Messenger system based on active emoticon

Abstract

The present invention provides a messenger system based on an active emoticon, which provides a completely new active emoticon and causes an additional interactive change that is different from an existing emoticon, thereby enabling a new interaction. In this regard, the messenger system based on an active emoticon, according to an aspect of the present invention, includes: an instant messenger server; and a user terminal that communicates with the instant messenger server and performs chatting, wherein the chatting is performed by using text or an emoticon and if a previously output emoticon is selected (including touching) from a chat window of any one chat room, the user terminal performs an input for selecting and changing the previously output emoticon or outputs the previously output emoticon by copying or changing the same on its chat window that has not yet been output.

Description

Messenger system based on active emoticons

[0001] The present invention relates to a messenger system, and more specifically, to an active emoticon-based messenger system that derives various interactions between users based on active emoticons.

[0002]

[0003] An instant messenger (IM) is a client used for instant (real-time) chatting between two or more people via a network, such as the Internet. It's also called simply "messenger," and is sometimes called "internet messenger" for messaging over the Internet, or "mobile messenger" for messaging via mobile devices.

[0004] An instant messenger is a client that relays instant messages. It differs from email in that instant messengers allow chats to take place in real time.

[0005] Additionally, most instant messaging services offer a user information feature that displays a list of currently connected and available users. This is commonly referred to as a "friends list." Transmission occurs as each person in a conversation types a single line of text, making it more like a phone call than exchanging letters.

[0006] The earliest form of instant messenger was the PLATO system of the 1970s. Since the introduction of ICQ, the first widely used instant messenger, in November 1996, numerous similar services have emerged. Since then, many instant messengers have supported video conferencing, voice over Internet Protocol, and even web conferencing services that combine video conferencing and instant messenger services. Consequently, the boundaries between these technologies are becoming increasingly blurred.

[0007] However, using emoticons in chats has become commonplace in these messenger services. In particular, mobile devices with built-in text messaging apps come with a variety of emoticons built in, and many messenger applications also include basic emoticons, allowing users to express a variety of emotions using these emoticons beyond text.

[0008] In particular, numerous individuals have recently created these emoticons and sold them to messenger application providers. Users frequently purchase these emoticons and then resend them to other users. Consequently, the online distribution of emoticons has become quite widespread.

[0009] However, up to now, the emoticons used in chats are either made of text itself such as '(:', made of specific images (so-called 'static emoticons'), or made of a small number of images output over time to create the feeling of animation (so-called 'dynamic emoticons').

[0010] Accordingly, prior art documents disclose a method for activating and displaying slanted emoticons in a chat room by performing slanted input to expand the usability of emoticons.

[0011] However, even in the prior art literature, limitations remain, as they remain limited to static or dynamic emoticons. In other words, no research has been conducted on methods for inducing additional interactions by adding various variations to static or dynamic emoticons.

[0012]

[0013] [Prior Art Literature]

[0014] [Patent Document]

[0015] Korean Patent No. 10-2017857 (September 3, 2019), Operating method of terminal for displaying tilting emoticon and the terminal {OPERATING METHOD OF TERMINAL FOR DISPLAYING TILTING EMOTICON AND THE TERMINAL THEREOF}

[0016]

[0017] The present invention is intended to solve the problems of the above-mentioned prior art, and the purpose of the present invention is to provide a messenger system based on active emoticons that enables new interactions by providing completely new active emoticons and causing additional interactive changes different from existing emoticons.

[0018]

[0019] An active emoticon-based messenger system according to one aspect of the present invention includes an instant messenger server and a user terminal that communicates with the instant messenger server and performs chatting, wherein the chatting is performed using text or emoticons, and when the user terminal selects (including 'touching') an emoticon that has been output first in a chat window of any one chat room, the user terminal performs an input to select and change the emoticon that has been output first, or duplicates or changes the emoticon that has been output first in its own chat window that has not yet been outputted and outputs it.

[0020] At this time, the emoticon is composed of multiple images, and depending on the emoticon selection pattern in the user terminal, an emoticon different from the emoticon first output in the conversation window may be output.

[0021] In addition, the user terminal may output an emoticon expressed as an image different from the first output image among a plurality of images constituting the emoticon, reflecting at least one of the time selected for the emoticon, the number of selections, and the coordinate area touched.

[0022] In addition, the user terminal can output an emoticon expressed as an image different from the first output image among multiple images that constitute the emoticon by determining whether the coordinate area actually touched on the user terminal corresponds within a margin of error with a coordinate area preset and provided inside or outside the emoticon.

[0023] In addition, the emoticon is composed of a plurality of images having a sequence, and an emoticon that is the next sequence image of the currently output emoticon can be output depending on the number of selections of emoticons output from the user terminal.

[0024] In addition, the emoticon that can be output by copying or changing is defined as an active emoticon, and the active emoticon includes a hint indicator that changes the output state of a certain area while maintaining the identity of the image (while maintaining the output form), and when the active emoticon is first output in a conversation window of a chat room, the hint indicator can be output together on the active emoticon.

[0025] In addition, when the above active emoticon is selected, the user terminal can load an editing browser while maintaining the form of the active emoticon and outputting an editing indicator that changes a part of the output status to the active emoticon.

[0026] Additionally, the above editing browser can duplicate multiple active emoticons or perform enlargement of active emoticons, and the edited active emoticons can be output to a subsequent conversation window of the conversation window in which the emoticon was originally output.

[0027] Additionally, the above editing browser can generate a control signal to output the edited active emoticon to a subsequent chat window when detecting an input made with an action set when editing an active emoticon.

[0028] In addition, if the user terminal does not select or view an emoticon that was first output in a chat window of a chat room, the emoticon in the chat window may be output so that it gradually disappears or changes shape.

[0029]

[0030] The present invention provides a new communication experience never experienced before by creating an active emoticon, which is a completely new concept, and sending it to a chat window, and by touching or selecting the active emoticon in various ways, interactively transforming and outputting or disappearing the active emoticon in the previous chat window or a new chat window.

[0031]

[0032] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an active emoticon-based messenger system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] FIG. 2 is a drawing illustrating the user terminal of FIG. 1 in more detail.

[0034] Figure 3 is a drawing illustrating the messenger server of Figure 1 in more detail.

[0035] Figures 4 to 10 are drawings explaining the operation of an active emoticon-based messenger system according to the present invention.

[0036] Figure 11 is a flowchart of a messenger system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0037]

[0038] Hereinafter, a messenger system (1000) based on active emoticons according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a messenger system according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the user terminal of FIG. 1 in more detail, FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the messenger server of FIG. 1 in more detail, and FIGS. 4 to 10 are diagrams explaining the operation of the messenger system according to the present invention.

[0039] Referring to the drawings, a messenger system (1000) according to one embodiment of the present invention can provide real-time online chatting via emoticons consisting of text or images to two or more users who have installed the same instant messenger application. To this end, the users utilize a user terminal (100) on which the messenger application is installed. The user terminal (100) communicates with the instant messenger server (200) via a network (10), and each user is identified by logging into the application.

[0040] In addition, a messenger system (1000) according to one embodiment of the present invention is characterized by performing various chats using so-called active emoticons, which will be described later. That is, an active emoticon is an emoticon composed of multiple images, and is output as a different image depending on whether or not an action is performed on the initially output image. Accordingly, the creator of the emoticon may initially store multiple images in an instant messenger server (200), etc., and each image may be preset to appear according to an action of the user terminal (100) designated by the instant messenger server (200). That is, unlike general static emoticons or dynamic emoticons, an active emoticon is one in which the emoticon changes (largely, each image constituting one emoticon changes) depending on the user's selection, the number of times the user selects, the user's selection method, etc.

[0041] At this time, the network (10) plays a role in transmitting data for data transmission and reception between the user terminal (100) and the instant messenger server (200), and depending on the system implementation method, a wired communication method such as Ethernet, xDSL (ADSL, VDSL), HFC (Hybrid Fiber Coaxial Cable), FTTC (Fiber to The Curb), FTTH (Fiber to The Home) may be used, and a wireless communication method such as WLAN (Wireless LAN), Wi-Fi, Wibro, WiMAX, HSDPA (High Speed ​​Downlink Packet Access), LTE (Long Term Evolution), LTE-A (Long Term Evolution Advanced) may be used.

[0042] In addition, the Internet network (not shown) refers to a typical open communication network, i.e. a public network, in which information is exchanged according to the TCP / IP protocol, and is connected to a user terminal (100), and information provided from the user terminal (100) can be provided to the instant messenger server (200) via the core network (not shown) and the access network (not shown), and conversely, information provided to the instant messenger server (200) can be provided to the user terminal (100) via the core network (not shown) and the access network (not shown). However, it is not limited thereto, and the instant messenger server (200) may be implemented as an integral part of the core network (not shown). In addition to the above-described communication method, it may include all forms of communication methods that are widely known or will be developed in the future.

[0043] In addition, in this embodiment, a large language model server (300) that creates a new active emoticon through the network (10) transmits and receives data from an instant messenger server (200), and a commercial server (400) and an SNS server (500) that provide a new emoticon service other than a messenger service can transmit and receive data from the instant messenger server (200) through the network (10).

[0044] At this time, the large language model server (300) is a language model comprised of an artificial neural network with numerous parameters (typically over several billion weights). It is trained on a significant amount of unlabeled text using self-supervised or semi-self-supervised learning. Large language models emerged around 2018 and are used for a variety of tasks. The focus has shifted from the previous training paradigm of specialized supervised learning models for specific tasks to research on natural language processing.

[0045] Here, a large language model can refer to a language model capable of inference without fine tuning, and can have more parameters than existing general language models. For example, the large language model of the present invention can utilize OpenAI's CHAT GPT, Meta's OPT, etc., and is not limited to a specific large language model. This is because the present invention can obtain the result by inputting a query (the result of the first processing described below) into the large language model using the API (Application Programming Interface) provided by the large language model.

[0046] Meanwhile, activities related to instant messenger services may refer to engaging in real-time online communication by participating in a chat room. Here, a chat room may refer to a virtual space, including a chat room opened on an instant messenger server (200), where two or more users (including virtually generated AI users) can participate and exchange instant messages.

[0047] The user terminal (100) may refer to a client of the messenger system (1000), and refers to a device that communicates with the instant messenger server (200), detects a user's action, or directly inputs an action according to the user, and outputs the contents of the messenger service to the user. That is, the user terminal (100) may select the aforementioned active emoticon and transmit it to the chat partner or change the received active emoticon.

[0048] These user terminals (100) cannot be listed all because the variations of portable devices are very diverse in accordance with the convergence trend of digital devices, but units of the same level as the above-mentioned units can be used as the user terminal (100) according to the present invention, and any device that can download and install a program for performing the messenger system (1000) according to the present invention can be used as the user terminal (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] Accordingly, the user terminal (100) may refer to any user device capable of installing and executing a messenger application related to a server, such as an electronic device such as a computer, an Ultra Mobile PC (UMPC), a workstation, a net-book, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistants), a portable computer, a web tablet, a wireless phone, a mobile phone, a smart phone, an e-book, a portable multimedia player (PMP), a portable game console, a navigation device, a black box, or a digital camera. The user terminal (100) may perform overall service operations, such as configuring a service screen, entering data, transmitting and receiving data, and storing data, under the control of a messenger providing program (240) or an instant messenger server (200).

[0050] In more detail, the user terminal (100) includes a camera module (110), a sensor module (120), an input device (130), an audio output unit (140), a display device (150), a memory (160), a program (165), a power supply unit (170), a communication module (180), and a control unit (190) that controls these as a whole.

[0051] The camera module (110) captures a still image or video of the user, and the instant messenger server (200) can cause the camera module (110) to capture a still image or video of the user, thereby changing the active emoticon appearing in the chat and outputting an image different from the original image. That is, for example, when an active emoticon is selected to change the emoticon in the user terminal (100), the camera module (110) can be utilized to set the timing at which other images that make up the active emoticon are output faster or slower by capturing the user's facial expression or surrounding environment at that time.

[0052] Meanwhile, the sensor module (120) can detect the operating status (e.g., power or temperature) of the user terminal (100) or the external environmental status (e.g., user status) and generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the detected status. According to one embodiment, the sensor module (120) may include, for example, a GPS sensor, a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, a pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor, an IR (infrared) sensor, a biosensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor. In addition, the sensor module (120) herein may further include a tactile sensor including at least one of a gas sensor or a smoke sensor for detecting the sense of smell, an ion sensor or a biosensor for detecting the sense of taste, and a magnetic sensor, temperature sensor, pressure sensor, and humidity sensor for detecting the sense of touch.

[0053] According to the detection value of this sensor module (120), the positions of any two people currently conversing in the chat window can be detected, and when these positions get closer to each other, the shape of the active emoticon can be changed and output. For example, referring to FIG. 10, if aaa initially sends me an active emoticon (e1) and I view the content, and then the positions of aaa and I get closer to each other within a set distance, a suggestive emoticon (e1s2) in which the size of the active emoticon increases or decreases or this change is repeated and output can be output. That is, the messenger system according to the present invention has the feature of being able to simultaneously view auxiliary information such as location information between the two people according to the change in output of the active emoticon.

[0054] Meanwhile, the input device (130) can receive commands or data to be used in a component of the user terminal (100) (e.g., the control unit (190)) from an external source (e.g., a user) of the user terminal (100). In addition, the input device (130) performs the function of selecting an active emoticon (e1) that is first output in a conversation window of a chat room. For this purpose, the input device (130) may include, for example, a touch panel, a microphone, a mouse, a keyboard, or a digital pen (e.g., a stylus pen), and any type of input means that may be developed in the future may be used.

[0055] Preferably, the input device (130) is configured in the form of a single touch panel (or touch screen) together with the display device (150) so that input and display functions can be performed simultaneously. Accordingly, an active emoticon first output in a specific chat window can be input-selected in the form of a touch.

[0056] In this case, the program (165) described below may be programmed so that the emoticon (e1) selected by being output first initiates a change by such selection. Alternatively, the program (165) may create a separate chat window as a recent chat window when the emoticon (e1) selected by being output first is selected, and the first emoticon (e1) may be copied or changed and output therein.

[0057] That is, as described above, an active emoticon (e1) is composed of multiple images, and refers to a collection of images that are initially output and gradually change depending on an action (or there may be no action). The program (165) may be programmed to output an emoticon different from the initially output emoticon (e1) depending on an action of selecting an emoticon or touching an emoticon, or to duplicate or change this initial emoticon (e1) in a separate chat window.

[0058] Meanwhile, the input device (130) receives various information such as voice and / or text information, and transmits signals input in relation to setting various functions and controlling functions of the user terminal (100) to the control module (220). In addition, the input device (130) may further include at least one of a keypad and a touchpad that generate an input signal according to a user's touch or manipulation, and / or a microphone that generates an input signal for voice according to a user's speech. In addition, the input device (130) may further include a camera module as described above.

[0059] In particular, the input device (130) according to one embodiment of the present invention detects input information input from a user and transmits it to the control module (220). In particular, in the present invention, the user terminal (100) can input information for logging into a messenger chat service, moving to a chat room, conversation, avatar creation, etc., through the input device (130). In addition, information requested by the instant messenger service server (200) can be input through the input device (130).

[0060] The audio output unit (140) can output audio signals provided by the messenger service (1000) to the outside of the user terminal (100). The audio output unit (140) may include, for example, a speaker or a receiver. The speaker may be used for general purposes, such as multimedia playback or recording playback, and the receiver may be used to receive incoming calls. According to one embodiment, the receiver may be implemented separately from the speaker or as part of the speaker.

[0061] The display device (150) can visually provide information to an external party (e.g., a user) of the user terminal (100). In addition, the display device (150) performs the function of outputting an active emoticon (e1) in a chat window, as shown in Fig. 4(a).

[0062] Such a display device (150) may include, for example, a display, a holographic device, or a projector and a control circuit for controlling the device. According to one embodiment described above, the display device (150) may include a touch circuitry configured to detect a touch, or a sensor circuitry (e.g., a pressure sensor) configured to measure the intensity of a force generated by the touch.

[0063] In addition, the display device (150) displays information about a series of operation states and operation results that occur during the performance of the functions of the user terminal (100). In addition, the display device (150) can display a menu of the user terminal (100) and user data input by the user. Here, the display device (150) can be configured as a liquid crystal display (LCD), a thin film transistor LCD (TFT-LCD), a light emitting diode (LED), an organic light emitting diode (OLED), an active matrix OLED (AMOLED), a retina display, a flexible display, a 3-dimensional display, etc.

[0064] In addition, when the display device (150) is configured in the form of a touch screen, the display device (150) can perform some or all of the functions of the input device (130). In particular, in the present invention, a chat service implemented by an instant messenger server (200) can be displayed through the display device (150).

[0065] The output chat service may be in the form of text, images, 3D images implemented on flat displays, or 360-degree 3D images implemented through VR devices. Additionally, the user's avatar may be output through the display device (150). Furthermore, guidance messages and the like may be output through speakers.

[0066] In addition, the display device (150) can output an emoticon (e1s1) including a hint indicator according to the function of the program described later. Referring to FIG. 4(a) and FIG. 4(b), when the chat partner reads the active emoticon (e1) that was output first (in this case, the number display (e.g., '1') in the chat window disappears, and in this case, in order to induce the chat partner to select, the display device (150) displays the hint indicator together with the original emoticon that was first output to inform that this emoticon is not a typical conventional emoticon but can be selected.

[0067] For example, such a hint indicator can be implemented as an animation in which the image slightly becomes smaller (dotted line) as in Fig. 4(b) or slightly becomes larger (not shown). Such a hint indicator can be formed by modifying the initial image of the active emoticon and can be set by the program (165). However, since the active emoticon has not yet been actively changed by another user, it is desirable that the active emoticon (e1s1) in which the hint indicator is displayed maintains the same shape and appearance as the initially output active emoticon. Accordingly, it may be desirable for the hint indicator to change only the output status of a portion of the active emoticon. In addition, such an hint indicator can be output to active emoticons that have already been modified in addition to the initially displayed active emoticon (e1) to draw the user's attention to trigger the remaining changes.

[0068] Meanwhile, in the case where an active emoticon first output in a chat window by the input device (130) and the display device (150) is selected as in Fig. 4(b), the display device may change the shape of the active emoticon (e1n) and output it as in Fig. 5(a). At this time, the input device (130) may cause a change in the shape as in Fig. 5(a) by reflecting either the time or the number of times the active emoticon is touched.

[0069] That is, when the touching time is relatively long, the size of the emoticon outputted as in Fig. 5(a) can be made larger, or when the number of touches on the emoticon is performed more than a certain number of times, an image different from the image indicated by the original emoticon can be output in the form of Fig. 5(a). In addition, in this case, the position coordinates of the original emoticon (e1) are calculated, and only when the touch of the input device (130) touches within the set distance of the position coordinates of the original emoticon (e1), it is determined that the selection of the original emoticon (e1) is complete, thereby causing a change in the subsequent emoticon. That is, when it is determined that the coordinate area touched by the input device (130) corresponds within the margin of error with the coordinate area provided inside or outside the pre-collected emoticon image, an emoticon expressed as an image different from the initially output image among the multiple images constituting the emoticon can be output.

[0070] Additionally, if the other party does not select the initially output active emoticon (e1) by touching or clicking, or if the other party does not read the message itself (as indicated by the number '1' in Fig. 5(b)), the initially output active emoticon can be expressed in a format in which it gradually disappears over a set period of time. Fig. 5 exemplifies an emoticon (e1x) that is not selected and thus gradually disappears or becomes smaller over a set period of time.

[0071] In this way, the messenger system according to the present invention is characterized in that when a chat participant selects an active emoticon, the image of the active emoticon can be changed to another image or the original image can be enlarged or reduced, etc., depending on various aspects of the selection. In order to change the active emoticon, the active emoticon is preferably composed of a plurality of images in a sequence, and the emoticon that is the next sequence image of the currently output emoticon is output according to the number of selections or touches on the input device (130).

[0072] Furthermore, referring to FIG. 6(a), when the input device (130) selects the initially output active emoticon (e1), the display device (150) loads the editing browser included in the program and changes the active emoticon (e1) into an editing emoticon (ete) including an editing indicator and outputs it. Here, the editing browser refers to an application that is an input tool driven by the program (165) and allows various selections or inputs for emoticons. That is, the editing browser designates an area including the initially generated emoticon (e1) as an editing area and determines the editing direction, which is the direction of change of the emoticon, by receiving input such as a user's touch. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 6(b), the user can also enlarge or reduce the initial emoticon (e1) by using a pinch-to-zoom method.

[0073] Based on the recognition that there is an editing indicator, the user can initiate editing of the emoticon. However, since the emoticon is not yet in a stage where active changes are made, it is desirable that such an editing emoticon (ete) be output by changing a portion of the output state while maintaining the shape or appearance of the original emoticon (e1) in the same manner as the aforementioned hint emoticon (e1s1). Accordingly, Fig. 6(a) illustrates an example where the original emoticon (e1) has been changed to an editing emoticon (ete) with a darker color without changing the shape or appearance. Meanwhile, such an editing emoticon (ete) can be continuously displayed under conditions such as when a touch is maintained or a touch is repeated within a set period of time. Therefore, the user can intuitively recognize that continuous editing is possible.

[0074] Furthermore, in a case where the original emoticon (e1) is selected, the editing browser is loaded, and the input device (130) obtains a signal that editing is being performed, the display device (150) can output the emoticon that is the result of editing in a subsequent dialog box of the dialog box occupied by the original emoticon (e1). That is, referring to FIG. 6(a), the display device (150) can output a temporary dialog box (tw) at the bottom when editing is performed by touching the editing emoticon (ete) as illustrated, and can cause this temporary dialog box (tw) to become a confirmed dialog box (fw) as illustrated in FIG. 7(a) or FIG. 7(b) when another input action separate from the editing input (e.g., a downward touch drag) is performed. Here, the case of Fig. 7(a) exemplifies a confirmation dialog box (fw) that is the result of a case where the edit input for the original emoticon (e1) is a simple copy (e1'), and the case of Fig. 7(b) exemplifies a confirmation dialog box (fw) that is the result of a case where the edit input for the original emoticon (e1) is an enlargement (e1'').

[0075] Meanwhile, referring to Fig. 8(a), the editing input of such an emoticon (e1) is performed by selecting an emoticon (e1) more than a set number of times and then selecting (touching) multiple emoticons (which may be edited emoticons) again, and as multiple touches on the emoticon are made, multiple emoticons (e1m) corresponding to the multiple touches are formed in the confirmation dialog box (tw), as illustrated. In addition, referring to Fig. 8(b), as an example, when an even greater number of touches are made, the previous emoticon (e1m) is changed to the final emoticon (e1f). In other words, the user can perform a completely different communication by gifting and duplicating an active emoticon composed of numerous images, increasing the number of images themselves, and further continuously changing the emoticon according to the input action and notifying the other party of this.

[0076] Meanwhile, Fig. 9(a) shows a case where the original emoticon (e1) is duplicated and the duplicated emoticon (e1') is output in a new chat window (fw). Here, chat participants aaa and I can additionally perform new input actions, such as touches, on the original emoticon (e1) or the duplicated emoticon (e1'). In this case, the program (165) can determine whether the aspects of each input action (number of inputs, input time, input method (line / shape, etc.)) correspond within the margin of error, and when the correspondence is determined, a new chat window can be created and a related message can be output separately. Fig. 9(b) illustrates outputting a congratulatory message in this case. Meanwhile, the actions of Figs. 10(a) and 10(b) have already been explained above, so they are omitted.

[0077] Meanwhile, the memory (160) can store various data input and used by at least one component of the user terminal (100) (e.g., control unit (190), sensor module (120), input device (130).

[0078] The data may include, for example, software (e.g., program (165)) that performs functions in each of the above-described configurations, and input data or output data for commands related thereto. The memory (160) may include volatile memory or non-volatile memory. In addition, a program (165) necessary for the functional operation of the user terminal (100) may be stored as software in the memory (160), and may be, for example, an operating system, middleware, or may include a service application. In addition, the power supply (170) may supply power to at least one component of the user terminal (100). According to one embodiment, the power supply (170) may include a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, or a fuel cell.

[0079] The communication module (180) can support the establishment of a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between the user terminal (100) and an external electronic device or an instant messenger server (200), and the performance of communication through the established communication channel. The communication module (180) operates independently from the control unit (190) (e.g., application processor) and can include one or more communication processors that support direct (e.g., wired) communication or wireless communication. According to one embodiment, the communication module (180) can include a wireless communication module (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module) or a wired communication module (394) (e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module, or a power line communication module). Any of these communication modules can communicate with an external electronic device via a network (10) (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, WiFi direct, or IrDA (infrared data association)) or a second network (e.g., a long-range communication network such as a cellular network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN)).

[0080] The control unit (190) may be a processing device that drives an operating system (OS) and each component. For example, it may execute software (e.g., a program (165)) to control at least one other component (e.g., a hardware or software component) of the user terminal (100) connected to the control unit (190) and perform various data processing or operations. According to one embodiment, as at least a part of the data processing or operation, the control unit (190) may load a command or data received from another component (e.g., a sensor module (120) or a communication module (180)) into a volatile memory, process the command or data stored in the volatile memory, and store the resulting data in a non-volatile memory. According to one embodiment, the control unit (190) may include a main processor (e.g., a central processing unit or an application processor) and an auxiliary processor (e.g., a graphics processing unit, an image signal processor, a sensor hub processor, or a communication processor) that can operate independently or together therewith.

[0081] In addition, the control unit (190) controls to transmit a signal input through the input device (130) to the instant messenger server (200) through the communication module (180), controls to output information transmitted from the instant messenger server (200) and received through the communication module (180) through the display device (150), and controls to store such information or data in the memory (180).

[0082] Alternatively, the control unit (190) of the user terminal (100) can control the input device (130) to process the signal received through the input device (130) and output it through the display device (150) without communicating with the instant messenger server (200) through the communication module (180), and can control the information or data generated in this process to be stored in the memory (180).

[0083] The user terminal (100) is requested to input speech data (a speech act of speaking out loud or a description of the speech act in text form) from the instant messenger server (200), and the input data can be transmitted to the instant messenger server (200). In addition, at this time, the data input by the user terminal (100) refers to at least one of text, image, sound, voice, and video. The data input here can be generated through the camera module (110), sensor module (120), and / or input device (130) included in the user terminal (100).

[0084] Meanwhile, such input data may be changed, and the changed input data may be transmitted back to the instant messenger server (200). In addition, the user terminal (100) may input other input data or the input data may be changed based on information detected by the sensor module (120).

[0085] Meanwhile, the service server (200) according to one embodiment of the present invention performs the role of transmitting and receiving data for chat between users. More specifically, the messenger server (200) can serve as a service platform that provides an instant messenger service to a client user terminal (100). Users can sign up for the instant messenger service provided by the instant messenger server (200) through a messenger application and create an account for the instant messenger service.

[0086] A user can create a general profile linked to their instant messenger service account. This general profile may be one that discloses account-related information to users with whom the user has a specific relationship (e.g., a friendship), while only providing limited information to users outside the specific relationship. Furthermore, the account-related information for the instant messenger service may include at least one of the user's ID, phone number, and email address.

[0087] In more detail, the instant messenger server (200) includes a server communication module (210), a control module (220), and a storage module (230).

[0088] The server communication module (210) performs the role of transmitting or receiving data including text or voice data for the instant messenger server (200) to provide an instant messenger service to the user terminal (100).

[0089] This server communication module (210) is for communicating with a user terminal (100), and it is preferable that the communication network for the server communication module (210) to perform its function uses a wireless communication method such as WLAN (Wireless LAN), Wi-Fi, Wibro, WiMAX, HSDPA (High Speed ​​Downlink Packet Access), etc., but is not limited thereto, and depending on the system implementation method, a wired communication method such as Ethernet, xDSL (ADSL, VDSL), HFC (Hybrid Fiber Coaxial Cable), FTTC (Fiber to The Curb), FTTH (Fiber to The Home) may be used.

[0090] In addition, the storage module (230) is a device for storing data, including a main memory device and an auxiliary memory device, and stores application programs required for the functional operation of the instant messenger server (200). This storage module (230) may largely include a program area and a data area. Here, when the instant messenger server (200) activates each function in response to a user's request, it executes the corresponding application programs under the control of the control unit (190) to provide each function.

[0091] In particular, in the present invention, the storage module (230) stores active emoticons. As described above, active emoticons may refer to a plurality of images configured to change sequentially or in a specific order based on an input action. More specifically, active emoticons are characterized by initially outputting a first image, but then outputting a second image that changes based on a given input. They are also characterized by the fact that they may be outputted in a variable size, although not necessarily changing based on a given input.

[0092] Furthermore, from a user's perspective, active emoticons are freely sent to conversation partners, necessitating a different charging policy than existing emoticons. Therefore, active emoticons may include restrictions based on usage period and number of transmissions. It's also desirable to encourage recipients of active emoticons to purchase them.

[0093] In addition, as described above, since it is possible to change the active emoticon in the chat window in which it first appeared or in a new chat window, it is desirable not to place any restrictions on the use of such changes, since changing the emoticon in the original chat window has already been charged. Meanwhile, it goes without saying that such a process can be implemented in the control module (220).

[0094] In addition, the storage module (230) can store a messenger program (240) running on the server (200). In addition, chat data received from the user terminal (100) can be encrypted and stored, and then deleted when the chat ends. In addition, an artificial neural network can be stored in the storage module (230). Meanwhile, the control module (220) is responsible for operating a general messenger system. However, if the control module (220) determines that an editing action on the user terminal is newly determined to be in violation of laws or other unreasonable circumstances, the control module (220) can transmit and display the content on the user terminal. In this case, the emoticon editing action of the input device (130) is blocked, and this process can be performed through the control module (220) and the user terminal.

[0095] Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 11, a service method of a messenger system according to an embodiment of the present invention transmits an active emoticon (S110), selects an active emoticon (S120), and inputs various actions so that the active emoticon is transformed and output in various ways in the previous window or a new window, thereby providing a new communication experience that has never been experienced before.

[0096] While the present disclosure has been described in connection with certain embodiments herein, various modifications and variations may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, which would be apparent to those skilled in the art. Furthermore, such modifications and variations are intended to fall within the scope of the claims appended to this specification.

[0097]

[0098] [Explanation of symbols]

[0099] 1000: messenger system, 10: network, 100. 100_1 쪋 100_n, 101: user terminal, 110: camera module, 120: sensor module, 130: input device, 140: audio output unit, 150: display device, 160: memory, 165: program, 170: power supply unit, 180: communication module, 190: control unit, 200: instant messenger server, 210: server communication module, 220: control module, 230: storage module, 240: messenger providing program, 300, 300_1 쪋 300_n: large language model server. 400: commercial server, 500: SNS server

Claims

1. Instant messenger server; and A user terminal communicating with the instant messenger server and performing a chat; Including, The above chat is conducted using text or emoticons. In the case where the above user terminal selects (including 'touching') an emoticon that is first displayed in the conversation window of a chat room, An active emoticon-based messenger system characterized in that it allows an input to select and change the emoticon that was first output, or to duplicate or change the emoticon that was first output in one's own chat window that has not yet been output and output it.

2. In paragraph 1, An active emoticon-based messenger system, characterized in that the above emoticon is composed of multiple images, and an emoticon different from the emoticon first output in the chat window is output depending on the emoticon selection pattern in the user terminal.

3. In paragraph 2, An active emoticon-based messenger system characterized in that the user terminal outputs an emoticon expressed as an image different from the initially output image among a plurality of images constituting the emoticon, reflecting at least one of the time selected for the emoticon, the number of selections, and the coordinate area touched.

4. In paragraph 3, The above user terminal determines whether the coordinate area actually touched on the user terminal corresponds within the error range with the coordinate area set in advance inside or outside the emoticon. An active emoticon-based messenger system characterized by outputting an emoticon expressed as an image different from the first output image among multiple images that constitute the emoticon.

5. In paragraph 1, An active emoticon-based messenger system, characterized in that the above emoticon is composed of a plurality of images having a sequence, and an emoticon which is the next sequence image of the currently output emoticon is output according to the number of selections of emoticons output from the user terminal.

6. In paragraph 1, The above emoticons that can be copied or changed and output are defined as active emoticons, and the active emoticons include an implicit indicator that changes the output status of some areas while maintaining the identity of the image (while maintaining the output form). An active emoticon-based messenger system, characterized in that when the active emoticon is first output in a conversation window of a chat room, the hint indicator is output together with the active emoticon.

7. In paragraph 6, An active emoticon-based messenger system characterized in that when the above active emoticon is selected, the user terminal loads an editing browser while outputting an editing indicator that maintains the form of the active emoticon but changes a part of the output status to the active emoticon.

8. In paragraph 7, A messenger system based on active emoticons, characterized in that the above editing browser duplicates an active emoticon or performs enlargement of an active emoticon, and the edited active emoticon can be output to a subsequent conversation window of the conversation window in which the emoticon was originally output.

9. In paragraph 8, A messenger system based on active emoticons, characterized in that the above editing browser generates a control signal to output the edited active emoticon in a subsequent chat window when detecting an input consisting of an action set when editing an active emoticon.

10. In paragraph 1, An active emoticon-based messenger system characterized in that, if the user terminal does not select or view an emoticon that was first output in a chat window of a chat room, the emoticon in that chat window is output so that it gradually disappears or changes in shape.

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