Electronic device and method for providing preview for virtual item before purchase of virtual item

The electronic device and method offer a solution to the challenge of previewing virtual items by allowing users to select and preview virtual items through videos of player characters using those items, thereby improving purchasing decisions.

WO2025121505A1PCT designated stage expired Publication Date: 2025-06-12NCSOFT CORP
View PDF 5 Cites 0 Cited by

Patent Information

Application Number
PCT/KR2023/020214
Authority / Receiving Office
WO · WO
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2023-12-08
Publication Date
2025-06-12

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Users face difficulties in understanding the usage method, performance, and effect of virtual items before purchasing them, as existing systems lack a comprehensive preview mechanism.

Method used

An electronic device and method that allow users to preview virtual items by displaying a UI with a list of registered virtual items, enabling users to select an item and receive a video related to a player character using that item, which is then played on the device.

Benefits of technology

Provides users with a clear and intuitive preview of virtual items, enhancing their purchasing decisions by allowing them to see the item's usage and effects in action before making a purchase.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

Smart Images

  • Figure KR2023020214_12062025_PF_FP_ABST
    Figure KR2023020214_12062025_PF_FP_ABST
Patent Text Reader

Abstract

An electronic device according to an embodiment comprises a display, a communication circuit, a memory for storing instructions, and a processor. The processor, when executing the instructions, is configured to: display a UI including a list of one or more virtual items on the display; on the basis of receiving a user input for selecting one virtual item, transmit information for a video related to a player character (PC) that is using the one virtual item to a server; and in response to receiving information for playing back the video from the server, play back the video related to the PC on the display on the basis of the information for playing back the video.
Need to check novelty before this filing date? Find Prior Art

Description

Electronic device and method for providing a preview of a virtual item prior to purchase of the virtual item

[0001] Various embodiments disclosed herein relate to electronic devices and methods for providing a preview of a virtual item prior to purchase of the 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. If the user has never owned the virtual item they wish to purchase, it may be difficult to understand the specific usage methods or effects of the virtual item. A method may be required to provide users with a preview of the virtual item before purchasing it.

[0004] An electronic device according to one embodiment may include a display, a communication circuit, a memory storing instructions, and a processor. The processor may be configured to, when executing the instructions, display a UI including a list of one or more virtual items registered in a server for a transaction on the display, and, based on receiving a user input for selecting one virtual item from among the one or more virtual items in the list, transmit information for a video related to a player character (PC) using the one virtual item to the server, and, based on receiving information for playing the video from the server, play the video related to the PC on the display based on the information for playing the video.

[0005] A server according to one embodiment may include a communication circuit, a memory storing instructions, and a processor. The processor may be configured to, when executing the instructions, transmit first information for displaying a list of one or more virtual items registered in the server for a transaction to a first electronic device, receive second information for a video related to a player character (PC) equipped with one virtual item among the one or more virtual items from the first electronic device, identify a second electronic device corresponding to a PC using the one virtual item among other electronic devices different from the first electronic device based on the second information, and transmit third information for playing the video related to the PC corresponding to the second electronic device to the first electronic device.

[0006] A method of an electronic device according to one embodiment may include the following actions: displaying on a display a UI including a list of one or more virtual items registered in a server for a transaction; receiving a user input for selecting one virtual item from among the one or more virtual items in the list; transmitting to the server, based on the user input, information for a video related to a player character (PC) using the one virtual item; and receiving, from the server, information for playing the video; and playing, on the display, the video related to the PC based on the information for playing the video.

[0007] A method of a server according to one embodiment may include transmitting first information for displaying a list of one or more virtual items registered in the server for a transaction to a first electronic device, receiving second information for a video related to a player character (PC) equipped with one virtual item from among the one or more virtual items from the first electronic device, identifying a second electronic device corresponding to a PC using the one virtual item from among other electronic devices different from the first electronic device based on the second information, and transmitting third information for playing the video related to the PC corresponding to the second electronic device to the first electronic device.

[0008] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a plurality of electronic devices connected to each other based on a network.

[0009] FIG. 2A is a flow chart illustrating the operation of an electronic device and a server according to one embodiment.

[0010] FIG. 2b illustrates a UI displayed on a display of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0011] FIG. 2c illustrates a video played on a display of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0012] Figure 2d schematically illustrates electronic devices connected to the server.

[0013] FIG. 3 illustrates a video played overlaid on a UI displayed on a display of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0014] FIG. 4A is a flowchart illustrating an operation of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention to adjust a state of a first visual object.

[0015] FIG. 4b illustrates a UI displayed on a display of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0016] FIGS. 4c and 4d illustrate changes in a UI displayed on a display of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0017] FIG. 5 is a simplified block diagram of electronic devices according to various embodiments.

[0018] 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.

[0019] 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.

[0020] 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.

[0021] 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.

[0022] 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.

[0023] 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.

[0024] 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.

[0025] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a plurality of electronic devices interconnected based on a network. Referring to FIG. 1, an exemplary situation is illustrated in which an electronic device (101) and an electronic device (120) are interconnected based on a wired network and / or a wireless network.

[0026] 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 (WiFi), Zigbee, Near Field Communication (NFC), Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low-Energy (BLE), or a combination thereof. Although the electronic device (101) and the electronic device (120) are illustrated as being directly connected, the electronic device (101) and the electronic device (120) may be indirectly connected via one or more routers and / or Access Points (APs).

[0027] Referring to FIG. 1, an electronic device (101) according to one embodiment may be a terminal owned by different users. The terminal may include, for example, a personal computer (PC) such as a laptop or desktop computer, a smartphone, a smartpad, a tablet PC, a smartwatch, and a smart accessory such as a head-mounted device (HMD). Users of the electronic device (101) may be subscribers to a service provided by the electronic device (120).

[0028] Referring to FIG. 1, the electronic device (120) may include a server of a service provider. The server may include one or more PCs and / or workstations. In one embodiment, the service provider may operate a game service, such as a Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game (MMORPG), as a service that provides computer graphics to one or more subscribers. The game service may be associated with one or more applications running on each of the electronic device (101) and / or the electronic device (120).

[0029] Referring to FIG. 1, hardware components included in an electronic device (101) and an electronic device (120) according to one embodiment are illustrated. Referring to FIG. 1, the electronic device (101) according to one embodiment may include at least one of a first processor (103), a second processor (105), a memory (107), a display (109), or a communication circuit (111). The first processor (103), the second processor (105), the memory (107), the display (109), and the communication circuit (111) may be electrically and / or operably coupled with each other by an electronic component such as a communication bus (113). 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.

[0030] A processor (103) of an electronic device (101) according to one embodiment may include hardware components for processing data based on one or more instructions. The hardware components for processing data may include, for example, an Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU), a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), a Central Processing Unit (CPU), and / or an Application Processor (AP). The number of processors (103) may be one or more. For example, the processor (103) may have a multi-core processor structure such as a dual core, a quad core, or a hexa core.

[0031] According to one embodiment, a second processor (105) of an electronic device (101) may generate frame data to be provided to a display (109). The second processor (105) may include, for example, at least one GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). The second processor (105) may obtain frame data to be provided to the display (109) based on, for example, at least one application and / or system software executed by the first processor (103). In one embodiment, the second processor (105) may control a DDI and / or a graphics memory to generate a screen to be displayed within the display (109).

[0032] A memory (107) of an electronic device (101) according to one embodiment may include a hardware component for storing data and / or instructions input and / or output to a first processor (103) and / or a second processor (105). The memory (107) 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).

[0033] Within the memory (107), one or more instructions indicating operations to be performed on data by the first processor (103) and / or the second processor (105) may be stored. A set of 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 first processor (103) of the electronic device (101) may execute a set of a plurality of instructions distributed in the form of an application to perform at least one of the operations of FIGS. 2A and 4A.

[0034] A display (109) of an electronic device (101) according to one embodiment can output visualized information to a user. For example, the display (109) can be controlled by a controller, such as a second processor (105), to output visualized information to a user. The display (109) can include a Flat Panel Display (FPD) and / or electronic paper. The FPD can include a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD), a Plasma Display Panel (PDP), and / or one or more Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs). The LEDs can include Organic LEDs (OLEDs).

[0035] Although not illustrated, the electronic device (101) according to one embodiment may include an output means for outputting information in a form other than a visualized form. For example, the electronic device (101) may include a speaker for outputting an acoustic signal. For example, the electronic device (101) may include a motor for providing haptic feedback based on vibration.

[0036] A communication circuit (111) of an electronic device (101) according to one embodiment may include hardware components for supporting transmission and / or reception of electrical signals between the electronic device (101) and the electronic device (120). Although an embodiment in which the electronic device (101) and the electronic device (120) are connected to each other through the communication circuit (111) is illustrated, the embodiment is not limited thereto, and the electronic device (101) may communicate in parallel with a plurality of external electronic devices. The communication circuit (111) may include, for example, at least one of a modem (MODEM), an antenna, and an O / E (Optic / Electronic) converter. The communication circuit (111) can support transmission and / or reception of electrical signals based on various types of protocols such as Ethernet, LAN (Local Area Network), WAN (Wide Area Network), WiFi (Wireless Fidelity), Bluetooth, BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy), ZigBee, LTE (Long Term Evolution), and 5G NR (New Radio).

[0037] Referring to FIG. 1, an electronic device (120) according to one embodiment may include at least one of a processor (122), a memory (124), or a communication circuit (126). The processor (122), the memory (124), and the communication circuit (126) may be electrically and / or operatively connected to each other by an electronic device such as a communication bus (128). The type and / or number of hardware components included in the electronic device (120) is not limited to those illustrated in FIG. 1. At least one of the hardware components included in the electronic device (120) may correspond to a hardware component included in the electronic device (101). For example, the processor (122) of the electronic device (120) may correspond to the first processor (103) of the electronic device (101). For example, the memory (124) of the electronic device (120) may correspond to the memory (107) of the electronic device (101). For example, the communication circuit (126) of the electronic device (120) may correspond to the communication circuit (111) of the electronic device (101). Among the descriptions of the hardware components included in the electronic device (120), descriptions that overlap with the descriptions of the hardware components included in the electronic device (101) are omitted.

[0038] An electronic device (101) and / or an electronic device (120) according to various embodiments may provide a game service to a user of the electronic device (101). In order to improve a user experience of the game service, the game service may operate the loading time of resources (e.g., game applications) related to the game service to be below a specified threshold and the cycle of frame data displayed through the display (109) to be above a specified cycle.

[0039] Hereinafter, an electronic device (e.g., an electronic device (101) of FIG. 2A) to be described later may include the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1, and a server (e.g., a server (120) of FIG. 2A) may include the electronic device (120) of FIG. 1.

[0040] 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 video played on a display of an electronic device according to one embodiment. Figure 2d schematically illustrates electronic devices connected to a server.

[0041] The operation of the electronic device (101) illustrated in FIG. 2A may be performed by the first processor (103) and / or the second processor (105) of FIG. 1 executing instructions stored in a memory (e.g., the memory (107) of FIG. 1). Each operation of the server (120) illustrated in FIG. 2A may be performed by the processor (122) of FIG. 1 executing instructions stored in a memory (e.g., the memory (124) of FIG. 1). Transmission and / or reception of information between the electronic device (101) and the server (120) may be performed through a communication circuit (e.g., the communication circuits (111, 126) of FIG. 1).

[0042] Referring to FIG. 2A, in operation 201, the electronic device (101) may receive a first user input.

[0043] According to one embodiment, the processor (103, 105) may be configured to receive a first user input provided from a user of the electronic device (101).

[0044] Referring to FIG. 2B, the first user input may be referred to as a user input for displaying a list (200a) of one or more virtual items (200b) registered with the server (120) for a transaction on the display (109). For example, the electronic device (101) may request the list (200a) from the server (120) based on receiving a first user input for a key button designated for a request to display the list (200a) on the display (109) or a first user input for a designated visual object. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the request may be provided as at least a part of functions such as inventory, production, store, collection, and exchange provided within the virtual space service. For example, the request may be provided as part of any function of the virtual space service that displays virtual items on the display (109).

[0045] Referring again to FIG. 2a, at operation 202, the electronic device (101) may request the server (120) for first information for a list (200a) of virtual items registered with the server (120) for a transaction, based on the first user input.

[0046] According to one embodiment, the processor (103, 105) may be configured to, upon executing instructions, in response to receiving a first user input, request a list (200a) of virtual items registered with the server (120) for a transaction from the server (120). For example, the first information may be referenced as information for the processor (103, 105) to display the list (200a) on the display (109).

[0047] In operation 203, the server (120) can transmit first information for displaying a virtual item list (200a) to the electronic device (101).

[0048] According to one embodiment, the processor (122) may be configured to, upon executing instructions, transmit to the electronic device (101) first information for displaying a list (200a) of one or more virtual items (200b) registered with the server (120) for a transaction, based on receiving a request for first information from the electronic device (101).

[0049] For example, the server (120) may provide a service for trading virtual items. For example, the server (120) 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 (120), and buyers may check and purchase the registered virtual items. The first information for displaying a list (200a) of one or more virtual items to be sold (e.g., one or more virtual items (200b) 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 (200b) registered in the virtual exchange on the display of the electronic device (101) (e.g., display (109) of FIG. 2B).

[0050] In operation 204, the electronic device (101) may display a UI (200) (user interface) including a list (200a) of virtual items on the display (109) based on receiving first information from the server (120).

[0051] According to one embodiment, the processor (103, 105) may be configured to, upon executing instructions, display on the display (109) a UI (200) (e.g., UI (200) of FIG. 2b) including a list (200a) of one or more virtual items (200b) registered with the server (120) for a transaction, based on receiving first information from the server (120).

[0052] For example, the processor (103, 105) may be configured to display, on the display (109), a UI (200) including a list (200a) of one or more virtual items (200b) registered in a virtual exchange, based on first information provided from the server (120). Referring to FIG. 2b, the UI (200) may include a list (200a) including information related to one or more virtual items (200b) included in the first information.

[0053] According to one embodiment, the UI (200) may include a first area (200-1), a second area (200-2), a third area (200-3), and a fourth area (200-4).

[0054] For example, the first area (200-1) may be referred to as an area for displaying information about each of one or more virtual items (200b) registered in a virtual exchange. The information about each of one or more virtual items (200b) displayed in the first area (200-1) 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.

[0055] For example, the second area (200-2) may be referred to as an area for displaying price information for each of one or more virtual items (200b) registered on a virtual exchange. For example, when a seller registers one or more virtual items (200b) on a virtual exchange, the seller may set a sale price. The sale price set by the seller may be based on the virtual currency (or game money) used within the virtual space. For example, if multiple sellers register the same virtual item on a virtual exchange, the lowest sale price among the multiple virtual items may be displayed in the second area (200-2). However, this is not a limitation.

[0056] For example, the third area (200-3) may be referred to as an area for displaying information regarding the number of virtual items sold displayed in the first area (200-1). For example, the number of sales of a specific virtual item registered on a virtual exchange may be displayed in the third area (200-3). For example, if the same virtual item is registered on a virtual exchange multiple times by multiple different sellers, the number of sales for the multiple virtual items may be displayed in the third area (200-3). For example, if a specific virtual item is not registered on a virtual exchange, a number (e.g., 0) may be displayed in the third area (200-3) to indicate that the specific virtual item is not registered on the exchange.

[0057] For example, the fourth region (200-4) may include a first visual object (210). The first visual object may be configured to receive a second user input for selecting one virtual item that the user wishes to purchase from among one or more virtual items (200b) registered in the virtual exchange. The first visual object may be configured to receive a second user input for playing a video (e.g., a video (200e) of FIG. 2c) related to a player character (PC) (e.g., a PC (200f) of FIG. 2c) using the one virtual item selected by the second user input on the display (109).

[0058] For example, the first visual object (210) may include a second visual object (220) and a third visual object (230), which will be described later. Based on whether one or more virtual items (200b) are being used by the PC (200f), the first visual object (210) may be distinguished as the second visual object (220) or the third visual object (230). The second visual object (220) and the third visual object (230) will be described later with reference to FIG. 4b.

[0059] Referring back to FIG. 2a, at operation 205, the electronic device (101) may receive user input for selection of one virtual item (e.g., one virtual item (200c) of FIG. 2b).

[0060] According to one embodiment, the processor (103, 105) may be configured to receive a second user input for selecting one virtual item (200c) from among one or more virtual items (200b) in the list (200a) when executing instructions. The one virtual item (200c) may be referred to as a virtual item selected by the second user input from among the one or more virtual items (200b). For example, the second user input may be referred to as a user input for a visual object (211) corresponding to one virtual item (200c) in the UI (200) illustrated in FIG. 2b. For example, the first visual object (210) may include one or more visual objects corresponding to each of the one or more virtual items (200b). The electronic device (101) may receive a second user input for one visual object (211) corresponding to one of the virtual items (200c) that the user wishes to purchase among the one or more visual objects.

[0061] In operation 206, the electronic device (101) may transmit second information for a video (e.g., video (200e) of FIG. 2c) related to a PC using one virtual item (200c) selected by a second user input to the server (120).

[0062] According to one embodiment, the processor (103, 105) may be configured to request from the server (120) second information for a video (200e) associated with a PC (200f) that includes a selected virtual item (200c) based on receiving a second user input when executing instructions.

[0063] For example, a user of an electronic device (101) may want to purchase one virtual item (200c) among one or more virtual items (200b) in order to enhance a PC corresponding to the electronic device (101). If the user has never owned one virtual item (200c), it may be difficult for the user to know the usage method, performance, and / or effect of the one virtual item (200c). Even if information about each of one or more virtual items (200b) is displayed as text in the first area (200-1) within the UI (200) illustrated in FIG. 2b, it may be difficult for the user to intuitively understand the usage method, performance, and / or effect of the one virtual item (200c) based on the information alone. For example, if one virtual item (200c) includes a special effect that is activated under a specific condition, it may be difficult for the user to recognize the specific condition for activating the special effect based on text alone.

[0064] Referring to FIG. 2c, for example, a video (200e) related to a PC may be referred to as a video (200e) for reproducing a real-time situation for at least a portion (200h) of a virtual space including a PC (200f) that is using the one virtual item (200c). Since the PC (200f) that is using the one virtual item (200c) that the user wishes to purchase is equipped with the one virtual item (200c), the user can learn about the one virtual item (200c) through the video (200e) related to the PC.

[0065] Before purchasing the virtual item (200c), the user may provide a second user input to a visual object (211) corresponding to the virtual item (200c) in order to learn the usage method, performance, and / or effect of the virtual item (200c). The processor (103, 105) may, based on receiving the second user input, transmit second information for the video (200e) related to the PC to the server (120). For example, the second information may be referenced as information for specifying the virtual item (200c) selected according to the second user input.

[0066] In operation 207, the server (120) can identify another electronic device (e.g., another electronic device (130) of FIG. 2d) corresponding to the PC (200f) using the one virtual item (200c).

[0067] According to one embodiment, when executing instructions, the processor (122) may, based on the second information, identify another electronic device (130) corresponding to the PC (200f) using the one virtual item (200c) among other electronic devices (e.g., other electronic devices (140) of FIG. 2d) different from the electronic device (101).

[0068] Referring to FIG. 2d, other electronic devices (140) different from the electronic device (101) according to one embodiment can be connected to the server (120). PCs corresponding to each of the other electronic devices (140) can be played within a virtual space provided by the server (120).

[0069] The server (120) may receive second information from the electronic device (101) according to one embodiment. According to one embodiment, the server (120) may be configured to identify, among other electronic devices (140), another electronic device (130) corresponding to the PC (200f) using the one virtual item (200c) included in the second information, based on the second information received from the electronic device (101) according to one embodiment.

[0070] When the server (120) identifies another electronic device (130), the server (120) may identify the other electronic device (130) based on whether the PC (200f) corresponding to the other electronic devices (140) owns the one virtual item (e.g., one virtual item (200c) of FIG. 2c), rather than whether the PC (200f) is using the one virtual item (200c). For example, if the PC (200f) owning the one virtual item (200c) is not connected to the server (120) or the PC (200f) owning the one virtual item (200c) is not using the one virtual item (200c), the server (120) may not identify the other electronic device (130). The PC (200f) corresponding to the other electronic device (130) may be referred to as a PC that is being played while equipped with the one virtual item (200c).

[0071] For example, the other electronic device (130) may be one or more. For example, if there are multiple PCs (200f) using the one virtual item (200c), the other electronic device (130) may also be identified as multiple. For example, if the other electronic device (130) includes multiple electronic devices, the server (120) may randomly select one electronic device from among the multiple electronic devices and identify the randomly selected electronic device as the other electronic device (130).

[0072] According to one embodiment, when another electronic device (130) includes multiple electronic devices, the server (120) may select one of the multiple electronic devices based on a specified criterion. The specified criterion may be used as a reference for efficiently providing a preview of the single virtual item (200c).

[0073] For example, the server (120) may select another electronic device (130) from among a plurality of electronic devices by using information about a PC owned by a user of the electronic device (101). For example, when a PC (200f) of another electronic device (130) corresponding to the statistics (e.g., attack power or defense power) of the PC owned by the user of the electronic device (101), the occupation (e.g., inspector or magician), or the role (e.g., tank and / or healer) of the PC is identified, the server (120) may select the other electronic device (130) from among the plurality of electronic devices.

[0074] For example, the server (120) may select another electronic device (130) from among a plurality of electronic devices based on the type of the virtual item (200c). For example, if the virtual item (200c) is a weapon item, the server (120) may select, as another electronic device (130), an electronic device corresponding to a PC located in a location (e.g., a dungeon or hunting ground) in a virtual space where the weapon item is used, from among the PCs corresponding to each of the plurality of electronic devices. For example, if the virtual item (200c) is a transportation item (e.g., a vehicle) for a PC, the server (120) may select, as another electronic device (130), an electronic device corresponding to a moving PC, from among the PCs corresponding to each of the plurality of electronic devices.

[0075] Referring again to FIG. 2a, at operation 208, the server (120) may transmit third information to the electronic device (101) for playing a video (200e) associated with the PC corresponding to the other electronic device (130).

[0076] According to one embodiment, the processor (122) may be configured to transmit third information for playing a video associated with the PC corresponding to the other electronic device (130) when executing instructions.

[0077] For example, the third information may be referenced as information for playing a video (200e) related to a PC using the one virtual item (200c) corresponding to another electronic device (130) identified in operation 207. For example, the third information may be referenced as information for streaming a video (200e) including at least a portion (200h) of a virtual space including a PC (200f) using the one virtual item (200c), as shown in FIG. 2c, onto a display (109) of an electronic device (101), or as information for rendering at least a portion (200h) of a virtual space including a PC (200f).

[0078] In operation 209, the electronic device (101) can play a video (200e) related to the PC on the display (109) using the third information.

[0079] According to one embodiment, the processor (103, 105) may be configured to, upon executing instructions, receive information (e.g., third information) related to a video (200e) related to the PC from the server (120), and, using the information, play the video (200e) related to the PC on the display (109).

[0080] For example, the processor (103, 105) can use the third information received from the server (120) to play a video (200e) related to a PC using one virtual item (200c) selected through a second user input within the list (200a) on the display (109). For example, if the third information is information for streaming the video (200e) on the display (109), the processor (103, 105) can directly stream the video (200e) within the virtual space provided from the server (120) on the display (109) of the electronic device (101). For example, if the third information is information for rendering at least a portion (200h) of a virtual space including a PC (200f) (e.g., data representing the PC included in at least a portion (200h) of the virtual space, the motion of the PC, and / or the appearance of the PC based on virtual items), the processor (103, 105) can use the third information to render at least a portion (200h) of the virtual space including the PC (200f) on the display (109) using data stored in a memory (e.g., the memory (107) of FIG. 1).

[0081] Referring to FIG. 2c, a video (200e) including a PC (200f) playing while wearing the one virtual item (200c) may be played on the display (109). Since the video (200e) is a real-time play video of the PC (200f) using the one virtual item (200c), the user can learn about the one virtual item (200c) through the video (200e). For example, if the one virtual item (200c) is a weapon item, the user can learn about the method of use, performance, and / or effect of the weapon item by watching a video of a battle performed by the PC (200f) in a virtual space. Since the user can learn about the one virtual item (200c) through the video (200e) before purchasing the one virtual item (200c), the video (200e) may be helpful in deciding whether to purchase the item. Since the user can learn about the virtual item (200c) in advance before purchasing the virtual item (200c), the practice time required to become familiar with the virtual item (200c) after purchasing the virtual item (200c) can be reduced.

[0082] In one embodiment, the processor (103, 105), when executing instructions, may display a fourth visual object (240) to be superimposed on the video (200e) while playing back a video (200e) related to the PC on the display (109). For example, the fourth visual object (240) may be referenced as a visual object for receiving a user input for ending playback of the video (200e). For example, the processor (103, 105) may be configured to stop playback of the video (200e) based on receiving a user input for the fourth visual object (240). When a user wishes to stop playback of the video (200e), the user may stop playback of the video (200e) by providing a user input for the fourth visual object (240). However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the processor (103, 105) may stop playback of the video (200e) based on receiving a user input for a key button designated to stop playback of the video (200e).

[0083] According to one embodiment, the processor (103, 105), when executing instructions, may display a fifth visual object (250) to be superimposed on the video (200e) while playing a video (200e) related to the PC on the display (109). For example, the fifth visual object (250) may be referred to as a visual object for receiving a user input for requesting another electronic device (130) corresponding to the PC (200f) in the video (200e) to open a chat room. For example, the chat room may be referred to as a virtual space created for communication between users participating in the chat room. For example, the chat room may be referred to as a chat room for exchanging text messages and / or a voice channel for exchanging voice messages.

[0084] For example, a user of an electronic device (101) may, while watching a video (200e) related to a PC, request a user of another electronic device (130) to open a chat room to inquire about the virtual item (200c). For example, the processor (103, 105) may be configured to request the server (120) to open a chat room based on receiving a user input for the fifth visual object (250). Based on receiving the request, the server (120) may transmit information to the other electronic device (130) to request approval for opening the chat room. Based on receiving approval for opening the chat room from the other electronic device (130), the server (120) may open a chat room in which the electronic device (101) and the other electronic device (130) are interconnected. 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 another electronic device (130). A user of an electronic device (101) can ask questions about a virtual item (200c) that he or she wishes to purchase through the chat room, and a user of another electronic device (130) can promote a virtual item (200c) that he or she wishes to sell through the chat room, thereby facilitating transactions of virtual items.

[0085] As described above, the electronic device (101) and the server (120) according to one embodiment can provide a video for learning about the virtual item to be purchased when purchasing the virtual item. If the user has never used the virtual item to be purchased, it may be difficult for the user to understand the usage method, performance, and / or effect of the virtual item, which may reduce the user's motivation to purchase. After purchasing the virtual item, a relatively long time may be required for the user to become familiar with the virtual item. The electronic device (101) and the server (120) according to one embodiment can intuitively provide various information about the virtual item by providing a video (200e) related to the PC, including the PC (200f) using the virtual item, before the purchase. Since the user who wishes to purchase the virtual item can intuitively recognize the virtual item through the video (200e), the electronic device (101) and the server (120) can provide the purchase of the required virtual item, and the time required to become familiar with the virtual item after the purchase can be shortened.

[0086] FIG. 3 illustrates a video played overlaid on a UI displayed on a display of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0087] The virtual items depicted in FIG. 2c are depicted as weapon items, but are not limited thereto. For example, virtual items capable of providing previews and / or learning through video (200e) may refer to various items that may be owned by the PC (200f). As depicted in FIG. 3, the video (200e) associated with the PC may include various virtual items (e.g., clothing, accessories, pets, vehicles) that the PC (200f) wears or follows the PC (200f). For example, the PC (200f) in video (200e) may be wearing a selected virtual item (200c).

[0088] Referring to FIG. 3, the electronic device (101) can display a pop-up UI (200g) including a video (200e) related to a PC in a superimposed manner on the UI (200) within a state in which a UI (200) including a list (200a) of one or more virtual items (200b) is displayed on the display (109). The state (300a) of FIG. 3 represents the electronic device (101) in which the UI (200) including the list (200a) is displayed on the display (109). The state (300b) of FIG. 3 represents the electronic device (101) in which the pop-up UI (200g) is superimposed on the UI (200).

[0089] According to one embodiment, a processor (e.g., the first processor (103) and / or the second processor (105) of FIG. 1) may be configured to play a video (200e) associated with a PC based on receiving a user input (303) (e.g., a second user input) for a visual object (211) corresponding to one virtual item (200c) of one or more virtual items (200b) among the first visual objects (210). As described above, the processors (103, 105) may be configured to request information (e.g., third information) for playing back the video (200e) associated with the PC from the server (120) and receive the information from the server (120). The processors (103, 105) may be configured to play back the video (200e) associated with the PC on the display (109) based on receiving the information from the server (120). When a video (200e) related to a PC is played on the display (109), the video (200e) can be played within a pop-up UI (200g) that is superimposed on the UI (200).

[0090] For example, when there are multiple virtual items (200b), the first visual object (210) may include multiple visual objects. For example, the processor (103, 105) may, based on receiving a user input (303) for one visual object (211) among the multiple visual objects, play a video (200e) related to a PC using one virtual item (200c) corresponding to the one visual object (211) within a pop-up UI (200g). A PC (200f) using the one virtual item (200c) may be included within the video (200e). While the video (200e) is being played within the pop-up UI (200g), the first visual object (210) may be displayed within a UI (200) overlapping with the pop-up UI (200g). The processor (103, 105) may receive a user input (304) for another visual object (212) among the first visual objects (210) in the UI (200) overlaid on the pop-up UI (200g) while a video (200e) related to the PC is being played within the pop-up UI (200g), except for the one visual object (211). The processor (103, 105) may be configured to change the video (200e) played within the pop-up UI (200g) to a video (200e) related to the PC that uses another virtual item (200d) corresponding to the other visual object (212), based on receiving the user input (304) for the other visual object (212). As a video (200e) related to a PC using one virtual item (200c) is played within a pop-up UI (200g) that is displayed overlappingly on the UI (200), the video (200e) played within the pop-up UI (200g) can be simply changed without a separate screen transition.

[0091] According to one embodiment, within a video (200e) associated with a PC, profile information corresponding to a PC (200f) may be displayed as arbitrary profile information (205a). For example, within a video (200e) associated with a PC, profile information indicating a user account corresponding to the PC (200f) may be changed to arbitrary profile information (205a) and displayed. For example, the profile information may be referenced as a user ID, a profile image, or a nickname assigned to the PC (200f) within the server (120). When profile information is displayed within the video (200e), since the user account corresponding to the PC (200f) may be identified, among users corresponding to a player character using the one virtual item (200c), the anonymity of the user corresponding to the PC (200f) displayed within the video (200e) may not be guaranteed. For example, the processor (103, 105) may be configured to change the user's profile information to arbitrary profile information (205a) and display it when playing a video (200e) related to the PC on the display (109), but is not limited thereto. For example, when the server (120) transmits third information to the electronic device (101), the processor (122) may be configured to transmit the third information excluding the profile information indicating the user account corresponding to the PC (200f).

[0092] According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may be configured to display a visual object (205b) representing a selected virtual item (200c) within the video (200e). For example, the visual object (205b) may be referenced as text representing the name of the virtual item (200c) displayed within the video (200e) related to the PC, but is not limited thereto. Through the visual object (205b) displayed within the video (200e), the user can intuitively recognize which virtual item the currently playing video (200e) is related to.

[0093] FIG. 4A is a flowchart illustrating an operation of an electronic device according to one embodiment to adjust the state of a first visual object. FIG. 4B illustrates a UI displayed on a display of an electronic device according to one embodiment. FIGS. 4C and 4D illustrate changes in a UI displayed on a display of an electronic device according to one embodiment.

[0094] The operation of the electronic device (101) illustrated in FIG. 4A may be performed by the first processor (103) and / or the second processor (105) of FIG. 1 executing instructions stored in a memory (e.g., the memory (107) of FIG. 1). Each operation of the server (120) illustrated in FIG. 4A may be performed by the processor (122) of FIG. 1 executing instructions stored in a memory (e.g., the memory (124) of FIG. 1). Transmission and / or reception of information between the electronic device (101) and the server (120) may be performed through a communication circuit (e.g., the communication circuits (111, 126) of FIG. 1).

[0095] For example, one or more virtual items registered in a virtual exchange may be used or unused by PCs that each own one or more of the virtual items. As described above, since a video related to a PC (e.g., video (200e) of FIG. 2C) is a video for reproducing a real-time situation for at least a portion of a virtual space (e.g., at least a portion of the virtual space (200h) of FIG. 2C) that includes a PC (e.g., PC (200f) of FIG. 2C) that is using a virtual item, the server (120) may not be able to provide a video (200e) for a virtual item that is not being used. According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) and the server (120) can distinguish, among one or more virtual items (e.g., one or more virtual items (200b) of FIG. 2b) in a list (e.g., list (200a) of FIG. 2b), a virtual item capable of providing a video (200e) (e.g., a first virtual item (410) of FIG. 4b) and a virtual item incapable of providing a video (200e) (e.g., a second virtual item (420) of FIG. 4b). For example, the first virtual item (410) may be referred to as a virtual item being used by the PC (200f). For example, the second virtual item (420) may be referred to as a virtual item not being used by the PC (200f).

[0096] According to one embodiment, the first visual object (210) may include a second visual object (e.g., the second visual object (220) of FIG. 4B) and a third visual object (e.g., the third visual object (230) of FIG. 4B). For example, the second visual object (220) may be a visual object corresponding to a first virtual item (410) capable of providing a video (200e) and may be activated so as to receive a user input. For example, the third visual object (230) may be a visual object corresponding to a second virtual item (420) capable of providing a video (200e) and may be deactivated so as to not receive a user input.

[0097] Referring to FIG. 4A, in operation 401, the electronic device (101) may receive a first user input. For example, operation 401 may be referred to as operation 201 illustrated in FIG. 2A.

[0098] In operation 402, the electronic device (101) may request the server (120) for first information for a list (200a) of virtual items registered with the server (120) for a transaction, based on a first user input. For example, operation 402 may be referred to as operation 202 illustrated in FIG. 2A.

[0099] In operation 403, the server (120) may transmit first information to the electronic device (101) for displaying a virtual item list (200a), which includes information about whether a virtual item is being used by the PC (200f).

[0100] According to one embodiment, the processor (122) may be configured to transmit, to the electronic device (101), first information including information regarding whether one or more virtual items (200b) are being used by a PC (200f) that owns one or more virtual items (200b) when executing instructions.

[0101] For example, the first information to be transmitted to the electronic device (101) may include information regarding whether each of one or more virtual items (200b) is being used by the PC (200f). For example, whether each of one or more virtual items (200b) registered in the virtual exchange is currently being used by the PC (200f) within the server (120) may vary. For example, among one or more virtual items (200b) registered in the virtual exchange, some virtual items may be being used by the PC (200f), and other virtual items may not be being used by the PC (200f). For example, if a PC (200f) that owns at least one of one or more virtual items (200b) registered in a virtual exchange is not connected to the server (120), or if it is connected but is using a different virtual item than at least one of one or more virtual items (200b) registered in the virtual exchange, the virtual item may not be being used by the PC (200f).

[0102] As described above, since the video (200e) related to the PC is a video for reproducing a real-time situation for at least a part (200h) of a virtual space including a PC (200f) that is using a virtual item, the server (120) may not be able to provide the video (200e) for a virtual item that is not being used. The server (120) may transmit first information including information about whether each of one or more virtual items (200b) in the list (200a) is being used by the PC (200f) to the electronic device (101).

[0103] In operation 404, the electronic device (101) may display a UI (200) including a first visual object (210) displayed within a list (200a) of virtual items on the display (109).

[0104] Referring to FIG. 4B, the electronic device (101) may display, on the display (109), a UI (200) including a list (200a) of one or more virtual items (200b) registered with the server (120) for a transaction. According to one embodiment, the processor (103, 105) may be configured to display a first visual object (210) within the list (200a) when executing instructions. For example, the first visual object (210) may be referred to as a visual object for receiving a second user input for one virtual item (200c) among the one or more virtual items (200b). Based on receiving the second user input, the electronic device (101) may transmit, to the server (120), second information for a video (200e) related to the PC.

[0105] According to one embodiment, the first visual object (210) may include a plurality of visual objects corresponding to each of one or more virtual items (200b). For example, if the one or more virtual items (200b) include four virtual items, the first visual object (210) may include a plurality of visual objects corresponding to each of the four virtual items.

[0106] Referring again to FIG. 4A, at operation 405, the electronic device (101) may adjust the state of the first visual object (210) based on whether a virtual item is being used.

[0107] According to one embodiment, the processor (103, 105) may be configured to adjust the state of the first visual object (210) based on whether one or more virtual items (200b) received from the server (120) are being used by a PC (200f) that owns the one or more virtual items (200b).

[0108] For example, the processor (103, 105) may be configured to activate, based on the first information, a visual object (e.g., a second visual object (220)) corresponding to a first virtual item (410) being used by the PC (200f) among the first visual objects (210). For example, the processor (103, 105) may be configured to deactivate, based on the first information, a visual object (e.g., a third visual object (230)) corresponding to a second virtual item (420) not being used by the PC (200f) among the first visual objects (210).

[0109] Referring to FIG. 4b, among the four items included in the list (200a), virtual items (400a) and virtual items (400d) may be used by the PC (200f), and virtual items (400b) and virtual items (400c) may not be used by the PC (200f). Virtual items (400a) and virtual items (400d) may be referred to as first virtual items (410) being used by the PC (200f). Virtual items (400b) and virtual items (400c) may be referred to as second virtual items (420) being unused by the PC (200f). Since the first information received from the server (120) includes information about whether each of the one or more virtual items (200b) is being used by the PC (200f), the processor (103, 105) can distinguish the one or more virtual items (200b) into a first virtual item (410) and a second virtual item (420).

[0110] For example, the processor (103, 105) may activate a second visual object (220) corresponding to a first virtual item (410) among the first visual objects (210). For example, a visual object (400e) corresponding to a virtual item (400a) and a visual object (400h) corresponding to a virtual item (400d) may be activated. For example, the activation of the second visual object (220) may be referenced as a state in which user input for the second visual object (220) is possible. For example, the activated second visual object (220) may be visually different from the deactivated third visual object (230). For example, the second visual object (220) may have a color to indicate that it is activated. For example, the processor (103, 105) may be configured to transmit second information for a video (200e) associated with the PC to the server (120) based on receiving a second user input for an activated second visual object (220).

[0111] For example, the processor (103, 105) may deactivate the third visual object (230) corresponding to the second virtual item (420) among the first visual objects (210). For example, the visual object (400f) corresponding to the virtual item (400b) and the visual object (400g) corresponding to the virtual item (400d) may be deactivated. For example, the deactivation of the third visual object (230) may be referenced as a state in which user input for the third visual object (230) is impossible. For example, the deactivated third visual object (230) may be different from the activated second visual object (220). For example, the third visual object (230) may have a color to indicate that it is deactivated. The user may intuitively recognize that the second virtual item (420) is not being used through the deactivated third visual object (230).

[0112] For example, while the UI (200) is displayed, a visual object (400f or 400g) may be activated as a virtual item (400b or 400c) is used. When a virtual item (400b or 400c) that was not used by the PC (200f) is used, a visual object (400f or 400g) corresponding to the virtual item (400b or 400c) may be activated.

[0113] Referring to FIG. 4c, for example, when a virtual item (400b) is not in use and is then used by a PC (200f), the visual object (400f) may be activated. For example, the server (120) may, based on identifying the use of the virtual item (400b), retransmit first information, updated on whether one or more virtual items (200b) are in use, to the electronic device (101). The electronic device (101) may be configured to adjust the state of the first visual object (210) based on the first information updated from the server (120). As the virtual item (400b) transitions to being in use, the processor (103, 105) may activate the visual object (400f) corresponding to the virtual item (400b). The processor (103, 105) may request second information for a video (200e) related to a PC using a virtual item (400b) from the server (120) based on receiving a second user input for an activated visual object (400f). The processor (103, 105) may play the video (200e) related to the PC using the virtual item (400b) on the display (109) based on receiving third information for playing the video (200e) related to the PC from the server (120).

[0114] For example, while the UI (200) is displayed, if at least a portion of the first virtual item (410) is not in use due to discontinuation of use, the second visual object (220) corresponding to the virtual item that has been discontinued may be deactivated. Referring to FIG. 4D , for example, if the virtual item (400a) is being used and then is discontinued by the PC (200f), the visual object (400e) may be deactivated. For example, the server (120) may retransmit to the electronic device (101) updated first information regarding the use of one or more virtual items (200b) based on identifying the discontinuation of use of the virtual item (400a). The electronic device (101) may be configured to adjust the state of the first visual object (210) based on the first information updated from the server (120). As the virtual item (400a) transitions to being unused, the processor (103, 105) may deactivate the visual object (400e) corresponding to the virtual item (400a).

[0115] According to one embodiment, the first visual object (210) can be distinguished into the second visual object (220) and the third visual object (230) depending on whether it is activated, so that the electronic device (101) can be configured to play the video (200e) based on a user input (e.g., a second user input) for the second visual object (220) capable of playing the video (200e). According to one embodiment, the server (120) provides the first information updated in real time to the electronic device (101), so that the user can watch the video (200e) for purchasing a virtual item. According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) and the server (120) can provide a preview of the virtual item before purchasing the virtual item through the video (200e).

[0116] FIG. 5 is a simplified block diagram of electronic devices according to various embodiments. The electronic devices (101, 102, 103, 104, and 105) of FIG. 5 may correspond to the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1.

[0117] Referring to FIG. 5, the electronic device (500) may be an example of an electronic device (500a), an electronic device (500b), an electronic device (500c), an electronic device (500d), or an electronic device (500e). The electronic device (500) may include a processor (502), a memory (504), a storage device (506), a high-speed controller (508) (e.g., a northbridge, a Main Controller Hub (MCH)), and a low-speed controller (512) (e.g., a southbridge, an I / O controller hub (ICH)). Within the electronic device (500), each of the processor (502), the memory (504), the storage device (506), the high-speed controller (508), and the low-speed controller (512) may be interconnected using various buses.

[0118] For example, the processor (502) may process instructions for execution within the electronic device (500) to display graphical information for a graphical user interface (GUI) on an external input / output device, such as a display (516) connected to a high-speed controller (508). The instructions may be contained within the memory (504) or the storage device (506). The instructions, when executed by the processor (502), may cause the electronic device (500) to perform one or more of the operations described above. According to embodiments, the processor (502) may be configured with a plurality of processors, including a communication processor and a graphical processing unit (GPU).

[0119] For example, the memory (504) may store information within the electronic device (500). For example, the memory (504) may be a volatile memory unit or units. For another example, the memory (504) may be a non-volatile memory unit or units. For another example, the memory (504) may be another form of computer-readable media, such as a magnetic or optical disk.

[0120] For example, the storage device (506) may provide mass storage space to the electronic device (500). For example, the storage device (506) may be a computer-readable medium, such as a hard disk device, an optical disk device, flash memory, a solid-state memory device, or an array of devices within a storage area network (SAN).

[0121] For example, the high-speed controller (508) may manage bandwidth-intensive operations for the electronic device (500), while the low-speed controller (512) may manage low-bandwidth intensive operations for the electronic device (500). For example, the high-speed controller (508) may be coupled to memory (504) and to a display (516) via a GPU or accelerator, while the low-speed controller (512) may be coupled to storage (506) and various communication ports (e.g., universal serial bus (USB), Bluetooth, Ethernet, wireless Ethernet) for communicating with external electronic devices (e.g., a keyboard, a transducer, a scanner, or a network device (e.g., a switch or router)).

[0122] The electronic device (550) may be an example of the electronic device (500a) or the electronic device (500e). The electronic device (550) may include a processor (552), a memory (564), an input / output device such as a display 954 (e.g., an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display or other suitable display), a communication interface (566), and a transceiver (568). Each of the processor (552), the memory (564), the input / output device, the communication interface (566), and the transceiver (568) may be interconnected using various buses.

[0123] For example, the processor (552) may process instructions contained in the memory (564) to display graphical information for a GUI on the input / output device. The instructions, when executed by the processor (552), may cause the electronic device (550) to perform one or more of the operations described above. For example, the processor (552) may interact with a user through a display interface (556) coupled with a display (554) and a control interface (558). For example, the display interface (556) may include circuitry for driving the display (554) to provide visual information to the user, and the control interface (558) may include circuitry for receiving commands received from the user and converting the commands for providing them to the processor (552). According to embodiments, the processor (552) may be implemented as a chipset of chips including analog and digital processors.

[0124] For example, the memory (564) may store information within the electronic device (550). For example, the memory (564) may include at least one of one or more volatile memory units, one or more non-volatile memory units, or a computer-readable medium.

[0125] For example, the communication interface (566) may perform wireless communication between the electronic device (550) and an external electronic device through various communication techniques, such as a cellular communication technique, a Wi-Fi communication technique, an NFC technique, or a Bluetooth communication technique, based on interworking with the processor (552). For example, the communication interface (566) may be coupled with a transceiver (568) to perform the wireless communication. For example, the communication interface (566) may be further coupled with a GNSS (global navigation satellite system) receiving module (570) to obtain location information of the electronic device (550).

[0126] An electronic device according to one embodiment may include a display, a communication circuit, a memory storing instructions, and a processor. The processor may be configured to, when executing the instructions, display a UI including a list of one or more virtual items registered in a server for a transaction on the display, and, based on receiving a user input for selecting one virtual item from among the one or more virtual items in the list, transmit information for a video related to a player character (PC) using the one virtual item to the server, and, based on receiving information for playing the video from the server, play the video related to the PC on the display based on the information for playing the video.

[0127] According to one embodiment, the processor may be configured to, when executing the instructions, request the server for information related to the list for displaying the UI, and, based on receiving the information related to the list from the server, display the UI on the display based on the information related to the list. The information related to the list may include information regarding whether the one or more virtual items are being used by a PC that owns the one or more virtual items.

[0128] According to one embodiment, the processor, when executing the instructions, may be configured to display a first visual object within the UI for receiving the user input for selecting the one virtual item based on the information related to the list, and to adjust a state of the first visual object based on whether the one or more virtual items received from the server are being used by a PC owning the one or more virtual items.

[0129] In one embodiment, the first visual object may include a second visual object corresponding to a first virtual item, which appears to be being used by the PC based on information related to the list received from the server. The first visual object may include a third visual object corresponding to a second virtual item, which appears to be unused by the PC based on information related to the list received from the server. For example, the processor may be configured, when executing the instructions, to activate, based on information related to the list received from the server, a visual object corresponding to a first virtual item being used by the PC among the first visual objects, and to deactivate, based on information related to the list received from the server, a visual object corresponding to a second virtual item being unused by the PC among the first visual objects.

[0130] In one embodiment, the processor may be configured to, upon executing the instructions, transmit to the server, information for the video associated with the PC using the first virtual item, based on receiving the user input for the second visual object.

[0131] According to one embodiment, the information for playing the video may include information for streaming the video including at least a portion of a virtual space including the PC or information for rendering at least a portion of the virtual space.

[0132] According to one embodiment, the processor may be configured to change user profile information corresponding to the PC to arbitrary profile information while displaying the video on the display when executing the instructions.

[0133] According to one embodiment, the processor may be configured to, when executing the instructions, display a pop-up UI including the video related to the PC, overlaid on the UI.

[0134] In one embodiment, the processor may be configured, when executing the instructions, to display a fourth visual object superimposed on the video while displaying the video associated with the PC on the display, and to stop playback of the video based on receiving a user input for the fourth visual object.

[0135] According to one embodiment, the processor may be configured to, when executing the instructions, display a fifth visual object superimposed on the video while playing the video related to the PC on the display, request an external electronic device related to the PC to open a chat room, and request the server to open the chat room based on receiving a user input for the fifth visual object.

[0136] A server according to one embodiment may include a communication circuit, a memory storing instructions, and a processor. The processor may be configured to, when executing the instructions, transmit first information for displaying a list of one or more virtual items registered in the server for a transaction to a first electronic device, receive second information for a video related to a player character (PC) equipped with one virtual item among the one or more virtual items from the first electronic device, identify a second electronic device corresponding to a PC using the one virtual item among other electronic devices different from the first electronic device based on the second information, and transmit third information for playing the video related to the PC corresponding to the second electronic device to the first electronic device.

[0137] According to one embodiment, the first information may include information regarding whether the one or more virtual items are being used by a PC that owns the one or more virtual items.

[0138] According to one embodiment, the third information may include information for playing the video related to the PC corresponding to one electronic device randomly selected from among the plurality of electronic devices when the second electronic device includes a plurality of electronic devices.

[0139] According to one embodiment, the processor may be configured to transmit the third information, excluding profile information of a user corresponding to the PC, when executing the instructions.

[0140] According to one embodiment, the third information may include information for streaming a video including at least a portion of a virtual space including the PC or information for rendering at least a portion of the virtual space.

[0141] According to one embodiment, the processor may be configured to, when executing the instructions, receive fourth information for requesting the opening of a chat room with the second electronic device from the first electronic device, and, based on receiving the fourth information, transmit fifth information for requesting approval of the opening of the chat room to the second electronic device.

[0142] According to one embodiment, the processor may be configured to, when executing the instructions, receive sixth information approving the opening of the chat room from the second electronic device, and, based on receiving the sixth information, open a chat room for the first electronic device and the second electronic device.

[0143] A method of an electronic device according to one embodiment may include the following actions: displaying on a display a UI including a list of one or more virtual items registered in a server for a transaction; receiving a user input for selecting one virtual item from among the one or more virtual items in the list; transmitting to the server, based on the user input, information for a video related to a player character (PC) using the one virtual item; and receiving, from the server, information for playing the video; and playing, on the display, the video related to the PC based on the information for playing the video.

[0144] According to one embodiment, the method may further include requesting the server for information related to the list for displaying the UI, the UI including information regarding whether the one or more virtual items are being used by a PC owning the one or more virtual items; displaying the UI on the display, the UI including a first visual object for receiving the user input for selecting the one virtual item based on the information related to the list, based on receiving the information related to the list from the server; and adjusting a state of the first visual object based on whether the one or more virtual items are being used by a PC owning the one or more virtual items, the information being received from the server.

[0145] According to one embodiment, the method may further include an operation of activating a visual object corresponding to a first virtual item being used by the PC among the first visual objects based on information related to the list received from the server, and an operation of deactivating a visual object corresponding to a second virtual item being unused by the PC among the first visual objects based on information related to the list received from the server.

[0146] In one embodiment, the method may further include transmitting, to the server, information for the video associated with the PC using the first virtual item, based on receiving the user input for the activated visual object.

[0147] A method of a server according to one embodiment may include transmitting first information for displaying a list of one or more virtual items registered in the server for a transaction to a first electronic device, receiving second information for a video related to a player character (PC) equipped with one virtual item from among the one or more virtual items from the first electronic device, identifying a second electronic device corresponding to a PC using the one virtual item from among other electronic devices different from the first electronic device based on the second information, and transmitting third information for playing the video related to the PC corresponding to the second electronic device to the first electronic device.

[0148] According to one embodiment, the first information may include information regarding whether the one or more virtual items are being used by a PC that owns the one or more virtual items.

[0149] 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, for example, 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.

[0150] Software may include a computer program, code, instructions, or a combination of one or more of these, and may configure a processing device to perform a desired operation or, independently or collectively, command the processing device. The software and / or data may be permanently or temporarily embodied in any type of machine, component, physical device, virtual equipment, computer storage medium or device, or transmitted signal wave, 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.

[0151] 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. The computer-readable medium may include program commands, data files, data structures, etc., alone or in combination. The program commands recorded on the medium may be those specially designed and configured for the embodiment or may be those known and available to those skilled in the art of computer software. Examples of the computer-readable recording medium include magnetic media such as hard disks, floppy disks, and magnetic tapes, optical media such as CD-ROMs and DVDs, magneto-optical media such as floptical disks, and hardware devices specially configured to store and execute program commands, such as ROMs, RAMs, and flash memories. Examples of the program commands include not only machine language codes generated by a compiler, but also high-level language codes that can be executed by a computer using an interpreter, etc. The hardware devices described above may be configured to operate as one or more software modules to perform the operations of the embodiment, and vice versa.

[0152] 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.

[0153] Therefore, other implementations, other embodiments, and equivalents to the claims also fall within the scope of the claims described below.

Claims

1. In electronic devices, display; communication circuit; Memory for storing instructions; and Contains a processor, The above processor, when executing the above instructions, Displaying on the display a UI including a list of one or more virtual items registered on the server for transaction; transmitting information for a video related to a player character (PC) using said one virtual item to said server based on receiving a user input for selecting one virtual item from among said one or more virtual items in said list; and In response to receiving information for playing the video from the server, the system is configured to play the video related to the PC on the display based on the information for playing the video. Electronic devices.

2. In paragraph 1, The above processor, when executing the above instructions, Requesting information related to the list for displaying the UI from the server; and Based on receiving the information related to the list from the server, the UI is configured to be displayed on the display based on the information related to the list, Information related to the above list, Contains information about whether said one or more virtual items are being used by a PC owning said one or more virtual items; Electronic devices.

3. In paragraph 2, The above processor, when executing the above instructions, Based on the information related to the list, displaying a first visual object within the UI for receiving the user input for selecting the one virtual item; and configured to adjust the state of the first visual object based on whether the one or more virtual items received from the server are being used by a PC owning the one or more virtual items; Electronic devices.

4. In paragraph 3, The above first visual object is, A second visual object corresponding to the first virtual item, which is indicated as being used by the PC by information related to the list received from the server; and By means of information related to the list received from the server, a third visual object corresponding to a second virtual item being unused by the PC is included. Electronic devices.

5. In paragraph 4, The above processor, when executing the above instructions, Based on receiving said user input for said second visual object, configured to transmit to said server, information for said video related to said PC using said first virtual item, Electronic devices.

6. In paragraph 1, Information for playing the above video is: Information for streaming a video including at least a portion of a virtual space including said PC or information for rendering at least a portion of said virtual space, Electronic devices.

7. In paragraph 1, The above processor, when executing the above instructions, While displaying the above video on the above display, the user's profile information corresponding to the PC is configured to be changed to arbitrary profile information. Electronic devices.

8. In paragraph 1, The above processor, when executing the above instructions, configured to display a pop-up UI including the video related to the PC, overlapping the UI; Electronic devices.

9. In paragraph 1, The above processor, when executing the above instructions, While displaying the video related to the PC on the display, displaying a fourth visual object superimposed on the video for terminating playback of the video; and configured to stop playback of the video based on receiving user input for the fourth visual object; Electronic devices.

10. In paragraph 1, The above processor, when executing the above instructions, While playing the video related to the PC on the display, a fifth visual object for requesting an external electronic device related to the PC to open a chat room is displayed so as to be superimposed on the video, and Based on receiving user input for the fifth visual object, configured to request the server to open the chat room, Electronic devices.

11. On the server, communication circuit; Memory for storing instructions; and Contains a processor, The above processor, when executing the above instructions, Transmitting first information to the first electronic device for displaying a list of one or more virtual items registered on the server for transaction; From the first electronic device, receiving second information for a video related to a player character (PC) equipped with one virtual item among the one or more virtual items; Based on the second information, identifying a second electronic device corresponding to a PC using the one virtual item among other electronic devices different from the first electronic device; and configured to transmit third information for playing the video related to the PC corresponding to the second electronic device to the first electronic device, Server.

12. In paragraph 11, The above first information is, Contains information about whether said one or more virtual items are being used by a PC owning said one or more virtual items; Server.

13. In paragraph 11, The above third information is, In case the second electronic device includes a plurality of electronic devices, information for playing the video related to the PC corresponding to one electronic device randomly selected from the plurality of electronic devices, Server.

14. In paragraph 11, The above processor, when executing the above instructions, Configured to transmit the third information excluding the user's profile information corresponding to the above PC, Server.

15. In paragraph 11, The above third information is, Information for streaming a video including at least a portion of a virtual space including said PC or information for rendering said at least a portion of said virtual space, Server.

16. In paragraph 11, The above processor, when executing the above instructions, Receiving fourth information for requesting opening of a chat room with the second electronic device from the first electronic device; and Based on receiving the fourth information, configured to transmit fifth information requesting approval for opening the chat room to the second electronic device, Server.

17. In paragraph 16, The above processor, when executing the above instructions, Receiving sixth information approving the opening of the chat room from the second electronic device; and Based on receiving the sixth information, configured to open a chat room for the first electronic device and the second electronic device, Server.

18. In the method of an electronic device, An act of displaying on a display a UI including a list of one or more virtual items registered on a server for trading; An operation of transmitting information for a video related to a player character (PC) using said one virtual item to said server based on receiving a user input for selecting one virtual item from among said one or more virtual items in said list; and Based on receiving information for playing the video from the server, including an action of playing the video related to the PC on the display based on the information for playing the video. method.

19. In paragraph 18, An action of requesting the server for information related to the list for displaying the UI, the list including information regarding whether the one or more virtual items are being used by a PC owning the one or more virtual items; An operation of displaying on the display the UI including a first visual object for receiving the user input for selecting the one virtual item based on the information related to the list from the server; and Further comprising an action of adjusting a state of the first visual object based on whether the one or more virtual items received from the server are being used by a PC owning the one or more virtual items. method.

20. In paragraph 19, An operation of activating a visual object corresponding to a first virtual item being used by the PC among the first visual objects based on information related to the list received from the server; and Further comprising an action of deactivating a visual object corresponding to a second virtual item being unused by the PC among the first visual objects, based on information related to the list received from the server. method.

21. In paragraph 20, Further comprising the action of transmitting to the server, based on receiving the user input for the activated visual object, information for the video associated with the PC using the first virtual item. method.

22. In the server method, An action of transmitting first information to a first electronic device for displaying a list of one or more virtual items registered on the server for a transaction; An action of receiving, from the first electronic device, second information for a video related to a player character (PC) equipped with one virtual item among the one or more virtual items; Based on the second information, an operation of identifying a second electronic device corresponding to a PC using the one virtual item among other electronic devices different from the first electronic device; and An operation of transmitting third information for playing the video associated with the PC corresponding to the second electronic device to the first electronic device, method.

23. In paragraph 22, The above first information is, Contains information about whether said one or more virtual items are being used by a PC owning said one or more virtual items; method.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Game item exchange in network game system and digital item exchange in social media

    JP2012170509A

  • Independent message service on the online game

    KR1020090000242A

  • Heating bench

    KR1020220108457A

  • Vehicle multi-stage loading device and assembly method thereof

    KR1020240177240A

  • Determining item of information, from content aggregation platform, to be transmitted to user device

    US20170169477A1