Electronic device and method for sharing purchase path of virtual item

Abstract

This electronic device may comprise a display, a communication circuit and a processor. The processor can: display, through the display, a user interface (UI) including a list of one or more virtual items registered in a server for a transaction on a screen that includes at least a portion of a virtual space including a player character (PC) corresponding to a user of the electronic device; receive a user input for selecting a visual object for sharing a purchase path of one virtual item from among the one or more virtual items on the list; and, on the basis of the reception of the user input, transmit data including the purchase path to another electronic device so that another visual object enabling the purchase of the one virtual item is displayed by the purchase path of the one virtual item on another screen of the other electronic device on which another PC distinguished from the PC is displayed.

Description

Electronic device and method for sharing a purchase path for a virtual item

[0001] Various embodiments disclosed in this document relate to electronic devices and methods for sharing a purchase path for a virtual item.

[0002] A server providing a game service may provide a service for trading virtual items between users. For example, the server may provide a virtual exchange for trading virtual items. Sellers may register virtual items they wish to sell on the virtual exchange. Buyers may review the virtual items registered on the exchange and decide to purchase them. For example, the virtual exchange may provide information about the virtual item to be sold. For example, information about the virtual item may include its name, type, assigned abilities, and / or assigned special effects.

[0003] Users wishing to purchase virtual items can purchase virtual items registered on the server. Low-skilled (or inexperienced) users may find it difficult to identify or search for items necessary (or currently appropriate) to enhance their player characters. Furthermore, low-skilled (or inexperienced) users may wish to receive recommendations (or share) of items necessary (or currently appropriate) to enhance their characters.

[0004] An electronic device may include a display; a communication circuit; and a processor. The processor may be configured to display, through the display, a user interface (UI) including a list of one or more virtual items registered on a server for a transaction on a screen including at least a portion of a virtual space including a player character (PC) corresponding to a user of the electronic device. The processor may be configured to receive a user input for selecting a visual object for sharing a purchase path of one virtual item among the one or more virtual items in the list. Based on the user input, the processor may transmit data including the purchase path to another electronic device, where another PC is displayed and is distinct from the PC, so that another visual object for purchasing the one virtual item through the purchase path of the one virtual item is displayed on another screen of the other electronic device.

[0005] A method performed by an electronic device may include an action of displaying, through the display, a user interface (UI) including a list of one or more virtual items registered on a server for a transaction on a screen including at least a portion of a virtual space including a player character (PC) corresponding to a user of the electronic device. The method may include an action of receiving a user input for selecting a visual object for sharing a purchase path of one virtual item among the one or more virtual items in the list. The method may include an action of transmitting data including the purchase path to another electronic device, based on the receiving of the user input, such that another visual object for purchasing the one virtual item by the purchase path of the one virtual item is displayed on another screen of the other electronic device, which is distinct from the PC.

[0006] FIG. 1 is an exemplary block diagram of an electronic device within a network environment, according to one embodiment.

[0007] FIG. 2A is a flow chart illustrating the operation of an electronic device and a server according to one embodiment.

[0008] FIG. 2b illustrates a UI displayed on a display of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0009] FIG. 2c illustrates a UI displayed on a display of an external electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0010] FIG. 3A is a flowchart illustrating the operation of an external electronic device and a server according to one embodiment.

[0011] FIG. 3b illustrates a UI displayed on a display of an external electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0012] FIG. 4A is a flowchart illustrating the operation of an electronic device and a server according to one embodiment.

[0013] FIG. 4b is a flowchart illustrating the operation of an external electronic device and a server according to one embodiment.

[0014] FIG. 4c illustrates a web page displayed on a display of an external electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0015] Specific structural or functional descriptions of embodiments according to the concept of the present invention disclosed in this specification are merely illustrative for the purpose of explaining embodiments according to the concept of the present invention, and embodiments according to the concept of the present invention may be implemented in various forms and are not limited to the embodiments described in this specification.

[0016] Embodiments according to the concept of the present invention may have various modifications and take various forms, and thus, embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and described in detail in this specification. However, this is not intended to limit embodiments according to the concept of the present invention to specific disclosed forms, but rather includes modifications, equivalents, or alternatives that fall within the spirit and technical scope of the present invention.

[0017] While terms such as "first" or "second" may be used to describe various components, these components should not be limited by these terms. These terms are intended solely to distinguish one component from another. For example, a first component may be referred to as a "second component," and similarly, a second component may also be referred to as a "first component," without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0018] When a component is referred to as being "connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that it may be directly connected or connected to that other component, but that there may be other components in between. Conversely, when a component is referred to as being "directly connected" or "directly connected" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components in between. Expressions that describe relationships between components, such as "between," "immediately between," or "directly adjacent to," should be interpreted similarly.

[0019] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing specific embodiments only and is not intended to limit the present invention. The singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this specification, it should be understood that the terms "comprises" or "has" are intended to specify the presence of a described feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof, but do not preclude the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0020] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. Terms defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant technology, and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined herein.

[0021] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. However, the scope of the patent application is not limited or restricted by these embodiments. The same reference numerals in each drawing represent the same components.

[0022] FIG. 1 is an exemplary block diagram of an electronic device within a network environment, according to one embodiment.

[0023] Referring to FIG. 1, the environment illustrated in FIG. 1 may include an electronic device (101), a plurality of external electronic devices (105, 107), and a server (103). The electronic device (101) may be connected to the plurality of external electronic devices (105, 107) based on a wired network and / or a wireless network. For example, the wired network may include a network such as the Internet, a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), Ethernet, or a combination thereof. The wireless network may include a network such as long term evolution (LTE), 5g new radio (NR), wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi), Zigbee, near field communication (NFC), Bluetooth, Bluetooth low-energy (BLE), or a combination thereof. In FIG. 1, the electronic device (101) is illustrated as being directly connected to the plurality of external electronic devices (105, 107) and the server (103), but is not limited thereto. For example, an electronic device (101) and a plurality of external electronic devices (105, 107) may be indirectly connected via one or more routers and / or one or more access points (APs).

[0024] According to one embodiment, the server (103) may refer to a server of a service provider. For example, the server (103) may register users of an electronic device (101) and a plurality of external electronic devices (105, 107), which are client devices, based on linkage with a database that stores user information subscribed to a service (e.g., a multimedia content service or a game service), or may perform user authentication at least based on a correlation between account information received from at least one of the electronic device (101) and the plurality of external electronic devices (105, 107) (e.g., the electronic device (101)) and account information stored in a database that stores user information. For example, the service may include a game service provided to users subscribed to the service. For example, the service may include a program, an application, and / or a library for providing the game service. For example, the server (103) may provide information about a virtual space associated with a game service to an electronic device (101) and a plurality of external electronic devices (105, 107). The virtual space may represent a virtual environment (or game environment) implemented within the game service.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may process operation requests related to software applications received from a plurality of external electronic devices (105, 107) that are client devices based on interworking with a database (e.g., memory (133) of the server (103)) that stores data for executing software applications (e.g., game software applications) related to a service, and transmit information about the results of the processing to the server (103). The operation requests related to applications received from the plurality of external electronic devices (105, 107) may include avatar information corresponding to account information of each of the users.

[0026] Referring to FIG. 1, an electronic device (101) according to one embodiment may include a personal computer such as a laptop and a desktop, a smartphone, a smart pad, a tablet PC (personal computer), a smart watch, and a smart accessory such as a head-mounted device (HMD). For example, the electronic device (101) may include at least one of a processor (111), a memory (113), a communication circuit (115), a display (117), and a sensor (119). The processor (111), the memory (113), the communication circuit (115), the display (117), and / or the sensor (119) may be electrically and / or operably coupled with each other by an electronic component such as a communication bus. The type and / or number of hardware components included in the electronic device (101) are not limited to those illustrated in FIG. 1. For example, the electronic device (101) may include only some of the hardware components illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0027] A processor (111) of an electronic device (101) according to one embodiment may include a hardware component for processing data based on one or more instructions. The hardware component for processing data may include, for example, an arithmetic and logic unit (ALU), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), and / or a central processing unit (CPU). The number of processors (111) may be one or more. For example, the processor (111) may have a multi-core processor structure such as a dual core, a quad core, or a hexa core.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the memory (113) of the electronic device (101) may include a hardware component for storing data and / or instructions input and / or output to the processor (111). The memory (113) may include, for example, a volatile memory such as a random-access memory (RAM) and / or a non-volatile memory such as a read-only memory (ROM). The volatile memory may include, for example, at least one of a dynamic RAM (DRAM), a static RAM (SRAM), a cache RAM, and a pseudo SRAM (PSRAM). The non-volatile memory may include, for example, at least one of a programmable ROM (PROM), an erasable PROM (EPROM), an electrically erasable PROM (EEPROM), a flash memory, a hard disk, a compact disc, and an embedded multi media card (eMMC).

[0029] According to one embodiment, one or more instructions (or commands) representing operations and / or actions to be performed on data by the processor (111) of the electronic device (101) may be stored in the memory (113) of the electronic device (101). A set of one or more instructions may be referred to as firmware, an operating system, a process, a routine, a sub-routine, and / or an application. For example, the electronic device (101) and / or the processor (111) may perform at least one of the operations of FIG. 2A, FIG. 3A, FIG. 4A, or FIG. 4B when a set of a plurality of instructions distributed in the form of an operating system, firmware, driver, and / or application is executed. Hereinafter, the fact that an application is installed in an electronic device (101) may mean that one or more instructions provided in the form of an application are stored in a memory (113), and that one or more applications are stored in a format executable by the processor (111) (e.g., a file having an extension specified by the operating system of the electronic device (101). As an example, an application may include a program and / or a library related to a service provided to a user.

[0030] According to one embodiment, a communication circuit (115) of an electronic device (101) may include hardware components for supporting transmission and / or reception of signals between the electronic device (101) and a plurality of external electronic devices (105, 107). The communication circuit (115) may include, for example, at least one of a modem (MODEM), an antenna, and an optical / electronic (O / E) converter. For example, the communication circuit (115) may support transmission and / or reception of signals based on various types of protocols, such as Ethernet, a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi), Bluetooth, Bluetooth low energy (BLE), ZigBee, long term evolution (LTE), and 5G new radio (NR).

[0031] According to one embodiment, the display (117) of the electronic device (101) may be controlled by a controller, such as a processor (111), to output visualized information to a user. The display (117) may include a flat panel display (FPD) and / or electronic paper. The FPD may include a liquid crystal display (LCD), a plasma display panel (PDP), and / or one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs). The LEDs may include organic LEDs (OLEDs). For example, the display (117) may be used to display an image acquired by the processor (111) or an image acquired by a display driving circuit. For example, the electronic device (101) may display an image on a portion (a) of the display (117) under the control of the display driving circuit. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the electronic device (101) may display multimedia content including an avatar corresponding to the electronic device (101) on the display (117) based on receiving information about multimedia content (e.g., a game screen) from the server (103).

[0032] According to one embodiment, a sensor (119) of an electronic device (101) can identify an input to a display (117). For example, the sensor (119) can identify an input on the display (117) by a user of the electronic device (101). For example, the input can include at least one of a touch input including a contact point on at least a portion of the display (117), a drag input on the display (117), or a hovering input on the display (117). For example, the sensor (119) can detect an operating state (e.g., power or temperature) of the electronic device (101) or an external environmental state (e.g., user state) according to the input, and generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the detected state. For example, the sensor (119) may include a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, a pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, an IMU (inertial measurement unit) sensor, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor, an IR (infrared) sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor.

[0033] According to one embodiment, the server (103) may include at least one of a processor (131), a memory (133), and a communication circuit (135). The processor (131), the memory (133), or the communication circuit (135) may be electrically and / or operably coupled with each other by an electronic component, such as a communication bus. The type and / or number of hardware components included in the server (103) is not limited to those illustrated in FIG. 1. For example, the server (103) may include only some of the hardware components illustrated in FIG. 1. For example, the processor (131) may correspond to the processor (111) of the electronic device (101). For example, the memory (133) may correspond to the memory (113) of the electronic device (101). The communication circuit (135) may correspond to the communication circuit (155) of the electronic device (101). To reduce repetition of description, redundant descriptions may be omitted.

[0034] According to one embodiment, the server (103) may store, within the memory (133), account information of users subscribed to a service (e.g., a game service) based on the server (103). For example, the user account information may include player character (PC) information corresponding to the account information within the game service. Furthermore, for example, the user account information may include information about electronic devices owned by the users.

[0035] For example, PC information may include PC stats, level, skills, and / or PC appearance information. For example, a PC may include a playable character that performs a designated action based on user input related to account information (or an electronic device) corresponding to the PC. For example, a PC may be different from a non-player character (NPC) that cannot be controlled by a user. For example, an NPC may represent a server (103) providing a virtual space or a character preset during the design of the virtual space. For example, an NPC may interact with a PC. For example, an NPC may include a monster. For example, a PC and an NPC may be included in an object (or target object) that can be a target of interaction.

[0036] For example, the server (103) can identify a user's input based on receiving at least one signal from at least one electronic device owned by the user of the electronic device (101) and / or a plurality of external electronic devices (105, 107). The electronic device (101) and / or the server (103) can control the PC based on the identification of the user's input.

[0037] According to one embodiment, the server (103) may store item information within a service (e.g., a game service) based on the server (103) within the memory (133). For example, the item information may include information about an item used by a PC within the game service (or virtual space). For example, the item information may include item stats and / or item appearance information.

[0038] According to one embodiment, the plurality of external electronic devices (105, 107) may be owned by different users. For example, the first external electronic device (105) and / or the second external electronic device (107) may include personal computers such as laptops and desktops, smart phones, smart pads, tablet PCs, smart watches, and smart accessories such as head-mounted devices (HMDs). For example, the plurality of external electronic devices (105, 107) may be examples of electronic devices that receive services (e.g., game services) through the server (103). Each user using the first external electronic device (105) and / or the second external electronic device (107) may be a subscriber to the service provided by the electronic device (101). Although only two external electronic devices (105, 107) are illustrated in FIG. 1, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the server (103) may be connected to three or more external electronic devices.

[0039] Among a plurality of external electronic devices (105, 107) according to one embodiment, a first external electronic device (105) may include at least one of a processor (151), a memory (153), a communication circuit (155), a display (157), and a sensor (159). The processor (151), the memory (153), the communication circuit (155), the display (157), and / or the sensor (159) may be electrically and / or operably coupled with each other by an electronic component such as a communication bus. The type and / or number of hardware components included in the first external electronic device (105) is not limited to those illustrated in FIG. 1. For example, the first external electronic device (105) may include only some of the hardware components illustrated in FIG. 1. For example, the processor (151) may correspond to the processor (111) of the electronic device (101). For example, the memory (153) may correspond to the memory (113) of the electronic device (101). The communication circuit (155) may correspond to the communication circuit (155) of the electronic device (101). The display (157) may correspond to the display (117) of the electronic device (101). The sensor (159) may correspond to the sensor (119) of the electronic device (101). To reduce repetition of explanations, redundant explanations may be omitted.

[0040] According to one embodiment, each of the plurality of external electronic devices (105, 107) (e.g., the second external electronic device (107)) may include at least some or all of the components included in the first external electronic device (105). Each of the plurality of external electronic devices including the second external electronic device (107) may be independently configured by including at least some or all of the components included in the first external electronic device (105).

[0041] As described above, according to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may display a screen including at least a portion of a virtual space through the display (117). For example, the screen may include a user interface (UI) including one or more items. According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may provide information for purchasing an item to an external electronic device (105, 107) based on an input for a visual object representing an item among one or more items. For example, the information for purchasing an item may be displayed within a UI that is distinct from a user interface (UI) including a list of virtual items.

[0042] As described above, the electronic device (101) can provide a UI for purchasing items to the user of the external electronic device (105, 107) based on an input to a UI including a list of virtual items on the screen. By providing a UI for purchasing items, the user of the external electronic device (105, 107) can directly obtain information about the existence of virtual items and information for purchasing them from the user of the electronic device (101) without much effort. Accordingly, the device and method according to the embodiments of the present disclosure can provide a user experience that allows for easier adaptation to a virtual space by providing a UI for purchasing items necessary for strengthening a PC (or appropriate at the current time) to a low-skilled (or low-experienced) user through a high-skilled (or high-experienced) user.

[0043] Figure 2a is a flowchart illustrating the operation of an electronic device and a server according to one embodiment. Figure 2b illustrates a UI displayed on a display of an electronic device according to one embodiment. Figure 2c illustrates a UI displayed on a display of an external electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0044] The operation of the electronic device (101) illustrated in FIG. 2A may be performed by the processor (111) of FIG. 1 executing instructions stored in a memory (e.g., the memory (113) of FIG. 1). The operation of the server (103) illustrated in FIG. 2A may be performed by the processor (131) of FIG. 1 executing instructions stored in a memory (e.g., the memory (133) of FIG. 1). The operation of the first external electronic device (105) illustrated in FIG. 2A may be performed by the processor (151) of FIG. 1 executing instructions stored in a memory (e.g., the memory (153) of FIG. 1). Transmission and / or reception of information between the electronic device (101) and the server (103) may be performed through a communication circuit (e.g., the communication circuit (115, 135) of FIG. 1). Transmission of information between the first external electronic device (105) and the server (103) And / or reception may be accomplished via a communication circuit (e.g., communication circuit (155, 135) of FIG. 1).

[0045] Referring to FIG. 2A, in operation 201, the electronic device (101) may receive a first user input. According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may receive a first user input provided from a user of the electronic device (101).

[0046] Referring to FIG. 2B, the first user input may be referred to as a user input for displaying a list (211) of one or more virtual items (212) registered with the server (103) for a transaction on the display (117). For example, the electronic device (101) may request the list (211) from the server (103) based on receiving a first user input for a key button designated for a request to display the list (211) on the display (117) or a first user input for a visual object designated for a request. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the request may be provided as at least a part of a function provided within the game service, such as an inventory, crafting, a store, a collection, or a trading post. For example, the request may be provided as part of any function of the game service that displays virtual items on the display (117).

[0047] Referring again to FIG. 2A, at operation 202, the electronic device (101) may request the server (103) for first information for a list (211) of virtual items registered with the server (103) for a transaction, based on the first user input.

[0048] In one embodiment, in response to receiving a first user input, the electronic device (101) may request a list (211) of virtual items registered with the server (103) for a transaction from the server (103). For example, the first information may be referenced as information for the electronic device (101) to display the list (211) on the display (117).

[0049] In operation 203, the server (103) can transmit first information for displaying a virtual item list (211) to the electronic device (101).

[0050] According to one embodiment, the server (103) may, based on receiving a request for first information from the electronic device (101), transmit first information to the electronic device (101) for displaying a list (211) of one or more virtual items (212) registered with the server (103) for a transaction.

[0051] For example, the server (103) may provide a service for trading virtual items. For example, the server (103) may include a virtual exchange for trading virtual items. Sellers may register virtual items they wish to sell in the virtual exchange of the server (103), and buyers may check and purchase the registered virtual items. The first information for displaying a list (211) of one or more virtual items to be sold (e.g., one or more virtual items (212) of FIG. 2B) may be referenced as information for displaying information (e.g., name, type, assigned ability, and / or assigned special effect) and / or price regarding each of the one or more virtual items (212) registered in the virtual exchange on the display of the electronic device (101) (e.g., display (117) of FIG. 2B).

[0052] In operation 204, the electronic device (101) may display a user interface (UI) 210 including a list (211) of virtual items on the display (117) based on receiving first information from the server (103).

[0053] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may, based on receiving first information from the server (103), display on the display (117) a UI (210) (e.g., UI (210) of FIG. 2b) including a list (211) of one or more virtual items (212) registered with the server (103) for a transaction using the first information.

[0054] For example, the electronic device (101) may display, on the display (117), a UI (210) including a list (211) of one or more virtual items (212) registered in a virtual exchange based on first information provided from a server (103). Referring to FIG. 2B, the UI (210) may include a list (211) including information related to one or more virtual items (212) included in the first information.

[0055] According to one embodiment, the UI (210) may include a first area (210-1), a second area (210-2), and a third area (210-3).

[0056] For example, the first area (210-1) may be referred to as an area for displaying information about each of one or more virtual items (212) registered in a virtual exchange. The information about each of one or more virtual items (212) displayed in the first area (210-1) may include, but is not limited to, text indicating the name of the virtual item, an icon indicating the type of the virtual item (e.g., a weapon icon), and / or text indicating abilities and / or special effects assigned to the virtual item.

[0057] For example, the second area (210-2) may be referred to as an area for displaying price information for each of one or more virtual items (212) registered in a virtual exchange. For example, when a seller registers one or more virtual items (212) in a virtual exchange, the seller may set a selling price. The selling price set by the seller may be based on the virtual currency (or game money) used within the virtual space. However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0058] For example, the third area (210-3) may include a first visual object (220). The first visual object (220) may receive a second user input (230) for selecting one virtual item (211) that the user wishes to share among one or more virtual items (212) registered in the virtual exchange.

[0059] Referring back to FIG. 2a, at operation 205, the electronic device (101) may receive a second user input (230) for selection of one virtual item (e.g., one virtual item (213) of FIG. 2b).

[0060] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may receive a second user input (230) for selecting one virtual item (213) from among one or more virtual items (212) in a list (211). The one virtual item (213) may be referred to as a virtual item selected by the second user input (230) from among the one or more virtual items (212). For example, the second user input (230) may be referred to as a user input for a visual object (221) corresponding to one virtual item (213) in the UI (210) illustrated in FIG. 2B. For example, the first visual object (220) may include one or more visual objects corresponding to each of the one or more virtual items (212). The electronic device (101) may receive a second user input (230) for one visual object (221) corresponding to one virtual item (213) that the user wishes to share among one or more virtual items (212).

[0061] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may receive an additional user input for selecting an object that the user wishes to share, based on receiving a second user input (230) for selecting one virtual item (213). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may display an additional UI for selecting an object that the user wishes to share, based on receiving the second user input (230) for selecting one virtual item (213). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may select an object that the user wishes to share, through an additional input subsequent to the second user input (230), on the additional UI for selecting an object that the user wishes to share. According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may display an additional UI for providing one or more sharing objects that the user may select, through the display (117), based on receiving the second user input (230). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may transmit data including a purchase path to the first external electronic device (105) through the server (103) so that a visual object (243) for purchasing one virtual item (213) is displayed in a chat room with other users based on receiving an additional input for selecting an object to be shared from among one or more sharing objects on an additional UI. The one or more sharing objects may include one or more chat rooms and / or a bulletin board on a web page that is distinct from the virtual space provided by the server (103).

[0062] In operation 206, the electronic device (101) may transmit second information about one selected virtual item (213) to a destination by a second user input. The electronic device (101) may transmit second information about one selected virtual item (213) to a server (103) by a second user input. The electronic device (101) may transmit second information about one selected virtual item (213) to a first external electronic device (105) through the server (103) by the second user input. In operation 207, the server (103) may transmit second information about the virtual item (213) received from the electronic device (101) to the first external electronic device (105).

[0063] For example, the second information may be referenced as information for displaying a visual object for purchasing one virtual item (213) on a display (e.g., display 117 or display 157) by the electronic device (101) or at least one of the plurality of external electronic devices (105, 107). For example, the second information may include a purchase path for displaying a UI for purchasing one virtual item (213) by the at least one electronic device based on a user input for a visual object for purchasing one virtual item (213). For example, the second information may include a purchase path included in a request for purchasing one virtual item (213) by the at least one electronic device to the server (103) based on a user input for a visual object for purchasing one virtual item (213). For example, the purchase path may include a uniform resource locator (URL) for purchasing one virtual item (213). For example, the purchase path may be information included in an application programming interface (API) requesting the display of a UI for purchasing a virtual item (213). For example, the purchase path may be information included in an API requesting the purchase of a virtual item (213). For example, the purchase path may be included as part of the parameters of the API based on user input regarding a visual object (e.g., 243 in FIG. 2C) for purchasing a virtual item (213).

[0064] In operation 208, the electronic device (101) may display a visual object for purchasing one virtual item (213). The electronic device (101) may display a visual object (243) for purchasing one virtual item (213) in a chat room (e.g., 241 of FIG. 3c). The electronic device (101) may display the visual object (243) for purchasing one virtual item (213) in a chat room (241) with another user logged in through the first external electronic device (105). For example, the visual object (243) may be a visual object for calling an API for displaying a UI (e.g., 320 of FIG. 3b) for purchasing one virtual item (213) based on a user input (e.g., 250 of FIG. 2c) for the visual object (243). For example, a chat room (241) may be referred to as a virtual space created for communication between users participating in the chat room. For example, a chat room (241) may be referred to as a chat room where text messages can be exchanged. For example, a user logged in through an electronic device (101) may request the opening of a chat room to provide information about a virtual item (213) to another user logged in through a first external electronic device (105). For example, the electronic device (101) may request the opening of a chat room to the server (103) based on receiving a second user input (230) regarding a visual object (211). Based on receiving the request, the server (103) may transmit information to the first external electronic device (105) to request approval for the opening of the chat room. The server (103) can open a chat room where a user and another user are connected based on receiving approval for opening a chat room from a first external electronic device (105).When a chat room is opened, a virtual space can be provided where text messages, voice messages, images, videos, etc. can be exchanged between a user of an electronic device (101) and a user of a first external electronic device (105). The user of the electronic device (101) can provide information about a virtual item (213) that he or she wishes to share to another user through the chat room, and the other user of the first external electronic device (105) can purchase the shared virtual item (213) through the chat room without displaying the UI (210), thereby facilitating transactions of virtual items.

[0065] In operation 209, the first external electronic device (105) may display a visual object for purchasing one virtual item (213). The first external electronic device (105) may display a visual object (243) for purchasing one virtual item (213) in a chat room (241) on a screen (240) including at least a portion of a virtual space. The first external electronic device (105) may display a visual object (243) for purchasing one virtual item (213) in the chat room (241) based on receiving second information from the server (103). The first external electronic device (105) may display a visual object (243) for purchasing one virtual item (213) in the chat room (241). The first external electronic device (105) can display a visual object (243) that can purchase one virtual item (213) in a chat room (241) with a PC of a user logged in through the electronic device (101). For example, the visual object (243) can be a visual object for calling an API for displaying a UI (320) for purchasing one virtual item (213) based on a user input (250) for the visual object (243).

[0066] A user of an electronic device (101) may want to recommend (or share) one virtual item (213) from among one or more virtual items (212) to another user of the first external electronic device (105) for the purpose of strengthening another PC corresponding to the first external electronic device (105). If the other user has never owned one virtual item (213), it may be difficult for the other user to know the existence of one virtual item (213) that is necessary (or appropriate at the current time) for strengthening the other PC. Even if a search for one or more virtual items (212) is possible within the UI (210) illustrated in FIG. 2b, it may be difficult for a relatively inexperienced other user to appropriately search for one virtual item (213) that is necessary (or appropriate at the current time) for strengthening the other PC.

[0067] As described above, the electronic device (101) according to one embodiment can provide the user of the first external electronic device (105) with information on one virtual item (213) necessary for strengthening the PC (or appropriate at the current time). The electronic device (101) according to one embodiment can provide the user of the first external electronic device (105) with information on one virtual item (213) necessary for strengthening the PC (or appropriate at the current time), thereby allowing other users of the first external electronic device (105) to directly obtain information on the existence and purchase of the virtual item from the user without much effort.

[0068] FIG. 3A is a flowchart illustrating the operation of an external electronic device and a server according to one embodiment. FIG. 3B illustrates a UI displayed on a display of an external electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0069] The operation of the server (103) illustrated in FIG. 3A may be performed by the processor (131) of FIG. 1 executing instructions stored in a memory (e.g., the memory (133) of FIG. 1). The operation of the first external electronic device (105) illustrated in FIG. 3A may be performed by the processor (151) of FIG. 1 executing instructions stored in a memory (e.g., the memory (153) of FIG. 1). Transmission and / or reception of information between the first external electronic device (105) and the server (103) may be performed through a communication circuit (e.g., the communication circuit (155, 135) of FIG. 1).

[0070] Referring to FIG. 3A, in operation 301, the first external electronic device (105) may display a visual object for purchasing one virtual item (213). The first external electronic device (105) may display a visual object (243) for purchasing one virtual item (213) in a chat room (241) on a screen (240) including at least a portion of a virtual space. The first external electronic device (105) may display a visual object (243) for purchasing one virtual item (213) in the chat room (241) based on receiving second information from the server (103). The first external electronic device (105) may display a visual object (243) for purchasing one virtual item (213) in the chat room (241). The first external electronic device (105) can display a visual object (243) that can purchase a virtual item (213) in a chat room (241) with a PC of a user logged in through the electronic device (101). For example, operation 301 may correspond to operation 208 of FIG. 2A.

[0071] In operation 302, the external electronic device (103) may receive a third user input (e.g., 250 of FIG. 2c) for selection of a visual object (e.g., 243 of FIG. 2c) for purchase of one virtual item (213).

[0072] According to one embodiment, the external electronic device (103) may receive a third user input (250) for a visual object (243) among one or more text messages in a chat room (241). The visual object (243) may have properties that distinguish it from other text messages. For example, the visual object (243) may be displayed in the chat room so as to be distinguished from one or more other text messages in the chat room. For example, the visual object (243) may be highlighted differently from other text messages. For example, the visual object (243) may have a different color than other text messages. For example, the visual object (243) may be underlined differently from other text messages. For example, the visual object (243) may include a hyperlink that is selectable by user input. For example, the hyperlink may include a purchase path.

[0073] In operation 303, the external electronic device (103) may request third information for purchasing one virtual item (213) based on a third user input (250) selecting a visual object (243). For example, the external electronic device (103) may transmit an API to the server (103) for displaying a UI (320) for purchasing one virtual item (213) based on the third user input (250) selecting the visual object (243). For example, the request (or API) may include identification information of one virtual item (213).

[0074] In operation 304, the server (103) may transmit third information for the purchase of one virtual item (213) to the external electronic device (103). According to one embodiment, the server (103) may transmit third information for displaying a UI (320) for the purchase of one virtual item (213) among one or more virtual items (212) registered with the server (103) for the transaction to the external electronic device (103) based on receiving a request for the third information from the external electronic device (103).

[0075] In operation 305, the first external electronic device (105) may display a UI (320) for purchasing one virtual item (213). The first external electronic device (105) may display the UI (320) for purchasing one virtual item (213) on a screen (310) including at least a portion of a virtual space. The first external electronic device (105) may display the UI (320) for purchasing one virtual item (213) based on receiving third information from the server (103). For example, the UI (320) may be referred to as a quick purchase UI.

[0076] Referring to FIG. 3B, the UI (320) may include one or more items (321 to 326). For example, item (321) may include information about a person who has shared a virtual item (213) and a name of the shared virtual item (213). For example, item (322) may include text representing a virtual item (213), an icon representing the type of the virtual item (213) (e.g., a weapon icon), and / or information regarding the price of the virtual item (213). For example, item (323) may include information regarding the price of the virtual item (213) and / or information regarding virtual currency (or game money) used within the virtual space owned by the user. For example, item (324) may be a button for canceling the purchase of the virtual item (213). For example, the external electronic device (103) may stop displaying the UI (320) based on obtaining a designated input for the item (324). For example, the item (325) may be a button for purchasing one virtual item (213). For example, the external electronic device (103) may purchase one virtual item (213) based on obtaining a fourth user input for the item (325).

[0077] In operation 306, the external electronic device (103) may receive a fourth user input for purchasing one virtual item (213). According to one embodiment, the external electronic device (103) may receive a fourth user input for selecting an item (325) from among one or more items (324, 325) within the UI (320).

[0078] In operation 307, the external electronic device (103) may request a purchase of one virtual item (213) based on a fourth user input selecting an item (325). For example, the external electronic device (103) may transmit an API for the purchase of one virtual item (213) to the server (103) based on the fourth user input selecting the item (325). For example, the request (or API) may include identification information of one virtual item (213), identification information of a user of the external electronic device (103), and / or account information.

[0079] In operation 308, the server (103) may process a purchase of a virtual item (213). In one embodiment, the server (103) may process a transaction of a virtual item (213) based on receiving a purchase request for the virtual item (213) from an external electronic device (103). For example, the server (103) may transmit the purchased virtual item (213) to the user of the external electronic device (103). For example, the server (103) may collect the transaction amount for the purchased virtual item (213) from the user of the external electronic device (103). For example, the server (103) may retrieve the virtual item (213) sold to a seller. For example, the server (103) may transmit the transaction amount for the sold virtual item (213) to the seller.

[0080] As described above, the first external electronic device (105) according to one embodiment can provide another user with a quick purchase UI for purchasing a single virtual item (213) necessary for strengthening a PC (or appropriate at the current time). The first external electronic device (105) according to one embodiment can, through the quick purchase UI, allow a user to quickly purchase an item without displaying a UI (210) for searching and purchasing virtual items.

[0081] FIG. 4A is a flowchart illustrating the operation of an electronic device and a server according to one embodiment. FIG. 4B is a flowchart illustrating the operation of an external electronic device and a server according to one embodiment. FIG. 4C illustrates a web page displayed on the display of an external electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0082] The operation of the electronic device (101) illustrated in FIG. 4A may be performed by the processor (111) of FIG. 1 executing instructions stored in a memory (e.g., the memory (113) of FIG. 1). The operation of the server (103) illustrated in FIG. 4A or FIG. 4B may be performed by the processor (131) of FIG. 1 executing instructions stored in a memory (e.g., the memory (133) of FIG. 1). The operation of the first external electronic device (105) illustrated in FIG. 4B may be performed by the processor (151) of FIG. 1 executing instructions stored in a memory (e.g., the memory (153) of FIG. 1). Transmission and / or reception of information between the electronic device (101) and the server (103) may be performed through a communication circuit (e.g., the communication circuit (115, 135) of FIG. 1). The first external electronic device (105) and Transmission and / or reception of information between servers (103) can be accomplished through a communication circuit (e.g., communication circuit (155, 135) of FIG. 1).

[0083] Referring to FIG. 4A, in operation 201, the electronic device (101) may receive a first user input. Operation 201 of FIG. 4A may correspond to operation 201 of FIG. 2A.

[0084] In operation 202, the electronic device (101) may request the server (103) for first information for a list (211) of virtual items registered with the server (103) for a transaction, based on a first user input. Operation 202 of FIG. 4A may correspond to operation 202 of FIG. 2A.

[0085] In operation 203, the server (103) may transmit first information for displaying a virtual item list (211) to the electronic device (101). Operation 203 of FIG. 4A may correspond to operation 203 of FIG. 2A.

[0086] In operation 204, the electronic device (101) may display a user interface (UI) 210 including a list (211) of virtual items on the display (117) based on receiving first information from the server (103). Operation 204 of FIG. 4A may correspond to operation 204 of FIG. 2A.

[0087] In operation 205, the electronic device (101) may receive a second user input (230) for selection of one virtual item (e.g., one virtual item (213) of FIG. 2B). Operation 205 of FIG. 4A may correspond to operation 205 of FIG. 2A.

[0088] In operation 206, the electronic device (101) may transmit second information about one selected virtual item (213) to a destination by a second user input. The electronic device (101) may transmit second information about one selected virtual item (213) to a server (103) by a second user input.

[0089] For example, the second information may be referenced as information for displaying a visual object for purchasing one virtual item (213) on a display (e.g., display 117 or display 157) by the electronic device (101) or at least one of the plurality of external electronic devices (105, 107). For example, the second information may include a purchase path for displaying a UI for purchasing one virtual item (213) by the at least one electronic device based on a user input for a visual object for purchasing one virtual item (213). For example, the second information may include a purchase path included in a request for purchasing one virtual item (213) by the at least one electronic device to the server (103) based on a user input for a visual object for purchasing one virtual item (213). For example, the purchase path may include a URL for purchasing one virtual item (213). For example, the purchase path may be information included in an application programming interface (API) requesting the display of a UI for purchasing a virtual item (213). For example, the purchase path may be information included in an API requesting the purchase of a virtual item (213). For example, the purchase path may be included as part of the parameters of the API based on user input regarding a visual object (e.g., 243 in FIG. 2C) for purchasing a virtual item (213).

[0090] In operation 400, the server (103) may generate a page (or web page) including a visual object (243) for purchasing a virtual item (213). For example, the page may be linked to a user account of a game service provided by the server (103). For example, the page may be accessible via a uniform resource locator (URL). For example, the page may be accessible by an electronic device (101, 105, 107) of a user connected to the server (103) via a user account. For example, the page may be a page (451 in FIG. 4C) posted on a bulletin board (415 in FIG. 4C) of a web page. For example, the page may be a virtual space where text messages, voice messages, images, videos, etc. can be exchanged. A user of an electronic device (101) can provide information about a virtual item (213) that he or she wishes to share to another user through a page, and another user of a first external electronic device (105) can purchase the shared virtual item (213) without displaying it on the UI (210) through the page in a situation other than an in-game situation, thereby facilitating transactions of virtual items.

[0091] Referring to FIG. 4B, in operation 401, the external electronic device (103) may receive a third user input for selecting a page containing a visual object (e.g., 453 of FIG. 4C) for purchasing one virtual item (213). The external electronic device (103) may receive a third user input for selecting a page (451) from a bulletin board (415).

[0092] In operation 402, the external electronic device (103) may request a page (451) including a visual object (453) from the server (103) based on a third user input selecting the page (451). The external electronic device (103) may request the server (103) to load the page (451) from the bulletin board (415) of the web page.

[0093] In operation 403, the server (103) may transmit a page (451) including a visual object (453) for purchase of one virtual item (213) to the external electronic device (103). According to one embodiment, the server (103) may transmit third information for displaying the page (451) including the visual object (453) for purchase of one virtual item (213) to the external electronic device (103) based on receiving a request for the page (451) from the external electronic device (103).

[0094] In operation 404, the first external electronic device (105) may display a page (451) including a visual object (453) for purchasing one virtual item (213). The first external electronic device (105) may display the screen (410) in an environment other than an environment in which a virtual space is provided. The first external electronic device (105) may display the page (451) including a visual object (453) for purchasing one virtual item (213) on the screen (410). Here, the screen (401) may be displayed through the display (157) in a situation other than an in-game situation (or a situation in which a game service is provided).

[0095] The first external electronic device (105) may display a page (451) including a visual object (453) for purchasing one virtual item (213) on the screen (410) based on receiving third information from the server (103). The page (451) may enable the first external electronic device (105) to perform a transaction in the virtual space based on an input for selecting the visual object (453).

[0096] Referring to FIG. 4C, a page (451) may include one or more items (452, 453). For example, an item (452) may include a name of a shared virtual item (213), an icon indicating the type of the virtual item (213) (e.g., a weapon icon), and / or information regarding the price of the virtual item (213). For example, an item (453) may be a button for purchasing the virtual item (213). For example, an external electronic device (103) may purchase the virtual item (213) based on obtaining a fourth user input (454) for the item (453). For example, the page (451) may include a text message, a voice message, an image, a video, etc. input by a user of the electronic device (101).

[0097] In operation 405, the external electronic device (103) may receive a fourth user input (454) for purchasing a virtual item (213). In one embodiment, the external electronic device (103) may receive a fourth user input (454) selecting an item (453) within a page (451).

[0098] In operation 406, the external electronic device (103) may request a purchase of one virtual item (213) based on a fourth user input (454) selecting an item (453). For example, the external electronic device (103) may transmit an API for the purchase of one virtual item (213) to the server (103) based on the fourth user input (454) selecting the item (453). For example, the request (or API) may include identification information of a game in which one virtual item (213) is provided, identification information of one virtual item (213), identification information of a user of the external electronic device (103), and / or account information.

[0099] In operation 407, the server (103) may process a purchase of a virtual item (213). In one embodiment, the server (103) may process a transaction of a virtual item (213) based on receiving a purchase request for the virtual item (213) from an external electronic device (103). For example, the server (103) may transmit the purchased virtual item (213) to the user of the external electronic device (103). For example, the server (103) may collect the transaction amount for the purchased virtual item (213) from the user of the external electronic device (103). For example, the server (103) may retrieve the virtual item (213) sold to the seller. For example, the server (103) may transmit the transaction amount for the sold virtual item (213) to the seller.

[0100] As described above, the first external electronic device (105) according to one embodiment may provide another user with a page for purchasing a single virtual item (213) necessary for strengthening a PC (or appropriate at the current time). The first external electronic device (105) according to one embodiment may enable a user to quickly purchase an item through the page without displaying a UI (210) for searching and purchasing virtual items, even in situations other than in-game situations.

[0101] As described above, the electronic device may include a display; a communication circuit; and a processor. The processor may be configured to display, through the display, a user interface (UI) including a list of one or more virtual items registered on a server for transaction on a screen including at least a portion of a virtual space including a player character (PC) corresponding to a user of the electronic device. The processor may be configured to receive a user input for selecting a visual object for sharing a purchase path of one virtual item among one or more virtual items in the list. Based on the user input, the processor may transmit data including a purchase path to another electronic device so that another visual object for purchasing one virtual item by the purchase path of one virtual item is displayed on another screen of the other electronic device, which is distinct from the PC.

[0102] The processor may be configured to transmit data including a purchase path to another electronic device via a server providing services related to the virtual space, so that another visual object containing information representing a single virtual item is displayed in a chat room with another PC.

[0103] The data may be configured to cause another electronic device to display a different UI for purchasing a virtual item based on receiving different user input to select different visual objects displayed in the chat room.

[0104] Other visual objects may include hyperlinks that are selectable by user input and may be displayed in the chat room to distinguish them from one or more other text messages in the chat room. The hyperlinks may be configured to invoke other UIs upon user input.

[0105] The processor may be configured to display, based on user input received, an additional UI providing one or more sharing objects from which the user can select. The processor may be configured to transmit data including a purchase path to another electronic device via a server, based on receiving additional input on the additional UI for the user to select an object to share from among the one or more sharing objects, so that another visual object is displayed in the chat room.

[0106] One or more shared objects may include one or more chat rooms in a virtual space provided by the server, and / or web pages accessible in another environment distinct from the virtual space provided by the server.

[0107] The processor may be configured to post data including a purchase path to a web page accessible from a different environment than the virtual space. The web page may be configured to include information about a virtual item and other visual objects that allow the purchase of the virtual item.

[0108] The web page may be configured to cause another electronic device to request a transaction in the virtual space, based on input for selection of another visual object, without another user of the other electronic device having access to the virtual space.

[0109] The web page may be configured to cause another electronic device to display another screen comprising at least a portion of the virtual space, based on input for selection of another visual object.

[0110] The web page may be configured to cause another electronic device to display another UI for purchasing a virtual item in the virtual space, on another screen, based on an input for selecting another visual object.

[0111] The method performed by the electronic device as described above may include an operation of displaying a user interface (UI) including a list of one or more virtual items registered on a server for a transaction on a screen including at least a portion of a virtual space including a player character (PC) corresponding to a user of the electronic device through a display. The method may include an operation of receiving a user input for selecting a visual object for sharing a purchase path of one virtual item from among one or more virtual items in the list. The method may include an operation of transmitting data including a purchase path to another electronic device, based on the receiving user input, such that another visual object for purchasing one virtual item through the purchase path of one virtual item is displayed on another screen of the other electronic device, which is distinct from the PC.

[0112] The method may include transmitting data including a purchase path to another electronic device via a server providing services related to the virtual space, such that another visual object including information representing a single virtual item is displayed in a chat room with another PC.

[0113] The data may be configured to cause another electronic device to display a different UI for purchasing a virtual item based on receiving different user input to select different visual objects displayed in the chat room.

[0114] Other visual objects may include hyperlinks that are selectable by user input and may be displayed in the chat room to distinguish them from one or more other text messages in the chat room. The hyperlinks may be configured to invoke other UIs upon user input.

[0115] The method may include, based on receiving user input, displaying an additional UI providing one or more sharing objects from which the user can select. The method may also include, based on receiving additional input on the additional UI for the user to select an object to share from among the one or more sharing objects, transmitting data including a purchase path to another electronic device via a server so that another visual object is displayed in the chat room.

[0116] One or more shared objects may include one or more chat rooms in a virtual space provided by the server, and / or web pages accessible in another environment distinct from the virtual space provided by the server.

[0117] The method may include posting data including a purchase path to a web page accessible from a different environment than the virtual space. The web page may include information about a virtual item and other visual objects that enable the purchase of the virtual item.

[0118] The web page may be configured to cause another electronic device to request a transaction in the virtual space, based on input for selection of another visual object, without another user of the other electronic device having access to the virtual space.

[0119] The web page may be configured to cause another electronic device to display another screen comprising at least a portion of the virtual space, based on input for selection of another visual object.

[0120] The web page may be configured to cause another electronic device to display another UI for purchasing a virtual item in the virtual space, on another screen, based on an input for selecting another visual object.

[0121] The devices described above may be implemented as hardware components, software components, and / or a combination of hardware components and software components. For example, the devices and components described in the embodiments may be implemented using one or more general-purpose computers or special-purpose computers, such as a processor, a controller, an arithmetic logic unit (ALU), a digital signal processor, a microcomputer, a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a programmable logic unit (PLU), a microprocessor, or any other device capable of executing instructions and responding to them. The processing device may execute an operating system (OS) and one or more software applications running on the operating system. The processing device may also access, store, manipulate, process, and generate data in response to the execution of the software. For ease of understanding, the processing device is sometimes described as being used alone; however, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the processing device may include multiple processing elements and / or multiple types of processing elements. For example, a processing unit may include multiple processors, or a processor and a controller. Other processing configurations, such as parallel processors, are also possible.

[0122] Software may include a computer program, code, instructions, or a combination of one or more of these, which may configure a processing device to perform a desired operation or may independently or collectively command the processing device. The software and / or data may be embodied in any type of machine, component, physical device, computer storage medium, or device for interpretation by the processing device or for providing instructions or data to the processing device. The software may also be distributed over networked computer systems and stored or executed in a distributed manner. The software and data may be stored on one or more computer-readable recording media.

[0123] The method according to the embodiment may be implemented in the form of program commands that can be executed through various computer means and recorded on a computer-readable medium. In this case, the medium may be one that continuously stores a computer-executable program or one that temporarily stores it for execution or download. In addition, the medium may be various recording or storage means in the form of a single or multiple hardware combinations, and is not limited to a medium directly connected to a computer system, but may also be distributed over a network. Examples of the medium may include magnetic media such as hard disks, floppy disks, and magnetic tapes, optical recording media such as CD-ROMs and DVDs, magneto-optical media such as floptical disks, and those configured to store program commands, including ROM, RAM, and flash memory. In addition, examples of other media may include recording or storage media managed by app stores that distribute applications, sites that supply or distribute various software, servers, etc.

[0124] Although the embodiments described above have been described by way of limited examples and drawings, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications and variations can be made based on the above teachings. For example, appropriate results can still be achieved even if the described techniques are performed in a different order than described, and / or components of the described systems, structures, devices, circuits, etc. are combined or combined in a different manner than described, or are replaced or substituted with other components or equivalents.

[0125] Therefore, other implementations, other embodiments, and equivalents of the claims are also within the scope of the claims described below. According to one embodiment, the method according to the various embodiments disclosed in the present document may be provided as included in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded as a commodity between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM)), or may be distributed online (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) via an application store (e.g., Play Store™) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smart phones). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product may be at least temporarily stored or temporarily generated in a machine-readable storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or a relay server.

[0126] According to various embodiments, each component (e.g., a module or a program) of the above-described components may include one or more entities, and some of the entities may be separated and placed in other components. According to various embodiments, one or more components or operations of the aforementioned components may be omitted, or one or more other components or operations may be added. Alternatively or additionally, a plurality of components (e.g., a module or a program) may be integrated into a single component. In such a case, the integrated component may perform one or more functions of each of the plurality of components identically or similarly to those performed by the corresponding component among the plurality of components prior to the integration. According to various embodiments, the operations performed by a module, program, or other component may be executed sequentially, in parallel, iteratively, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations may be executed in a different order, omitted, or one or more other operations may be added.

Claims

1. In electronic devices, display; communication circuit; and Contains a processor, The above processor: Through the display, a UI (user interface) including a list of one or more virtual items registered on a server for transaction is displayed on a screen including at least a part of a virtual space including a player character (PC) corresponding to a user of the electronic device, Receiving user input for selecting a visual object for sharing a purchase path of one virtual item from among the one or more virtual items in the above list, Based on receiving the user input, the electronic device is configured to transmit data including the purchase path to the other electronic device so that another visual object is displayed on another screen of the other electronic device, which is distinct from the PC, so that the one virtual item can be purchased by the purchase path of the one virtual item. Electronic devices.

2. In paragraph 1, The above processor, configured to transmit the data including the purchase path to the other electronic device through a server that provides a service related to the virtual space, so that the other visual object including information representing the one virtual item is displayed in a chat room with the other PC. Electronic devices.

3. In paragraph 2, The above data is configured to cause the other electronic device to display another UI for purchasing the one virtual item based on receiving another user input for selecting the other visual object displayed in the chat room. Electronic devices.

4. In paragraph 3, The other visual object comprises a hyperlink selectable by user input and is displayed in the chat room so as to be distinguished from one or more other text messages in the chat room; The above hyperlink is configured to call the other UI by user input. Electronic devices.

5. In paragraph 1, The above processor, Based on receiving said user input, displaying an additional UI through said display that provides one or more sharing targets from which said user can select; On the additional UI, based on receiving an additional input for selecting an object that the user wishes to share among the one or more sharing objects, the data including the purchase path is configured to be transmitted to the other electronic device through the server so that the other visual object is displayed in the chat room. Electronic devices.

6. In paragraph 5, The one or more shared objects include one or more chat rooms in the virtual space provided by the server, and / or web pages accessible in another environment distinct from the virtual space provided by the server. Electronic devices.

7. In paragraph 1, The above processor, configured to post the data including the purchase path on a web page accessible in a different environment distinct from the virtual space; The above web page includes information about the one virtual item and another visual object that can purchase the one virtual item. Electronic devices.

8. In paragraph 7, The web page is configured to cause the other electronic device to request a transaction on the virtual space, based on an input for selection of the other visual object, without another user of the other electronic device accessing the virtual space. Electronic devices.

9. In paragraph 7, The web page is configured to cause the other electronic device to display another screen including at least a portion of the virtual space, based on the input for selection of the other visual object. Electronic devices.

10. In paragraph 9, The above web page is configured to cause the other electronic device to display another UI on the other screen, based on the input for selection of the other visual object, for purchasing the one virtual item in the virtual space. Electronic devices.

11. In a method performed by an electronic device, An action of displaying a UI (user interface) including a list of one or more virtual items registered on a server for transaction on a screen including at least a part of a virtual space including a player character (PC) corresponding to a user of the electronic device through the display; An action of receiving user input for selecting a visual object for sharing a purchase path of one virtual item from among said one or more virtual items in said list, and An operation of transmitting data including the purchase path to another electronic device, based on receiving the user input, so that another visual object capable of purchasing the one virtual item by the purchase path of the one virtual item is displayed on another screen of another electronic device that is distinct from the PC. method.

12. In paragraph 11, An action of transmitting the data including the purchase path to the other electronic device through a server that provides a service related to the virtual space, so that the other visual object including information representing the one virtual item is displayed in a chat room with the other PC. method.

13. In paragraph 12, The above data is configured to cause the other electronic device to display another UI for purchasing the one virtual item based on receiving another user input for selecting the other visual object displayed in the chat room. method.

14. In paragraph 13, The other visual object comprises a hyperlink selectable by user input and is displayed in the chat room so as to be distinguished from one or more other text messages in the chat room; The above hyperlink is configured to call the other UI by user input. method.

15. In paragraph 11, Based on receiving said user input, displaying an additional UI through said display that provides one or more sharing targets from which said user can select; and Including an action of transmitting the data including the purchase path to the other electronic device through the server so that the other visual object is displayed in the chat room based on receiving an additional input for selecting an object that the user wants to share among the one or more sharing objects on the additional UI. method.

16. In paragraph 15, The one or more shared objects include one or more chat rooms in the virtual space provided by the server, and / or web pages accessible in another environment distinct from the virtual space provided by the server. method.

17. In paragraph 11, Including an action of posting said data including said purchase path on a web page accessible in another environment distinct from said virtual space; The above web page includes information about the one virtual item and another visual object that can purchase the one virtual item. method.

18. In paragraph 17, The web page is configured to cause the other electronic device to request a transaction on the virtual space, based on an input for selection of the other visual object, without another user of the other electronic device accessing the virtual space. method.

19. In Article 17, The web page is configured to cause the other electronic device to display another screen including at least a portion of the virtual space, based on the input for selection of the other visual object. method.

20. In paragraph 19, The above web page is configured to cause the other electronic device to display another UI on the other screen, based on the input for selection of the other visual object, for purchasing the one virtual item in the virtual space. method.

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