1001). Here, the pre-preference voting page is a voting page that can evaluate pre-preference for at least one of the story, character, and drawing style of webtoon content. The server (100) may create a voting page (S1002). When a voting request (S1003) is made by a user terminal (200), the server (100) may provide the created voting page to the user terminal (200) (S1004). The user may input pre-preference through the user terminal (200) (S1005). The user terminal (200) may transmit pre-preference information to the server (100) (S1006). The server (100) may store the received pre-preference information (S1007). The server (100) can transmit the stored dictionary preference information to the webtoon writer terminal (300) (S1008).

[0126] This approach allows for two-way communication between webtoon artists and users. Webtoon artists can gauge user reactions before releasing their content, or modify their content based on user feedback.

[0127] Referring to FIG. 10, the webtoon writer terminal (300) provides webtoon content information to the administrator terminal (400) (S2001), the administrator terminal (400) provides webtoon content information to the server (100) (S2002), and the server (100) can store the webtoon content information (S2003). Here, the webtoon content information is all information regarding the webtoon content and can include multiple story lines, thumbnails, etc.

[0128] According to a user's touch gesture, the server (100) may receive a thumbnail selection request (S2004) from the user terminal (200). The server (100) may provide a portion of webtoon content corresponding to the thumbnail (S2005). In addition, two or more story line information that can be linked to a portion of the webtoon content may be provided (S2006). A selection input (S2007) for two or more story line information may be made by the user on the user terminal (200). The server (100) may receive a story line selection request (S2008) from the user terminal (200) and provide another portion of the webtoon content (S2009). In other words, another portion that is connected to a portion of the already provided webtoon content may be provided.

[0129] In this way, users can subscribe to webtoon content that corresponds to the storyline of their choice.

[0130] Referring to FIG. 11, a webtoon artist terminal (300) may request the server (100) to create an opinion-gathering voting page (S3001). Here, the opinion-gathering voting page is a voting page that can collect opinions on at least one of the story, character, and drawing style of webtoon content. The server (100) may create a voting page (S3002) and provide the created voting page to a user terminal (200, 200') (S3003). Here, the voting page may be provided to multiple user terminals (200, 200'). A user may input an opinion (S3004) through the user terminal (200). The user terminal (200) may transmit opinion information to the server (100) (S3005). The server (100) may store the received opinion information (S3006). The stored opinion information may be shared with multiple users.

[0131] Meanwhile, not only the webtoon writer terminal (300) but also the user terminal (200') can request the creation of an opinion gathering voting page (S3007). The server (100) can create a voting page (S3008) and provide the created voting page to the user terminal (200, 200') (S3009). Here, the voting page can be provided to multiple user terminals (200, 200'). The user can input an opinion (S3010) through the user terminal (200'). The user terminal (200') can transmit opinion information to the server (100) (S3011). The server (100) can store the received opinion information (S3012). The stored opinion information can be shared with multiple users.

[0132] This approach allows webtoon artists and users to communicate and exchange opinions about webtoon content. Furthermore, users can also communicate and exchange opinions about webtoon content.

[0133] In this way, according to the interactive webtoon providing method according to an embodiment of the present invention, users can also participate in providing webtoons, webtoon artists can immediately receive feedback from users, and a community function can be implemented where users can exchange opinions with each other, ultimately improving the satisfaction of webtoon artists and users.

[0134]

[0135] The scope of protection of the present invention is not limited to the description and expression of the embodiments explicitly described above. Furthermore, it should be noted that the scope of protection of the present invention may not be limited by obvious modifications or substitutions within the technical field to which the present invention pertains.

[0136]

[0137] [Explanation of symbols]

[0138] 100: Server

[0139] 200, 200': User terminal

[0140] 300: Webtoon Artist Terminal

[0141] 400: Administrator terminal< / yes> < / yes> < / no> < / yes> < / no> < / yes> < / waiting> < / waiting>

Claims

1. A method for providing interactive webtoons through a server, A step of providing a first voting page to a designated user's terminal, which enables the user to evaluate a prior preference for at least one of the story, character, and drawing style of the webtoon content prior to the release of the webtoon content; A step of receiving information about the dictionary preference from the terminal of the above-mentioned user; A step of granting a reward to the above-mentioned designated user for the above-mentioned pre-preference evaluation; A step of providing information on the above-mentioned dictionary preference to a webtoon writer terminal corresponding to the above-mentioned webtoon content; A step of storing the webtoon content including a plurality of story lines, the webtoon content being modified to reflect the above-mentioned prior preferences; After the release of the above webtoon content, a step of providing a portion of the above webtoon content to multiple subscriber terminals; A step of providing the subscriber terminal with information on two or more selectable story lines that are linked to the last scene of a portion of the webtoon content; A step of receiving a story line selection request from the subscriber terminal; and Including a step of providing another part of the webtoon content corresponding to the selected story line to the subscriber terminal, After the release of the above webtoon content, a step of generating a second voting page capable of collecting opinions on at least one of the story, character, and drawing style for each scene of the webtoon content, at the request of the webtoon writer terminal or any subscriber terminal; A step of providing the second voting page to the plurality of subscriber terminals; A step of receiving the opinion information from the plurality of subscriber terminals; and Further comprising a step of providing the above opinion information to the webtoon writer terminal and the plurality of subscriber terminals. How to provide interactive webtoons.

2. In paragraph 1, In the step of saving webtoon content including the above multiple story lines, Save multiple different webtoon contents and thumbnails corresponding to each webtoon content, Before providing some of the above webtoon content to the subscriber terminal, A step of providing multiple thumbnails to the subscriber terminal; and Further comprising a step of receiving a thumbnail selection request from the subscriber terminal, In the step of providing some of the above webtoon content to the subscriber terminal, Provides webtoon content corresponding to the selected thumbnail. How to provide interactive webtoons.

3. In paragraph 2, The thumbnail selection request received from the subscriber terminal includes one-way swipe touch gesture information for the thumbnail, The step of providing the above plurality of thumbnails to the subscriber terminal is: A step of providing a thumbnail to the subscriber terminal; and Including a step of providing another thumbnail to the subscriber terminal when receiving swipe touch gesture information in another direction for one of the above thumbnails, How to provide interactive webtoons.

Images